Top 8 Web Chat APIs For Enterprise Apps In 2024

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the middle of building an app, you’re not alone. It’s not an easy task! Especially, when you build an online chat app, it is even more overwhelming to ensure that your app is not slow and stops working in the middle of a conversation. 

This is where Web Chat APIs come in.

In this article, we’ll discuss with you about:

  1. 8 best chat APIs for your web apps.
  2. Key features you need to look for in a web chat API
  3. Where web chat APIs are commonly used these days

First, let me give a quick glimpse on what web chat API.

What Is Web Chat API?

A Web Chat API is a tool that lets developers add chat functionality to their websites or apps. For example, it enables the integration of a real-time chat window, allowing users to engage in instant conversations without leaving the site.

08 Best Web Chat APIs For Enterprises

#1. MirrorFly

MirrorFly is a leading in-app communication SDK & API provider that offers 150+ chat, video and voice call features for web and mobile apps. 

web-app-chat-api

The highlight of MirrorFly is that it is the only provider that comes with both cloud and self-hosted chat solutions. You can choose the solution as per your requirements and build your web chat app within a short time.  

Why Choose MirrorFly?
  • 100% Customization: MirrorFly offers completely customizable messaging as well as video calling features for building web chat apps.
  • Multi-tenancy support: If you choose to host your app on MirrorFly servers, you can leverage their multi-tenancy approach to maintain the conversation channels on your app.     
  • Scalability: Easily scales up to 1B+ conversations.
  • Multi-Platform Support: MirrorFly ensures a consistent experience across various platforms.
  • Security: Implements advanced security protocols with AES-encryptions, SSL, GDPR, HIPAA & OWASP.
  • Reliability: Offers a reliable infrastructure for uninterrupted communication.
Pros:
  • 100% customization options
  • Excellent scalability for growing user bases
  • Twin model Deployment: Cloud/ Self-hosting flexibility
Cons:
  • On-screen recording of video calls unavailable
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#2. Stream

web-chat-get-stream

Stream is a powerful chat API designed for scalability, making it ideal for enterprise-level apps that require efficient real-time communication. Their key features include activity feeds and chat for web and mobile apps.

Why Choose Stream?
  • Scalability: Easily accommodates a growing user base.
  • Intuitive Design: User-friendly interface for seamless integration.
  • Speed: Provides high-speed message delivery for real-time conversations.
  • Reliability: Offers robust infrastructure for stable performance.
  • Activity Feeds: Includes activity feeds for personalized user experiences.
Pros:
  • High-speed message delivery
  • User-friendly API integration
  • Reliable infrastructure
Cons:
  • Limited free-tier options
  • Some advanced features may require additional configuration
  • Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller businesses
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#3. Apphitect

web-messaging-api

Apphitect is the most developer-friendly chat API solution that is perfect for building in-app messaging features into any enterprise app. It lets you customize the messaging features as much as you need and ensures that the complete development process is smooth and quick.  

Why Choose Apphitect?
  • Feature-rich: Comprehensive set of features for diverse communication needs.
  • Scalability: Adapts to the changing requirements of your growing enterprise/ business.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensures a consistent user experience across Android, iOS and web platforms.
  • Easy Integration: User-friendly API for straightforward implementation.
  • Security: Protects apps with end-to-end encryption protocols like AES-128 and SSL.
Pros:
  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Scalable for enterprise growth
  • Cross-platform compatibility
Cons:
  • Screen sharing unavailable
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#4. Sendbird

web-chat-sdk

Sendbird is a popular chat API solution known for its ease of integration and powerful features, making it suitable for diverse enterprise apps. It is well known for its diverse range of features to integrate communication features on top of any technology that you prefer.

Why Choose Sendbird?
  • Ease of Integration: Quick and seamless integration into existing apps.
  • Feature Set: Robust set of features for enhanced communication experiences.
  • Scalability: Easily scales to meet the demands of growing user bases.
  • Community Support: Active community for assistance and best practices.
  • Speed: Provides fast and reliable message delivery.
Pros:
  • Quick and easy integration
  • Robust feature set
  • Active community support
Cons:
  • Not budget-friendly for small-scale businesses
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#5. Twilio

best-web-messaging-sdk

Twilio is a widely-used communication platform that offers a range of APIs, including chat. It is suitable for diverse enterprise communication needs because of its SIP & VoIP communication features along with programmable voice chat APIs.

