Looking for the best Zoko alternatives to power your WhatsApp marketing and customer support? You’re in the right place. While Zoko is a popular WhatsApp Business API platform, it may not fit everyone’s needs – whether due to feature limitations, pricing, or lack of a free plan. The good news is there are plenty of other WhatsApp marketing tools that can boost your outreach, automate chats, and integrate with e-commerce just as well (if not better).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 top alternatives to Zoko – with Sendwo leading the pack as our #1 recommendation. We’ll compare their features (WhatsApp API, chatbot builders, broadcasts, CRM integrations, etc.), pricing (including free plans or trials), and what makes each unique. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which WhatsApp platform is the best fit for your business.
Comparison of Top Zoko Alternatives
To kick things off, here’s a quick comparison table of the leading Zoko alternatives, including their focus, channel support, availability of free plans, chatbot/automation capabilities, e-commerce integrations, and starting price points:
Platform |
Best For |
Channels |
Free Plan? |
Chatbot & AI |
E-commerce Integration |
Starting Price |
Sendwo |
All-in-one WhatsApp marketing & CRM |
WhatsApp |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes (AI-powered) |
✅ Shopify, WooCommerce |
$0 (Free), then $29/mo |
DelightChat |
Omnichannel support & marketing |
WhatsApp, IG, FB, Email, Chat |
🔄 Free trial |
✅ Yes |
✅ Shopify |
$49/mo |
QuickReply.ai |
WhatsApp automation for D2C |
WhatsApp, Web Chat, IG |
✅ Yes (pay-per-use) |
✅ Pre-built Flows |
✅ Shopify, Woo |
$35/mo |
Interakt |
WhatsApp CRM for SMBs |
WhatsApp, IG DMs |
🔄 Free trial |
✅ Basic bot |
✅ Shopify, Woo |
~$12/mo |
WATI |
Customer engagement on WhatsApp |
WhatsApp |
🔄 Free trial |
✅ Flow Builder |
Limited |
~$40/mo |
AiSensy |
Affordable WhatsApp marketing |
WhatsApp |
✅ Yes |
✅ Drag-drop Bot |
Basic (via API) |
$20/mo |
Gallabox |
AI Chat & automation for SMBs |
WhatsApp |
🔄 Free trial |
✅ Gen AI |
✅ Shopify |
$20/mo |
Twilio |
Custom developer solution |
WhatsApp, SMS, Voice |
✅ Trial credit |
🛠️ Custom via API |
Custom dev |
Pay-as-you-go |
Freshchat |
Omnichannel support platform |
WhatsApp, Email, Chat |
✅ Limited free |
✅ Freddy AI |
✅ Freshdesk, CRM |
$19/agent/mo |
MessageBird |
Enterprise multi-channel messaging |
WhatsApp, SMS, Email, etc. |
🔄 Trial |
✅ Flow + AI |
✅ Via API |
Pay-as-you-go |
Note: ✅ = Yes, ❌ = No. *QuickReply’s “free tier” means you can sign up free and pay per message (~$0.0106 per WhatsApp message) with no monthly fee. Pricing often excludes WhatsApp’s conversation charges (though some providers include a quota). Always check each platform’s latest pricing page for details and any applicable WhatsApp API fees.
Now, let’s dive into each of these alternatives in detail and see why Sendwo stands out as the #1 choice for WhatsApp marketing, support, and automation.
Sendwo is an all-in-one WhatsApp marketing software and CRM platform – and our top pick as a Zoko alternative. It offers everything you need to broadcast messages, automate conversations, and manage customer chats on WhatsApp, all in one place. What really makes Sendwo shine is its generous free plan and affordable pricing. Unlike most competitors, Sendwo has a Free Forever plan (no credit card required) that lets you test the waters and even run small campaigns at no cost. When you upgrade, plans start at just $29/month for full features, and Sendwo doesn’t add any markup on WhatsApp’s API fees. This means you pay only WhatsApp’s standard conversation rates with no extra per-message charges – a huge cost saver for high-volume senders.
Key aspects that make Sendwo a superior choice:
- Official WhatsApp API (No Bans): Sendwo uses the official WhatsApp Business API, ensuring your number stays compliant and safe from bans. No more risking your business number with unofficial workarounds. (They even assist with getting the coveted green tick verification for your WhatsApp Business account.)
- Bulk Messaging & Broadcasts: Need to send promos or updates to thousands of customers? Sendwo makes it easy to broadcast WhatsApp messages in bulk. You can upload contact lists (or sync via integration) and shoot out templated messages (with buttons, images, etc.) in a few clicks. It’s perfect for marketing campaigns, announcements, or newsletters on WhatsApp.
- No-Code Chatbot & Automation: With Sendwo, you can automate your WhatsApp conversations without writing a single line of code. It includes a drag-and-drop chatbot builder to set up interactive chat flows, auto-replies, and even AI-powered responses. For example, you can create a FAQ bot or a guided shopping assistant to help customers 24/7. The AI chatbot can be trained on your PDFs, website, or FAQs to answer questions like a human, or seamlessly hand off to a live agent when needed.
- Shared Team Inbox (CRM): Managing customer chats is a breeze with Sendwo’s multi-agent inbox. Your whole team can log in to one WhatsApp number, assign conversations, tag customers, and collaborate on responses. This way, sales or support inquiries never fall through the cracks. It’s essentially a CRM inside WhatsApp – complete with contact labels, notes, and conversation history.
- E-commerce Integrations & Sales Tools: If you run an online store, Sendwo is built to drive WhatsApp sales. It integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more for syncing product catalogs and orders. You can showcase products in chat, recover abandoned carts via WhatsApp messages, and even collect payments directly on WhatsApp through Sendwo’s checkout links. It’s like having a mini storefront in WhatsApp, similar to Zoko’s commerce features but often more user-friendly.
- Analytics & Reporting: Sendwo provides real-time stats on your WhatsApp campaigns – delivery rates, open/read rates, response times, etc. These insights help you track ROI and continually improve your messaging strategy. You can see which broadcast got the most engagement or how fast your team is replying, all from a tidy dashboard.
Pricing:
Sendwo’s pricing is a major draw. The platform itself can be used free indefinitely (with ~100 contacts and 500 messages per month on the free tier). Paid plans like Starter ($29/mo) and Pro ($59/mo) increase your contact and message limits significantly (20k+ contacts and up to 100k+ messages). No contracts or hidden fees – just pay month-to-month and cancel anytime. Importantly, WhatsApp conversation charges are passed at cost with no markup. So, if WhatsApp’s rate for a message is say $0.005, that’s exactly what you pay (Sendwo doesn’t skim extra). This transparent model can save a lot compared to providers that add fees per message.
Pros:
- ✅ “Free Forever” plan – great for startups to get started without a budget barrier.
- ✅ Flat pricing, no per-message fee – only pay WhatsApp’s own fees (no Sendwo surcharge).
- ✅ Full feature set – broadcasts, chatbot, AI, multi-agent CRM, e-com integrations – all included even in base plans.
- ✅ 24/7 Support and Onboarding Help – Sendwo offers round-the-clock live chat and email support to help with setup or issues, so you’re never left stranded. They even provide one-on-one onboarding consultations (via Google Meet) to ensure you succeed.
Cons:
- ❌ WhatsApp-Only Focus: Sendwo is laser-focused on WhatsApp. It does not natively handle other channels like email or Facebook Messenger. If you need an all-in-one omnichannel inbox covering Instagram DMs, email, etc., you might combine Sendwo with another helpdesk tool. (That said, for businesses primarily using WhatsApp, this singular focus means Sendwo’s features for WhatsApp are very deep and specialized.)
In short, Sendwo offers far more value for WhatsApp marketing and automation than Zoko and many others. You get a richer feature set (advanced chatbot, unlimited broadcasts, built-in CRM) without the high costs or constraints. If you’re looking to scale your WhatsApp outreach or streamline customer interactions, Sendwo provides a powerful yet budget-friendly solution. It’s the #1 alternative we recommend checking out – especially since you can start for free and see the results for yourself.
