Rich Communication Services (RCS) API and WhatsApp Business API are two powerful messaging solutions for enterprises looking to enhance their communication strategies. While both platforms offer rich media capabilities, interactive messaging, and automation, they have distinct differences that can impact an enterprise’s choice. This article compares RCS API and WhatsApp Business API to help businesses decide which suits their needs best.
Rich Communication Services (RCS): RCS Message is an advanced version of SMS, allowing businesses to send multimedia messages, track read receipts, and use interactive features. A major boost came in late 2024 when Apple integrated RCS into iPhones, increasing its reach. Thanks to this, RCS users are expected to grow from 1.5 billion to over 3 billion by the end of 2025.
More businesses are now using RCS. In 2024, Dotgo reported a five-fold increase in RCS messages, exceeding 10 billion messages. Countries like India, Brazil, Mexico, and several regions in Europe and Africa are leading in adoption. Additionally, telecom revenue from RCS business messaging is expected to jump from $1.3 billion in 2023 to $8 billion by 2025, mainly due to Apple’s support.
WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp Business remains a strong player in business messaging, especially in countries where WhatsApp is widely used. Its large user base, end-to-end encryption, and familiar interface make it a top choice for companies. In India alone, the business messaging market is expected to cross $1 billion in revenue by 2025, with WhatsApp playing a key role.
2. Key Differences Between RCS API and WhatsApp Business API
2.1 Availability and Reach
- RCS API: Currently, RCS is supported mainly on Android devices via Google Messages. Now Apple has also announced integrating of RCS into iOS, expanding its reach to iOS users also.
- WhatsApp Business API: WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide, covering both Android and iOS devices, making it more universally accessible.
2.2 User Experience and Features
- RCS API: Offers a native messaging experience with branding options, verified sender IDs, carousels, and rich media messaging directly in a user’s messaging app.
- WhatsApp Business API: Provides interactive templates, quick reply buttons, list messages, and multimedia support but requires users to communicate within the WhatsApp app.
2.3 Cost Considerations
- RCS API: Pricing depends on mobile network operators (MNOs) and varies by region. Some operators may charge per message, while others offer bundled pricing.
- WhatsApp Business API: Uses a tiered pricing model where businesses pay per conversation based on different categories such as marketing, utility, and authentication messages.
2.4 Business Verification and Compliance
- RCS API: Requires brand verification through carriers and Google, ensuring legitimacy.
- WhatsApp Business API: Businesses must be verified by Meta before they can use the API, and message templates must be pre-approved.
2.5 Security and Privacy
- RCS API: Lacks end-to-end encryption but relies on operator-level security.
- WhatsApp Business API: Offers end-to-end encryption for messages, ensuring higher security and privacy.
2.6 Integration and Automation
- RCS API: Can be integrated into CRM and marketing automation tools, supporting chatbots and interactive customer engagement.
- WhatsApp Business API: Provides easy integration with customer service platforms, chatbots, and automation tools like AI-driven responses.
2.7 Customer Engagement and Open Rates
- RCS API: Higher engagement due to interactive UI elements and native messaging experience, but adoption varies by region.
- WhatsApp Business API: High open rates and engagement due to WhatsApp’s widespread usage and notification system.
RCS vs. WhatsApp Business: Which is Better?
- User Base: WhatsApp has over 2 billion users, making it widely accessible. However, with Apple’s support, RCS is expanding fast and is expected to reach over 3 billion devices by 2025.
- Features: Both platforms offer rich messaging, interactive buttons, and business integration. RCS is built into native messaging apps, while WhatsApp requires a separate app.
- Security: WhatsApp provides full end-to-end encryption for all messages. RCS, while improving on SMS, does not offer the same level of encryption.
- Regional Popularity: In markets like India, WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app. However, RCS could appeal to users who prefer built-in messaging solutions.
Which One Should Enterprises Choose?
Choose RCS API If:
- Your target audience primarily uses Android devices.
- You want a branded, interactive experience within the native messaging app.
- You aim to reduce dependency on third-party messaging apps.
Choose WhatsApp Business API If:
- You need to reach both Android and iOS users.
- End-to-end encryption is a critical requirement.
- You want to leverage WhatsApp’s massive global user base for customer engagement.
The choice between RCS and WhatsApp Business depends on business goals, target audiences, and regional preferences. Both platforms offer strong communication solutions for enterprises in 2025.
MSG91 offers RCS Messaging and WhatsApp Business API, allowing you to choose one or both based on your needs. It also provides an API for seamless CRM integration. To integrate RCS or WhatsApp into your business, email [email protected], call or WhatsApp us at +91 88188 88733, or visit our website MSG91.com.
