WhatsApp Business API Solutions: Chakra Chat vs. Competitors in 2025
WhatsApp Business API is key to scaling customer engagement. Template messages (marketing, utility, authentication) are cost-efficient, while inbound and user-initiated chats are mostly free within 24 hours. As of October 2025, platforms like Chakra Chat, Wati, Respond.io, 360dialog, and Gallabox provide powerful automation, team collaboration, and integration tools. This comparison highlights key features, pricing, ease of use, and support of the above tools to provide potential business users with sharp insights, helping them choose the right WhatsApp Business Platform API solution. This will especially help cost-conscious teams desiring higher value for the buck while seeking feature parity and unlimited scalability.
Overview of Solutions
- Chakra Chat: A comprehensive WhatsApp API platform from ChakraHQ, emphasizing no-tier feature blocking, AI-driven agents, WhatsApp Coexistence, and native CRM tools. Ideal for sales-focused teams with its workflow automations and unlimited users. Used by 1500+ teams across 20+ countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and North America.
- Wati: An end-to-end solution for SMBs, strong in no-code chatbots and omnichannel support (including Instagram/Facebook). Focuses on e-commerce and lead acquisition.
- Respond.io: Omnichannel platform with emphasis on automation, analytics, and WhatsApp Calling API. Suited for B2C businesses scaling leads and support.
- 360dialog: Developer-centric BSP providing direct API access with transparent, per-number licensing. Best for custom integrations and high-volume platforms.
- Gallabox: Conversational AI tool tailored for e-commerce, featuring no-code bots and multi-number support. Excels in lead nurturing and broadcasts.
All providers support core WhatsApp features like broadcasts, templates, and analytics, but differ in pricing transparency, user limits, and add-ons.
Feature Comparison
The table below compares essential features, drawing on official documentation and recent updates. Chakra Chat shines with inclusive AI and CRM elements across plans, plus mobile apps for on-the-go access.
Feature | Chakra Chat | Wati | Respond.io | 360dialog | Gallabox |
Free Tier | Yes: 1,000 inbound convos, 3 users, 1 number, full features (chatbot, inbox, assignment, mobile apps) | No (7-day trial only) | No (7-day trial only) | No (sandbox for testing) | No (15-day trial, 1,000 convos included in paid) |
Chatbot Builder | No-code, keyword-triggered | No-code, AI-powered | Automation rules, AI agents | API-based (custom) | Drag-and-drop, no-code |
Team Inbox & Assignment | Shared inbox, auto-assignment, Multiple Users | Team inbox, assign/track | Omnichannel inbox, multi-user | API/webhook-dependent | Multi-agent, auto-routing |
AI Features | AI chat/shopping agents in all paid plans | AI support agent | AI for replies/automation | N/A (custom via API) | AI chatbots for leads |
CRM & Automations | Native CRM, workflows, n8n/custom integrations | E-commerce templates, Zapier | CRM integrations, workflows | API for custom automations | Integrations (Shopify, Razorpay) |
Campaigns & Templates | Broadcasts, drip/retargeting, native management | Personalized broadcasts, CTWA ads | Broadcasts, analytics | API for campaigns | Unlimited broadcasts, templates |
Multi-Number Support | Up to 12 included in paid; +$3/extra | Limited (add-ons) | Multiple via workspaces | Per-number licensing | Yes (Scale/Pro plans) |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Integrations | n8n, webhooks, Shopify, APIs, Webhooks | Shopify, Zapier | CRMs, Zapier | Extensive API | Google Sheets, Shopify |
Analytics | Chat/campaign response, other basic business metrics | Open/read rates, ad performance | Response times, conversions | API-based | Conversation analytics |
Support | Free 30-min setup call, tickets/email | 24x5 email (English/Portuguese) | Guided onboarding (paid) | Developer docs, partner support | Email/chat (1-2 days) |
Chakra Chat's edge lies in its all-inclusive approach: AI agents and native CRM are standard in paid plans, reducing the need for extra tools. Competitors like Wati and Gallabox offer a strong e-commerce focus, while 360dialog prioritizes API flexibility for devs.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing reflects 2025 updates, with Meta's per-template charges (e.g., $0.01–$0.06/marketing message, varying by country) passed directly unless noted. Chakra Chat's model avoids markups and scales with outbound templates, making it highly competitive.
Provider | Starting Paid Price ($/month) | User Limits | Conversation/Template Limits | Multi-Number Costs | Markup on Meta Fees? | Notes |
Chakra Chat | $12.49 (Starter: 10k templates) | Unlimited | Unlimited inbound; pro-rated $0.001/extra template | Up to 12 included; +$3/extra | No | Free tier generous; annual discounts available. Enterprise usage-based. |
Wati | $59–$69 (Growth) | Limited per plan (e.g., 5–unlimited) | Varies by plan; extra for high volume | Add-ons | Possible (up to 20%) | 7-day trial; hidden fees for integrations/chat sessions reported. |
Respond.io | $79 (Starter) | Unlimited | Pay per active contact (e.g., $0.02–$0.05/contact) | Included in workspaces | No | 7-day trial; WhatsApp fees separate. Calling API extra per min. |
360dialog | $53 (Basic per number) + $20 hosting | N/A (API-focused) | Unlimited session msgs; per-template via Meta | $53–$218/number | No | Per-number licensing; partner plans custom. No full inbox. |
Gallabox | ~$12 (Starter: ₹999) | 1–5 per plan | 1,000 free convos; extras charged | Included in higher plans | Up to 19.99% | 15-day trial; India-focused pricing; markups on marketing/utility. |
Chakra Chat starts at one of the lowest at $12.49 for teams, with unlimited users and no markups - key advantages over Wati's higher entry ($59+) and potential extras, or Gallabox's markups that inflate costs for volume users. Respond.io's contact-based model suits low-volume but scales pricier, while 360dialog favors API-only needs.
Why Choose Chakra Chat?
For growing businesses, Chakra Chat delivers unmatched value without compromises:
- Generous Free Tier: Test most features (chatbot, inbox, automations, mobile apps) with 1,000 conversations and 3 users - no credit card needed, unlike competitors' trials.
- Affordable Scaling: From $12.49/month, access unlimited users and inbound messages, with up to 12 numbers included. Add extras at just $3, beating add-on fees elsewhere.
- Team-Friendly: No user caps mean your entire team collaborates seamlessly, a rarity in tiered plans like Wati or Gallabox.
- AI & Automation Included: AI chat/shopping agents, native CRM workflows, and n8n integrations come standard—empowering sales without upcharges, unlike basic bots in others.
- Transparent Costs: Zero markup on Meta templates (pay standard rates), plus a free 30-minute setup call, ensuring quick ROI.
- Full-Featured Parity: Matches rivals in chatbots, campaigns, and templates, with extras like co-existence support for hybrid setups.
In a market where hidden fees and limits erode budgets, Chakra Chat prioritizes simplicity and growth. Whether you're a startup dipping into API waters or a mid-sized team automating sales, it offers the tools to engage customers effectively—without the bloat.
Ready to switch?