Short codes, long codes, toll free... Why choose one over the other? What circumstances are best for each of them? Consult the following table for a breakdown of all phone number types.
| Phone number type |
Pros |
Cons |
| Short code |
- Supports high sending speeds
- Overall best use case for promotional messaging
- Easy number to remember for TTJs (text-to-join)
|
- Costly (~$500/month)
- Time to acquire is 4-6 weeks
|
| Long code |
- Quick to acquire (<1 day)
- Works internationally
|
- Slow sending speeds
- Not compliant (US market does not use long codes)
|
| Toll free |
|
- Slow sending speeds (especially on MMS)
- 800 number branding / long phone number (compared to short codes)
|
| 10DLC |
- Quick to acquire (1 week)
- Compliant long code option
|
- Phone number type is very new and lots of unknowns
- MMS capabilities coming soon
- Subject to daily message caps and throughput limitations
|