7 Best In-app Chat Service Providers and Comparison [2022]

As the world goes increasingly digital communication too has taken to the virtual medium. Especially in the business world, when customer touch is so important, having a call-in number or email support is not enough. With everything being real time, customers are looking for ways to connect and have queries resolved instantly. This is where in-app chat and support come in.

In fact, 79% of businesses with live chat support have said that offering live chats has had a positive effect on customer loyalty and sales. What’s more, 38% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company if they have in app chat support.

This article will explore what having an in-app chat service means, why you should consider it for your business and who are the top 7 in app chat service providers that you should go to.

In- App Messaging: The what and the Why!

In app chat, as the name suggests, is a feature that provides a chat service in an app whose main function is not communication. Instead, the app could be for a business or service, and the ability to chat in the app becomes an additional feature that the business provides as a service to its customers.

With an in app chat service, the user does not need to exit the app which makes it a much more user friendly and accessible feature for an app. However, providing an in app chat experience, whether for Android or iOS is not as easy as it sounds. There is significant development work needed, which is why there are a plethora of chat API service providers who can build it for you. As with the development of any feature, building an in-app messaging platform too requires planning and expertise. That is why we have listed the top 7 chat API service providers along with why they are at the top and what their pricing could possibly be.

Comparison Of The 7 Best In-app Chat Service Providers In 2022

1.CONTUS MirrorFly

CONTUS Mirrorfly has time and again been the #1 in app messaging service provider. Awarded Software Supreme’s Supreme and Most Affordable awards for 2021, they offerin app chat for Android, iOS and even web apps. Compatible with HIPAA, COPAA and GDPR policies, they are also highly secure and ensure you stay compliant as well. They offer a plethora of features. A select few of them are:

• Encrypted Conversations
• In app messaging SDK for Android
• In app messaging SDK for iOS
• White Label Solution
• Multi-device Compatibility
• Offline Messages
• Analytics
• Built-In Moderation Tools

With all of these and more features offered, they will not break the bank.  In addition, they also provide easy and accessible technical support.

1. Pricing: One-time License Cost
2. Supported Platforms: They provide support for iOS, Android and Web apps

2. PubNub

PubNub in app messaging API offers one-one or group chats with ease. Their in-app messaging platform also has filters that prevent use of foul language and other content filters. However, while being feature rich, they do not have custom branding. Some of the features offered are:

•       Multi-player online games
•       Push Notifications
•       File and Image sharing
•       @Mentions
•       Sentiment Analysis
•       Mute/Ban Users
•       User Metadata
•      Chatbot Device Chat

1. Pricing: They have various pricing options from free trials to customisable plans available on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: They support iOS, Android as well as Web Apps.

Also Read : Top Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Mobile App

3. Apphitect.ae

Apphitect is another provider who provides in app messaging SDK for both iOS and Android as well as webapps.They provide a 100% customisable experience with white label solutions. They also provide a host of features. Some of their features are:

•       150+ chat features and functionalities
•       One time License cost
•       HIPAA, SOC2, TLS, AES256, GDPR ready chat services
•       Video Conference
•       Live Broadcasting
•       File Transfer
•       Spell Check
•      Group Chat

With a host of features and a one-time licensing fee, they are a good option to build a chat app for mobile apps.

1.  Pricing: They charge a one-time licensing fee. More information is available on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: They support iOS, Android and Web Apps

4.  Sendbird

Sendbird is another in app chat API that is used by companies like Reddit and has quickly come to the top of the list of providers chat API for mobile apps. It does have quite a few features but tends to be slightly difficult to implement and document. Some of its features are:

•       Analytics Dashboard
•       Chatbot Interface
•       Admin Messages
•       Do-Not-Disturb Push
•       Read and Delivery Receipts
•       Private chats for large groups
•      Message Search
•     Ban/Mute Users

1.  Pricing: Starts at 399 USD per month all the way up to 599 USD per month as well as customisable plans on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: iOS, Android and Web apps.

5. Quickblox

Quickblox provides in app messaging SDK that has a quick response time as well as secure. It also allows you host on premise or on the cloud making it easy to implement no matter what your constraints. Some of its features are:

•       White label solutions
•       End to end encryption
•       Message history
•       Read and Delivery receipts
•       Chat moderation tools
•       Chatbot Integration
•       Offline messages
•     Multimedia sharing

1. Pricing:Their pricing starts at free plans and goes all the way up to 599 USD per month depending on features chosen. They too offer customisable pricing on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: Android, iOS and Web apps

6.  TalkJS

TalkJS is a solution that offer in app Chat SDK for Android, iOS and webapps. They provide a real-time, immersive experience as well as an interesting feature that converts messages sent offline to emails. Some of the features they offer are:

• Channels and group
• Emojis
• Real time translation
• Pre-Built Chat UI
• Customisable Design
• Developer Friendly API
• Message Analytics
• Conversation History

1. Pricing:Their pricing starts from 279 USD per month. They also have customisable solutions on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: Android, iOS and Web Apps

7.  Getstream

Getstream claims that they can get their solution up in days rather than weeks or months. They are also HIPAA, GDPR compliant making them secure. Some of the other features they offer are:

•       Fully Customisable
•       Scalable chat API
•       Secure and Compliant with multiple protocols
•       Easy Integration
•       Group chat
•       Translation
•       Push Notifications
•      Custom Messages

1. Pricing: Starts at 499 USD per month all the way up to 2299 USD per month. They also offer customisable solutions on their website.
2. Supported Platforms: Android, iOS and Web Apps

Conclusion

With the pandemic hitting hard, more and more innovative ways have been explored by organisations to ensure that they do not lose connection with their customers. Even companies that had largely an offline presence have had to adopt online presence. In app chat functionalities take that connection to a completely different level.

Hopefully this article will help you narrow your search for the ideal in app messaging API for your business.