2. DelightChat – Omnichannel Support + WhatsApp Marketing
If you’re looking for a combined customer support helpdesk and WhatsApp marketing tool, DelightChat is a strong contender. DelightChat is built with direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce brands in mind, offering an omnichannel inbox and WhatsApp campaign features in one package. In fact, you can manage WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, email, and live chat conversations all from DelightChat’s unified dashboard – something Zoko (and most WhatsApp-specific tools) can’t do. This makes it ideal if your customer queries come from multiple channels and you want a single team inbox for all.
Key Features:
- Shared Omnichannel Inbox: Your support team can respond to customers across WhatsApp, IG DMs, FB messages, email, and even website chat from one place. Features like internal notes, collision detection (preventing two agents from replying to the same query), and ticket assignment improve team efficiency. Essentially, DelightChat doubles as a helpdesk system and a WhatsApp tool.
- WhatsApp Broadcasts & Campaigns: DelightChat isn’t just for support – it also has a WhatsApp marketing suite. You can send promotional broadcasts to all your subscribed WhatsApp contacts using official templates. For example, announce a flash sale or send a back-in-stock alert via WhatsApp. It supports rich media, quick replies, and buttons in these messages. This dual capability (marketing + support) sets it apart from pure helpdesks.
- Deep E-commerce Integration: DelightChat offers native Shopify integration (with WooCommerce support on the roadmap). From the inbox, agents can see a customer’s order history, past purchases, and even track orders without leaving the chat. Automated WhatsApp flows for e-commerce are built-in – e.g. you can set up abandoned cart recovery messages, order confirmation alerts, delivery status updates, and COD verification to go out on WhatsApp automatically. This is very similar to Zoko’s commerce features, and in some cases more advanced out-of-the-box.
- Chatbot & Automation: While primarily live-agent focused, DelightChat does include a basic no-code automation builder. You can create simple chatbot flows or quick reply rules (e.g., if user says “order status,” auto-ask for order number and then reply with status). It’s not as advanced as Sendwo’s AI chatbot, but it handles routine FAQs and guided responses to an extent.
- Analytics & ROI Tracking: DelightChat provides metrics like number of tickets, resolution time, customer satisfaction (via feedback), and campaign performance. Uniquely, it also touts ROI analytics for WhatsApp, which can attribute sales/revenue to WhatsApp campaigns (helpful to see how a broadcast or cart recovery flow is impacting your bottom line).
Pricing:
DelightChat’s paid plans start at $49/month (Startup plan) which includes 1000 support tickets/mo and WhatsApp marketing features. Higher plans at $99/mo and $299/mo offer more capacity and advanced features for bigger teams. They offer a 14-day free trial to test everything, but no permanent free tier (after trial, you must subscribe). It’s a bit pricier than some WhatsApp-only tools, but you’re paying for the omnichannel support capabilities and robust integration. If you’re a Shopify store, the tight coupling with your store data can justify the cost.
Pros:
- ✅ Omnichannel + WhatsApp in one: Combines multi-channel support and WhatsApp marketing, so you don’t need separate tools for each.
- ✅ E-commerce focus: Excellent for Shopify/D2C brands – features like integrated order view and automated cart recovery on WhatsApp are huge time-savers.
- ✅ Polished UI and Mobile App: Users often praise DelightChat’s easy-to-use interface and mobile app, which lets your team reply to WhatsApp chats on-the-go.
- ✅ Reliable and secure: Official WhatsApp API, stable infrastructure, and good customer service from the DelightChat team.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher cost (no free plan): Small businesses on a tight budget might find the $49/mo starting price steep, especially if they only need WhatsApp functionality. There is no forever-free version (only a 2-week trial).
- ❌ Best for Shopify users: While it works for any business, DelightChat’s strongest features cater to Shopify e-commerce (Shopify integration is very deep, whereas WooCommerce and others are less so as of 2025). Non-ecommerce or non-Shopify users might not fully benefit from some features, making part of the tool underutilized.
In summary, DelightChat is a great Zoko alternative if you want to expand beyond WhatsApp and handle customer conversations across multiple channels. It’s particularly powerful for online store owners who want to merge customer support and WhatsApp marketing under one roof. If your business is growing and you need a more comprehensive support solution (and have the budget), DelightChat is definitely worth a look.
QuickReply.ai is another popular alternative to Zoko, especially known among Indian D2C brands. QuickReply positions itself as an e-commerce marketing and customer support automation platform centered around WhatsApp. If you’re frustrated by “hidden charges” or limited features in Zoko, QuickReply markets itself as a more flexible solution (in fact, they explicitly target being a “best Zoko alternative” in their messaging).
What sets QuickReply apart is its range of pre-built WhatsApp chatbot flows for e-commerce scenarios. It essentially helps you automate FAQs and repetitive inquiries so your team can focus on complex queries or conversions.
Key Features:
- Pre-Trained E-commerce Chatbots: QuickReply comes with a library of ready-to-use chatbot templates designed for common e-commerce queries. For example, you can deploy bots for “Order Tracking”, “Order Cancellation”, “Product Recommendation”, “Discount Code Inquiry”, etc. These bots can instantly answer customers or guide them (e.g., ask for order ID and then provide the tracking link). This is great for reducing the load on your support team.
- Broadcasts & Campaigns: Like others, QuickReply lets you send bulk WhatsApp broadcasts for marketing – product launches, promotions, newsletters, you name it. You can segment customers and send personalized messages at scale. They also support event-based messages like abandoned cart reminders and COD payment reminders (important for increasing conversions in markets where Cash on Delivery is common).
- Unified Inbox: QuickReply offers a single shared inbox for WhatsApp and other channels. Interestingly, they have expanded to support website chat, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, SMS, and even Twitter in their inbox. This means QuickReply isn’t just limited to WhatsApp; it can act as a mini helpdesk as well (similar to DelightChat’s omnichannel approach). All customer interactions funnel into one dashboard for your team to manage.
- E-commerce Integrations: It integrates with major e-com platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.. This enables features like pulling in customer data and order info into the chat view (so agents see context), sending order updates, and syncing contacts. QuickReply also provides WhatsApp widgets and opt-in tools to grow your subscriber list on your website.
- Analytics: You get analytics on chat volumes, bot performance, campaign click-through rates, etc. QuickReply may not have extremely advanced analytics, but it covers the basics. One noted limitation is that some advanced analytics (like trending products mentioned or long-term historical data) are lacking.
Pricing:
QuickReply has a unique approach – it offers a forever free tier where you don’t pay a monthly fee, but you pay per message (approx $0.0106 per WhatsApp message sent). This could be useful for businesses with very low message volumes or those who want to keep an account open with minimal cost. Beyond that, they have tiered plans: Starter around $35/month, Standard ~$80/mo, and Plus ~$199/mo. Each higher plan includes more features (like advanced segmentation, analytics, more users, etc.) and possibly better rates. They also offer a free trial for the paid plans. Overall, QuickReply’s pricing is competitive; the $35 Starter includes most core features, making it a cheaper entry point than Zoko’s $39+ plans.
Pros:
- ✅ Pre-built bots for common use cases: Saves you time – you can turn on a “Welcome Bot” or “FAQ Bot” without heavy setup, which is great for quick automation wins.
- ✅ Multi-channel inbox: Able to handle more than just WhatsApp (Messenger, web chat, etc.), which adds versatility if you plan to consolidate channels.
- ✅ Strong e-commerce focus: Integrations with Shopify, Magento, Woo, plus features like cart recovery and COD confirmation flows, make it very suitable for online retailers.
- ✅ Flexible pricing: The pay-as-you-go free tier is nice for experimenting, and the paid plans are month-to-month with no long-term commitments.
Cons:
- ❌ Limited deep analytics: As noted, QuickReply lacks some advanced reporting capabilities – for instance, it may not give you extensive insights into agent performance or long-term trends beyond basic metrics.
- ❌ Geared toward e-commerce: It’s excellent for retail scenarios, but other industries might find some features unnecessary. For example, if you’re not an online store, the pre-built bots might not align with your needs (though you can customize them).
