Quick summary
Respond.io and Wati both provide access to the WhatsApp Business API, but they cater to different types of businesses. Respond.io is better suited for mid-market and larger businesses that want to manage conversations across multiple messaging channels, while Wati is commonly used by small to mid-sized businesses looking for a WhatsApp-only setup for marketing, customer support, and workflow automation.
That said, Wati applies a markup on WhatsApp API costs and requires users to pre-purchase messaging credits. Respond.io, on the other hand, does not include essential features like WhatsApp broadcasts in its $99/month Starter plan. Both platforms can also become significantly more expensive as your usage and team size scale.
That’s where WANotifier comes into the picture. Built specifically for WhatsApp marketing and automation, it offers 0% markup on API charges, a transparent pricing model, and best-in-class customer support, so your business can grow on WhatsApp without unnecessary overhead.
Want to give WANotifier a try? Start your 7-day free trial today!
Respond.io
Respond.io is an omnichannel messaging platform that enables businesses to manage conversations across multiple channels, including WhatsApp. While it offers powerful tools for sales and support teams, Respond.io’s multi-channel approach can be overwhelming for businesses seeking a more straightforward, WhatsApp-focused marketing solution.
Wati
Wati is a go-to platform for businesses that want to scale customer conversations on WhatsApp. With tools like bulk broadcasts, Click-to-WhatsApp ads, chatbots, WhatsApp Flows, and an AI-powered support agent, Wati helps brands deliver timely and personalized messages while streamlining customer support.
Core differentiators
Respond.io core differentiators
Key features
- WhatsApp bulk broadcasts
- Omnichannel team inbox
- Chatbots and workflow automation
- CRM-style contact management
- Analytics and reporting tools
Pros
- No markup on WhatsApp’s messaging rates
- Unified inbox for WhatsApp, Email, Facebook, and other channels
- Built-in CRM for contact and lead management
- Native CRM integrations like HubSpot and Salesforce
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for users who only want to focus on WhatsApp
- Too expensive for small teams
- Starter plan ($99/month) does not include broadcasts (WhatsApp-focused users must upgrade to $199/month plan for essential features)
- Number masking and SSO are only available on higher-tier plans
- No onboarding support in any plan (available only as a paid add-on)
Supported integrations
- HubSpot
- Salesforce
- ActiveCampaign
- Pipedrive
- Zapier
…and more
Best for
Mid-market and enterprise businesses that want to manage conversations across multiple channels and can absorb the higher subscription costs.
Wati core differentiators
Key features
- Broadcast campaigns
- Easy-to-use chatbot builder
- WhatsApp Flows and retargeting automations
- WhatsApp payments
- AI-powered support agent
Pros
- Powerful automation features, including an AI support agent and a no-code chatbot builder
- Integrates easily with popular CRM, ecommerce, and other third-party platforms
- Offers email support across all plans
Cons
- Adds a 60% markup on marketing messages ($0.01712 per message vs. the official $0.0107 rate)
- Requires users to pre-purchase messaging credits
- Maximum no. of users capped at 5 (even in the highest tier); additional seats cost $39 to $89 per user
- Broadcast scheduling and analytics not included in the base plan
- No free onboarding support for Growth or Pro plan users
Supported integrations
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Zapier
- Zoho CRM
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
…and more
Best for
Mid- to large-sized businesses that want a scalable WhatsApp automation solution and can absorb higher messaging costs.
Pricing
Respond.io pricing
Free Trial: Yes (7-day free trial)
Subscription Options: Monthly and yearly
Plans:
- Starter: $99/month (includes 1,000 contacts)
- Growth: $199/month (includes 1,000 contacts)
- Advanced: $349/month (includes 1,000 contacts)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Wati pricing
(Messaging charges include a markup and are billed separately)
Free Trial: Yes (7-day free trial)
Subscription Options: Monthly and yearly billing
Plans:
- Growth: $69 / ₹2,499 per month
- Pro: $149 / ₹5,999 per month
- Business: $349 / ₹16,999 per month
Pay-as-you-go Plan:
- ₹999 (includes 500 WhatsApp messages, valid for 3 months)
Support
Respond.io support options
Customer support
- Live chat and AI support (for all users)
- Scheduled success calls (for all users)
- Dedicated success manager (only available for Enterprise users)
Onboarding
Respond.io does not include onboarding support with its subscription plans. You can, however, purchase it as a paid add-on.
Wati support options
Customer support
- Support documentation
- Email support (for all paid users)
- Chat support (only for Pro and Business users)
- Priority support (only for Business users)
- Dedicated customer success manager (only for Business users)
Onboarding
Wati does not include onboarding support for Growth or Pro plan users. However, you can purchase it as a paid add-on for these subscriptions. Custom onboarding and setup are also offered as a paid add-on.