Comparison between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API

Comparison between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp offers the following solutions for businesses looking to connect with their customers:

WHATSAPP BUSINESS APP
Small businesses can communicate with customers from a single device through a free-to-download app.



WHATSAPP BUSINESS API
Recommended for medium and large businesses, the API allows companies to communicate with their customers at scale.





WHATSAPP BUSINESS APP
WHATSAPP BUSINESS API
Use Cases
 Manually send outgoing updates and answer incoming messages from a single phone number
Proactively send notifications at scale
Answer incoming questions with automation and/or multiple live agents 
Scale
 Hundreds, manage responses from a single phone or computer with tools to help auto-reply
 Thousands to millions, with capacity limits
Setup Time
 Immediate
 5-15 days on average 
Key Features
• Business profile
• Catalog
• Away messages
• Automated messages (Quick Replies)
• Labels
• Groups <256 people
• QR codes, short links
• Business profile
• Programmatic creation of QR codes, short links
• Rich messaging (media, documents, buttons)
• Integration into third-party systems (e.g., Customer service platforms, CRM, etc.)
Product Limitations
• Manually send messages besides automated greeting or away messages
• No green badge for an official business account
System capacity limits on messages per hour
Paid templates required to initiate messages to customers outside of 24-hour window
Opt-in required for business-initiated messages
Policy
• See full list Business Policy and Commerce Policy
• See full list Business Policy and Commerce Policy
• No promotional notifications
How to Access
 Download Business app in the Apple store or Google Play store
 Free messaging
 Integrate with an authorized WhatsApp Business Solution Provider