Customer.io vs OneSignal: What are the differences?

Customer.io and OneSignal are both popular customer communication platforms with their own unique features and functionalities. While both platforms offer messaging and communication tools, there are several key differences between Customer.io and OneSignal that set them apart from each other.

1. Pricing Model: Customer.io offers a usage-based pricing model, where the cost is determined by the number of messages sent. On the other hand, OneSignal offers a freemium pricing model, allowing users to send unlimited messages to a limited number of subscribers for free, and charging for additional features and larger subscriber lists.

2. Targeting Capabilities: Customer.io provides advanced targeting capabilities, allowing users to create highly personalized and dynamic messaging campaigns based on user attributes and behavior. OneSignal, on the other hand, offers more limited targeting options, focusing primarily on segments and user tags.

3. Automation and Workflow: Customer.io offers a robust automation and workflow engine, allowing users to create complex, multi-step campaigns with conditional branching and triggers. OneSignal, while also offering basic automation capabilities, is more focused on simple push notifications and lacks the advanced workflow features of Customer.io.

4. Channel Support: Customer.io supports a variety of communication channels, including email, push notifications, SMS, and in-app messaging. OneSignal primarily focuses on push notifications, although it also offers email and SMS capabilities to a lesser extent.

5. Integration Options: Customer.io offers a wide range of integrations with popular third-party tools and platforms, allowing users to easily connect and sync data with their existing systems. OneSignal also offers multiple integrations, but its options are more limited compared to Customer.io.

6. Reporting and Analytics: Customer.io provides detailed reporting and analytics features, allowing users to track the performance of their messaging campaigns and gain insights into user engagement and behavior. OneSignal offers basic reporting capabilities, but it lacks the advanced analytics features of Customer.io.

In Summary, Customer.io and OneSignal differ in their pricing model, targeting capabilities, automation and workflow options, channel support, integration options, and reporting and analytics features.