Top 5 WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSPs)

Miodrag Magyar's photograph
Miodrag Magyar
Last updated March 18, 2024
Top 5 WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSPs)

Remove Any BSP Costs!

Now you can activate your WhatsApp number within 3 minutes using Rasayel – No Need to Pay For BSP anymore!

Get started on the WhatsApp Business Platform today!

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, effective business communication has never been more critical. Choosing the right WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, or BSP, is important if you’re looking for an efficient way to manage your customer interactions.

The WhatsApp Directory and Meta Partner Directory serve as essential resources, providing listings of approved API service providers where businesses can find partners that align with their specific communication goals. Choosing the right provider from these directories can be challenging. In this article, we dive into the significance of selecting a partner that aligns with your business communication needs.

‍Understanding WhatsApp Business API Partners

WhatsApp Business API is not directly accessible to businesses; instead, access is offered through Meta Business partners like Rasayel or approved Business Solution Providers (BSPs). These partners are essential for businesses looking to integrate WhatsApp into their communication strategies effectively. These partners offer a range of services, from setting up the API to providing advanced messaging capabilities, ensuring you can use WhatsApp to its fullest.

Types of WhatsApp Business API Providers

There is no strict classification of WhatsApp Service Providers. However, one main difference I see is that some providers offer their own customer support inboxes, while others don’t. These inboxes often do not meet customer expectations. Here are some aspects you should consider instead:

  • 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 & file types are supported?
  • What WhatsApp Business API features does this provider support & how quick are they to implement new features?
  • How easy is it to manage your WhatsApp Account & Profile?

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

1. Full-Service Providers

These BSPs offer a suite of services including a customer support inbox, integration assistance, and advanced features like automation through AI chatbots. They typically cater to businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

2. API-First Providers

Focused on offering robust API access, these providers cater to businesses with the technical capability to build or integrate their customer support solutions. They prioritize flexibility, scalability, and developer support.

3. Niche/Specialized Providers

Some BSPs specialize in specific industries or use cases, such as e-commerce, financial services, or healthcare. They offer tailored solutions, including pre-built templates and workflows, that address the unique requirements of these sectors.

4. Cost-Friendly Providers

Targeted towards small and medium-sized businesses, these BSPs offer competitive pricing, often with tiered plans based on usage. They may provide a mix of basic inboxes and API access to cater to businesses with varying needs and budgets.

5. Innovators

These are BSPs that are quick to adopt and implement new WhatsApp Business API features, offering cutting-edge solutions like advanced AI capabilities or unique integration options. They are suitable for businesses that want to adapt to specific customer communication needs.

WhatsApp Partners Pricing Models & Features

Providers offer different pricing models. Some sell fixed-price packages, while others charge for every message sent & 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 own 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 chat with you to figure out what you need and then give you a personalized price.

Each provider offers a variety of features, and the best choice for your business depends on your specific needs. This table provides a quick comparison of five leading WhatsApp BSPs: 360dialog, Twilio, MessageBird, CM & Infobip.

Feature360dialogTwilioMessageBirdCMInfobip
Interactive Message TemplatesYesYesYesYesYes
Multilingual TemplatesYesYesYesYesYes
Express SignupYesNoNoNoYes
Migrating Phone NumbersYesNoNoNoNo

Comparison of Top 5 WhatsApp Business Solution Providers

A recent policy from Facebook requires that customers have full ownership of their WhatsApp accounts. For that reason, 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.

1. 360dialog

Duration: 5 minutes to begin the trial experience; 1 week for full activation.

Application fee: 360Dialog offers two plans at $49 and $99.

Process summary: 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 business-initiated 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 offers unlimited sent and received messages.

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.

Business verification through Facebook is a must. Express Signup allows for a quick start without immediate business verification for low-volume messaging. Business verification for higher volumes or Official Business Account status can be done later.

UPDATE: From January 2024, 360Dialog launches 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

Duration: 2 to 4 weeks

Application fee: Free of charge

Process summary: 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 behalf of Meta. 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

Duration: 2 to 4 weeks

Application fee: Contact-based pricing.

Process summary: 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. If your business has 3000 active contacts in your WhatsApp list, the price is $45 per month. This charge comes on top of what Meta charges per conversation.

