4 OneSignal alternatives, and when to stay with OneSignal
OneSignal sends push, in-app, email and SMS messages to the users of your own app or website. If you have an app, it is hard to beat for most teams. These alternatives cover other needs: building push yourself, more channels, web push for a store, or reaching people when you have no app at all.
Short answer
If you have your own app or website, stay with OneSignal or pick another push tool from this list. VISU does not send push to your app. Choose VISU Ads only if you have no app and want to reach people who use the VISU app, with QR campaigns in the same dashboard.
When to stay with OneSignal
- You have your own app or website and want to message its users. VISU cannot do that; OneSignal can.
- You use journeys, segments, A/B tests, email or SMS. VISU Ads has none of these.
- You need to reach iPhone users. VISU push campaigns reach Android devices only for now.
The alternatives
- 1
VISU Ads
Our productBest for: Small businesses without an app that want to reach people who use the VISU app.
Strong points
- Push campaigns to VISU app users, with no app or SDK of your own.
- Filter by country, language and device, schedule sends and set a daily budget.
- QR and push campaigns in one self-serve dashboard, from the Starter plan.
Limits
- Cannot send push to your own app or website.
- Reaches only VISU app users, on Android for now.
- No journeys, A/B tests, email or SMS.
- 2
Firebase Cloud Messaging
Google's no-cost messaging service for Android, iOS and web apps. A good fit for developers who want to build their own push setup.
Firebase Cloud Messaging alternatives - 3
Pushwoosh
Mobile and web push with in-app, email, SMS and WhatsApp, journeys and A/B tests, and a free tier for small apps. A good fit for app teams that want many channels in one tool.
Pushwoosh alternatives - 4
PushEngage
Web push for websites, including WordPress and Shopify stores, with app push and automations on paid plans. A good fit for a store or blog that wants visitors to come back.
PushEngage alternatives
Feature comparison
| Feature | VISU | OneSignal |
|---|---|---|
| Push to your own app or website | No | Yes |
| Reach people without an app of your own | YesVISU app audience | No |
| Audience filters | YesCountry, language and device | Yes |
| Delivery, open and click stats | Yes | Yes |
| Reaches iPhone users | NoNot yet, Android today | Yes |
| Journeys and automation | No | Yes |
| A/B testing | No | Yes |
| Email or SMS in the same tool | No | Yes |
| QR code campaigns in the same dashboard | YesFrom Starter | No |
Competitor features as listed on their public sites when this page was written. They change often, so check before you decide.
Questions
Is VISU a replacement for OneSignal?
No. OneSignal is a messaging platform for your own app and site. VISU Ads is an ad product that sends push campaigns to people in the VISU app. They solve different problems.
Can VISU send push notifications to my own app or website?
No. VISU has no push SDK or API for third party apps or sites. If you need to message your own users, a dedicated push tool is the right choice.
Who receives a VISU push campaign?
People who use the VISU app and allow notifications, filtered by country, language and device. Today that means Android devices; iPhone users are not reached yet. Campaigns are reviewed before they go out.
Which VISU plan do I need for push campaigns?
Push and QR campaigns start on the Starter plan at $5 per month. QR campaign budgets start at $1. The Free plan has no campaigns.
No app? Reach people in the VISU app
Create a free VISU account, then move to Starter when you want to run push and QR campaigns.
VISU plans: Free plan, no credit card. Paid plans: Starter $5/month, Pro $9/month, Premium $24/month. See all plans
All trademarks and brand names on this page belong to their owners. Feature information is based on public sources and may change. For corrections, contact us.