Top 5 WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSPs)

When it comes to using WhatsApp Business for B2B sales, choosing the right service provider can make all the difference. WhatsApp Business Solution Providers, or BSP for short, are approved by WhatsApp to help companies connect to the WhatsApp Business API.

The Meta Partner Directory offers listings of approved API service providers. But with so many options out there, finding the right BSP that truly fits your sales strategy and goals can be tough. Here, we’ll cover our top five Business Solution Providers in 2024 to help you choose the right one for your business.

‍Understanding WhatsApp API partners #

Businesses can access the WhatsApp API in three ways:

1. Directly through Meta for WhatsApp Cloud API
2. Through approved Business Solution Providers
3. Through approved Meta Business Partners

If you choose to use WhatsApp Cloud API, you’d need to hire a developer or technical team for implementation. On the other hand, BSPs and Meta Business partners handle the technical setup, integrate WhatsApp Business API with your CRM or sales tools, and provide ongoing support. Most of them offer a communication platform for WhatsApp communications and real-time analytics.

Types of WhatsApp Business API providers #

There is no strict classification of WhatsApp Business Solution Providers. However, one main difference we see is that some providers offer their own WhatsApp team inbox, while others don’t. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a BSP:

• How easy is the application process? Are there application fees? What about other hidden fees?
• Can you switch providers without losing your phone number? Yes, this is only supported by a few service providers.
• What kind of WhatsApp messages and file types are supported?
• What WhatsApp Business API features do they support and how quick are they to implement new features?
• How easy is it to manage your WhatsApp Account and Profile?

Here are key considerations and the corresponding types of BSPs you might encounter:

Message volume #

What is your current and projected message volume? If you handle a high volume of messages, you’ll need a BSP that can support this scale without affecting message delivery speeds or performance. High-volume BSPs often have advanced infrastructure and dedicated support, which makes them more suitable for businesses with a higher number of agents.

Automation requirements #

Does your business require automation? Some BSPs specialize in automation features. They provide chatbot builders and automated workflows. If you’re planning to set up automation to handle customer interactions and reduce response times, choose a BSP with robust automation tools that fit your workflow.

Hosting #

The hosting setup of the WhatsApp API can impact your uptime and overall reliability. A cloud-hosted API on Meta’s servers generally guarantees minimum downtime and smooth updates, which are crucial for businesses that rely on WhatsApp for real-time customer interactions. Avoid on-premise API hosting if you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to maintenance and uptime.

Budget #

What’s your budget? Different BSPs come with varying pricing models. It’s important to clarify the total costs involved, including setup fees, messaging costs, and any additional features. Consider your budget constraints and what’s most valuable for your business needs, as well as any room for flexibility or scaling up in the future.

Customer service #

What level of customer support does the WhatsApp business solution partner offer? Is it 24/7? Ideally, the BSP should have a dedicated support channel for live chat. High-quality support can make all the difference for your operations, especially when troubleshooting or during peak business hours.

WhatsApp partners pricing models and features #

Providers offer different pricing models. Some sell fixed-price packages, while others charge for every message sent and received. Some service providers charge for monthly active users. In some cases, WhatsApp message templates are included in the pricing, while in other cases they are not.

For template messages, it’s important to note that WhatsApp charges a per-message fee. This pricing depends on the destination country. Some providers will bill you the exact amount, while others will add a charge on top of the official pricing.

When it comes to paying for WhatsApp Business services, each company has a way of doing things:

• 360dialog gives you a package where you can send and receive as many messages as you want for one price, and they don’t charge extra for certain types of messages.
• Twilio breaks down the costs a bit more, charging for each message and conversation you have. They also add on WhatsApp’s fees.
• MessageBird charges based on how many people you’re talking to through WhatsApp, with an extra fee that depends on WhatsApp’s pricing.
• CM chooses to charge based on how many business profiles you have, including the costs of messaging within their rates.
• Infobip goes a different route by not setting fixed prices. Instead, they offer a pay-as-you-go pricing model, charging for each individual message.

Each solution provider offers a variety of features, and the best choice for your business depends on your specific needs.

Comparison of top 5 WhatsApp Business solution providers #

A recent Facebook policy requires that customers have full ownership of their WhatsApp accounts. Therefore, the application process with any provider will, to some extent, require your involvement. With some service providers, the application process is entirely self-serve.

