Airship vs OneSignal: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Airship and OneSignal 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
OneSignal
Customer messaging platform for push and more
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Push notifications with generous free tier
- • Now includes email, SMS, in-app
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | General | General |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Airship | OneSignal |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| 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 OneSignal solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Airship positions itself as "mobile-first customer engagement platform" while OneSignalfocuses on "customer messaging platform for push and more". 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 OneSignal
OneSignal is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
OneSignal won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: OneSignal
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. OneSignal is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: OneSignal
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?
Want to test first? OneSignal has a free tier to get you started.
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 OneSignal more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Airship Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider OneSignal If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 OneSignal 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 OneSignal better?
Based on our analysis, Airship scores higher with high/100. Airship ispaid while OneSignal is freemium. 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 OneSignal 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 OneSignal offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Airship is paid with potential trial.OneSignal is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.