Best WhatsApp CRM Tools in 2026: Top 8 Platforms Compared
Choosing the right WhatsApp CRM can make or break your customer communication strategy. With dozens of platforms competing for your attention, finding the one that genuinely fits your business needs is no small task. We spent weeks testing, comparing, and analyzing the top eight WhatsApp CRM tools on the market so you do not have to.
In this guide, we break down each platform's features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether you are a small local business, a growing startup, or an enterprise-level operation, you will find the right fit below.
What to Look For in a WhatsApp CRM
Before diving into the comparison, here are the core criteria we evaluated each platform against:
- WhatsApp API integration — Does it provide direct access to the WhatsApp Business API, or does it rely on third-party middleware?
- Contact management — Custom fields, tags, segmentation, and pipeline tracking
- Automation capabilities — Workflow builders, auto-replies, drip campaigns, and chatbot functionality
- Multi-agent inbox — Team collaboration, conversation assignment, internal notes, and performance tracking
- Broadcasting — Bulk messaging with personalization, scheduling, and analytics
- Ease of use — Onboarding experience, UI design, and learning curve
- Pricing — Monthly cost, per-conversation fees, and what is included versus add-on
- Integrations — CRM, e-commerce, helpdesk, and marketing tool connections
For a deeper dive into what makes a great WhatsApp CRM, see our complete WhatsApp CRM guide.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | API Access | Automation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aduela | SMBs, Israeli market | $39/mo | Yes (14 days) | Built-in BSP | Visual flow builder |
| WATI | E-commerce, support | $49/mo | Yes (7 days) | Built-in BSP | Keyword + flow |
| respond.io | Enterprise, multi-channel | $79/mo | Yes (7 days) | Via partners | Advanced workflows |
| Trengo | Omnichannel support | $113/mo | Yes (14 days) | Via partners | Rule-based |
| SleekFlow | Social commerce | $79/mo | Free plan | Built-in BSP | Flow builder |
| Interakt | Budget-friendly | $15/mo | Yes (14 days) | Built-in BSP | Basic sequences |
| Zoko | Shopify stores | $34.99/mo | Yes (7 days) | Built-in BSP | Template-based |
| NetHunt | Gmail-centric teams | $24/mo | Yes (14 days) | Via integration | CRM workflows |
1. Aduela — Best All-in-One WhatsApp CRM for Growing Businesses
Aduela was built from the ground up as a WhatsApp-first CRM platform. Unlike tools that bolt WhatsApp onto an existing product, every feature in Aduela — from contact management to automation to broadcasting — was designed specifically around the WhatsApp experience.
Key Features
- Visual flow builder — Create complex automation workflows with a drag-and-drop interface, including AI-powered nodes for classification, data extraction, and intelligent responses
- Full CRM with custom fields — Unlimited custom fields, tags, pipelines, and a flexible contact system that adapts to any business type
- Smart broadcasts — Segment-targeted WhatsApp and email campaigns with scheduling, personalization, and detailed analytics
- Multi-agent inbox — Assign conversations, add internal notes, transfer between agents, and track team performance
- AI agents — Deploy AI-powered chatbots that understand context, remember conversation history, and handle complex customer interactions
- Booking management — Built-in appointment scheduling with automated reminders and follow-ups
- Review automation — Automatically request and route Google reviews via WhatsApp after positive interactions
- Birthday greetings — Automated birthday marketing campaigns to nurture customer loyalty
Pricing
Starting at $39/month with a 14-day free trial. Pricing includes API access, CRM, automation, and multi-agent inbox. No per-seat charges for small teams. Conversation fees follow standard Meta pricing.
Pros
- Purpose-built for WhatsApp with deeply integrated CRM
- Full Hebrew and RTL support — ideal for the Israeli market
- AI agent capabilities built in, not add-on
- Visual flow builder is intuitive even for non-technical users
- All-in-one: CRM, automation, broadcasts, bookings, reviews in a single platform
- Competitive pricing for the feature set
Cons
- Newer platform with a smaller global user base compared to established players
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise-focused tools (though growing rapidly)
2. WATI — Strong E-Commerce and Support Focus
WATI (WhatsApp Team Inbox) is one of the earlier WhatsApp Business API solutions, focused primarily on customer support and e-commerce use cases. It has built a solid reputation for its no-code chatbot builder and template management.
Key Features
- No-code chatbot builder with keyword triggers
- Shared team inbox with conversation routing
- Broadcast messaging with template management
- Shopify and WooCommerce integrations
- Contact management with basic custom attributes
- API access for custom integrations
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for the Growth plan (5 agents). Professional plan at $99/month. Business plan at $299/month. Additional conversation charges apply per Meta pricing.
Pros
- Established platform with a large user base
- Good Shopify integration for order notifications
- Straightforward chatbot builder
- Decent API documentation
Cons
- CRM features are basic compared to dedicated CRM platforms
- Automation limited to keyword-based triggers — no visual flow builder
- No AI agent capabilities
- Analytics and reporting are limited on lower plans
- No Hebrew/RTL interface support
3. respond.io — Enterprise Multi-Channel Platform
respond.io positions itself as a business messaging platform that supports WhatsApp alongside other channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, and email. It is geared toward larger teams that need advanced workflow automation and multi-channel support.
