What is WATI?
WATI is a WhatsApp Business platform that gives marketing, sales and support teams a shared inbox, no-code chatbots, broadcast campaigns and AI agents on top of the official WhatsApp Business API. It began in 2020 as a WhatsApp team inbox and now reports more than 16,000 customers in over 190 countries. WATI also handles Instagram, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, web chat and WhatsApp calling.
Its AI layer includes Astra, an agent that runs conversations and hands off to staff, and a copilot that helps agents reply. WATI connects with more than 100 tools, including Shopify, HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, WooCommerce and Zapier. With published pricing, a free trial and no setup fee, WATI suits small and mid-sized businesses that want a ready-made WhatsApp tool rather than building on raw APIs.
WATI at a glance
How does WATI work?
- Start a trial and connect WhatsApp
Sign up for the 7-day trial and connect your number to the WhatsApp Business API with no setup fee.
- Import contacts and templates
Upload contacts, tag them into segments and get message templates approved.
- Send broadcasts and ads
Launch broadcast campaigns and click-to-WhatsApp ads to bring customers into chat.
- Automate with chatbots and Astra
Build no-code chatbot flows and turn on AI agents to handle common questions and route leads.
- Collaborate in the team inbox
Agents pick up chats in the shared inbox, with routing and reports on higher plans.
WATI key features
Shared team inbox
One inbox for WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, TikTok and web chat, with routing on the Pro plan.
Broadcast campaigns
Send bulk WhatsApp messages and retarget engaged contacts.
No-code chatbots
Visual flows for FAQs, lead capture and order updates.
Astra AI agents
AI agents that run conversations and pass full threads to human staff, sold as an add-on.
Click-to-WhatsApp ads
Capture leads from Meta ads directly in WhatsApp and track results.
WhatsApp catalog and payments
Share products and collect payments, with Shopify templates included.
WhatsApp Business Calling
Let customers call your business through WhatsApp from the same platform.
Why use WATI?
- Quick setup with no setup fee gets a business on the WhatsApp API fast.
- Published plans and a free trial make it easy to compare costs.
- More than 100 integrations connect WhatsApp to your store and CRM.
- Mobile apps let staff answer customers away from a desk.
- AI agents and chatbots handle routine questions after hours.
Who is WATI best for?
A good fit for
- Small and mid-sized businesses starting with WhatsApp API
- Shopify and WooCommerce stores
- Support teams handling WhatsApp and Instagram chats
- Agencies setting up WhatsApp for several clients
Less suited to
- Teams larger than three users on a budget, since the Growth plan does not allow extra users
- Enterprises needing a fully custom messaging build, where an API platform like Twilio may fit better
- Businesses wanting AI agents included in the base price
WATI pricing
| Pricing model | Subscription |
|---|---|
| Free plan | No |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Starting price | $59/month billed annually (Growth, 3 users) |
Pro ($119/month billed annually) adds advanced chatbots, routing and more integrations, while Business is custom. Extra users and Astra AI agents cost more, and Meta message fees apply.
Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official WATI pricing page before you buy.
WATI pros and cons
Pros
- Fast setup and an easy interface
- Large integration library
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Clear published pricing
Cons
- Entry plan caps users at three
- AI agents cost extra
- Monthly billing prices are not shown on the pricing page
WATI integrations and platforms
Works with
Available on
WATI alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best WhatsApp Marketing Software.
WATI FAQ
Is WATI free?
No. WATI does not have a free plan, but it offers a 7-day free trial with no setup fee. Paid plans start with Growth at $59 per month billed annually, which includes three users. Pro costs $119 per month billed annually, and Meta's WhatsApp message fees are charged separately.
What is WATI used for?
WATI is used to run WhatsApp marketing, sales and support. Businesses send broadcast campaigns, capture leads from click-to-WhatsApp ads, automate replies with chatbots and Astra AI agents, share catalogs and let multiple staff answer customers from one shared inbox across WhatsApp and social channels.
Does WATI integrate with Shopify?
Yes. WATI integrates with Shopify and includes Shopify message templates on its Growth plan, with Shopify campaigns on Pro. Stores use it for abandoned cart reminders, order confirmations and shipping updates. WATI also connects with WooCommerce, Klaviyo, HubSpot, Salesforce and Zapier.
WATI vs AiSensy: what's the difference?
Both provide WhatsApp API access, broadcasts, chatbots and a team inbox. WATI has a larger integration library, mobile apps and a global customer base, with plans priced in dollars. AiSensy targets Indian SMBs with rupee pricing, a free plan and add-on chatbots and AI agents.
Is WATI good for beginners?
Yes. WATI is designed for non-technical teams, with guided WhatsApp API onboarding, no-code chatbots and ready-made templates. The main learning curve is Meta's template approval rules and message pricing. Beginners can test the platform on the 7-day trial before committing to a plan.
Sources
This overview is based on WATI's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.