Remote interactions and communication via robust apps are the modern market trends dominating businesses. However, building a chat application can be tough. The pressure to create something that runs smoothly and never crashes during a conversation is very difficult.
But fear not. Many app developers have faced similar challenges. A viable solution emerges in the form of chat APIs. With accelerated development time and smooth product release, APIs have become a vital factor in enabling faster market entry.
In this blog, we will see the 8 best in-app chat APIs. We will also cover the chat features and benefits.
What Is In-app Chat API?
In-app chat APIs resemble building blocks for designers for core functionalities without having to code them from scratch. They give the tools and infrastructure needed for building a chat app. It allows you to effectively incorporate real-time chat functionalities into your application. A chat API guarantees smooth communication inside your application. This means you do not have to construct an app and program it from grounds up.
Here are some benefits of going for such chat APIs.
- Consumer apps
With chat APIs, you can talk in a social media application. You can also converse with experts, for instance – messaging a driver while booking a taxi online.
- Business collaboration
In-app chat APIs allow groups to talk and share records easily within project management or communication applications.
- Niche applications
Chat APIs can drive communication across different app functionalities. It can also give you the opportunity to build a web chat application that fits your particular needs.
Best Real-time Chat APIs For Entertainment
1) MirrorFly
MirrorFly is a leading chat SDK and API supplier for in-app communication. It offers 150+ chat and video call features for web and mobile applications.
The fundamental feature of MirrorFly is that it accompanies both cloud and self-hosting chat. This implies that you can get one that is necessary for your requirements.
a) Why Should You Choose MirrorFly?
- Multi-tenancy support
MirrorFly allows you to leverage their multi-tenancy approach. This can assist you in keeping the conversation channels on the app.
- Scalability
It can easily scale up to 1B+ conversations.
- 100% customization
MirrorFly offers completely customizable messaging. It also provides various video calling features for building web chat apps.
- Security
It implements advanced security protocols with AES encryption and SSL. It also uses GDPR and OWASP.
b) Pros
- MirrorFly offers secure communication, including HIPAA compatibility and end-to-end encryption.
- The Chat API is also easy to set up.
c) Cons
- Some users have said that the software works a little slow without a fast net connection.
d) Supported infrastructure
- It works on the web and IOS. It is also on Android devices.
2) Sendbird
Sendbird is a popular chat API. It is considered a top choice due to its easy settings and features. It also fits diverse enterprise apps.
a) Why Should You Choose Sendbird?
- Scalability
It can easily scale your goals. This can help you satisfy the demands of rising user bases.
- Speed
Sendbird provides fast and reliable message delivery.
b) Pros
- Sendbird is fast and accurate. There are many reviews stating that the platform is very reliable and efficient.
- It has a very good scalability. It can handle many users without dropping in quality.
c) Cons
- Many users have reported experiencing a lot of service interruptions while using the service.
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported by the Web and iOS. You can also integrate it with Android.
3) Apphitect
Apphitect is a developer-friendly chat API solution. It is very good for designing in-app chatting features in an enterprise application.
a) Why Should You Choose Apphitect?
- Feature-rich
It has a complete set of features for diverse communication needs.
- Security
It has end-to-end encryption protocols like AES-128 and SSL.
b) Pros
- It offers various features like one-to-one group chat and cross-platform compatibility.
- You can monitor the active users and groups. You can also monitor multiple browsers.
c) Cons
- Lack of share-screen feature.
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
4) Stream.io
Stream is a powerful chat API. It is made for scalability. This makes it ideal for enterprise applications that need real-time communications.
a) Why Should You Choose Stream?
- Scaling
Stream can efficiently house a rising user base.
- Intuitive design
Its user-friendly interface allows for easy integration.
- Speed
It provides high-speed message delivery for real-time conversations.
b) Pros
- Stream chat can integrate properly with your system. Many responses online show that the platform is highly responsive.
- Several users have voiced their happiness with Stream’s support team. They have highlighted their efforts in resolving requests and issues.
c) Cons
- Search feature tends to be sluggish.
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
5) Twilio
Twilio is a widely used platform. It offers many APIs and is suitable for enterprise communication requirements.
a) Why Should One Choose Twilio?
