SMS Marketing: HighLevel vs ClickFunnels – Which One is Right for You?

Imagine this: You spend hours crafting the perfect email campaign. You hit send. Then… crickets.

Your open rates are in the low double digits, and conversions? Even lower. Meanwhile, businesses using SMS marketing are seeing open rates of 98% and engagement that email just can’t match.

Yet, so many businesses still aren’t using SMS marketing. 

Why? Because they don’t have the right systems in place to do it effectively. That’s where SMS automation tools like HighLevel and ClickFunnels come in.

But which one is better? That’s exactly what we’re going to break down in this guide.

We’ll compare their SMS automation capabilities, pricing, ease of use, and overall effectiveness so you can decide which is the best SMS marketing tool in 2025 for your business.

Why SMS Marketing Is a Must-Have in 2025

SMS might not be the flashiest marketing channel, but it’s one of the most powerful. Here’s why:

• 98% Open Rates – People read texts almost instantly.

• 45% Response Rates – That’s 10X higher than email.

• ROI Is Huge – Businesses see a return between $21 and $41 for every $1 spent on SMS marketing.

The problem? Most businesses aren’t equipped to leverage SMS properly. They don’t have the automation, personalization, or integration needed to make it work at scale.

That’s where platforms like HighLevel or ClickFunnels come in. But which one is better for SMS campaigns? Let’s find out.

Feature Breakdown: HighLevel vs ClickFunnels for SMS Marketing

Both platforms offer SMS capabilities, but they approach it very differently.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how each platform handles SMS marketing.

HighLevel’s SMS Automation: A Closer Look

HighLevel is built for agencies and businesses that need advanced marketing automation—including highly personalized, automated SMS campaigns.

Here’s what makes HighLevel’s SMS automation stand out:

• Automated SMS Follow-Ups – Set up text message sequences that fire automatically based on lead behavior.

• 2-Way SMS Conversations – Respond to leads directly inside the platform—no extra tools needed.

• Smart AI-Powered SMS – AI helps optimize message timing and personalization for better engagement.

• Full CRM Integration – Track leads, segment audiences, and trigger SMS based on customer actions.

•  SMS + Email Sequences – Mix and match SMS and email for multi-touch campaigns that convert better.

Essentially, HighLevel is an all-in-one marketing platform, meaning your SMS campaigns can work seamlessly alongside email, funnels, and CRM data.

ClickFunnels SMS Features: Strengths & Limitations

ClickFunnels is best known for building high-converting sales funnels, but it also offers some basic SMS marketing tools.

Strengths of ClickFunnels SMS Marketing:

• Easy to Set Up SMS in Funnels – You can add SMS notifications to lead forms and checkout pages.

• SMS Reminders for Webinars & Offers – Great for event reminders and flash sale alerts.

• Works with Twilio for SMS Sending – Allows for direct SMS integration.

Limitations of ClickFunnels SMS Marketing:

• No 2-Way SMS – You can send texts, but customers can’t reply.

• Limited Automation – No advanced triggers or workflows for SMS campaigns.

• Requires Extra Tools – You’ll need Twilio + Zapier to make SMS automation work.

•  No SMS + Email Sequences – No built-in way to combine SMS with other marketing channels.

So, while ClickFunnels has some SMS capabilities, it’s nowhere near as robust as HighLevel’s automation.

Automation & Personalization: Which Platform Does It Better?

Automation and personalization are what make SMS marketing so powerful—but not all platforms handle them equally.

HighLevel is built for automation. It lets you:

• Trigger SMS sequences based on user actions (e.g., abandoned carts, missed calls, or form submissions).

• Send personalized messages using dynamic fields (like names, appointment dates, or past interactions).

• Create advanced workflows that blend SMS, email, and other touchpoints for seamless follow-ups.

ClickFunnels offers basic SMS functionality—but only if you integrate with Twilio and Zapier. That means:

• Extra steps to set up and manage automations.

• Limited personalization options compared to HighLevel.

• Higher costs since Twilio charges per message.

If you want fully integrated SMS automation with powerful personalization, HighLevel is the clear winner. ClickFunnels can send texts, but it wasn’t built for deep automation—HighLevel was.

Cost Comparison: HighLevel vs ClickFunnels for SMS Marketing

Let’s talk pricing—because SMS marketing should be effective AND affordable.

HighLevel starts at $97/month for its basic plan, which includes built-in SMS automation, CRM, email marketing, and funnels. If you want advanced automation and white-label options, the $297/month plan unlocks even more features.

ClickFunnels, on the other hand, starts at $147/month, and if you want more marketing automation features, you’ll need the $297/month plan. But here’s the catch: SMS marketing isn’t built-in. You’ll need to integrate Twilio and Zapier, which adds extra costs for every text you send.

When it comes to SMS pricing, HighLevel is the more affordable choice because:

• SMS is fully integrated, so you don’t need extra tools.

• Text messages cost less per send, making it cheaper at scale.

• You get full automation, CRM, and marketing tools included, meaning no extra software costs.

With ClickFunnels, you’ll pay more per text AND need third-party integrations just to get basic SMS functionality.If you’re serious about scaling business with online communities and leveraging SMS automation for businesses, HighLevel offers far better value.

Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Best for Your Business?

If you’re looking for the best SMS marketing tool in 2025, here’s the breakdown:

• Choose HighLevel if you want fully automated SMS, built-in CRM, and advanced lead nurturing.

• Choose ClickFunnels if you just need basic SMS alerts inside sales funnels.

If SMS marketing automation is a key part of your strategy, HighLevel is the better choice—hands down.

Start Your Free 14-Day HighLevel Trial!

Still not sure? Try HighLevel for free and see the difference for yourself.

• Automate SMS & email sequences.

• Capture more leads with built-in funnels.

• Manage everything in one simple dashboard.

Start your 14-day free trial now: Click here to get started!

Don’t miss out on the power of SMS marketing—start converting more leads today.