- ❌ Interface can be complex: With so many features (bots, multi-channel, campaigns), new users might face a learning curve. It’s powerful, but there’s a bit of setup involved to get everything working smoothly for your use case.
Why Sendwo is superior: QuickReply and Sendwo share a lot of WhatsApp marketing DNA, but Sendwo edges out with its truly free unlimited usage plan (QuickReply’s free still charges per message), more advanced AI chatbot capabilities, and simpler flat pricing (no per-message cost anxiety). Also, Sendwo’s focus purely on WhatsApp means it has a few more specialized features (like WhatsApp payments collection, AI training of chatbots, etc.) that QuickReply doesn’t emphasize. That said, QuickReply is a solid alternative if you want a blend of WhatsApp and other channels together with ready e-com automations.
Interakt is an all-in-one WhatsApp CRM, marketing, and automation platform that has gained a large user base due to its affordability and features. Backed by Jio (a major telecom in India) via Haptik, Interakt helps businesses get on the WhatsApp Business API quickly and manage customer conversations at scale. If Zoko’s commerce features appealed to you, you’ll find Interakt offers many similar capabilities like product catalogs, broadcast campaigns, and a shared inbox.
Key Features:
- Shared Inbox for WhatsApp (and Instagram): Interakt provides a multi-user WhatsApp inbox where you can assign chats, use labels, and collaborate on customer conversations. They have also added support for Instagram Direct Messages integration (so you can respond to IG queries in the same dashboard). However, Interakt is largely WhatsApp-centric; it doesn’t integrate email or other channels besides Meta’s platforms.
- Contact Management CRM: You can manage all your WhatsApp contacts in Interakt, complete with attributes and tags. It’s easy to build segments (e.g., customers who purchased in last 30 days) and send targeted messages. Each contact’s chat history is saved, functioning like a mini-CRM of WhatsApp interactions.
- Broadcasts & Notifications: Interakt supports sending bulk WhatsApp messages using template messages. This includes marketing broadcasts (promo offers, newsletters) as well as automated notifications (order confirmations, shipping alerts). You can upload contact lists or capture subscribers via opt-in tools. They make the template approval process fairly straightforward and even provide some pre-approved templates to use.
- Chatbot & Automation: Interakt offers basic chatbot flows and auto-responses. You can set up a simple FAQ bot or use their “Chat automation” for welcome messages or out-of-office replies. Recently, they introduced an AI chatbot assistant (leveraging ChatGPT) to help automate order taking and FAQs, similar to Zoko’s AI order flow concept. This is still evolving, but it’s a nod towards more intelligent automation.
- E-commerce Integrations: Much like Zoko, Interakt integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce. You can sync your store catalog to WhatsApp and enable features like clickable product messages (sending product information in chat), cart abandonment flows (WhatsApp reminders for cart recovery), and COD order verification (auto-confirming Cash on Delivery orders via WhatsApp). These tools can directly boost sales via WhatsApp, which is Interakt’s big selling point for e-commerce businesses.
- API & Webhooks: For developers, Interakt provides APIs to send WhatsApp messages from your own systems and webhooks to receive incoming message events. This allows custom integrations (e.g., triggering a WhatsApp message from your CRM or ERP system).
Pricing:
Interakt is known for low-cost plans. They have a Starter plan roughly around ₹2,757 per quarter (~$11-12 per month), which is extremely affordable for basic usage. That includes 1,000 free conversations per month, after which conversation fees apply. Higher plans (Growth, Advance) cost more but include higher conversation quotas and added features. However, note: Interakt’s low prices come with a “fair usage” policy and conversation markups beyond the free quota. For instance, if you exceed the monthly included conversations, they may charge a markup (up to ~12% on WhatsApp fees for marketing messages, etc.). They market it as “no markup on within quota, then WhatsApp rates with a small markup beyond.” Still, 1,000 free conversations/mo on a ~$12 plan is quite generous for a small business. They also offer a free trial (7 days) to get started.
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly: Interakt’s entry pricing is one of the lowest in the industry for an official WhatsApp solution. Great for small businesses starting out.
- ✅ Commerce-focused features: Native support for catalogs, carts, and order notifications on WhatsApp – turning chats into sales opportunities, much like Zoko’s approach.
- ✅ Easy onboarding to WhatsApp API: They handle the WhatsApp Business API application and setup for you, making it simple to get your number approved and running.
- ✅ Scales with usage: The tiered conversation allowance means you pay more only as you engage more customers. If you stay under limits, costs remain predictable (93% of their customers never exceed and never pay extra, as they claim).
Cons:
- ❌ Primarily WhatsApp-only: Aside from some integration with Instagram, Interakt is not an omnichannel tool. You’ll need separate solutions for email or other chat channels if those matter to you.
- ❌ Conversation-based charges: The pricing, while low, can get complex with markups and tiers. If you have a spike in messaging volume beyond your plan’s included conversations, you might see extra fees (though still at reasonable rates). Some users prefer a simple flat fee model, which Sendwo offers, over this usage-based model.
- ❌ Limited advanced automation: Interakt’s chatbot builder is relatively basic (rule-based). Advanced AI or complex multi-step workflows might not be possible as of yet (beyond their new ChatGPT beta features).
Overall, Interakt is a compelling Zoko alternative for businesses that want Zoko-like commerce features at a fraction of the price. It covers the fundamentals of WhatsApp marketing and support quite well. Companies on a tight budget or those just starting with WhatsApp API will appreciate Interakt’s value. As you scale, just keep an eye on the conversation usage. For many small to mid-sized businesses, Interakt hits a sweet spot of functionality and cost-effectiveness.
WATI (WhatsApp Team Inbox) is one of the most well-known WhatsApp Business Solution Provider platforms globally. Many consider it a direct competitor to Zoko, since both are official BSPs offering similar tools. WATI provides a reliable shared inbox, broadcast capability, and a no-code chatbot builder geared towards customer support and engagement on WhatsApp. If you’ve researched WhatsApp API solutions, you’ve likely come across WATI due to its strong marketing presence.
Key Features:
- Shared Team Inbox: WATI’s core offering is a multi-agent WhatsApp inbox that lets teams handle conversations collaboratively. You can have up to 5 agents (on base plan) login and respond using one WhatsApp number, complete with features like agent assignment, tags, quick replies, and notes. This is essential for scaling WhatsApp support beyond one phone – something Zoko and all others here also provide.
- Broadcast (Messaging Campaigns): WATI allows businesses to send WhatsApp broadcasts to customer lists using pre-approved templates. The interface is user-friendly: import contacts, pick a template, customize placeholders, and send. This makes it easy to run marketing campaigns or send updates to thousands of users on WhatsApp.
- No-Code Chatbot Flow Builder: WATI includes a flow builder where you can design automated chat conversations (think of it as creating a decision-tree chatbot). For example, you can create a menu like “Press 1 for support, 2 for sales” and guide users accordingly. It’s visually intuitive and doesn’t require programming – a big plus for non-technical teams. Keep in mind advanced chatbot features (like AI or very complex flows) might require higher-tier plans or add-ons.
- Integrations & API: WATI offers integrations with tools like Google Sheets (to save chat data) and has a Zapier app for connecting to hundreds of apps. Developers can also use WATI’s API to programmatically send messages or integrate WhatsApp into their systems (though this is somewhat limited compared to raw BSP APIs like Twilio or Gupshup).
- Multi-Channel? One thing to note: WATI is focused solely on WhatsApp. It does not natively handle other channels like email or Messenger. It’s a dedicated WhatsApp platform (which it does well), but not an omnichannel inbox solution.
Pricing:
WATI’s pricing starts around $39–$49 per month for the basic plan (which typically allows 5 agents and core features). They have higher plans for more agents and additional capabilities. WATI usually requires annual billing for the best rates – e.g., ~$40/mo billed annually (the monthly-by-month might be a bit higher). They do not have a free plan, but they recently introduced a 7-day free trial so you can test the platform. One downside is that certain features cost extra; for instance, in the past WATI charged an add-on fee for advanced chatbot sequences beyond the basics. Overall, WATI’s cost is moderate: not the cheapest, but not exorbitant either, given it’s a polished product. You will also pay WhatsApp conversation fees on top (which is standard for all).
