As we all know, communication is key to keeping users engaged in today’s world. When building a social networking app or an online marketplace, instant messaging can make all the difference. Here, a chat API comes into the fray to let developers integrate powerful chat features without building everything from scratch. Yet one single search shows so many options, so how to know which is the best for your app?
The right chat API goes beyond simple text messaging. It ensures smooth live interactions with must-have features like multimedia sharing and cross-platform support. So, this article will walk you through the 10 best chat APIs for 2025 that cater to different business needs.
Part 1. Must-Have Features of Chat API
A powerful messaging API should offer more than just text-based communication. So, here are some features every chat API should provide to ensure effortless interactions and security:
Live Messaging: A good chat API should support low-latency messaging to ensure smooth and uninterrupted communication across any platform.
Encryption: Strong security protocols protect user conversations from others’ access and ensure privacy and compliance with data protection laws.
Multimedia Support: The best chat APIs allow the exchange of multimedia files and documents to make conversations more interactive and engaging.
Performance: A reliable API should handle thousands to millions of concurrent users while maintaining fast and stable performance.
Integration: Developers should be able to customize UI elements and integrate the API with third-party services like CRM and automation tools effortlessly.
Part 2. 10 Best Chat APIs for 2025
Getting the right software package can make or break user engagement in your application. With so many app chat API options available, it's important to find one that offers effortless messaging and security. Hence, the following section will provide you with the top 10 chat APIs for 2025:
1. ZEGOCLOUD
To deliver a feature-rich chat experience, ZEGOCLOUD stands out as the best solution. Its chat API allows developers to integrate quality in-app messaging while making an intuitive interface with 20+ UIKits. Moreover, its biggest strengths are its live messaging capabilities that offer a low latency of 200ms to ensure instant text delivery. Wouldn't it be great to know when your messages are actually read? That's where ZEGOCLOUD's read receipts come in.
Along with that, it supports push notifications to enable users to receive updates even when they are offline. Do you know what else this platform is for you? The user invitation facility where users who don’t like to share numbers can communicate easily via link sharing. Whether it's group or one-on-one chat, ZEGOCLOUD in-app Chat API even allows you to create public channels, making your app versatile.
Key Features
Secure private messaging between two users.
Access messages without an internet connection.
Retrieve past conversations anytime needed.
Guarantees 99.99% uptime while handling millions of streams.
Broadcast messages to unlimited audiences.
Shows pending messages for better engagement.
Enhance live videos with fun filters.
Update profile details like name and avatar.
Pricing Plans
Signaling: $99
Pro: $369
Enterprise: $999
2. Sendbird
It stands out as the best chat API for iOS, providing a feature-rich chat experience designed for engagement and retention. Whether it's private chats or public channels, Sendbird ensures effortless communication with advanced features like polls, message translation, and moderation. With robust SDK and UI kits, it simplifies the process by letting businesses focus on their users while ensuring top-tier chat performance.
Key Features
Reply without disrupting the conversation flow.
Ensure delivery even without connectivity.
Monitor chat performance with insights.
Engage users with interactive questionnaires.
Pricing Plans
Starter 5K: $349/month
Pro 5K: $499/month
3. Stream Chat
Need a messaging API that can handle anything? Stream Chat enables developers to integrate live chat functionalities into their apps effortlessly. With features like message reactions and threaded replies, it enhances user engagement and communication. Furthermore, Stream Chat's flexible permissions and moderation tools ensure a safe and customizable chat environment. Plus, its robust infrastructure supports unlimited participants and offers AI-based moderation, making it suitable for various applications.
Key Features
Use slash commands for quick actions.
Preview links with enriched media content.
Support private and public chat channels.
Group replies into organized thread conversations.
Pricing Plans
Start: $399/month
Elevate: $599/month
4. CometChat
CometChat's chat SDK supports one-on-one and group messaging and rich media sharing to enhance user engagement. And the best part? Pre-built UI components and deep customization let you craft a chat experience that perfectly matches your app's vibe effortlessly. It also offers features like typing indicators and online presence indicators to foster interactive conversations. Therefore, don’t spend months coding from scratch when you can implement a comprehensive chat solution swiftly.
Key Features
Secure conversations with strong encryption.
Modify chat appearance effortlessly.
