Airship vs CleverTap: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Airship and CleverTap comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Airship
Mobile-first customer engagement platform
Best for you if:
- • Mobile-first customer engagement platform
- • Pioneer in push notifications
CleverTap
All-in-one customer engagement platform
Best for you if:
- • All-in-one customer engagement platform
- • Strong in mobile and emerging markets
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | General | General |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Airship | CleverTap |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories |
Understanding the Differences
Both Airship and CleverTap solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Airship positions itself as "mobile-first customer engagement platform" while CleverTapfocuses on "all-in-one customer engagement platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Airship
Airship makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose CleverTap
CleverTap is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: CleverTap
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. CleverTap is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: CleverTap
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Airship is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Airship
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Airship—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Airship higher (/100). But the community has upvoted CleverTap more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Airship Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider CleverTap If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Airship. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Airship scores higher in our analysis, but CleverTap might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airship or CleverTap better?
Based on our analysis, Airship scores higher with high/100. Airship ispaid while CleverTap is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Airship to CleverTap easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Airship and CleverTap offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Airship is paid with potential trial.CleverTap is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.