17.5
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
Best Chat API in 2026
Chat APIs provide building blocks for adding messaging and group conversations to software. The list covers hosted services, APIs and self-hosted options, with platforms that can include Android, iOS, web and Windows. Start by checking whether an Android app or Android SDK is available for your project. Then compare web and desktop access, API or self-hosting choices, encryption, moderation, group limits and pricing.
27.5
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.5
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
CometChat
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4From $239 a month - 5
mesibo
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4From $0.01 a month - 6
QuickBlox Chat API
QuickBlox Chat API provides chat SDKs, APIs and UI kits for developers adding real-time messaging to apps.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4From $107 a month - 7
Stream Chat
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4From $399 a month - 8
Twilio Conversations
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.4Free plan - 9
Tinode
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.3From $1.50 a month - 10
Gupshup
Gupshup provides conversational AI for marketing, commerce, and customer support automation.
Free planWebAPI7.2Free plan - 11
Sendbird Chat
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.1From $349 a month - 12
PrivChat
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI6.9Free plan - 13
OpenIM
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI6.8Free plan - 14
TalkJS
AndroidiOSWeb6.8From $279 a month - 15
Dendri
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted6.7From $29 a month - 16
JuggleIM
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.4 - 17
MirrorFly
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.2 - 18
Agora Chat
AndroidiOSWebWindows5.6 - 195.4
- 20
NetEase Cloud IM
AndroidiOSWebmacOS5.3 - 21
Chat21
AndroidiOSWeb5.2 - 22
LeanCloud Realtime
AndroidiOSWeb5.2 - 23
Lowkey Chat SDK
AndroidiOSWeb5.2 - 244.8
- 254.7
Choosing well
Check Android support first
Confirm that the service offers Android access or an Android SDK if your users are on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones. Check the same details for iOS, web and Windows when you need broader coverage.
An API, web client or self-hosted setup may suit a product that does not use a ready-made mobile app.
Compare free and paid plans
A free plan can help you build or evaluate a chat service without an initial subscription. Check what is included before choosing a paid tier.
Published pricing varies: examples include Ably Chat from $29 per month, Agora Chat from $0.05 per user per month and Lowkey Chat SDK from $249 per month. Some services list pricing on request.
Review security and moderation
Compare whether a service offers end-to-end encryption and moderation tools. These settings affect how conversations are protected and managed.
Look for the group chat features your project needs, then check the stated group size limit.
Choose hosted or self-hosted
A hosted API can reduce the work of running chat infrastructure. A self-hosted option gives your team more control over deployment and code.
If reading or changing the code matters, check the licence and open-source status. ChatAPI and JuggleIM are listed as open source.
Use available trials carefully
A free trial can provide time to assess an API or SDK before paying. Check its duration and terms; mesibo lists a 30-day trial, while JuggleIM lists a free trial.
Compare SDK platforms and documentation against the devices and software your project supports.
Questions people ask
Do these chat tools support Android?
Android support varies by tool. Check the platform and SDK details for the service you are considering before building around it.
Can I use a free plan?
A free plan is offered by tools in this category, while others are paid or list pricing on request. Review plan limits and terms.
Are self-hosted options available?
Self-hosted options are included in the category. Check deployment details and licence terms for the specific tool.
What security features should I compare?
Compare end-to-end encryption and moderation tools, along with group chat support and the stated group size limit.
Do these services offer trials?
Free trials are available from tools in the list. Trial terms differ; mesibo lists a 30-day trial and JuggleIM lists a free trial.