Key Features
- Multi-channel inbox (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, email, SMS)
- Advanced workflow automation with conditional branching
- Contact merge and deduplication across channels
- Custom reporting and analytics dashboards
- Integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier, and more
- AI Assist for agent response suggestions
Pricing
Starter plan at $79/month (5 agents). Growth plan at $159/month (10 agents). Advanced plan at $279/month (25 agents). WhatsApp API access requires a separate BSP setup.
Pros
- Powerful workflow automation engine
- True omnichannel — merges conversations from multiple messaging apps
- Strong enterprise integrations
- Good analytics and custom reporting
Cons
- Higher price point than WhatsApp-focused alternatives
- Setup complexity — requires configuring a separate WhatsApp BSP
- CRM features are secondary to messaging features
- Steep learning curve for the workflow builder
- Overkill for businesses that only need WhatsApp
4. Trengo — Omnichannel Customer Service Hub
Trengo is a Dutch customer service platform that supports WhatsApp Business alongside email, live chat, social media, and voice. It is primarily a helpdesk solution that added WhatsApp capabilities rather than a WhatsApp-first tool.
Key Features
- Unified inbox for WhatsApp, email, Facebook, Instagram, and live chat
- Rule-based automation for routing and tagging
- Team collaboration with internal comments and mentions
- Knowledge base integration
- Basic reporting on response times and agent performance
- CSAT surveys after conversations
Pricing
Essentials at $113/month (5 agents). Boost at $170/month. Pro at $284/month. WhatsApp Business API is an add-on at extra cost on lower tiers.
Pros
- Good omnichannel support with unified conversation view
- GDPR compliant (EU-based)
- Built-in knowledge base
- Solid team collaboration features
Cons
- Expensive — WhatsApp is an add-on, not included in base pricing
- Automation is rule-based, not visual flow builder
- CRM capabilities are very limited
- Not built for WhatsApp-first workflows
- Contact management feels like an afterthought
5. SleekFlow — Social Commerce Focus
SleekFlow is a Hong Kong-based social commerce platform that combines WhatsApp messaging with e-commerce features like in-chat payments and product catalogs. It aims to help businesses sell directly through messaging apps.
Key Features
- Social CRM with contact and deal management
- In-chat payment links (Stripe, PayPal integration)
- Flow builder for automated messaging sequences
- Product catalog within conversations
- Multi-channel support (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, WeChat)
- Shopify integration for order management
Pricing
Free plan available (limited). Pro at $79/month. Premium at $299/month. Enterprise pricing on request. WhatsApp conversation fees additional.
Pros
- Free plan for testing basic features
- Strong e-commerce integration with in-chat payments
- Visual flow builder is well-designed
- Good for social selling and product catalog use cases
Cons
- CRM features are lighter than dedicated CRM tools
- Free plan is quite limited in functionality
- WeChat focus may not be relevant for Western markets
- Broadcast analytics could be more detailed
- No built-in booking or appointment management
6. Interakt — Budget-Friendly Option for Startups
Interakt, backed by Jio Haptik, is an affordable WhatsApp Business API solution popular in India and Southeast Asia. It targets small businesses and startups looking for basic WhatsApp marketing and support capabilities at a low cost.
Key Features
- WhatsApp Business API with green tick verification support
- Shared inbox for team collaboration
- Campaign manager for broadcast messages
- Basic automation sequences
- Shopify and WooCommerce integrations
- Order notification templates
Pricing
Starter at $15/month. Growth at $35/month. Advanced at $45/month. Per-conversation charges apply. Very affordable entry point.
Pros
- Most affordable WhatsApp CRM on the market
- Simple, clean interface
- Good Shopify integration
- Fast onboarding process
Cons
- Automation features are very basic — no visual flow builder
- CRM is minimal (basic contact attributes, no custom fields)
- Limited analytics and reporting
- No AI capabilities
- Primarily designed for the Indian market — limited localization for other regions
7. Zoko — Tailored for Shopify Merchants
Zoko is designed specifically for e-commerce businesses, particularly Shopify stores, that want to drive sales and support through WhatsApp. Its standout feature is the deep Shopify integration that syncs products, orders, and customer data.
Key Features
- Deep Shopify integration with product sync
- WhatsApp catalog and in-chat ordering
- Broadcast campaigns with product recommendations
- Shared inbox with agent assignment
- Abandoned cart recovery via WhatsApp
- Template message management
Pricing
Starter at $34.99/month (includes 500 conversations). Team at $54.99/month. Pro at $109.99/month. Business at $219.99/month. Overage per-conversation charges apply.