Pros:
- ✅ User-friendly and stable: Being a mature platform, WATI is known for its easy interface and reliability. Many businesses trust it, so it’s a “safe choice.”
- ✅ Official BSP backing: As an official WhatsApp BSP, they streamline the API approval process and ensure compliance. They can also help with getting a verified business badge.
- ✅ Strong community and resources: WATI has good documentation, tutorial videos, and support. Plus, a lot of third-party blogs (and even Zoko’s site) compare themselves with WATI, which speaks to WATI’s popularity.
- ✅ Sufficient features for most SMB needs: Shared inbox, broadcasts, and basic automation cover 90% of common use cases. Unless you need something very specific, WATI likely has you covered.
Cons:
- ❌ WhatsApp-only: Like Zoko, WATI only handles WhatsApp. If a customer messages you on another platform, you’ll need a different tool – there’s no multichannel merging here. For some, this is fine; for others who want one inbox for all, it’s a limitation.
- ❌ Some features/paywalls: Certain advanced features (like more sophisticated chatbot capabilities or higher agent counts) might require upgrading to pricier plans or purchasing add-ons. This can make WATI expensive as you scale. For example, one source noted that an advanced bot add-on was ₹24k/year (~$300) extra.
- ❌ No free tier: There’s only a short trial. After that, even small businesses must pay the base fee. In contrast, Sendwo and AiSensy offer free plans which can be more attractive for early-stage startups.
WATI is often recommended as “the safe alternative” because it’s tried-and-tested. In fact, on G2 Crowd WATI ranks as a top alternative to many WhatsApp tools. However, when directly compared to Sendwo, WATI might fall short for those who want more bang for their buck – Sendwo’s lack of per-message fees and more innovative features (AI chatbot, payments, etc.) are strong advantages. Nonetheless, if you want a reliable, straightforward platform and don’t mind the WhatsApp-only focus, WATI is a solid Zoko alternative to consider.
6. AiSensy – Affordable WhatsApp API Solution for SMEs
AiSensy is a WhatsApp marketing and customer engagement platform that prides itself on affordability and ease of use, particularly for small and medium businesses. It’s another India-based official solution that has become a popular alternative to bigger names like WATI or Zoko by offering a compelling free plan and low-cost paid plans. If budget is your primary concern but you still need a capable WhatsApp tool, AiSensy is definitely worth a look.
Key Features:
- Official API Access Simplified: AiSensy helps even non-techy businesses get onto the WhatsApp Business API quickly and for free. They handle the application/approval with WhatsApp, so you don’t have to struggle with BSP paperwork. Once set up, you use AiSensy’s web app to send/receive messages – no need to keep a phone running.
- Multi-Agent Team Inbox: Like others, AiSensy provides a shared WhatsApp inbox for teams. Multiple agents can log in, answer chats, assign conversations, mark resolved, etc. They support labels/tags for organizing chats (e.g. “New Lead” vs “Support Ticket”) and basic CRM functions to help you manage interactions efficiently.
- Broadcasts & Campaigns: AiSensy enables bulk messaging (broadcasts) to your contacts using WhatsApp-approved templates. The platform helps speed up template approvals and even offers ready-made template examples you can use. This is great for sending promotions or informational campaigns to thousands of users at once.
- No-Code Chatbot Flow Builder: AiSensy includes a drag-and-drop chatbot builder where you can create simple automated flows. For example, you can design a welcome flow with menu options or set up quick reply flows for FAQs. At the moment, AiSensy’s chatbot is mostly rules/keyword-based (not an AI brain) – good for straightforward queries like business hours, support menus, etc. It’s not as advanced as an AI chatbot, but it covers basic automation needs, which is useful especially after hours.
- Website WhatsApp Widget & Opt-In Tools: AiSensy helps you grow your WhatsApp contact list by providing a WhatsApp chat widget for your website and click-to-chat links/QR codes. The widget encourages site visitors to start a WhatsApp conversation with you (which opts them in for future messaging). This is valuable for building your audience legally and conveniently.
- Integrations (API, Webhooks, Zapier): Despite being SME-focused, AiSensy hasn’t skimped on integrations. They offer APIs and webhooks so you can connect AiSensy with your backend or other apps. They also have integration with Google Sheets (to log inquiries) and Zapier, which allows connecting to apps like Shopify, CRM systems, etc. This means you can automate things like sending an order confirmation via AiSensy when a new order is created on your store.
- Analytics: AiSensy provides basic analytics – number of messages sent, delivered, read, chatbot success rate, agent performance metrics (like avg response time). It’s enough to track your WhatsApp campaigns’ effectiveness and your team’s responsiveness.
Pricing:
Here’s where AiSensy shines. They actually offer a Free Forever plan as well, which gives you access to the platform and WhatsApp API with some limits on message volume. This means even if you’re a tiny business, you can start on AiSensy without paying monthly fees (just bear WhatsApp conversation charges). Paid plans start at around $20/month (approximately ₹999/month), which is very accessible. These plans increase your messaging limits and unlock certain advanced features or higher support tiers. The free plan lowers the barrier to entry significantly – something Zoko doesn’t offer. AiSensy’s goal is to “democratize” WhatsApp API for SMEs, and their pricing reflects that.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely cost-effective: Possibly the most affordable full-featured WhatsApp API tool – free plan available and paid tiers around $20. Great for startups and small businesses.
- ✅ Easy onboarding: Handles the API signup and provides a simple interface, so you can get started with WhatsApp Business API without technical headaches.
- ✅ All key features included: Despite the low cost, you still get broadcasts, team inbox, chatbot builder, and integrations. It’s not a stripped-down tool; it’s quite comprehensive for its price range.
- ✅ Growing feature set: The team is actively adding features (like recently dabbling in AI responses). You benefit from ongoing improvements.
Cons:
- ❌ WhatsApp-exclusive: AiSensy focuses only on WhatsApp (no multi-channel support). If down the line you want to unify other channels, you’d need another solution.
- ❌ Basic chatbot/automation: The automation flows are useful but relatively simple (rules and keyword triggers rather than AI or very complex logic). For many SMEs this is fine, but larger enterprises might crave more sophisticated bot capabilities.
- ❌ UI/UX is functional but not fancy: Some users note that AiSensy’s interface, while straightforward, isn’t as slick or modern-looking as, say, DelightChat or Sendwo. It gets the job done, though, which is what matters for most. Also, support may be more India-timezone focused, though they are improving.
All considered, AiSensy is a fantastic Zoko alternative if budget is a big factor and you need the essentials of WhatsApp marketing/support covered. It lowers the cost barrier to leveraging the WhatsApp API. While it may not have every advanced feature under the sun, it covers the core needs of broadcasting, chat management, and basic automation admirably. For small businesses and startups, AiSensy can deliver a lot of value without breaking the bank.
7. Gallabox – AI-Powered WhatsApp Chat & Automation for SMBs
Gallabox is a WhatsApp engagement platform that has been gaining traction for its AI-driven features and user-friendly automation aimed at small/medium businesses. Think of it as a modern WhatsApp solution that blends the usual features (inbox, broadcasts, chatbot) with a touch of generative AI to help businesses converse smarter. If you’re exploring Zoko alternatives that offer something “new” (like AI chat capabilities) without enterprise-level complexity, Gallabox is an intriguing option.
Key Features:
- AI Chat Assistant: Gallabox has integrated Generative AI (GPT) into its platform, meaning it can help draft responses or even handle simple queries using AI. This is relatively unique among WhatsApp tools. For example, an AI assistant might suggest a reply to a customer inquiry based on your chat history or knowledge base. It’s like having an AI co-pilot for your support team, improving response speed and consistency.
- No-Code Chatbot Builder: Gallabox provides a visual flow builder to create chatbots and automated workflows. It’s designed to be easy for non-developers, allowing you to set up conversational flows for FAQs, lead capture, appointment booking, etc. The AI component can also be used in these flows to interpret open-ended questions, making the bot feel more natural. This can help businesses automate a chunk of customer interactions (e.g. a bot answers common questions, only complex ones go to humans).
