Why Teams Switch from Nextiva to Clerk Chat for Messaging
Get unlimited messaging without per-plan SMS caps, built-in AI agents, and RCS support that Nextiva doesn't offer
Clerk Chat:
Unlimited messaging included
AI agents built-in
From $10/user/month
Nextiva:
100-250 SMS/user on lower plans
AI receptionist $99/mo add-on
From $15/user/month (annual)
Compare
Side-by-side: a feature deep dive
Last updated: March 3, 2026 | Verified by 3rd party auditor
💡 Tip: Nextiva caps SMS at 100-250/user on its lower plans. Clerk Chat gives you unlimited from day one.
Features
Clerk Chat
Nextiva
# Monthly Cost
From $10/user
From $15/user (annual)
# SMS Messages Included
Unlimited
100/user (Core), 250/user (Engage)
# RCS Messaging
Included
Not available
# WhatsApp
Included
Enterprise plans only
# AI Agents (24/7 Messaging)
Built-in
$99/mo add-on (100 conversations)
# AI Voice Assistant
Built-in
$99/mo add-on + $0.99/extra call
# Message Campaigns
Unlimited campaigns
Max 10 recipients per group message
# International SMS
Global reach
US & Canada only
# SMS Shortcodes
Supported
Not supported
# Toll-Free SMS
Supported
Not supported
# 10DLC Approval
Under 48 hours
10-30 business days
# Microsoft Teams Integration
Native Teams app
Available (Engage plan+)
# Compliance Archiving
Global Relay, Purview, Smarsh
Call recording, basic eDiscovery
# Contract Terms
Month-to-month
Auto-renewing, early termination fees
Book your personalized demo today
See why teams replace Nextiva with Clerk Chat for unlimited messaging, built-in AI, and no per-message caps.
- Read case study
20K–30K
Messages sent monthly
40K+
Messages during peak programs
50+
Staff members connected through Clerk Chat
“Clerk Chat has been an absolute game-changer for our communication through incredible functionality with a wide range of features that have streamlined our workflows. On top of that, their support team is top-notch—responsive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist which makes us confident in continuing to use Clerk Chat.”
- Read case study
“We’re messaging more efficiently, but more importantly, we’re sending those messages with confidence, because we know we can stand behind every communication from a compliance standpoint.”
- Read case study
93%
Deflection Rate
+50%
Faster Resolution
“Our goal has always been to build something we'd be proud to use ourselves. If our AI couldn't deliver for our team, we'd never expect it to deliver for yours. That's the bar.”
Alexander Haque Co-Founder at Clerk Chat
- Read case study
+20%
Staff efficiency
15K+
Total messages sent
+30%
Increase in appointments
“Our patients and families are busy. Being able to communicate with everyone through text messaging has been critical.It allows us to be more responsive to patient needs and provide a higher level of personalized care.”
Stella Fulman Co-Founder at Audiology Island
Jeff GelwixPresident @ Sonic Drive-in
Clerk Chat is a beautifully built solution that is flexible, customizable, intuitive, and perfect for collaboration. We love the Clerk Chat platform, but what we love even more is how amazing and caring the team behind it is.
Read more on Trustpilot
Cruz M.Professional Independent Marketer
As a marketing professional, I had trouble communicating with my contractors because we used Slack and Teams, but they weren't always online. I spent months looking for a tool to help me send text messages or WhatsApp messages to them so they could log in to Zoom and Google Meets. Plus, Clerk Chat also allows me text my clients that I have on HubSpot CRM.
Read more on G2
Katrina BoganyPresident of Fab Finishes, Inc.
Clerk Chat is truly the missing piece of the puzzle with Teams! It makes Teams a complete communications solution, by adding the vitally important SMS texting functionality to the platform. In addition, Clerk Chat’s support is excellent.
Read more on Trustpilot
FAQ
Have questions? We've got answers.
Find what you need quickly and clearly with our most frequently asked questions.
Nextiva caps SMS at 100 messages per user per month on its Core plan ($15/user) and 250 on Engage ($25/user). Unlimited SMS only comes with the Power Suite at $75/user/month. Clerk Chat includes unlimited messaging on all paid plans starting at $10/user/month. For a 20-person team, that's the difference between counting every text and sending freely.
Nextiva offers its XBert AI Receptionist as a paid add-on at $99/month for 100 conversations, with each additional interaction costing $0.99. Clerk Chat includes AI agents in all paid plans with no per-conversation charges. Your AI handles customer messages 24/7 across SMS, RCS, and WhatsApp without usage-based billing surprises.
No. Nextiva does not support international SMS — texting is limited to US and Canadian numbers only. Nextiva also doesn't support SMS shortcodes or toll-free number texting. Clerk Chat offers global SMS reach, shortcode support, and toll-free texting out of the box.
Nextiva limits group SMS to 10 recipients per message and does not offer broadcast campaign functionality. Clerk Chat supports unlimited message campaigns, group messaging, and a shared inbox where your team can collaborate on customer conversations together — no recipient caps.
No. Nextiva currently offers SMS and MMS only, with RCS listed as a future roadmap item. Clerk Chat already supports RCS alongside SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp, giving your customers rich messaging experiences with read receipts, media, and branded elements today.
Yes. Nextiva uses auto-renewing contracts with early termination fees, but many businesses find the savings justify the switch. Clerk Chat offers month-to-month plans with no long-term commitments. Contact sales@clerk.chat and we'll help you plan a smooth transition, including number porting and 10DLC migration.
