WhatsApp is the most popular messenger platform. Its large customer base makes it suitable for businesses to connect with customers. It offers APIs that integrate with the CRM system and make the communication quick and simple. It provides Cloud API and Business API that streamlines message management. Here in this blog, you will learn about the key difference between WhatsApp API vs WhatsApp Business API.
What is WhatsApp Cloud API?
WhatsApp Cloud API refers to the WhatsApp Business platform (a cloud-hosted version). It helps manage thousands of messages in the team inbox and send bulk messages without using your servers. It eliminates the need for setting complex server setup and management.
Key Features of WhatsApp Cloud API
Cloud-Based: This API is hosted by Meta, which eliminates the need self-hosted server.
Easy Integration: It easily integrates with multiple platforms, including CRMs, e-commerce, and servers, as well as customer support tools.
Scalable: It can handle a large volume of messages. So businesses can scale up messaging.
Secure: It provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication between businesses and their customers.
Bulk Broadcasting: Businesses can send thousands of messages simultaneously to the users.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API is a service offered by WhatsApp for medium and large enterprises. It allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their existing systems. With this API, businesses can send notifications, replies, and have customer conversations at a higher scale.
Key Features of WhatsApp Business API
- Custom Integration: It easily integrates with CRMs, Chatbots, ERPs, and backend systems.
- Two-way messaging: Allows real-time conversations between businesses and customers.
- End-to-End Encryption: It is safe and offers secure communication between customers.
- Rich Media Support: It supports images, video, documents, and location with customers.
- Multi-Agent Support: Connects multiple agents to manage customer support efficiently.
- High Volume Messaging: It is capable of sending bulk notifications and updates.
- Verified Business Profile: It gives a green tick badge to the business to build trust.
- Delivery and read receipts: It helps track message status with accurate delivery insights.
- Customized Webhooks: Get instant updates on message status, delivery, and more.
Automate your KYC Process & reduce Fraud!
We have helped 200+ companies in reducing Fraud by 95%
Key Difference: WhatsApp Cloud API vs WhatsApp Business API
Hosting: With the cloud API, you don’t need a server or a complex setup. It will be managed by Meta. On the other hand, for WhatsApp Business API, you need hosting and a Business Service Provider (BSP).
Cost: For Cloud API, you need to pay per message. Plans start at $15/month. But in the case of a business API, you need to spend on hosting, setup, and messaging. Its plan starts from $25.
Setup Time: It is quick and simple to set up. But business API require a complex technical setup.
Maintenance: Meta will handle the WhatsApp Cloud API. However, the business API is handled by the business or provider.
Use Cases and Ideal Users: WhatsApp Cloud API vs WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Cloud API
This API is ideal for startups, developers, and Small to medium-sized businesses. Ideal for businesses that want to integrate WhatsApp messaging quickly without any difficulties of server management.
Use Cases
- Startups for building chatbots or notification systems.
- SMBs are automating customer support.
- Businesses looking for low-cost, scalable communication tools.
WhatsApp Business API (On-Premise)
It is best suited for BFSI sectors, large enterprises, logistics companies, and other businesses requiring high-volume messaging. It needs advanced custom workflows, high-volume messaging, and full control over infrastructure.
Use Cases
- Banks and financial institutions that need secure and custom integrations.
- E-Commerce platforms managing bulk notifications and support.
- Enterprises with in-house tech teams managing server infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of WhatsApp Cloud and Business API
WhatsApp Cloud API
Pros
- Easy to Set up.
- No need for infrastructure.
- Hosted and maintained by Meta.
Cons
- Limited customization options.
- Dependency on Meta for updates and changes.
WhatsApp Business API (On-premise)
Pros
- Full control over hosting and data.
- Highly customizable for complex workflows.
- Ideal for large-scale, enterprise-level needs.
Cons
- Requires technical expertise, setup time, and a WhatsApp Businessness API Provider.
- Ongoing maintenance and server management are required.
- Higher upfront and operational costs.
Which one should you choose?
Both WhatsApp APIs serve different purposes. Choosing the right one between WhatsApp Cloud API vs WhatsApp Business API depends on your business needs:
Choose WhatsApp Cloud API
- If you are a startup or a small business.
- You don’t want a complex technical setup.
- You want to avoid managing complex infrastructure.
- You want an affordable pricing and scalable messaging solution.
Choose WhatsApp Business API
- If you are a large or medium-sized enterprise
- You need advanced customization and control
- You have a tech team or a BSP.
Conclusion
When comparing WhatsApp Cloud API vs WhatsApp Business API. Which option is best depends on the requirements. The WhatsApp cloud API is appropriate for SMBs and startups seeking a quick and inexpensive solution. However, WhatsApp Business API is suitable for big enterprises that offers large-volume messages, as well as full control of infrastructure.
FAQs
Ques: What is the difference between WhatsApp Cloud and Business API?
Ans: WhatsApp Cloud API is hosted by Meta and easy to easy-to-use solution. It is a suitable business who want a simple setup without managing a server.
WhatsApp Business API is self self-hosted solution that offers customization and fulfils high volume needs.
Ques: What is WhatsApp Cloud API?
Ans: It is a cloud-based version of WhatsApp that allows businesses to send and manage messages without maintaining a server.
Ques: Whatsapp cloud api vs WhatsApp Business API, which is better?
Ans: If you want a simple, cost-effective solution, go for Cloud API. If you want customization, high scale, and control over infrastructure, go for the business API.
Ques: What is the use of WhatsApp Cloud API?
Ans: It helps businesses send, receive, and automate messages at scale without managing a server.
Automate your KYC Process & reduce Fraud!
We have helped 200+ companies in reducing Fraud by 95%
