Posted by Free tools can be enticing, especially when you’re on a budget or exploring new options for your website. However, not all free products are created equal, even if they serve the same purpose. In this guide, we’ll evaluate the top free push notification services, outlining the features they offer at no cost. We’ve excluded services that only offer a free trial, but you can also explore our list of the top seven paid push notification services for additional options.
Features of free push notification services
A push notification service allows you to reconnect with visitors to your website, boosting repeat visits and conversions. To maximize the effectiveness of your push campaigns, you require more than just basic features; advanced functions like segmentation and automation are crucial. Surprisingly, even free web push notification tools offer these capabilities.
What to consider when choosing a free push service
1. User Interface (UI) and Installation
The ease of use and setup process can be critical, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Conversely, more tech-savvy users might prefer services that offer extensive customization options, even if it requires more time to manage everything.
2. Subscribers Limit
The opt-in rate for push notifications in e-commerce typically ranges up to 5%. For example, if your online store receives 100,000 visits per month, you can expect around 5,000 subscriptions. Consider this when evaluating the subscriber limit that suits your needs.
3. Websites
Pay attention to how many websites you can add with a free plan, especially if you manage multiple sites. This limit is particularly important for agencies handling numerous client websites.
4. Segments
If you rely on targeted push campaigns, assess the number of subscriber segments you can create for free. Some services offer pre-built segments, while others allow for custom segment creation.
5. Data Tags
Tags enable you to create custom segments based on user behavior. If you need to segment your subscribers by the website category or page they visit, consider the number of free tags provided by the service.
6. API Send Access
Access to an API is essential if you wish to utilize custom features like transactional push notifications. Ensure that your chosen push service includes API access as part of its free features.
7. Automatic Notifications
Automated notifications, such as alerts for new blog posts or price drops, can save you time once the automation is set up. Check if the service supports automation within its free plan.
8. User Permissions
This feature allows you to grant multiple users access to your push notifications dashboard, which can be beneficial for managing multiple websites or collaborating with team members.
Top 5 Push Notification Services with a Free Plan
1. Gravitec.net
Gravitec.net offers a user-friendly web push service that requires no coding expertise, making it ideal for small and medium businesses as well as individual entrepreneurs. With the Gravitec.net free plan, simply sign up and add your website to the service dashboard to get started.
Integration options include the WordPress push notifications plugin or using Google Tag Manager for added flexibility. Once integrated, customize your permission prompt and set up a bell widget for subscribers to choose push notification topics. Gravitec.net supports both manual and automatic push notifications, with automation features like RSS to Push, Drip Campaigns, and more.
For WooCommerce users, Gravitec.net offers Abandoned Cart alerts, and for Zapier and Integrately enthusiasts, workflow automations are available. The free plan boasts generous limits, including up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited websites, segments, and data tags. API send access is capped at 5 campaigns per day, with the option to upgrade for additional features and team member access.
2. OneSignal
OneSignal is a comprehensive multi-channel platform catering to marketers and developers, offering in-app messages, app and web push notifications, SMS, and emails. While it may have a steeper learning curve for non-technical users, the free plan provides basic push notification features.
Upon signup, add your website to the dashboard and choose from integration options tailored to your needs. The free plan accommodates up to 10,000 subscribers and unlimited websites, with limited segments and data tags. For more advanced features, consider upgrading to the Growth plan starting at $9 per month.
3. PushEngage
PushEngage specializes in push notifications for eCommerce websites, offering advanced automation features with paid plans. The forever-free plan allows for up to 30 push notification campaigns, along with targeted opt-in triggers and reminders.
While the user interface is intuitive, registration requires credit card information. The free plan supports up to 200 subscribers for one website, with no segments, data tags, or automatic notifications. Paid plans start at $9 per month for 1,000 subscribers. Unlock premium features and enjoy reduced pricing with Pushengage. Apply the Pushengage Coupon Code during checkout to receive a generous 30% discount on your premium subscription. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer to enhance your push notification experience at a fraction of the cost.
4. Subscribers.com
Subscribers.com is a straightforward push notification service compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers on desktop and mobile. The free plan accommodates up to 200 subscribers and offers basic features, with automations and API access reserved for paid plans.
Installation options include a WordPress plugin, Google Tag Manager integration, or Squarespace integration. Pricing starts at $29 per month for up to 10,000 subscribers.
5. PushAlert
PushAlert offers a forever-free plan with basic features, making it accessible to users not requiring advanced automations. Integration options include WordPress and Joomla plugins, with JavaScript & REST API for customization.
The free plan supports up to 3,000 subscribers for one website, with unlimited segments and API access. Paid plans starting at $12 per 3,000 subscribers unlock advanced automation features like Abandoned Cart Notifications and Recurring Notifications.