Chert vs Sendblue
Chert is worth evaluating when your agent needs a documented connection to native FaceTime audio and video alongside messaging. Sendblue is also a developer option for and explicitly advertises FaceTime Audio. Decide using the workflow and plan restrictions, not the bubble color alone.
Published by Chert · Reviewed . Vendor features and prices can change. This is a sourced buying guide, not a benchmark.
Compare the requirements
| Requirement | Chert | Sendblue |
|---|---|---|
| Test access | $0, 24-hour trial on a shared line. | Free sandbox; shared number and up to 10 verified contacts. |
| Published paid entry | $25/month Shared; $250/month per Dedicated line. | AI Agent: $100/month per dedicated line. Enterprise: custom pricing. |
| Outbound rules | Shared: users who joined, never texts first. Dedicated: inbound and outbound. | AI Agent is inbound-first; Enterprise lists full outbound messaging. |
| FaceTime | Documented LiveKit bridge for audio and video on enabled lines. Caller-camera capture is separately enabled. | FaceTime Audio is publicly listed. Confirm the exact video and agent integration requirements with the vendor. |
| Messaging limits | Shared: 100/hour per customer, 400/hour across the line. See the full plan table. | AI Agent lists 1,000 inbound contacts/day; webhooks and callbacks included. |
When to evaluate each
Consider Chert
Test Chert if you want to connect your own agent to and native FaceTime calls. The shared plan starts at $25/month, with restrictions; a dedicated line is $250/month. Your own LiveKit, model, and other provider usage is separate. Check caller access, outbound permissions, and media readiness on your assigned line.
Consider Sendblue
Evaluate Sendblue if its dedicated inbound-first agent plan fits your contact volume, or if its sales workflows and shared inbox meet your team’s needs. Ask for the exact calling API and limits relevant to your implementation.
Questions for your trial
- Can the agent initiate a new conversation, and with which recipients?
- Is the billed unit a shared account, a dedicated line, a contact, or usage?
- Do I need FaceTime Audio, agent video, caller vision, or all three?
- What happens when a line is busy, an event is repeated, or a message fails?
- What will my own model and media infrastructure add to the monthly cost?
Run the same permitted test conversation with each provider. Record configuration, delivery results, failed requests, and the support response. Use those observations to decide; neither a feature table nor a vendor claim can replace a test of your actual workflow.
Sources and review policy
We have not independently benchmarked competitor performance or audited their security controls. We omit unverified prices and avoid interpreting missing documentation as missing functionality. Read the comparison methodology or report a correction.