- Broadcast and Campaign Tools: You can send out bulk WhatsApp messages with Gallabox for marketing campaigns or customer updates. They support rich media templates and segmentation, so you can target the right audience with the right message. Their campaign dashboard shows delivery and read metrics to gauge performance.
- Shared Team Inbox: Like others, Gallabox offers a collaborative WhatsApp inbox for your team. Multiple agents can handle chats, with features like assignment, tags, and internal notes to streamline support. It ensures all customer messages get timely responses, even as your volume grows.
- Integrations: Gallabox connects with popular apps and e-commerce platforms. They have direct integrations or can connect via Zapier/Pabbly. For instance, you can integrate Shopify or WooCommerce to send automated order notifications or fetch order details inside Gallabox. Integration with payment gateways (like Razorpay) is also possible for collecting payments through chat. Essentially, you can create workflows that tie WhatsApp conversations with your business processes.
- Analytics: You get insights on chat volumes, bot vs human handoff rates, campaign success (open/click rates), etc. Gallabox emphasizes metrics that help you see how automation is benefiting (e.g., how many queries the AI/chatbot resolved without human help).
Pricing:
Gallabox’s pricing is quite friendly for SMBs. They offer a free trial (typically 7 days) to try out features. Paid plans appear to start around $20/month (basic plan) for a certain number of users and contacts. Higher plans allow more agents and possibly more AI usage. One thing to note: some lower Gallabox plans have user limits – e.g., an entry plan might cap at 5 agent logins. So as your team grows, you’d upgrade accordingly. They do not charge per message themselves (you just pay WhatsApp fees as usual), so it’s mostly a flat monthly platform fee structure.
Pros:
- ✅ Generative AI features: Stands out for leveraging AI to make chat automation smarter. This can improve customer experience by providing quicker, context-aware answers.
- ✅ Easy automation for SMBs: Combines chatbot flows with AI without coding – a potent combo for small teams who want to automate but lack dev resources.
- ✅ Good bang for buck: Pricing is reasonable and plans include quite a lot (inbox, bots, broadcasts, etc.). It’s designed to give smaller businesses access to advanced tools at affordable rates.
- ✅ E-commerce friendly: Integration capabilities (Shopify, payments, etc.) mean you can use Gallabox to drive sales on WhatsApp, similar to Zoko’s commerce angle, but with potentially less complexity in setup.
Cons:
- ❌ User seat limits on basic plans: As mentioned, the starter plan might only allow a handful of agents simultaneously. If you have a larger support team, you’ll need a higher plan.
- ❌ WhatsApp-centric: Gallabox is primarily focused on WhatsApp. It does one channel really well rather than offering omnichannel support. Not a deal-breaker if WhatsApp is your main channel (which is likely the case if you’re considering Zoko alternatives).
- ❌ Newer player: Gallabox is relatively newer compared to WATI or Interakt. While it’s innovative, it might not have the same level of community support or third-party tutorials yet. However, their own support is reportedly helpful in onboarding users.
In a nutshell, Gallabox is a fresh alternative that brings AI and automation firepower to WhatsApp marketing/support. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that want to be on the cutting edge (using AI chatbots) without needing a big budget or technical team. If Zoko’s features felt a bit basic and you crave more intelligent automation to scale conversations, Gallabox could be the upgrade you’re looking for.
8. Twilio API (with Twilio Console or Flex) – Developer-Friendly WhatsApp Solution
Moving slightly away from the plug-and-play apps, another alternative path is Twilio’s WhatsApp API. Twilio is a global cloud communications provider that offers WhatsApp Business API access, along with SMS, Voice, and other channels. Unlike Sendwo, DelightChat, or others on this list, Twilio is not an out-of-the-box CRM or marketing tool – it’s more of a building block that developers can use to create custom WhatsApp solutions. If you have dev resources or want maximum flexibility, Twilio could be a viable “alternative” to using a pre-built platform like Zoko.
Key Approach:
- Build Your Own Flows: With Twilio, you essentially get the raw power of the WhatsApp API. You can send and receive WhatsApp messages using Twilio’s API endpoints or their low-code tool called Twilio Studio. Twilio Studio lets you create message flows in a visual editor (like send message, wait for reply, branch based on keyword, etc.), which can be used to make chatbots or automated sequences. However, there is no turnkey multi-agent inbox in Twilio’s basic offering – for that, Twilio expects you to use or build an interface (or use Twilio Flex, see below).
- Twilio Flex (Optional): Twilio Flex is a fully customizable contact center solution. It can be configured to provide an agent inbox for WhatsApp and other channels, but it requires significant development/customization effort and is geared towards enterprise contact centers. For the scope of SMB WhatsApp use, Flex is likely overkill unless you already have it for call center and want to plug WhatsApp in.
- No Markup on WhatsApp Fees: Twilio charges a straightforward usage fee: you pay WhatsApp conversation fees at cost, and Twilio adds a small flat fee per message (for WhatsApp, as of now Twilio’s fee is $0.005 per message sent/received, on top of WhatsApp’s fee). There are no monthly software charges for using WhatsApp via Twilio except the pay-as-you-go for messages. This can be cost-efficient if you have sporadic usage or very high volume (since you’re not paying for user licenses, etc., just usage). But if you need additional features (like an interface, chatbot, etc.), you’d be investing in development.
- Multi-Channel via One API: A benefit of Twilio is that you can handle WhatsApp, SMS, MMS, voice calls, and more all in one place programmatically. So if you envision branching out to SMS marketing or other channels, Twilio provides a unified API and console for that.
Pricing:
Twilio’s pricing is pay-as-you-go. For WhatsApp, Twilio doesn’t charge a platform fee; you only pay WhatsApp’s conversation cost plus Twilio’s messaging fee (again, about $0.005 per message as of writing, which is quite low). There’s no free trial of WhatsApp itself (since WhatsApp API itself isn’t free), but Twilio often gives some trial credits to test SMS or other channels. Essentially, you deposit some funds and that covers your messaging usage. If you send a large number of messages, you pay more, and vice versa.
Pros:
- ✅ Highly flexible: You can build exactly what you need. Want a custom chatbot, or integration into your unique CRM? With Twilio’s API, it’s all possible. You’re not limited by a SaaS platform’s feature set.
- ✅ Multi-channel from the ground up: If you foresee needing an omnichannel solution, Twilio can accommodate that from a backend perspective (though you’ll need to create the frontend/inbox for your team).
- ✅ Scalable and robust: Twilio’s infrastructure is enterprise-grade. You won’t likely outgrow it – it’s used to send millions of messages reliably.
- ✅ Transparent usage costs: No subscription lock-in; you pay for what you use. This can be very cost-effective for certain cases (e.g., if you have seasonal spikes, you’re not stuck paying high fees year-round).
Cons:
- ❌ Requires technical expertise: This is the major drawback – Twilio is not plug-and-play for most business users. You’ll need a developer (or a lot of time/learning) to set up flows or integrate Twilio into a dashboard for your team. Without building an interface, you’d be stuck looking at JSON logs – not practical for daily use.
- ❌ No native agent UI: Out of the box, Twilio doesn’t give you the nice inbox UI that Zoko, Sendwo, etc., do. You’d have to either use a third-party UI or build one (or adopt Twilio Flex which can be costly and complex). So, for handling inbound queries with a team, Twilio alone isn’t sufficient.
- ❌ DIY maintenance: You are responsible for maintaining what you build. If WhatsApp or Twilio updates something, you need to adjust your implementation. With a managed platform, they handle all that behind the scenes.
In conclusion, Twilio is an option best suited for businesses with in-house tech capabilities or very specific integration needs that off-the-shelf tools can’t meet. It’s less of a direct “competitor” in features to Zoko and more of an alternative route to achieve WhatsApp connectivity. For most small businesses, a tool like Sendwo or Interakt will be far easier and faster to deploy. But for some, Twilio could offer cost savings and flexibility – just be prepared to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who can).
