Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Caesar
In the fast-paced world of mobile apps, engaging users and keeping them active is essential for success. One of the most effective ways businesses achieve this is through in-app messaging and push notifications. These tools help businesses maintain communication with users, deliver timely updates, and boost engagement rates.
While OneSignal is one of the most popular solutions for push notifications, it’s not the only option available. If you’re looking for alternatives to OneSignal, it’s important to explore the various solutions out there and choose the one that fits your business needs. In this post, we will explore some OneSignal alternatives and discuss what factors to consider when selecting the best solution for your business.
What is OneSignal, and Why Consider Alternatives?
OneSignal is a widely used platform for sending push notifications to app users, offering additional features such as in-app messaging and email campaigns. Known for its ease of use, OneSignal enables developers to integrate notifications with minimal effort. However, businesses might look for alternatives for a few key reasons:
- Customization Needs: Some businesses require richer personalization options or more tailored solutions.
- User Experience: While OneSignal offers strong features, businesses with complex needs may require more advanced capabilities or easier integration with their tech stack.
- Pricing and Scalability: As businesses grow, they may need more advanced features or flexible pricing structures than OneSignal offers.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive into several OneSignal alternatives that offer different solutions for in-app messaging and notifications.
1. Plotline
At Plotline, our focus is on enhancing real-time user engagement through personalized in-app messaging, push notifications, and gamified features. Plotline stands out by offering a no-code solution that empowers teams to create dynamic, customized experiences without needing deep technical expertise.
Key Features of Plotline:
- Real-Time Messaging: Deliver personalized messages to users based on their behavior, preferences, and actions in real-time.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different messages, designs, and offers to determine which ones perform best, refining your user engagement strategy.
- Push Notifications: Send timely, relevant push notifications to users, ensuring your messages reach them at the right moment.
- Gamification: Features like spin-the-wheel and scratch cards increase user interaction and excitement, driving engagement and conversions.
Plotline’s focus on dynamic engagement makes it an excellent alternative to OneSignal for businesses seeking more personalization and flexibility in their communication strategies.
2. Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is a powerful and flexible solution from Google that allows businesses to send push notifications to users across both iOS and Android devices. It’s especially appealing to developers due to its integration with other Firebase services and its focus on scalability.
Key Features of FCM:
- Cross-Platform Support: FCM supports both iOS and Android, ensuring broad reach across devices.
- Advanced Targeting: Send notifications to specific user segments based on data from your app, allowing for a personalized experience.
- Integration with Firebase: Leverage other Firebase services, such as analytics and performance monitoring, to enhance your notification strategy.
FCM is a solid choice for businesses looking for a developer-centric solution with deep integration into the Firebase ecosystem.
3. Pusher Beams
Pusher Beams is a simple yet effective solution for sending real-time push notifications. It focuses on ease of implementation, even for businesses that don’t have extensive technical resources.
Key Features of Pusher Beams:
- Real-Time Notifications: Pusher Beams excels at delivering notifications in real-time, making it perfect for apps that need instant updates, such as messaging or social apps.
- Segmentation: Tailor your notifications by segmenting users based on their behaviors, ensuring they receive relevant content.
- Integration Flexibility: Pusher Beams is known for its real-time capabilities, and while its SDKs and APIs are straightforward, the integration simplicity depends on the developer’s existing technology stack and expertise.
Pusher Beams is known for its real-time capabilities and ease of use, making it a great choice for quick, seamless notifications.
4. Airship (formerly Urban Airship)
Airship is an established player in the push notification space, offering robust features for targeting, personalization, and engagement. It’s aimed at businesses that need advanced functionality, especially in mobile marketing.
Key Features of Airship:
- Personalized Messaging: Airship allows businesses to send highly personalized messages to users, enhancing engagement.
- Advanced Targeting: Segment users based on their behavior, location, and preferences for more targeted messages.
- Automation: Automate your messaging workflows, such as triggered notifications or reminders.
Airship offers advanced features and can support businesses of all sizes that need automation and scalability.
5. Localytics
Localytics focuses on providing data-driven engagement solutions, combining in-app messaging and push notifications. It’s ideal for businesses that want to base their communication strategies on detailed user data.
Key Features of Localytics:
- User Segmentation: Localytics offers robust segmentation tools to personalize messages based on user behavior.
- In-App Messaging: Send personalized in-app messages to users, promoting new features or special offers.
- Analytics: Access detailed analytics to track user behavior, notification performance, and engagement metrics.
Localytics is perfect for businesses that want to integrate data-driven decisions with their in-app messaging strategy.
6. Iterable
Iterable is an omnichannel marketing platform that offers tools for sending push notifications, emails, SMS, and more. It’s designed for marketing teams that want an integrated solution for engaging users across multiple platforms.
Key Features of Iterable:
- Cross-Channel Engagement: Iterable allows businesses to communicate with users across various channels, including push notifications, email, SMS, and social messaging.
- Personalization: Create tailored messages based on user behaviors, demographics, and preferences.
- Automation: Automate workflows to ensure timely, relevant messages are sent to users.
Iterable is a strong choice if you’re looking for a unified approach to cross-channel communication and user engagement.
Choosing the Right OneSignal Alternative for Your Business
When evaluating OneSignal alternatives, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Ease of Integration: Look for a platform that integrates smoothly with your existing systems.
- Customization and Personalization: Choose a solution that allows you to tailor messages and notifications based on user data and behavior.
- Real-Time Capabilities: If your app needs real-time communication, ensure the platform supports it.
- Scalability: Consider your business’s growth and choose a platform that can scale with your needs.
- Pricing: Make sure the platform fits your budget while providing the features you need.
Why Plotline is the Best Alternative
While OneSignal remains a popular option, Plotline offers a comprehensive, personalized engagement solution that combines real-time messaging, push notifications, and gamification features. Plotline’s no-code platform allows businesses to create dynamic, personalized experiences without relying on developers.
Whether you’re looking to improve user retention, increase conversions, or create more personalized experiences, Plotline provides the tools you need to optimize user engagement effectively.
