> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.z-api.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Z-API vs Official API ## The Differences Between Z-API and WhatsApp Business API. Which is the best alternative for you? To illustrate the use of the WhatsApp API: At the beginning, WhatsApp made a strategic decision to keep its API closed — very different from what happened with other global players in the segment. This meant developers had no opportunity to integrate their solutions and software technologies with WhatsApp. We're mainly talking about companies with diverse market solutions, such as CRM and ERP systems, popular chatbot creation, and even e-commerce or retail companies for real-time purchase status notifications. During this period, many developers were creating or looking for custom gateways that could provide access to the WhatsApp API. These solutions can still be found on GitHub. The problem with using these libraries is that WhatsApp makes updates that render them outdated, and as a rule, using them would immediately get numbers banned. Over time, companies are increasingly aware of how much using such an API can facilitate and boost their business, not to mention the countless possibilities for creation. Everyone knows this market is huge — WhatsApp is the most used messenger in the world with 1.7 billion users, and most business happens on the platform. Some reasons why many businesses are using it: users can centralize everything in one channel, more convenience, agility to manage their business in one place, closer contact, and great practicality. Companies began emerging on the market offering their API to work with WhatsApp — all based on the WhatsApp WEB protocol. And of course, Z-API also provides a WhatsApp API. We developed our solution in 2019, and since then countless developers and business partners around the world have started integrating with us. Our purpose has always been clear: "Z-API, Wings for your imagination." We want to give developers, tech solutions, and software houses the ability to develop extraordinary products and businesses with the best technology on the market — quality support, a Brazilian solution, paid in local currency, giving you the freedom to create. In 2017, WhatsApp opened access to its official API. Initially, it was tested behind closed doors and only a few global companies could afford it. But over time, more and more organizations gained access. To connect to the official API, you'll need to coordinate the connection with WhatsApp's official partners — intermediaries designed to provide an API and moderate your activities under current WhatsApp regulations. This implies a large number of restrictions, which are displayed in the table below. You can check the current list of official partners here: [https://www.facebook.com/business/partner-directory/search?solution\_type=messaging](https://www.facebook.com/business/partner-directory/search?solution_type=messaging). This is important because some companies are now misleading their clients by calling themselves official WhatsApp partners. So should you use the Official API? Let's analyze carefully. The first thing to decide is: what do you need an API for? Both options have advantages and disadvantages. WhatsApp API clearly has more notoriety, especially with its "official" status and security. However, there are several significant limitations that prevent not all companies from working with the official API: *** ## Disadvantages of the Official API: The subscription fee can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus connection costs and per-message fees — all dictated by WhatsApp in foreign currency. A minimum of 15,000 monthly messages is required, which is not viable for all businesses. WhatsApp does not approve partnerships with certain sectors. Companies selling vitamins or medications, for example, don't get approval. Collecting documents, passing inspections, and developing templates can take significant time — and may still end in failure. Dependency on a physical device for operation. Number suspension and blocking, plus delays in receiving platform updates. *** ## Advantages of the Official API: WhatsApp allows quick replies to messages, with increased response rates and engagement from consumers. Companies can send personalized messages, promotions, information, and news. Integration with other systems consolidates all information, avoiding loss of important data. Depending on the integrated program, it's possible to extract relevant data about customer service on the platform. *** **Have you thought about being banned by WhatsApp?** According to WhatsApp statistics, the messenger blocks around 2,000,000 users per month who violate its policy terms. But this doesn't mean unofficial APIs are irresponsible with their clients. For example, Z-API provides individual IPs to clients, performs secure authorization, and inserts artificial protection systems — such as a message queue to avoid bulk sending and protect from bans. There are also systems to emulate a phone on a computer so the work doesn't depend on a physical device. Of course, these methods won't help if the user ignores the rules for working with WhatsApp clients and spamming. Even with the official API, it's possible to be banned for violating WhatsApp policies. But if you combine Z-API's security tools with usage within WhatsApp's recommendations, you greatly reduce the risk. After analyzing the main points, let's get to the most interesting part — the analysis — and compare which solution works best for you on WhatsApp: *** ## Comparison | Feature | ✅ Z-API | ❌ Business API | | :------------------ | :----------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Numbers** | Works with any existing personal or business number | Only works with new dedicated numbers | | **Start of use** | Can start immediately after registering the number | Number must be active for at least 3-4 weeks | | **Availability** | Available for all customer categories | Currently available only for medium and large companies | | **Content** | You can send any content (without breaking the law) | Post templates must be pre-approved | | **Cost** | Unlimited messages for a fixed fee | Message cost can reach \~\$0.07 per message | | **Registration** | No conditions and easy registration | Strict compliance and comprehensive implementation process | | **Integration** | Simple JSON API and Webhooks, integration in just 10 minutes | Requires dedicated server and complex architecture, minimum 2-4 weeks | | **Permission** | No permission needed, you can message first | Subscriber permission is required for receiving messages | | **Bureaucracy** | You can start immediately | Bureaucratic process that can take at least a month | | **Number quantity** | You can use numbers in any quantity | Only one number per verified company | | **Support** | Direct 24/7 support via email and chats with our team | Limited support (paid support through solution partners) | | **Customization** | Ability to make any modification and integration | Inability to influence and add functionality to the service | | **Account name** | Any name for your account | Immutable name (by business name) | | **Coverage** | Can work worldwide | Not available in some countries (e.g., Crimea, Iran) | | **Currency** | Payment in local currency | Payment in US dollars | | **Origin** | Fully Brazilian tool, 5+ million daily messages | American tool, communication in English |