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10 Best WhatsApp API Providers in 2025: Features & Pricing

Susan Swier

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8 min read
10 Best WhatsApp API Providers in 2025: Features & Pricing

TL;DR - The Top 10 WhatsApp API Providers Compared

The Top 10 WhatsApp API Providers Compared

Choosing the right WhatsApp API provider is essential for scaling customer communication, enabling automation, supporting multiple agents, and integrating with CRMs and other channels. This guide compares the top 10 providers based on features, pricing, and use cases — from entry-level tools like Wati to full-featured platforms like respond.io.

  • Respond.io leads with advanced AI, multichannel support, CRM integration, and WhatsApp Calling API.

  • Wati, Manychat, Chatfuel, Kommo and Interakt offer budget-friendly options with basic features.

  • Sleekflow, Trengo, Podium and Rasayel suit specific use cases but may lack scalability or key functions.

Looking to switch from the WhatsApp Business App to a WhatsApp API platform? Choosing the best WhatsApp API provider is critical for any business looking to automate, scale and personalize customer conversations over WhatsApp. Whether you’re a startup, growing mid-sized business, or large enterprise, finding a provider that matches your needs, from channel coverage and CRM integration to automation, analytics and support, is key to success.

We’ve selected the top 10 options to help you decide. But first, let’s take a quick look at what features the best WhatsApp API platforms have.

What makes a WhatsApp API provider one of the best?

The best WhatsApp API providers are equipped with advanced AI and automation to meet the needs of growing businesses, offering a multichannel inbox that integrates with popular CRMs. While every business has unique requirements, these are some of the key features to look for in a WhatsApp API platform.

Four icons showing the reasons why businesses need a WhatsApp API provider: need for advanced AI and automation, growing team and customer base, integration with multiple channels, analytics and CRM integration

Advanced AI and automation

A key factor that sets WhatsApp API apart from the WhatsApp Business App is advanced features like AI agents and complex routing. If you need more than the Business App's basic automation like greeting and away messages and simple multiple choice options, look for a WhatsApp API provider that can help you automate chats and business processes.

Choose a WhatsApp provider that integrates with click-to-chat ads and effortlessly automates replies, no coding required. Some providers only offer simple chatbot builders, which is enough for smaller businesses, but the best providers offer AI agents to manage WhatsApp conversations and seamlessly hand off chats to a human when needed.

Accommodates a growing team and customer base

For teams ready to scale, WhatsApp API enables multiple agents to use WhatsApp on their phones, connected to a single inbox. It also enables businesses to send high volumes of WhatsApp broadcasts whereas the Business App limits broadcasts to 256 contacts per broadcast.

However, WhatsApp API providers have different user and contact limits and costs, so it's important to choose one that grows with your business, without any surprise fees.

Multichannel inbox

For most businesses, WhatsApp is not the only communication channel. Switching between platforms is a hassle and can lead to missed messages. If you chat with customers on other popular channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram and TikTok, you’ll need a WhatsApp API provider that brings messages from WhatsApp and all these channels into a single inbox.

Analytics and CRM integration

With the WhatsApp Business App, it’s not possible to integrate with a CRM, and analytics are limited. The best WhatsApp API platforms enable CRM integration so businesses get full context on customers directly in WhatsApp. It can also help track the full customer journey and provide analytics on click-to-chat ads.

Turn conversations into customers with respond.io's official WhatsApp API ✨

Manage WhatsApp calls and chats in one place!

10 best WhatsApp API providers: Features, pros, cons and pricing

Now that we’ve covered what to look into a WhatsApp API provider, let’s dive into the available options. Each have their pros and cons, so the best choice will depend upon your unique business needs. We’re including pricing for the most popular, mid-tier option for each although all products have limited entry plans and more advanced options.

1. Respond.io

Respond.io is an AI-powered, omnichannel conversation management platform designed to help B2C businesses capture, convert and retain customers over chat, call and email. It offers advanced automation to manage leads and customers throughout their entire journey.

Pros:

  • AI Agent that learns from your entire company's knowledge sources to provide instant replies (even to audio messages), qualify leads, restart conversations, answer FAQ and route customers to a human agent when needed

  • Enhanced AI responsiveness that delivers quicker, more reliable answers with lower effort.

  • Instant agent takeover with the AI pausing immediately, ensuring a clear and seamless shift to a human.