9. Freshchat (Freshdesk Messaging) – Omnichannel Support with WhatsApp Integration
Freshchat – now often referred to as Freshdesk Messaging – is part of the Freshworks suite (makers of Freshdesk helpdesk). It is an omnichannel customer messaging platform where WhatsApp is one of the channels supported. If your business is looking for a more customer support-oriented solution that can integrate WhatsApp alongside email, live chat, etc., Freshchat can be an alternative to consider. It’s not a dedicated WhatsApp marketing tool like Zoko, but rather a broader support inbox that also handles WhatsApp.
Key Features:
- Unified Inbox for All Channels: Freshchat lets your team manage conversations from various channels in one place – WhatsApp, website live chat, email, Facebook Messenger, SMS, mobile app chat, etc. This is great for support teams that have to juggle multiple platforms. You can have a conversation start on WhatsApp and continue via email, all within the same thread in Freshchat, giving a seamless experience.
- Agent Collaboration Tools: Since it’s a support-focused tool, it offers features like agent collision detection (preventing duplicate responses), internal notes, conversation assignment and routing (to the right department or team), and canned responses. It’s essentially like a helpdesk (similar to Zendesk or Freshdesk) but built for real-time chat channels.
- WhatsApp Integration: Freshchat is an official WhatsApp Business API partner. You can connect your WhatsApp number to Freshchat and start receiving/sending WhatsApp messages from the Freshchat inbox. Customers messaging your WhatsApp will appear to agents just like live chat or email inquiries do. Freshchat supports sending WhatsApp template messages too (for proactive outreach or notifications), although it may not have the mass broadcast campaign interface that specialized tools do.
- Freddy AI (Bot & AI Assistant): Freshchat has its own AI named Freddy. Freddy can power chatbots that work across channels, including WhatsApp. You can set up bot flows or FAQ bots that attempt to resolve customer queries automatically. Freddy AI can also provide answer suggestions to agents (like showing relevant knowledge base articles) to help them reply faster. This adds an automation layer to Freshchat, useful for handling common questions or off-hours inquiries.
- Context & Integration with Freshdesk CRM: If you also use Freshdesk (for tickets) or Freshsales (CRM), Freshchat integrates natively with those. You can see customer info from your CRM next to the chat, or create a ticket in Freshdesk from a WhatsApp conversation that needs follow-up. Additionally, Freshchat has APIs and webhooks for custom integrations if needed.
- Analytics & Team Performance: Freshchat provides dashboards to monitor things like chat volume per channel, response times, resolution times, CSAT (customer satisfaction) ratings, etc. You can analyze how your support team is doing and how customers are engaging on WhatsApp versus other channels.
Pricing:
Freshchat’s pricing is based on per agent per month, which is a different model from the likes of Zoko/Sendwo. For instance, it might start around $19/agent per month for a basic plan (with some limitations on features or number of contacts) and higher tiers cost more per agent with advanced features (like bots or AI assistance might only be in higher plans). They often have a limited free tier (for small teams or basic live chat only), but WhatsApp integration likely requires at least a paid plan. It’s important to note that if you have a growing team, costs scale linearly with headcount due to per-agent pricing. However, if you only have 1-5 support reps, it can be reasonable.
Also, the WhatsApp Business API messaging fees (conversations) are charged separately (Freshchat will have you connect your own WhatsApp API via a provider or through their partnership, and you pay those usage fees accordingly).
Pros:
- ✅ True omnichannel support: Perfect if you want WhatsApp to be handled alongside email, live chat, etc., and have a single support system for all.
- ✅ Full-fledged support tool: You get a lot of helpdesk-like capabilities (notes, tags, assignments, CSAT tracking) which pure WhatsApp tools may lack. This can improve your support operations and accountability.
- ✅ AI and automation: Freddy AI bots can deflect common queries, and the system can help agents with smart suggestions, improving efficiency.
- ✅ Part of a larger ecosystem: If you use Freshdesk for tickets or Freshsales for CRM, adding Freshchat (WhatsApp) means your tools are integrated seamlessly.
Cons:
- ❌ Not marketing-oriented: Unlike Sendwo or Zoko, Freshchat is not focused on marketing broadcasts or sales campaigns. While you can send proactive WhatsApp messages via templates, there isn’t a built-in campaign manager for bulk promotions. It’s best suited for support and one-to-one customer engagement.
- ❌ Cost for small teams if only using WhatsApp: If you only want WhatsApp functionality, paying per agent (e.g., $19 per agent) might end up more expensive than a flat $40 for unlimited agents elsewhere. Freshchat could be “too much tool” (and cost) if you solely need WhatsApp and have a small team.
- ❌ Setup complexity: Setting up WhatsApp on Freshchat might involve a few steps (verifying Facebook Business Manager, etc.) – usually guided, but still more steps than signing up for a purpose-built WhatsApp tool that automatically provisions everything. Also, leveraging all channels/features might require more configuration and training.
Use case fit: If your business is very support-centric and you value having one system for all customer communications, Freshchat is a great alternative. Many businesses that started with a WhatsApp-only tool eventually find they need to handle emails or other channels too – Freshchat offers that scalability. On the other hand, if your main goal is WhatsApp marketing blasts or you don’t need multi-channel, you might stick with a simpler, less costly WhatsApp-focused solution.
In summary, Freshchat is an alternative path where you trade some of the WhatsApp-specific marketing features for a broader support platform. It’s a bit like comparing a Swiss army knife to a specialized tool – Freshchat does many things (including WhatsApp), whereas Zoko focuses on WhatsApp commerce specifically. Choose Freshchat if omnichannel support efficiency is your priority and WhatsApp is just one part of your customer communication strategy.
Rounding out our list is MessageBird, a prominent player in the communications-platform-as-a-service (CPaaS) space. MessageBird offers an omnichannel messaging API and customer interaction platform that includes WhatsApp as a core channel. Think of it as similar to Twilio in breadth (SMS, WhatsApp, Voice, etc.), but with more ready-made tools and a focus on seamless multi-channel experiences. If you are considering a powerful alternative to Zoko that can handle not just WhatsApp but all your messaging in one place – and you don’t mind a more enterprise-oriented solution – MessageBird could be the answer.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel Messaging API: With MessageBird, developers can use a single API to send messages over WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line, Email, and more. This is extremely powerful if you want to reach customers on their preferred channel without integrating a dozen different APIs. For instance, you could have a workflow where a message tries WhatsApp first, and if not delivered, falls back to SMS, all handled by MessageBird’s logic.
- Flow Builder (Automations): MessageBird offers a visual Flow Builder where non-developers can create communication flows and chatbots. This can be used to design WhatsApp chatbots, auto-responders, or multi-step campaigns with conditional logic. It’s similar in concept to Twilio Studio, but with a more polished interface. You can integrate triggers like incoming messages or specific keywords and then define automated responses or routing.
- Inbox (Shared Inbox with AI): MessageBird has a product called Inbox (often marketed as Inbox.ai) which is a unified inbox for support teams. It aggregates conversations from WhatsApp and other channels into one view. The “ai” part implies it also has some AI assistance features. Through Inbox, multiple agents can reply to WhatsApp messages, tag conversations, and see context from other channels too. This is comparable to Freshchat or DelightChat’s omnichannel inbox capabilities.
- Integrations and Plugins: MessageBird integrates with various business systems – for example, you can connect it with CRM or e-commerce platforms using their plugins or webhooks. They also have solutions like SMS or WhatsApp for Zendesk, etc., if you use those systems. This flexibility allows you to slot MessageBird into your existing tech stack.
- Scalability and Compliance: As an enterprise solution, MessageBird is built to handle huge volumes of messages and strict compliance (important if you operate in regulated industries or globally). They have data residency options, high deliverability focus, and 24/7 support for business customers.
Pricing:
Pay-as-you-go / custom. MessageBird typically charges per message for each channel (with WhatsApp, you pay the WhatsApp conversation fee plus maybe a small markup). They might also have platform fees or package pricing for certain products like Inbox or high-volume plans. It’s not as transparent on their site, often you “contact sales” for WhatsApp pricing. Generally, expect that using MessageBird for WhatsApp will involve conversation-based costs similar to others. It may not have a low flat subscription like some SMB tools; instead, it might have minimum spend commitments or higher volume discounts. In short, MessageBird tends to be costlier if you’re only sending a small number of messages, but can be efficient at large scale or if you utilize multiple channels (since one provider covers all).