Why Choose Twilio?
  • Versatility: Provides various communication APIs in addition to chat.
  • Scalability: Scales to accommodate the needs of growing enterprises.
  • Integration Options: Integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
Pros:
  • Versatile communication platform
  • Reliable infrastructure
Cons:
  • Some features requires improvement
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#6. Cometchat

#1-chat-app-for-web

Cometchat is a chat API solution designed to enhance real-time communication in various apps. It is one of the most flexible communication SDK providers that is easy to integrate on any industry-specific apps.

Why Choose Cometchat?

Features: Offers a variety of features for diverse communication needs.

User Engagement Tools: Includes tools for enhancing user engagement.

Pros:
  • Quick and easy integration
  • Adaptable features
Cons:
  • The free-tier options are limited
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#7. PubNub

website-chat-app-providers

PubNub is a real-time communication platform that offers chat APIs, catering to various enterprise communication needs with its reliable infrastructure.

Why Choose PubNub?

Real-Time Functionality: Ensures real-time message delivery for instant communication.

Online Presence Detection: Includes features for detecting user presence.

Pros:
  • Scales with your enterprise needs
  • Tech support is a strength
Cons:
  • Complexities with understanding Docs
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

#8. TalkJS

web-chat-api-free

TalkJS is a versatile chat API that makes adding chat to your website simple and easy. With a focus on customization, TalkJS lets you build a seamless communication experience to your users with a diverse range of features and UI components.

Why Choose TalkJS?
  • Ease of Integration: The SDKs offered by TalkJS are very easy to integrate and you can complete the entire web chat app development within a few hours.
  • Customization: You can personalize the chat features as per your needs to deliver a consistent brand experience.
  • User-Friendly Documentation: The docs provided by TalkJS are easy to follow.
Pros:
  • Quick integration
  • Easy to follow docs
Cons:
  • Customization is limited
Supported Platforms:
  • Web
  • iOS
  • Android

Various research studies consistently project the immense potential of real-time web messaging services in reshaping business communication strategies. Here are a few of them. 

Fact 1:

First, Aircall’s 2018 survey highlights that a mere 17% of companies had, or were planning to integrate live web chat apps on their websites. 

Fact 2:

Next, according to a survey by Bold 360, a huge shift was recognized by 71% of businesses worldwide, emphasizing the need for online chat apps on websites. 

The survey predicts that traditional communication channels would be overshadowed by chat solutions, positioning them as the primary mode of customer interaction by 2021.

Fact 3:

And finally, a comprehensive study reveals that 87% of companies successfully connected web chat APIs to engage with web visitors in real time. 

Among these companies, 61% acknowledged that real-time chat platforms for websites led to increased sales and conversions. 

Additionally, 45% of businesses reported the ability to track visitors and initiate conversations, while 43% highlighted the enhanced customer support provided through web chat applications.

As these statistics indicate, adapting web chat solutions is not just an option, it’s a crucial step for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of customer interactions.

Now, Why Does Your Business Need A Web Chat App?

We could convince you with 100+ reasons, but here are some of the real-time examples of how web chats would impact your business growth. 

  1. Instant Assistance for Enhanced Lead Generation & Sales

You’ve worked hard on your website to acquire potential clients. But if they don’t get the quick help they need, they’ll eventually leave your app. 

    EConsultancy found that 79% of smart businesses use chat APIs on websites to respond instantly.

With messaging, videos, and voice chats, you’re building an app. You’re connecting directly with your prospects,  driving more sales to your business.

best web chat api for enterprise business
  1. Boosting Lead Generation & Sales with Web Chat Plugins

Ever wondered why people leave their shopping carts? Sometimes they need a little push. 

These are not the only statistical records that describe the potential of web messaging service. Several such studies claim real time web messaging services will transform the businesses and their strategies of communicating with their clients. So, it is time to get ahead in the game! It is time to transform your business with the help of real time chat solutions!

    Studies say 68 out of 100 visitors leave the shopping carts without buying the product.

But here’s the fix – an online chat app. Imagine a friendly chat or video popping up when they’re about to leave your app. Cool, right? 