  • Supports high volumes of WhatsApp broadcasts without lagging

  • Integrates with WhatsApp catalog and click to chat ads

  • Offers human and AI agent calls via WhatsApp Business Calling API and Tenlyx integration

  • CRM integration - respond.io offers native integrations with HubSpot and Salesforce, and integrates with other CRMs and software via Make and Zapier

  • Omnichannel platform that supports WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WeChat, LINE, Viber, Telegram, SMS, webchat and email

  • Supports WhatsApp Coexistence, which means you can keep your WhatsApp Business App and number and use WhatsApp API

  • Excellent customer support - 24/5 live support and 24/7 AI agent support is available on every plan; rated 4.8 stars on G2

Cons:

  • Slight learning curve due to breadth of platform features

Pricing:

Respond.io’s mid-tier Growth plan starts at $159 and allows 10 users. It includes unlimited automation, unlimited use of AI Agent and advanced reporting, with no additional WhatsApp connection or per-number fees.

2. Chatfuel

Chatfuel is a no-code chatbot builder with basic WhatsApp API capabilities, best for simple automation needs.

Pros:

  • Easy drag-and-drop interface

  • Supports WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Entry points like ads, QR codes, website widgets

  • Simple third-party integrations

Cons:

  • Limited to WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram

  • No omnichannel inbox or contact merge

  • Broadcast analytics are minimal

  • Automation not suitable for complex workflows

Pricing:

$41/month for WhatsApp API access (1,000 conversations). Facebook & Instagram are priced separately.

3. Wati

Wati is a lightweight WhatsApp API platform tailored for small businesses. It’s a good entry-level option but lacks advanced features as teams grow.

Pros:

  • Built specifically for WhatsApp API

  • WhatsApp Catalog and high-volume broadcast support

  • Automation for click-to-chat ads and basic workflows

  • Budget-friendly entry pricing

Cons:

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • No WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Only supports WhatsApp and Instagram

  • 20% markup fee on WhatsApp messaging costs

  • Poor customer support

Pricing:

The price for Wati’s mid-tier plan is $79 for five users, making it one of the cheaper options for businesses on a tight budget, but beware of messaging markups and additional fees.

4. Trengo

Trengo provides access to the WhatsApp Business API via a shared inbox that integrates channels like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. It’s ideal for small teams with low messaging volumes, especially for support use cases. However, its sales and marketing features are still developing, and add-on costs can be high.

Pros:

  • Supports WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, SMS and email

  • VoIP and custom channel integrations

  • Support-focused analytics

  • CRM integrations with HubSpot and Salesforce

Cons:

  • Support team only available in European business hours

  • WhatsApp Calling API not supported

  • WhatsApp Coexistence not supported

  • AI agent still in beta

  • Limited automation with additional fees

Pricing:

$264/month for 5 users. Broadcasts, automation and AI require add-ons.

5. Rasayel

Rasayel is a WhatsApp-only messaging solution built for B2B sales teams and pipeline collaboration.

Pros:

  • Built-in CRM integrations (HubSpot, Pipedrive)

  • Sales-focused AI chatbot with smooth human handoff

  • Good internal collaboration tools

Cons:

  • Only supports WhatsApp

  • No WhatsApp Calling API

  • Basic reporting

Pricing:

$360/month for 10 users with unlimited automation and 25,000 messages.

6. Kommo

Kommo is a messaging-focused CRM with WhatsApp API support and an emphasis on sales tracking, built for small to mid-sized businesses that sell over chat.

Pros:

  • Connects WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, email and more

  • Supports WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Basic chat automation tools

  • Simple UI and easy onboarding

  • Affordable pricing for SMBs

Cons:

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • Outdated UI and sluggish performance

  • Limited reporting

  • Support has mixed reviews

Pricing:

$25/user/month (billed semi-annually), e.g., businesses with 5 users pay $125/month. Includes no-code Salesbot builder and automation tools.

7. Interakt

Interakt is a budget WhatsApp API provider popular among Indian SMBs. It covers the basics but isn’t ideal for scaling or multichannel expansion.

Pros:

  • Designed for WhatsApp and Instagram

  • Built-in catalog, click-to-chat ad support and automation

  • Supports WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Affordable and supports unlimited agents

  • Integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Zoho and Razorpay

Cons:

  • No support for channels beyond WhatsApp and Instagram

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • Basic UI and limited automation flows

  • Mixed reviews on support quality

Pricing:

$49/month Growth plan includes unlimited agents, broadcasts, chatbot flows and basic automation.

8. Podium

Podium is a multi-purpose business platform offering messaging, payments and reputation management with WhatsApp capabilities via API integration.

Pros:

  • Multi-channel inbox including WhatsApp

  • Collect reviews and manage online reputation

  • Send payment links via SMS

  • Automate follow-ups and campaigns

Cons:

  • Premium pricing and no public rates

  • No WhatsApp Coexistence

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • Customer support quality varies

  • No native tools for searching past conversations easily

Pricing:

Custom quotes only. The Pro plan includes AI routing, lead forms, segmentation and automated campaigns.