Pros:
- ✅ All-in-one messaging powerhouse: Great if you want to consolidate SMS, WhatsApp, etc., with one provider. You get consistency and can design cross-channel customer journeys easily.
- ✅ Robust automation and integration: The Flow Builder is powerful for creating advanced workflows. You can implement complex logic that might be beyond the scope of simpler tools.
- ✅ Quality and reliability: A trusted platform used by large enterprises – so reliability, security, and deliverability are top-notch.
- ✅ AI enhancements: The Inbox and Flow products incorporate AI to some extent (for routing or suggesting replies), which can improve efficiency. They’re staying on the cutting edge.
Cons:
- ❌ Costs can add up: MessageBird is a premium solution, often geared to larger businesses. Smaller companies might find it more expensive than Zoko or others, especially when you factor in potentially higher base fees or support costs.
- ❌ Complexity: With great power comes… a lot of options. It might be overwhelming for a small business to configure MessageBird to do what a simpler tool could do out-of-the-box. If you don’t need multi-channel, you might be using only 10% of the platform’s capabilities.
- ❌ Not specialized for commerce: While you can integrate with anything, MessageBird doesn’t specifically provide e-commerce-centric features like built-in cart recovery flows. You’d have to create those flows yourself or via integration. Zoko or Interakt have those patterns pre-made for you.
In summary, MessageBird is like bringing out the big guns for your customer messaging. It’s best suited for businesses that want a scalable, multi-channel solution with a lot of flexibility and are perhaps mid-to-large size. If WhatsApp is just one part of your engagement strategy and you have the budget to invest in a top-tier platform, MessageBird is a strong alternative to consider (and indeed competes with Twilio in that space). However, if you’re a small business solely focused on WhatsApp marketing/support, you might opt for a more straightforward and cost-effective tool like Sendwo or AiSensy instead, and save MessageBird for when you truly need that multi-channel expansion.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Choosing the right WhatsApp marketing and support platform can make a huge difference in how effectively you engage your customers. Zoko is a capable tool, especially for WhatsApp commerce and sales, but as we’ve seen, there are many alternatives that offer compelling features, pricing, and advantages.
If we were to crown a winner, Sendwo clearly stands out as the top Zoko alternative for most businesses. With its free-forever plan, no-middleware pricing, and rich feature set (broadcasts, AI chatbots, CRM, e-commerce integration), Sendwo provides exceptional value. It combines marketing and support functionalities without nickel-and-diming you on message fees. Plus, the focus on WhatsApp means it innovates rapidly on that front – from WhatsApp payment collection to GPT-powered bots – features that help you stay ahead of the curve.
That said, the “best” choice ultimately depends on your specific needs:
- If you need multi-channel support and your team handles email, social, and WhatsApp together, an omnichannel tool like DelightChat or Freshchat might serve you better.
- If you’re extremely budget-conscious or just starting out, AiSensy or Interakt can deliver core WhatsApp functionality at minimal cost.
- For those with a strong Shopify e-commerce focus, DelightChat, QuickReply, or Interakt all have tailored features to drive sales via WhatsApp.
- If you have the capability to build custom solutions, Twilio or MessageBird give you ultimate flexibility to integrate WhatsApp into your own apps or workflows.
- And if you liked Zoko’s commerce-centric approach but want a bit more, Sendwo and Zoko are quite comparable, with Sendwo often pulling ahead in terms of unlimited usage and advanced automation.
Actionable Next Step: Evaluate the short-listed platforms by taking advantage of their free trials or plans. For example, you can sign up for Sendwo’s free forever plan and actually run a small campaign or set up a chatbot to experience the interface. Similarly, try out DelightChat’s trial to see the omnichannel inbox in action, or Interakt’s trial to test its commerce features. Hands-on experience will tell you which tool feels right for you and your team.
In the fast-evolving world of WhatsApp Business, the platform that balances cost, ease of use, and powerful features is going to set you up for success. From our deep dive here, Sendwo checks all those boxes, making it an excellent first choice to try. Imagine being able to message thousands of customers, automatically answer their FAQs at 2 AM via chatbot, recover lost sales with a quick WhatsApp nudge, and do it all without worrying about surprise bills – that’s the promise these modern Zoko alternatives hold.
Whichever platform you choose, one thing is clear: leveraging WhatsApp effectively can transform your customer engagement and drive growth. So don’t hesitate to explore these alternatives and find the perfect fit for your business. Your customers are on WhatsApp – it’s time your business fully harnesses its potential!
Ready to supercharge your WhatsApp marketing and support? 🚀 Give Sendwo a try as your Zoko alternative and watch your customer conversations flourish. Sign up free at Sendwo.com and say hello to a smarter WhatsApp strategy!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why should I look for Zoko alternatives?
While Zoko is a solid WhatsApp Business API tool, you might seek alternatives if you need different features or pricing. For example, Zoko’s plans have limits on monthly active customers and primarily focus on WhatsApp sales features. If you want a free plan or cheaper option, or require advanced capabilities like better automation, multi-channel support, or no conversation caps, an alternative like Sendwo, Interakt, or DelightChat could be a better fit. Additionally, some users find Zoko’s feature set somewhat basic for support (it’s very commerce-focused). Alternatives offer varied strengths – e.g., Sendwo offers AI chatbots and free unlimited broadcasting, DelightChat supports email/Instagram in the same inbox, etc. It’s about finding a platform that aligns perfectly with your business needs and budget.
Is there a free alternative to Zoko for WhatsApp API?
Yes! Several alternatives provide free plans or free trials. Sendwo has a free-forever plan where you can use the platform with a limited number of contacts and messages every month. AiSensy also offers a free tier (allowing access to WhatsApp API with some usage limits). QuickReply offers a sort of free tier where you pay per message but no monthly fee. And Freshchat has a limited free version for basic live chat (though WhatsApp integration usually needs a paid plan). Zoko itself only has a 7-day free trial, no ongoing free usage. So if zero-cost to start is important, Sendwo and AiSensy are top choices.
How does Sendwo compare to Zoko in pricing and features?
Sendwo vs Zoko – Key differences:
Pricing: Zoko’s base plan is about $24.99/mo for 500 unique customers, and higher tiers go up to $114.99+ per month. Zoko doesn’t charge per message beyond WhatsApp fees (they have a fair use policy), but you pay more as your customer count grows. Sendwo, on the other hand, has a $0 free plan and paid plans from $29/mo that allow thousands of contacts, plus no extra per-message charges by Sendwo (you only pay WhatsApp’s conversation cost). This often makes Sendwo more cost-effective, especially for high volume messaging, since Sendwo imposes no markup on WhatsApp rates.
Features: Zoko is very strong in e-commerce features like product catalogs, cart recovery, and payment collection via WhatsApp – essentially turning WhatsApp into a sales channel. Sendwo actually matches these commerce features (Shopify integration, cart recovery, payment links) and goes further with things like the AI chatbot, and an included multi-agent CRM inbox. Zoko’s chatbot is powered by ChatGPT for orders (a specific use-case), while Sendwo’s AI chatbot can be trained on FAQs and handle a wide range of queries. Both offer broadcasts and automation, but Sendwo’s automation (flows, AI replies) is more flexible out of the box.
Bottom line: Sendwo is generally seen as giving more bang for your buck – you get a broader feature set without paying as much. It’s recommended for those who want a well-rounded WhatsApp solution. Zoko might still be a good choice if your main goal is WhatsApp shopping/catalog experiences and you’re okay with its tiered pricing.
Which is better for WhatsApp marketing, Sendwo or WATI?
Both Sendwo and WATI are reputable WhatsApp API solutions, but they differ in approach:
Sendwo offers unlimited broadcasts without additional cost (besides WhatsApp fees) and includes features like AI chatbots, free plan option, and integrations with e-commerce and Zapier. Its pricing is flat subscription-based, which can be simpler and cheaper for a lot of messaging.
