Push notifications are an essential part for any digital marketing campain. And the right solution could help you send timely and relevant messages to users even when the app is not in use, increasing user engagement and retention.
While there are many web push notification services available in the market, two of the most popular are Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) and Urban Airship.
In this article, we will compare these two platforms, looking at their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Google Cloud Messaging Overview
Google Cloud Messaging, aka GCM, is a free, cross-platform messaging service developed by Google that allows app developers to send push notifications to Android, iOS, and web-based apps.
It uses a cloud-based infrastructure to deliver messages, meaning that app developers do not have to manage their own servers or infrastructure. Instead, they can simply use GCM’s API to send and receive messages.
GCM is particularly well-suited to apps that need to send a high volume of messages, as it can handle millions of messages per second.
It is also very easy to use, with a simple API and a wide range of documentation and resources available to help developers get started.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use | Limited advanced features |
| Widely supported | |
| Easy to use | |
| Scalable |
Urban Airship Overview
Urban Airship is a cloud-based messaging platform that allows app developers to send push notifications, in-app messages, and SMS messages to users.
Like GCM, Urban Airship uses a cloud-based infrastructure, so app developers do not have to worry about managing their own servers or infrastructure.
In addition to push notifications, Urban Airship offers a range of other features, including automated messaging, segmentation, and analytics.
This makes it a good choice for app developers who want to be able to customize and fine-tune their messaging campaigns. But it also makes Urban Airship a bit costly compared to its rivals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide platform support | Not free (pricing varies based on usage) |
| Advanced features | |
| Strong delivery rates | |
| Excellent customer support |
Comparison: GCM vs. AirShip
Now that we have an overview of GCM and Urban Airship, let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
One key difference between GCM and Urban Airship is the platforms they support. GCM is primarily focused on Android and iOS, with support for web-based apps as well. Urban Airship, on the other hand, supports a wide range of platforms, including Android, iOS, web, and SMS.
It makes Urban Airship a good choice for app developers who need to reach users on multiple platforms.
Another difference is the range of features offered by the two platforms.
As we mentioned earlier, Urban Airship offers a wider range of features than GCM, including automated messaging, segmentation, and analytics. This makes it a better choice for app developers who want to be able to customize and fine-tune their messaging campaigns.
GCM, on the other hand, is more focused on delivering messages and does not offer as many advanced features.
Benefits of Google Cloud Messaging
There are several benefits to using GCM for push notifications.
Some of the key advantages of GCM include:
- Free to use: GCM is completely free to use, making it an attractive option for app developers on a budget.
- Widely supported: GCM is supported by a wide range of devices and platforms, including Android, iOS, and web-based apps.
- Easy to use: GCM has a simple API and a wide range of documentation and resources available to help developers get started.
- Scalable: GCM can handle millions of messages per second, making it a good choice for apps that need to send a high volume of messages.
Benefits of AirShip
- Wide platform support: In addition to Android and iOS, Urban Airship supports web, SMS, and other platforms. This makes it a good choice for app developers who need to reach users on multiple platforms.
- Advanced features: Urban Airship offers a range of advanced features, including automated messaging, segmentation, and analytics. This makes it a good choice for app developers who want to be able to customize and fine-tune their messaging campaigns.
- Strong delivery rates: Urban Airship has strong delivery rates, with messages being delivered to over 99% of users.
- Excellent customer support: Urban Airship has a dedicated customer support team that is available to help app developers with any issues or questions they may have.
Conclusion
Both GCM and Urban Airship are solid options for app developers looking to implement push notifications in their apps.
GCM is a good choice for developers who need a simple and scalable solution that is free to use, while Urban Airship is a good choice for developers who need advanced features and support for multiple platforms.
Ultimately, the best choice for your app will depend on your specific needs and budget.
That said, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can consider other alternatives, such as LaraPush.
With that said, here I am wrapping up this article. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot them in the comment section below. Our team will try to respond ASAP.