The best chat APIs alert you when a cart’s abandoned. You can shoot a quick automated  message, solve any issues, and they might just finish that purchase. If not, use the info to bring them back with discounts.

2. Booking Sales Meetings with Real-time Chat

Not all businesses aim for online purchases. Some, especially property or vehicle buying businesses prefer using messaging or chat features on their websites. 

Top Web Chat APIs

These enable a customer to easily inquire about the real-estate or vehicle via chat or voice/ video calls, turning them into leads and potential buyers quickly.

3. Converting Subscribers to Customers with Web-based Chat Apps

After optimizing your website, building an audience, and providing key information, the challenge is converting subscribers into customers. 

chat sdk for website

But, the key is adding a web-based chat to guide your subscribers throughout the customer journey on your website.

Include a chat option on your email landing page. This enables direct communication with your brand, making it easy for the users to connect with you, inquire and convert as a customer.  

4. Real-time Customer Feedback and Engagement

You can also let users give real time feedback on your website. 

This is an amazing way to track, analyze, structure and comprehend the various products and services you offer!

5. Virtual Reality and Real-Time Communication

There is no doubt that real time web chats are transforming the way businesses communicate. Yet you still feel that your business needs face to face communication. 

The use of website chat video apps is on the rise as they are easy and very conveniently replacing person to person communication. 

Moreover, it is also cost-effective and time-saving at the same time.

Key Features Of A Web Chat API

It is clear with the above-mentioned ways to transform businesses, companies certainly like instant messaging. But you must ensure that the web chat API you purchase must have the following features to ensure that your users have a smooth communication experience. 

1. Topic-based Chat

First, what is Topic-based chat? This feature lets you categorize and organize user conversations, to connect individuals with shared interests and passions.

2. High-Quality Video Chat 

Many web messaging services out there provide excellent video chat features, with options to share screen, mute/ unmute video, join via call links and enable speaking indicators. 

3. Call Waiting 

Eliminating customer wait times is crucial, especially during peak traffic hours. Web chat apps offer a solution to engage customers on hold effectively. 

6. Chat Analytics

An analytics feature in your web chat app enables you to track the count of chats in real-time and monitor other important metrics. This lets you optimize your brand engagement strategy and enhance the overall efficiency of your app.

7. 100% Customization 

The goal of customization is to create a consistent and professional image of the brand. And this extends to matching your website’s look and feel exactly the way you want. 

You can also customize your web chat with 100+ UI elements to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. 

8. End to End Encryption 

End-to-end encryption on an online chat app uses a secret code instead of insecure plain text, enhancing the overall security of the communication.

Which Industries Use Web Chat?

Almost all the industries in the commercial market rely on user conversion and retention. In order to achieve this, businesses have started adding online chat as a part of their user engagement strategy. 

Here are some examples:

1. Government and Public

Engage Sensitive & Confidential Interactions

The enterprise messaging solution is equipped with end-to-end encryption that enables government officials to connect with regional administration over virtual communication like video conferencing, private video calling, etc. 

2. Business & Corporate Sectors 

Centralized Communication for the Entire Remote Team

With in-app chat integration on your web project management tools, track the progress of tasks, communicate with the team, host meetings, and collaborate effectively to enhance productivity.

  • Host meetings
  • Sync Active Directory
  • Screen sharing
  • Remote Team connectivity

3. Schools & Universities – Deliver Classroom-like Learning Experiences

Connect students, teachers and trainees virtually from any device. Deliver classroom-like teaching experience with real time and interactive whiteboard teaching.

  • Whiteboard teaching
  • Host seminars, webinars
  • One-to-one virtual calling
  • File sharing

4. Cryptocurrency Exchanges – Collaborate & Trade Virtual Cryptocurrency 

Enables crypto profiles to connect for messaging and collaboration with authenticated registration. Provide built-in wallets for registered profiles to enable payments without the worry of third-party intervention. 

  • Virtual Cryptocurrency Exchange
  • Profile chat
  • Real-time market data share
  • Create Groups & Channels

5. Travel & Tourism – Boost Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty with Virtual Connections

Integrate in-app chat into your tourism platforms to create a channel that enables your customers to communicate with the support team at any time and from any device. 