WATI is an official BSP known for its reliable service and user-friendly interface for support teams. For marketing, WATI does allow broadcasts, but keep in mind WATI’s pricing has a user/agent limit and, historically, certain marketing-oriented features (like sequence flows) were add-ons. WATI’s base cost (~$40/mo for 5 agents) is higher than Sendwo’s base, and WATI doesn’t have a permanent free plan.
If your focus is pure WhatsApp marketing (bulk campaigns, drip sequences), Sendwo likely edges out WATI with its no-limit broadcasting and advanced automations. If your focus is a stable support inbox with occasional marketing and you prefer a very established provider, WATI is a strong choice. Also consider that WATI is WhatsApp-only, whereas Sendwo, while also WhatsApp-only, tends to innovate quickly in that space (AI, etc.). Many users favor Sendwo for its modern features and cost advantage for marketing needs.
Can these WhatsApp API platforms also handle customer support?
Yes, most of the mentioned platforms handle both marketing and support to varying degrees:
Sendwo, Zoko, Interakt, AiSensy, WATI, QuickReply all provide a multi-agent inbox where your support team can respond to incoming WhatsApp messages. They often include features like chat assignment, tags/labels, and quick replies to facilitate support.
DelightChat, Freshchat, MessageBird Inbox go further by supporting other channels in the same inbox, so they are designed as full customer support solutions (with WhatsApp being one channel).
These tools differ in how advanced their support capabilities are. For example, Freshchat has things like SLA tracking, CSAT surveys, etc., since it’s primarily a support tool. Sendwo and others provide the basics needed for support (which is often enough for small businesses doing WhatsApp support).
In summary, if you implement any of these WhatsApp API platforms, you won’t need to give out a cellphone to your support agents – they’ll use the web/desktop interface to manage WhatsApp chats professionally. It’s one of the main advantages of using the API over the WhatsApp Business App. So yes, you can both market (outbound messages) and support (inbound queries) using these solutions.
What about WhatsApp’s own app or WhatsApp Business app – why not just use that?
The WhatsApp Business app (the free app from WhatsApp) is great for very small operations, but it has limitations:
1. It can only be officially used on one device (phone) at a time (plus WhatsApp Web). You can’t have multiple support agents simultaneously answering on one number, which is a problem as you grow.
2. It lacks automation beyond very basic away messages or quick replies. No broadcast to more than 256 contacts at once (and even that requires manual effort via groups or broadcast lists with the app).
3. You can’t integrate it with other systems (no API access). So no automatic order notifications or CRM syncing.
4. WhatsApp API (which all the above platforms use) allows scale and multi-user access, but it requires going through a provider/BSP – that’s what these Zoko alternatives are.
In short, if you are a small shop with one person managing WhatsApp, the free app might suffice. But if you want to send bulk campaigns, have multiple team members chat, or build chatbot flows, you need an API-based solution. The alternatives we discussed unlock WhatsApp’s full potential for business beyond what the standalone app can do.
Are these Zoko alternatives compliant with WhatsApp policies?
Yes – all the platforms mentioned (Sendwo, DelightChat, Interakt, etc.) use the official WhatsApp Business API, which means they operate within WhatsApp’s guidelines and policy framework. Being official partners or using official APIs ensures:
Messages, especially outbound/broadcast, must use approved message templates that follow WhatsApp’s content rules (no spam or violations of commerce policy).
There are safeguards against sending messages to users who haven’t opted in. These platforms usually require you to import contacts who have given consent or provide tools to capture opt-ins (like forms, links, widgets).
They handle the 24-hour messaging window rules (you can reply to user messages within 24h freely, but after 24h you can only send template messages). For example, if you try to message outside the window, the platform will prompt you to use a template.
They typically also assist with getting your WhatsApp Business Account verified and display name approval, which are part of compliance. In contrast, using unofficial tools or “WhatsApp hacks” can lead to bans. The alternatives we’ve listed are legitimate and approved ways to use WhatsApp for business, so you can have peace of mind on compliance. Always, of course, ensure your usage (the content you send) is compliant with WhatsApp’s policies to avoid any issues.
How difficult is it to switch from Zoko to one of these alternatives?
Switching providers for WhatsApp API is not too difficult, but it involves a few steps:
1. WhatsApp Number Porting: Your WhatsApp business number can be ported from one provider (BSP) to another. For example, if your number is on Zoko (through a BSP like 360Dialog or Vonage), you can request to port it to Sendwo’s BSP. The alternative provider will guide you – it usually involves verifying a code and WhatsApp approving the transfer. Downtime is minimal.
2. Data export/import: Chat history typically cannot be migrated between providers due to WhatsApp encryption (each BSP has its own datastore). So you might not see past chats in the new platform. However, you can export contacts and maybe chat transcripts from Zoko and import contacts into the new platform. Most important is to bring over your contact list (opted-in customers). Platforms like Sendwo or Interakt allow CSV imports of contacts, so you can migrate your audience.
3. Template re-approval: You will need to recreate your message templates in the new platform and submit for approval (they might even get auto-approved if identical to before). Templates are tied to the WhatsApp Business Account, which remains the same during porting, so sometimes they carry over. It depends – but expect to do a bit of admin work re-adding them.
4. Learning curve: There will be a new interface and features to learn. But if you choose a user-friendly alternative, this shouldn’t be too steep. Most providers offer onboarding help to make the transition smooth. Overall, switching is very doable and commonly done. Businesses often try one BSP platform and move to another that suits them better. Just coordinate with the support teams of both the old and new provider to ensure a seamless porting process. Usually within a day or two your number is live on the new platform. Considering the long-term benefits (better pricing/features), the switch can be well worth it.
Can I use more than one WhatsApp number with these platforms (for different departments or brands)?
It depends on the platform and plan:
1. Sendwo supports multiple WhatsApp accounts even in one subscription (e.g., Starter plan allows 2 WhatsApp numbers, Pro allows 5, Enterprise 10). So yes, you can manage multiple numbers (say one for Sales, one for Support, or different brand lines) from one Sendwo dashboard.
2. DelightChat and others usually focus on one WhatsApp number per workspace, but some have options for multiple brand inboxes (DelightChat was primarily single-number per account as far as I know, you’d need separate accounts for multiple numbers).
3. Interakt recently introduced managing multiple channels (like IG + WA) but not sure about multiple WA numbers under one login – likely one number per account.
4. WATI on base plan is one number; you need higher plans or multiple accounts for multiple numbers.
5. MessageBird and Twilio definitely allow many numbers, since they are more infrastructure-like.
6. Freshchat you can integrate multiple WhatsApp numbers (via multiple WhatsApp Business Accounts) into one Freshchat system if needed, especially on higher tiers. When selecting an alternative, if multi-number support is important, choose one that explicitly offers it (Sendwo’s higher tiers, or MessageBird, etc.). Otherwise, you might manage separate accounts for each number. But yes, it’s possible to handle multiple WhatsApp lines – just check the provider’s capabilities. Many larger businesses do this (e.g., different countries or departments have different WA numbers all managed collectively).
What’s the best Zoko alternative for a small business just starting with WhatsApp?
For a small business starting out, the key is a low cost (or free), ease of use, and room to grow. Sendwo is arguably the best in that regard because of its free forever plan and user-friendly interface. You can start free, learn the ropes, and upgrade as you need more messages. AiSensy is another great choice for small businesses due to its affordability and focus on essentials. If your needs are basic now, AiSensy’s free/₹999 plan could be sufficient, and you won’t spend much. Interakt could work too, with its low-cost starter tier (if you don’t mind the conversation-based model).
The advantage of Sendwo for a newbie is you get to try out broadcasting, chatbot building, etc., without any payment upfront, and their support is 24/7 to help you if you get stuck. Plus, you won’t outgrow it – it has advanced features ready for when your business expands. So, Sendwo is an excellent first choice. Just ensure whichever you choose, you get the official WhatsApp API hooked up (these alternatives will guide you through that) and have a strategy to get customers opted in to WhatsApp updates from you. Once that’s in place, even a small business can start engaging customers like a pro on WhatsApp!