We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
Pricing is quote-based.
Bandwidth lists no free plan or free trial for Communications APIs. Pricing is usage-based: Messaging APIs charge per SMS or MMS, Voice API charges per minute or call for listed features, and Authentication charges per verification. SIP Trunking uses customizable usage-based pricing and requires a quote. Monthly and annual billing rates are not published. Estimate spend from your traffic mix, then ask Bandwidth to confirm any other charges and the terms that apply to your account.
01Every plan, line by line
| Plan | Billed annually | Billed monthly | Built for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messaging APIs | — | Quote | Text messaging application builders |
| Voice API | — | Quote | Application voice calling teams |
| Authentication | — | Quote | Teams adding multi-factor authentication |
| SIP Trunking | — | Quote | Premises-based or cloud telecom teams |
02What the plan grid doesn't tell you
SIP Trunking quote
The rate is customizable and quote-based. Ask what traffic, destinations, setup and ongoing charges the quote covers.
Messaging route mix
U.S. 10DLC, short-code and toll-free rates differ. Model message volume by route and ask whether additional charges apply.
Voice feature usage
Transcription, recording, conferencing and Answering Machine Detection have separate listed rates. Include each feature’s expected minutes or calls in your estimate.
Production billing terms
Monthly and annual rates are not published. Confirm billing increments, any additional fees, and how usage is reported before launch.
03Which plan should you buy?
| If you are… | Get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Text messaging application builders | Messaging APIs | Usage-based rates are listed for U.S. 10DLC, short-code and toll-free SMS and MMS. |
| Application voice calling teams | Voice API | Published per-minute and per-call rates cover local calling, in-app calling and optional voice features. |
| Premises-based or cloud telecom teams | SIP Trunking | Pricing is customizable and usage-based, but you need a quote to estimate spend. |
04Is Bandwidth Communications APIs worth the money?
Bandwidth’s published rates let teams estimate several messaging, voice and authentication costs by usage, but there is no free tier for a low-risk start. The lack of a published SIP Trunking rate and monthly or annual prices means larger deployments should get a quote based on their traffic profile. It may be worth paying for teams that need Bandwidth’s APIs and carrier connectivity; confirm any additional fees and production terms before committing.
Bandwidth Communications APIs pricing FAQ
What is the cheapest Bandwidth Messaging API rate?
The lowest listed rate is $0.004 per U.S. 10DLC SMS. U.S. short-code SMS is $0.008 per message, and toll-free SMS is $0.007 per message. MMS rates are higher and differ by route.
How is Bandwidth Voice API billed?
The listed Voice API prices use per-minute rates for calling and features such as transcription, recording, conferencing and in-app calling. Answering Machine Detection is priced per call. Your bill depends on the amount and type of usage.
Does Bandwidth charge monthly or annual subscription fees?
Bandwidth’s pricing information describes usage-based pricing, but monthly and annual rates are not published. Ask the vendor whether your account has any recurring charges or minimum commitments in addition to the listed usage rates.
How do I get a Bandwidth SIP Trunking price?
SIP Trunking has customizable usage-based pricing and requires a quote. Give Bandwidth your expected destinations and traffic profile, then confirm which charges and services the quote includes.