9. Manychat

Manychat allows creators and businesses to connect their conversations from WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, SMS and email in a single inbox. It’s budget-friendly, easy to use and offers basic automation features designed with creators and small teams in mind.

Pros:

  • Supports WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Works well with click-to-chat ads, QR codes and buttons to initiate WhatsApp chats

  • Multichannel support including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, TikTok, SMS and email

  • Template library of WhatsApp flows and automation templates for quick setup

Cons:

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • Focus on social media rather than WhatsApp

  • Limited automation that struggles with sales or support journeys that require CRM data, team routing or cross-channel visibility

  • Poor reporting - Analytics are simple and campaign-focused, not lifecycle-driven

Pricing:

$15/month for three users and 500 contacts. Automation features are limited on lower-tier plans. Additional costs apply for higher usage and premium features.

10. Sleekflow

Sleekflow is a messaging automation platform designed for teams with basic automation needs. It enables businesses to connect WhatsApp API and other popular messaging channels to a single inbox and automate chats and processes. However, costs can be high and the platform has been known to have performance issues.

Pros:

  • Omnichannel platform that supports WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, WeChat, LINE, Telegram, Viber and SMS

  • CRM integrations: HubSpot and Salesforce

  • AI chat capabilities for lead qualification and message assistance

Cons:

  • Performance issues under high message volumes

  • No WhatsApp Business Calling API

  • No WhatsApp Coexistence

  • Charges additional fees per WhatsApp number

  • Limited support options; email-only for lower-tier plans

Pricing:

Sleekflow charges $349 per month for the mid-tier plan which only includes five users. Businesses are charged for the number of stored contacts rather than the number of contacts they speak to.

Which WhatsApp API platform is right for your business?

For budget-conscious businesses with small teams, tools like Wati, Chatfuel, Interakt and Manychat are decent entry points for WhatsApp API but they don’t offer full potential to scale.

Respond.io stands out as the best all-around WhatsApp API platform, especially for growing teams that want multichannel support, automation, CRM integration, and scalable AI features.

icons showing why respond.io is the best WhatsApp API provider: WhatsApp Coexistence, advanced AI and automation, WhatsApp Business Calling API, multichannel platform

With advanced WhatsApp features including Calling API, best-in-class automation, and omnichannel messaging, respond.io is ideal for businesses that want to capture, convert and retain customers across the full lifecycle. And since it supports WhatsApp Coexistence, allowing you to use both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API together, you can try it out with no risk of losing your WhatsApp Business contacts and conversations.

Successful businesses who chose respond.io as a WhatsApp API provider

With so many options, it can be a challenge to choose the best platform. One of our customers, GETUTOR, initially used Sleekflow as a WhatsApp API provider but switched to respond.io after Sleekflow failed to meet expectations. After implementing WhatsApp API with respond.io, the business saw a 24% increase in sales and now handles 50% more leads per day.

Another of our customers tested out Manychat before deciding on respond.io. JU Productions was impressed with Manychat's social media features, but found its keyword-based automation to be too basic and its reporting features limiting. The business chose respond.io as the best WhatsApp API provider to scale its marketing efforts, and rapidly saw a 718% increase in WhatsApp sales.

Start using the best WhatsApp API platform today

Respond.io helps businesses of all sizes accelerate sales, personalize support and automate growth over WhatsApp and beyond. With AI-powered tools, an intuitive interface, and powerful integrations, it’s built for businesses ready to scale.

Try respond.io for free or contact us for a consultation to see how we can help your business grow.

Turn conversations into customers with respond.io's official WhatsApp API ✨

Manage WhatsApp calls and chats in one place!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a WhatsApp API Platform?

A WhatsApp API platform provides businesses access to WhatsApp Business API, allowing them to use WhatsApp with multiple users, implement advanced automation and AI chatbots and integrate with CRMs.

Is there a free WhatsApp API?

No, WhatsApp API is not free. It requires a subscription to a Business Solution Provider (BSP) like respond.io. Meta also charges fees for business-initiated template messages. Some platforms like Wati charge additional markups on these message fees. Respond.io does not charge any message markups, setup or connection fees.

Can I use the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API at the same time?

Yes! If you choose a platform that supports WhatsApp Coexistence, you can keep your WhatsApp Business App and connect to WhatsApp API.

Can I make calls with WhatsApp API?

Yes, WhatsApp Business Calling API is now available globally with BSPs that support it, including respond.io.

Further reading  

If you've found this article helpful, consider these other guides to help you get started with WhatsApp API.

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Susan Swier
Susan Swier
As a Senior Communications Strategist at respond.io, Susan Swier translates customer experience insights into compelling case studies and thought leadership content. Her work spotlights how AI agents, sales automation and the WhatsApp API drive business results.
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