4 Pusher Beams alternatives, and when to stay with Pusher Beams
Pusher Beams is a developer API for sending push to iOS, Android and web apps, with authenticated users and delivery tracking. Pusher has been part of Bird, formerly MessageBird, since 2020. These alternatives cover the other paths: Google's own service, platforms with a marketing dashboard, and an option for businesses that have no app.
Short answer
If you are a developer adding push to your app, compare Beams with Firebase Cloud Messaging, OneSignal or Pushwoosh. VISU has no push API and cannot send to your app. VISU Ads only fits a small business without an app that wants to reach people in the VISU app.
When to stay with Pusher Beams
- Your app already sends push through Beams and it works for you.
- You want push to specific signed-in users of your own app.
- You prefer an API your developers control over a marketing dashboard.
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
OneSignal
A push, in-app, email and SMS platform for your own app and website, with a free plan. A good fit for most teams that want push without building it themselves.
OneSignal alternatives - 4
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
Feature comparison
| Feature | VISU | Pusher Beams |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Check their site |
| A/B testing | No | Check their site |
| Email or SMS in the same tool | No | Check their site |
| 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 Pusher Beams still available?
Its product page is live and lists iOS, Android and web SDKs, so check their site for the current plans before you decide. Pusher has been part of Bird, formerly MessageBird, since 2020.
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.