- Versatile
It provides many communication APIs along with chat.
- Scalability
It can scale to accommodate the requirements of growing enterprises.
b) Pros
- Integrations between its various products
- Brand visibility and awareness
- Technical support
c) Cons
- There is no feature to move the lines linking the steps.
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
6) PubNub
PubNub is a real-time communication platform. It provides chat APIs that can cater to many enterprise needs.
a) Why Should You Choose PubNub?
- Real-time functionality
The platform ensures real-time message delivery for instant communication.
- Online presence detection
It also includes features for detecting user presence.
b) Pros
- There is a 99.999% uptime SLA. It also offers compliance with GDPR and HIPAA.
- The platform provides globally distributed infrastructure spanning 15 data centres.
c) Cons
- PubNub does not guarantee that messages are delivered to users in the exact same order in which they are published.
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
7) TalkJS
TalkJS is a lightweight chat API that can add chats to your website easily. It also provides many customization opportunities.
a) Why Should You Choose TalkJS?
- Ease of integration
The SDKs offered by TalkJS are very easy to integrate. This can allow you to finish the full web chat app development quickly
- User-friendly documentation
The documentation provided by TalkJS is easy to follow.
b) Pros
- It has easy-to-follow docs
- TalkJS also provides quick integration
c) Cons
- The customization options are very limited
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
8) Weavy
Weavy is a next-generation building block for developers. It enables teams to increase functionality while focusing on the core product.
a) Why Should You Choose Weavy?
- Integrations to the third-party tools.
- You can add capabilities for Zoom video conferencing or Box file sharing inside the app.
b) Pros
- Ease of Use
- Easy Integrations
c) Cons
- Poor Documentation
- Limited Customization
d) Supported Platforms
It is supported on the Web, iOS, and Android.
Market Trends and Statistics About Real-time Chat
Live chat applications can positively impact purchases. This is because studies show that numerous clients favour having their queries addressed quickly during their buying process.. Here are some trends that dominate the live chat space.
a) Topic base chat
The popularity of messaging apps has expanded. This is because almost all organizations focus on laying out speedy communications with their clients.
b) Low code
There has been a continuous shift towards low code chat. Gartner has anticipated the market to be a sum of $26.9 billion this year.
c) Plug and play UI kit
Nowadays, UI design has advanced to meet the changing requirements of online customers. Developer groups incorporate visuals and easy-to-understand interfaces. This can ensure the customer has a good experience on your site.
d) Customization
Developers are currently using this trend. It involves the usage of consumer data to make appropriate and focused interactions. This can boost buyer happiness.
Reasons Your Business Needs a Chat App
1) Instant assistance
Messages and voice calls allow you to build an app that connects customers directly to your products or services.
2) Boosting lead generation and sales
Customers sometimes need a little push to make a sale. That is where a chat app can help. It can convince them to check out the products.
3) Planning sales meetings with real-time chat
Some businesses prefer having messaging features on their website. This can allow the customer to inquire about potential details.
4) Turning visitors into customers with web chat apps
A web chat can guide your subscribers. This can make it simple for visitors to connect with you and convert as customers.
5) Real-time customer feedback and engagement
The app can also allow users to give you real-time feedback. This can help you improve your services.
6) Virtual and ongoing communication
Chat apps have replaced person-to-person communication. This can allow you to chat with your visitors in a time-saving manner.
The Main Features of a Web Chat API
1) Topic-based chat
This feature lets you organize user conversations.
2) High-quality video chat
Numerous web messaging services provide excellent options like sharing screens and enabling speaking indicators.
3) Call waiting
Web chat apps can allow you to properly engage customers on hold.
4) Chat analytics
This messaging app feature can allow you to track chats in real time and monitor other metrics.
5) Full Customization
Many chat apps allow you to customize your web chat with 100+ UI elements. This can help you make your site more intuitive and user-friendly.
6) End-to-end encryption
Chat apps use a secret code instead of insecure plain text. This can improve the security of the communication.
To conclude
These were the 8 in-app chat APIs that can help you build a web chat for your website. Mirrorfly gives you important chat API features like customization or analytics. It also provides scaling options that can help you boost your brand. There are many pricing plans available. However, you must get one according to the attributes and advantages it provides.