Pros
- Best-in-class Shopify integration
- Abandoned cart recovery is effective and easy to set up
- Product catalog in WhatsApp is a strong sales tool
- Reasonable pricing for Shopify merchants
Cons
- Very Shopify-centric — limited value without Shopify
- CRM features beyond e-commerce are basic
- Automation is template-based, not workflow-based
- No AI chatbot or advanced automation
- Reporting is limited to e-commerce metrics
8. NetHunt CRM — Gmail-Integrated WhatsApp CRM
NetHunt CRM is a Google Workspace-native CRM that lives inside Gmail. It recently added WhatsApp integration, allowing teams to manage WhatsApp conversations alongside email within the Gmail interface. It is best for teams already deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.
Key Features
- Full CRM inside Gmail with pipelines and deal tracking
- WhatsApp integration for sending and receiving messages within Gmail
- Email and WhatsApp conversation history in a unified timeline
- CRM automation workflows (lead assignment, follow-up reminders)
- Contact enrichment from LinkedIn and email
- Reporting dashboards with sales forecasting
Pricing
Basic at $24/month per user. Basic Plus at $34/month per user. Business at $48/month per user. Business Plus at $68/month per user. WhatsApp integration available on Business plan and above.
Pros
- Best option for Gmail-centric teams
- Full CRM with pipeline management is strong
- Unified email + WhatsApp timeline per contact
- Good LinkedIn enrichment for B2B sales
Cons
- WhatsApp is an add-on, not the core product
- Per-user pricing gets expensive for larger teams
- WhatsApp features are limited compared to WhatsApp-first tools
- No visual automation builder for WhatsApp-specific workflows
- No broadcast or bulk messaging capabilities through WhatsApp
- Requires Google Workspace — not suitable for non-Gmail businesses
How to Choose the Right WhatsApp CRM
With eight solid options on the table, here is how to narrow down your choice:
Choose Aduela if:
- You want a true WhatsApp-first CRM with everything built in
- You operate in Israel or need Hebrew/RTL support
- AI agents and advanced automation matter to you
- You need CRM, bookings, reviews, and broadcasting in one platform
Choose WATI if:
- You run an e-commerce store and need solid Shopify/WooCommerce support
- You primarily need a team inbox with basic chatbot
Choose respond.io if:
- You are an enterprise with 10+ agents across multiple messaging channels
- Advanced workflow automation is a top priority
Choose Interakt if:
- Budget is your primary constraint
- You need basic WhatsApp messaging and are just starting out
Choose Zoko if:
- You run a Shopify store and want deep native integration
- Abandoned cart recovery is a key use case
Choose NetHunt if:
- Your team lives in Gmail and needs CRM + WhatsApp in one place
- B2B sales pipeline management is your primary need
Final Verdict
For most small and medium businesses that rely on WhatsApp as their primary customer communication channel, a WhatsApp-first CRM delivers the best value. Platforms like Aduela offer a purpose-built experience with CRM, automation, broadcasting, AI agents, and team inbox in a single subscription — without the bloat and complexity of enterprise tools.
If you are coming from a traditional CRM and considering the switch, read our guide on setting up a WhatsApp CRM. If you are still deciding between the WhatsApp Business App and API, our API vs. App comparison will help clarify which you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the WhatsApp Business API for a WhatsApp CRM?
Yes. All eight platforms in this comparison require or strongly recommend the WhatsApp Business API for full functionality. The free WhatsApp Business App does not support multi-agent inbox, automation, broadcasting, or CRM integration at scale. Most of these platforms act as BSPs (Business Solution Providers) and can set up the API for you during onboarding.
How much do WhatsApp conversations cost on top of the platform fee?
WhatsApp conversation charges are set by Meta and vary by country and conversation type. In 2026, service conversations (customer-initiated) are free for 1,000 per month. Marketing, utility, and authentication conversations have per-conversation fees that range from $0.01 to $0.10 depending on the region. All platforms in this comparison pass through Meta's conversation charges at cost or with a small markup.
Can I switch WhatsApp CRM platforms without losing my number?
Yes. You can migrate your WhatsApp Business phone number between platforms. The process involves deregistering the number from your current BSP and re-registering it with the new one. There may be a short downtime window (typically a few hours). Your conversation history on the old platform will not transfer, but your phone number, verified business name, and quality rating carry over.
Which WhatsApp CRM is best for businesses in Israel?
Aduela is the best choice for Israeli businesses. It offers full Hebrew language support with RTL interface, pricing in shekels, and features designed for the local market including Israeli business templates and local support. While global platforms like WATI or respond.io work technically, they lack Hebrew interfaces and Israel-specific optimizations.
Is it worth paying for a WhatsApp CRM versus using the free Business App?
If you handle more than 20-30 customer conversations per day, have multiple team members, or want to send broadcast campaigns, a WhatsApp CRM pays for itself quickly. The automation alone saves hours of manual work per week. For businesses with fewer than 10 conversations per day and a single person managing WhatsApp, the free Business App may be sufficient to start.
Ready to see how Aduela compares in practice? Start a 14-day free trial and experience a WhatsApp CRM built for the way you actually work. No credit card required, full access to every feature. Start your free trial today.