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

4. CM

Duration: Unknown

Application/onboarding fee: €499

Process summary: 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.

CM charges based on the number of profiles. Pricing starts from €129/month for up to 5 profiles.

WhatsApp messaging is included in the package, and you will be charged according to the official price list.

CM.com provides a customized setup and number management service, with their onboarding fee indicating thorough assistance in configuring your business profile and ensuring compliance with WhatsApp and Facebook standards.

5. Infobip

Duration: Unknown

Fees: There may be an application fee, but we were unable to verify exact amounts.

Process summary: To start your application process, register an account with Infobip and contact their sales team.

Infobip’s pricing for WhatsApp Business API is not publicly available. Unlike some providers with a straightforward per-message cost, Infobip uses a custom quote system based on your specific needs. Infobip requires you to verify your Facebook Business Manager ID before applying for a WhatsApp Business account.

General Differences Between Business Solution Providers

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

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 costs of:

However, there’s a faster, cheaper, and smoother option available. If you sign up with Rasayel, you can bypass the need for a separate Business Solution Provider (BSP). Rasayel is a verified Meta Business Partner, offering a direct and efficient way to activate your WhatsApp number. With Rasayel, you can have your WhatsApp number up and running for business communication within just 3 minutes – eliminating the need and associated costs of a BSP.

If you’re opting for a Business Solution Provider, you must know that each 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:

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.

Remove Any BSP Costs!

Now you can activate your WhatsApp number within 3 minutes using Rasayel – No Need to Pay For BSP anymore!

Get started on the WhatsApp Business Platform today!

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 & 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?

There are many Business Solution Providers to choose from, and each offers different pricing and functionalities. Selecting a provider that best fits your needs can become overwhelming. How do you choose the right provider? Here are a few questions for you to begin with:

  1. What’s your messaging volume? Different BSP pricing models are suitable for different messaging volumes.
  2. What is your budget? We have a full guide on how much WhatsApp Business API can cost you in The Ultimate Guide to WhatsApp Business API Pricing.
  3. What WhatsApp features do you need? Not all BSPs provide the same features of WhatsApp Business Platform/API, including different message types. To learn more about the types of WhatsApp messages, please read our articles, One-Stop Guide for Interactive MessagesAll About Interactive WhatsApp Message Templates.
  4. Are you a first-time user of WhatsApp Business Platform/API, or are you switching from one provider to another? Some providers allow you to switch, while others don’t.
  5. Do you already have a phone number you’d like to use, or are you open to getting a new one? Some providers allow you to bring your phone number. Others need you to buy a phone number from them. There are also providers that don’t allow you to bring your phone number along when switching to a different BSP.

Conclusion

Choosing the right WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) is important. However, Rasayel as a Meta Business Partner, offers a solution that simplifies the process of activating your WhatsApp number. This means that traditional BSPs are no longer a mandatory part of setting up and using WhatsApp for business communications.

Now you can activate your WhatsApp number within just 3 minutes, directly with Rasayel. This not only reduces the complexity and time required to get started with WhatsApp Business API but also lowers the costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A BSP is a company authorized by WhatsApp to help businesses integrate and use WhatsApp Business API for communication. They provide the technical infrastructure, tools, and services needed for businesses to effectively use WhatsApp for customer engagement.

Direct access to WhatsApp Business API is not available to businesses. BSPs facilitate this access, offering additional services like setup assistance, advanced messaging capabilities, and compliance with WhatsApp’s policies.

Direct access to WhatsApp Business API is not available to businesses. BSPs facilitate this access, offering additional services like setup assistance, advanced messaging capabilities, and compliance with WhatsApp’s policies. Rasayel is a Meta Business Partner and allows you to activate your WhatsApp number and start using the WhatsApp Business Platform within just three minutes, potentially removing the need for traditional BSP costs.

Costs vary widely among BSPs, based on the services provided. Some charge fixed monthly fees, while others bill based on message volume or active user counts. Always consider additional fees, such as WhatsApp’s message template charges.

Evaluate providers based on their application process, pricing model, message and feature support, flexibility in number porting, and ease of account management. Your business’s specific needs and volume of messaging should guide your choice.

Learn more

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About the author
Miodrag Magyar's photograph
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