SMS for Business vs WhatsApp Business API: Which One is Right for You?

In today's digital-first world, businesses have more options than ever to connect with their customers. Two of the most common channels are traditional SMS and the increasingly popular WhatsApp Business API. While both serve the same core purpose 'communicating with customers', they offer different features, experiences, and advantages. So which one is the better fit for your business? Let's break it down.

Feature	SMS for Business	WhatsApp Business API
Message Length	Limited to 160 characters per message segment. The SMS can be joined but it will cost more	Supports longer messages (up to 900 characters), formatted text (bold, italics), and multimedia content like images, videos, and documents.
Content	Only text	Text, images, documents
Sending Limitation	No limitation	Newly added number can only send up to 1000 WhatsApp messages per day. This tiering can be upgraded to higher limit once you have fulfilled certain criteria. To prevent spamming, WhatsApp only allows up to 2 marketing messages per mobile number per day.
Brand Presence / Verification	Sender ID / Brand name in SMS content	Brand name + profile image (can apply for green tick)
Delivery & Read Tracking	Delivery status available	Delivery and read status built-in
2 Way Conversation	Limited	Yes
Availability	Works on all phones, no app needed	Requires WhatsApp app & internet
Setup Duration	Within 1 hour	Requires at least 24 hours Needs a mobile number / landline and a WhatsApp Portfolio Profile

Conclusion: Which One Should You Use?

If you need simplicity and wide reach, SMS remains a reliable option. But if you're aiming for engagement, interactivity, and brand experience, the WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that takes customer communication to the next level.

Need Help Getting Started with SMS or WhatsApp Business API? Our team can help you set up and to start building smarter customer journeys.