Get instant alerts for new messages.
Lag-free and HD video communication anytime, anywhere.
Pricing Plans
Basic: $298.75/month
Advanced: $423.75/month
5. Twilio
With this robust platform, developers can integrate messaging API, voice, email, and even authentication into their apps effortlessly. Ever wondered how businesses send instant updates, OTPs, or personalized notifications? Twilio makes it happen with its globally reliable messaging infrastructure, ensuring a 99.5% delivery rate. Along with that, its AI-driven insights allow businesses to optimize interactions, while features like voice calling and customer data integration enhance user engagement.
Key Features
Optimize interactions with smart analytics.
Engage customers across multiple platforms.
Record conversations for future reference.
Automate customer interactions efficiently.
Pricing Plans
Usage: Starting at $0.05 per active user per month
Media storage: Starting at $0.25 per GB per month
6. Apphitect
It provides a self-hosted communication solution and empowers businesses with complete control over their messaging infrastructure. Why settle for limitations when you can own your app? With its chat API, Apphitect offers live messaging, HD voice, and video calling, all customizable to fit specific business needs. Plus, the white-label branding ensures a fully personalized experience and allows companies to integrate their logos and unique features.
Key Features
Chat effortlessly in any language.
Share your screen in real time.
Securely store messages and media.
Share files securely without limitations.
Pricing Plans
- Contact the Sales Team
7. PubNub Chat
Want to build an interactive chat without managing complex infrastructure? This platform provides ultra-low latency, ensuring messages are delivered in under 30ms, even with millions of users. Packed with features like typing indicators, message threads, and read receipts, it enhances user engagement. Also, PubNub’s scalability makes it the best chat API for iOS by supporting unlimited channels and concurrent users.
Key Features
Tag users using the @ symbol.
Mute or ban disruptive chat participants.
Highlight essential messages for quick access.
Reply directly by quoting previous messages.
Pricing Plans
- Platform Starter: $98/month
8. TalkJS
This chat SDK provides a pre-built UI that is highly customizable and allows developers to create effortless messaging experiences without extra effort. Whether a one-on-one chat, group chat, or AI chatbot, TalkJS also supports various use cases. In addition, it offers browser notifications, live messaging, and a ready-to-use React SDK, making it easy to embed chat functionality into web and mobile apps.
Key Features
Build chats for cross-platform apps with Flutter Support.
Automate responses for smart conversations.
Show when someone is typing.
Confirm message has been seen using Read Receipt.
Pricing Plans
Basic: $279/month
Growth: $569/month
9. Agora
Want to integrate ultra-low latency voice, video, and chat into your app? Agora makes it easy for you. Its powerful messaging API and a network optimized for live interaction ensures live conversations without lag. Along with that, the platform's hyper-scalability supports millions of concurrent users, adapting effortlessly to traffic spikes. Plus, security is a top priority, with SOC2 and HIPAA certifications for enterprise-ready solutions.
Key Features
Allows live collaborative whiteboard experiences.
Connects smart devices for instant communication.
Ensures efficient real-time message transmission.
Maintains under 300ms global network latency.
Pricing Plans
Starter: Starting from $349, with an additional $0.05/MAU beyond 5K MAU
Pro: Starting from $699, with an additional $0.05/MAU beyond 10K MAU
10. MirrorFly
MirrorFly delivers a powerful app chat API that transforms communication experiences with instant messaging and calls. Its strong encryption protects messages, while features like read receipts, typing indicators, and push notifications keep conversations engaging. With 99.99% uptime and global reach, it enables businesses to create dynamic in-app communication solutions. Its customizable UI ensures branding consistency, while enterprise-grade security guarantees data privacy for users across various industries.
Key Features
Communicate with multiple participants simultaneously.
Express emotions using emojis in messages.
Share documents and multimedia files effortlessly.
Private conversations between individual users.
Pricing Plans
Essentials: $399/month
Premium: $999/month
Conclusion
Choosing the right chat API is essential for delivering effortless communication in web, mobile, and desktop apps. However, with so many options available, which one truly fits your needs? The right APIs bring you lightning-fast messaging and rich multimedia experiences, all designed to supercharge your business. So, whether you need low-latency messaging, AI moderation, or extensive customization, we have provided you with top solutions for 2025.