As a general requirement, you’ll need to begin by verifying your Facebook Business Manager ID. You can do this from your Facebook Business settings page. Business verification usually takes less than one week. Here’s our top 5 WhatsApp BSPs list:

1. 360dialog #

360dialog offers customers Express Signup, which takes only a few minutes. Business phone numbers that haven’t received approval for a display name are capped at 250 initiated business conversations within any 24-hour cycle. Upon approval of the display name, this cap is increased to 1,000. This rule applies universally across all WABA numbers, regardless of the Business Service Provider (BSP) involved.

360Dialog doesn’t restrict porting numbers directly in their general information. Their focus is more on the ease of getting started with WhatsApp Business API.

UPDATE: From January 2024, 360Dialog launched all new features only in Cloud API. No new features in On-Premise API versions. From May 15, 2024, 360Dialog will not allow new numbers to be registered for the WhatsApp On-Premise API.

2. Twilio #

Twilio offers an embedded sign-up to their customers. This process is self-service and can be started from the Twilio Console.

Twilio charges a per-message fee for every message sent and received. In addition to that fee, they charge conversation fees on Meta’s behalf. The prices vary in different regions and you can calculate the price of messaging in your region on their website calculator.**

You can purchase a Twilio number to use with WhatsApp or bring your own number. Business verification through Facebook is a prerequisite. Twilio’s detailed documentation can guide you through the setup and verification process, ensuring compliance with WhatsApp’s policies.

3. MessageBird #

MessageBird offers embedded sign-up making it easier for their customers to onboard onto the WhatsApp Business Platform.

Bird (formerly known as MessageBird) charges based on the number of contacts you are targeting every month. This charge comes on top of Meta’s pricing for WhatsApp.

MessageBird allows purchasing a number directly through their platform or registration of an existing number. Like others, verification of your Facebook Business Manager ID is required. Bird’s documentation offers support in managing your business profile within the WhatsApp Business API framework.

4. CM.com #

CM offers both plans and bundles for flexibility in how you are billed, based on your actual user patterns. The plans graduate from a free entry-level plan for one user to a pro plan for up to 1000 messages per second.

You’ll need to verify your FB Business Manager ID first, register an account with CM, contact CM support, and provide them with your details.

The three bundle types (Monthly Active Users, Conversations, and Messages) allow companies to choose a pricing model that aligns with how they communicate with customers. For example:

• “Monthly active users (MAU)” bundles suit businesses with a stable, recurring customer base.
• “Conversations” bundles work well for businesses with distinct, shorter customer interactions.
• “Messages” bundles are ideal for companies focused on high messaging volumes, like bulk messaging.

WhatsApp messaging is included in each package with conversational channels. CM applies a one-time onboarding fee for the initial setup and platform integration.

5. Infobip #

Infobip offers three different products: automation, a digital cloud contact center for messaging, and an omnichannel chatbot building platform - each available at a separate subscription fee.

Infobip applies a pay-as-you-go pricing model where they charge you per message sent. It’s an ideal option if you have variable messaging volumes. For instance, WhatsApp messages start from $0,071.

Infobip requires you to verify your Facebook Business Manager ID before applying for a WhatsApp Business account.

Infobip’s pros and cons according to users:

Differences between WhatsApp BSPs #

Choosing a WhatsApp BSP can be a complicated process, each offering distinct benefits and considerations. Here’s what you need to know:

WhatsApp API pricing models #

If you are an end-user of WhatsApp Business API and would like to use it for your customer communications, you need to consider the following costs:

• WhatsApp Business API pricing
• Business Solution Provider (BSPs)
• A team inbox solution or a CRM to be able to send and receive messages.

Each BSP solution has different pricing models. Some providers charge a fixed monthly fee per team or user, regardless of how many messages you send or receive. If you expect a high volume of messages, this pricing model should suit you. Other providers charge you based on the volume of messages you send and receive, a model that is suitable for businesses with low or unpredictable volumes.

Functionalities and features #

By signing up to any provider, you are not getting access to the WhatsApp Business API itself, but only the API of the provider that’s linked to the WhatsApp Business API. As a result, some functionalities of WhatsApp Business API may be lost.

WhatsApp Business API lets you switch providers; however, some providers make it difficult for businesses to switch away from them.

WhatsApp Business API supports various kinds of messages, but not all providers offer the full range:

• Text-based Messages
• Media-based Messages (Images, Videos, Documents, audio, sticker)
• Contacts and Location Messages
• Interactive Messages (List messages, Reply Buttons, Single-product Messages and Multi-Product Messages)
• Message Templates (Text-based message templates, Media-based Message Templates and Interactive Message Templates)

Required signup time #

With some providers, it takes less than 15 minutes, while with others, you need up to 4 weeks to get an account. You should aim to start your sign-up process as early as possible.

