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Asterisk vs Kannel

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Asterisk icon
Asterisk
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Kannel

Asterisk vs Kannel: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Asterisk Kannel
Sugggest Score — —
Category Network & Admin Network & Admin
Pricing Open Source Open Source

Product Overview

Asterisk
Asterisk

Description: Asterisk is an open source communications software that allows you to build telephony applications and services. It supports voice over IP, video conferencing, voicemail, auto attendant, interactive voice response, and more. It can be used to build PBX systems, call center solutions, and other communications platforms.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Kannel
Kannel

Description: Kannel is an open source WAP and SMS gateway that enables sending and receiving SMS messages to/from various devices and interfaces with various messaging protocols. It allows building SMS services and applications quickly and efficiently.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Asterisk
Asterisk Features
  • PBX functionality
  • VoIP
  • Interactive voice response
  • Voicemail
  • Conference calling
  • Call routing
  • Call queuing
Kannel
Kannel Features
  • SMS gateway functionality
  • Support for multiple protocols (SMPP, UCP/EMI, CIMD2, OIS, HTTP)
  • Built-in SMSC (Short Message Service Center) functionality
  • Support for long SMS messages
  • Tools for parsing, validating, encoding SMS messages
  • APIs for integrating with external apps and services
  • Load balancing and redundancy capabilities
  • Support for SMS over SS7 and SIGTRAN networks
  • Tools for SMS routing, filtering, throttling
  • Support for SMSC emulation and interconnecting
  • Tools for monitoring, statistics, troubleshooting

Pros & Cons Analysis

Asterisk
Asterisk
Pros
  • Open source and free
  • Highly customizable
  • Supports many protocols and codecs
  • Active development community
  • Integrates with many CRM and business software
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires technical expertise to setup and manage
  • Limited official support
  • Fragmented documentation
  • Not as feature rich as proprietary PBX systems
Kannel
Kannel
Pros
  • Open source and free
  • High performance and scalability
  • Support for many protocols and interfaces
  • Flexible and customizable
  • Active development community
  • Modular architecture
  • Reliable and stable
  • Wide protocol support
  • Easy integration
Cons
  • Complex configuration
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited built-in web interface
  • Need for expertise in telecom protocols
  • Not ideal for non-technical users

Pricing Comparison

Asterisk
Asterisk
  • Open Source
Kannel
Kannel
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Asterisk
Asterisk
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Kannel
Kannel
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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