Bandwidth vs Flowroute (2026): which should you pick?

Pick Bandwidth if

• Fits if you're building calling or texting into your own software
• Works for phone providers who need a carrier network

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you want a desk phone or softphone app, as there isn't one
• Watch out: rates are US figures, exclude taxes and fees, and SIP trunking pricing is on request
• Pricey if you text a lot, as 10DLC is $0.004 for SMS and $0.015 for MMS, and short codes cost more
• Skip it if you want to know the trial's terms first, as they aren't stated

Pick Flowroute if

• Fits if you run your own PBX and need trunks and numbers
• Works for providers who pay for what they use

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you want phones and extensions, as it's a carrier
• Watch out: texting fees and surcharges come on top of the listed per-message rates
• Pricey if you add 911, at $1.39 a number a month plus a $1.50 mandatory fee, and $95 for an unprovisioned 911 call
• Skip it if you want unlimited plans here, as the page points to SIP.US for those

Bandwidth

• Usage rates are quoted for the US: US local outbound calls are $0.0100 a minute and inbound $0.0055, as listed.
• A 10DLC text is $0.004 outbound for SMS and $0.015 for MMS; short code and toll-free messages cost more.
• It is a carrier and API platform, not a packaged office phone with desk phones or a softphone app.
• Rates exclude taxes and fees, and SIP trunking and full pricing are given only on request.

Flowroute

• Usage rates are starting prices: inbound $0.005 a minute, US and Canada outbound $0.00833, long-code SMS $0.004 a message.
• Messaging fees and surcharges are added to the listed per-message rates.
• E911 costs $1.39 per number a month plus a $1.50 mandatory fee, and an unprovisioned 911 call is billed $95.
• The pricing page points to SIP.US, a BCM One company, for unlimited SIP monthly or annual plans.

Bandwidth

Voice API

Embeds calling in an application with 6-second billing increments, recording, conferencing, answering machine detection, text-to-speech and media streaming.

Messaging API

Sends SMS and MMS over 10DLC, short code and toll-free numbers, with RCS and alphanumeric sender options named in the product menu.

SIP trunking and numbers

Usage-based SIP trunking, number management, porting, caller ID and emergency calling for phone systems that run on premises or in the cloud.

Authentication API

Sends two-factor authentication codes and call verification to protect user sign-ins, billed per authentication or per call.

Platform integrations

The product menu lists Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Operator Connect, Zoom Phone, Webex Calling, Genesys Cloud CX, Five9 and Google Voice SIP Link.

Flowroute

Voice SIP trunking

Inbound and outbound calling with no limit on simultaneous calls, across 6,600 on-net rate centers in the US and Canada.

Phone numbers

Direct inward dial numbers and toll-free numbers, number porting, E911 and CNAM caller ID name, ordered through APIs or the portal.

SMS and MMS

Long-code and toll-free text and picture messages sent through an API or the online portal.

HyperNetwork routing

A patented routing system the vendor says keeps DID numbers working across most of the US by routing around outages.

Faxing and partner accounts

Includes a fax service and lets MSPs and partners manage several accounts under one master account.

Bandwidth

• Volume-based pricingCustom

  Pay per use at published US rates, with volume pricing by quote; SIP trunking and full product pricing are available on request.

Flowroute

• Metered usageCustom

  Pay for the minutes and messages used: inbound from $0.005 a minute, US and Canada outbound from $0.00833; volume discounts by quote.