Phone number requirements #

Some service providers require you to buy a phone number from them to be able to create an account. Others are open to creating an account for you with any phone number that you bring.

WhatsApp messaging logs and history access #

BSPs can provide you with different logs, such as reports of your messaging history, delivery errors, messaging volume, or logs for developers.

What to look for in a WhatsApp API provider #

How do you choose the right provider? Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a BSP that best aligns with your business needs:

Messaging volume #

Your business’s messaging volume is a crucial factor in selecting a BSP. Providers offer different pricing structures and message bundling options that vary in cost-effectiveness depending on the volume you anticipate:

• Low volume: If you’re just starting with WhatsApp messaging or have a smaller customer base, look for BSPs with low-cost options or pay-as-you-go models.
• Moderate to high volume: For businesses with high messaging frequency or bulk messaging needs, consider providers offering bundles or flat-rate plans, which are typically more economical for high-volume use.

Budget and costs #

Pricing can vary significantly among BSPs. Consider how much you’re willing to invest in WhatsApp business and what each provider offers within your budget:

• Basic plans vs. premium features: Some BSPs offer free or entry-level plans with limited features, while others provide premium plans that may include advanced functionality.
• Hidden fees: Look for potential hidden costs, such as onboarding fees, integration charges, or additional fees for certain features. Don’t forget that, regardless of the BSP you choose, Meta’s fees for WhatsApp messages will still apply.

Evaluate the WhatsApp features you need #

Different BSPs provide various levels of access to WhatsApp business platform features, which could affect your decision if your business requires specific tools:

• Core messaging features: All BSPs provide basic messaging capabilities, but some offer advanced options like message templates, flows, or multimedia support.
• Specialized features: If you need features like chatbots, CRM integrations, or customer analytics, check whether the BSP offers these. Some providers specialize in high-level integrations or automation, which may simplify your customer engagement efforts.

New user vs. switching providers #

Are you a first-time user of the WhatsApp business platform or if you’re transitioning from another provider?

• First-time users: First-time users may benefit from a BSP with an easy onboarding process, helpful customer support, and integration guidance.
• Switching providers: Not all BSPs offer a smooth switch. Some providers allow you to migrate without losing your messaging history, while others require starting fresh. Clarify this with your prospective provider if you’re considering a switch.

Phone number preferences #

Whether you already have a business phone number or need a new one, it’s essential to know each provider’s policy regarding phone numbers:

• Bringing an existing number: If you have a number you’d like to keep, look for BSPs that allow you to port it into their system.
• New number assignment: Some BSPs require using a number they assign. If you don’t mind getting a new number, this could be a viable option.
• Limitations on switching with a number: Certain providers may restrict number portability if you decide to switch BSPs in the future, so it’s worth checking these policies.

Do you even need a BSP? #

As we mentioned before, there’s more than one way to get access to WhatsApp Business API. If you sign up with a verified Meta Business partner like Rasayel, you can bypass the need for a Business Solution Provider (BSP). We can get your business on the WhatsApp Business platform in less than 3 minutes – eliminating the need and associated costs of a BSP.

Final thoughts #

Choosing the right WhatsApp Business Solution Provider can affect your sales and customer engagement. Start by evaluating your messaging volume, budget, and the specific features you need, as BSPs vary widely in pricing models and functionality. Look out for any additional fees, such as onboarding or integration costs, and remember that Meta’s fees for WhatsApp messages will still apply no matter the provider.

If automation, API hosting, and customer support are critical for your business, make sure the BSP you choose can meet those requirements, especially if your team needs 24/7 support or plans to implement chatbots and automated workflows. Additionally, think about whether you need to port an existing phone number or are open to getting a new one, as not all BSPs allow number portability.

Finally, consider whether you even need a BSP. With Meta Business Partners like Rasayel, you can activate WhatsApp Business without the BSP-related costs, simplifying the process, cutting down costs, and getting set up within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions #

About the author

Miodrag Magyar

Miodrag brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in content writing and marketing, with a talent for making even the trickiest topics clear and interesting. His passion lies in guiding businesses to effectively utilize WhatsApp to build stronger customer relationships and drive results. With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, he’s here to show how effective WhatsApp communication can boost sales and enhance customer engagement.

@Miodrag Magyar on LinkedIn