  • Real-time Chat with customers
  • Virtual Support 
  • Be available 24×7
  • Built-in Notifications

6. Broadcasting & Streaming – Chat Like a Pro on live & on-demand Streams

Deliver the utmost entertainment to every audience by allowing them to interact with friends & host during live events. Increase engagement with in-broadcast chat to increase broadcasters’ fandom.

  • Profanity Filters
  • Moderation controls
  • Live Polls & Q&A
  • Open & Private Channels

Conclusion

Thus, in this article, we discussed all about Web Chat APIs, the list of the best Web chat APIs, their key features and use cases. I hope this article gives you all the information you need before you decide to choose a web chat service for your business. 

In my opinion I’d recommend you MirrorFly for its ease of integration and flexibility of deployment, and Sendbird for its many features. 

If you’d like assistance or more detail on this further, you can comment down below or talk to our team. 

 

Alex Sam is a digital marketer by choice & profession. He munches on topics relating to technology, eCommerce, enterprise mobility, Cloud Solutions and Internet of Things. His other interests lies in SEO, Online Reputation Management and Google Analytics.

11 Comments

  1. Digital Sagar Reply

    Hi,
    I am in the process of creating an app, one of the main features would be to connect patients to doctors (telemedicine) via our app using video and audio calling. Can you please send me a price breakdown. Also where is your company based and where will the support team be?

    Best,
    Digital Sagar

  2. Rishika Vats Reply

    Hi,
    I am looking for an in-app chat tool between sellers and buyers on our app marketplace. Also SMS solutions. Plz call me on my phone and we can discuss in details.
    Thanks

  3. axciumdogspa Reply

    Hi,
    I want to add voice and video call (Like whatsapp) feature in android mobile app. So i want 3rd party API android SDK. So please share me pricing plan and SKD for for demo. Also please share details related “Broadcasting”..

    Thanks.
    axciumdogspa

  4. Leefriend Reply

    Hello, I have reviewed your website and I am interested in the messaging app that connects to the XMPP servers. I want to know what is the sales model that it offers. I want to have full control over my servers and I am only interested in the app. They give support? Are there updates? Price? Limits of some kind?

    Thank you
    Leefriend

  5. Paul Kerins Reply

    Hi
    I m looking for a simple chat feature to integrate into my application built for IOS, Android and WEBSITE. I need only text, read receipts, typing indicators, notification when users comes online, notification on new messages. NO need for voice, video or group chats. We will store the chat messages for a period of 3 months and purge the data. or Purge the entire chat message when the user deletes the thread. Whichever comes first. We are looking for a simple chat solution to integrate into our app where users can connect with each other within our app.

    Hope you have the right solution for me.
    Thanks,
    Paul Kerins

  6. Rishika Vats Reply

    Hey
    I wanted to ask about the prices for one of my web based projects. The project would be a web based application which would require a large number of users to connect once a week to both video chat(Optional) and group chat, also they should be able to share files. Expected concurrent user count could range up to around 5000.
    Best

  7. Alina Patkov Reply

    Looking for chat API which can integrate into iOS and Android native code base. Looking for
    1) In app user to user chat
    2) In app group chat
    3) Chat from a user links to web based platform for our staff to respond to

    Regards,
    Alina Patkov

  8. Er. S Vishwakarma Reply

    i had gone this website.it quite impressed me.so i want know about chat api module need to integrate in our APP and Website. Can you please explain about the documentation and integration.so we can use this feature.please call me on above given number.

  9. Himani Sankhla Reply

    I want to integrate a chat room for users and clients respectively. I want separate inbox for every user and every client. I want to integrate it with XXXX Website through direct integration or emebed code. I want a special feature where a client can send bulk message to a particular user list (1000 users at a time). Please email me don’t call. And also give me prices for the same.

  10. Ravinder Kumar Reply

    Want to integrated voice/video and chat functionality so that visitors and agents can talk to each other from our platform. web to web users web to android/ios apps apps to web Please let me know your cost. Our usage may be low in the start but will increase later when the business develops.

  11. Mike Abelson Reply

    We want to integrate Mirrorfly’s SDK into our website so that users can do Audio/Video calling, can share messages through our portal by click of a button. Can someone from MirroFly contact us as we have to finalize this ASAP. We want to know about the pricing details and the features Mirrofly provides and also the level of Production support. Thanks in Advance.

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