Best Automation Platforms for WhatsApp 2025
WhatsApp Business automation has become a necessity for companies looking to scale their customer service and sales without proportionally increasing their human resources. In 2025, there are multiple approaches to automate WhatsApp: from rules-based chatbots to advanced artificial intelligence agents that have natural conversations.
In this guide we compare the best automation platforms for WhatsApp, explain the different types of automation available and help you choose the right solution for your business.
What is WhatsApp Business automation?
Definition: WhatsApp Business automation is the use of software and technology to manage conversations, respond to messages, qualify leads and execute actions within WhatsApp without direct human intervention, either through predefined rules, conversation flows or artificial intelligence.
The automation of WhatsApp allows companies:
- Replying to messages instantly 24 hours a day
- Automatically qualify leads before passing them on to a human agent
- Send product catalogs and process orders
- Frictionless scheduling of appointments and meetings
- Perform automatic follow-up of prospects
- Send scheduled notifications and reminders
Types of automation for WhatsApp
Not all automation platforms work the same. It is important to understand the different approaches available to choose the one that best suits your company's needs.
1. Rule-based chatbots
Definition: A rule-based chatbot is a program that responds to messages by following predefined decision trees. The user selects options (such as buttons or numbered menus) and the bot follows a logical path determined by the flow designer.
Advantages:
- Easy to configure and predictable
- They work well for frequently asked questions with fixed answers.
- No AI training required
Limitations:
- They do not understand natural language
- They break when the user types something out of the expected flow.
- Require constant maintenance to add new scenarios
- Rigid and robotic user experience
2. Conversational artificial intelligence agents
Definition: A conversational AI agent is a system that uses advanced language modeling (LLM) to understand the context of the conversation, interpret the user's intent and generate natural responses, and can perform actions such as scheduling appointments, consulting catalogs or transferring to human agents.
Advantages:
- Understand natural language in any language
- Handle complex, multi-shift conversations
- Adapt to unexpected questions without breaking down
- Continually improve with use
- Natural and human conversational experience
Limitations:
- Require more detailed initial configuration
- Need supervision during the first weeks
- Cost generally higher than basic chatbots
3. Workflow Automation (Workflow Automation)
Definition: Workflow automation connects WhatsApp with other applications and services through triggers and actions. For example: when a customer sends a message, a record is created in the CRM, an email is sent to the sales team and automatically assigned to an agent.
Advantages:
- Connects multiple tools together
- Automates complete internal processes
- High flexibility for specific use cases
Limitations:
- Does not generate responses to the customer directly
- Requires technical knowledge to configure
- Can become complex with many integrations
- Does not replace conversational attention
4. Template Broadcasting (Template Broadcasting)
Definition: Template broadcasting consists of sending pre-approved mass messages via WhatsApp (HSM templates) to segmented contact lists. It is used for notifications, promotions, reminders and proactive follow-up.
Advantages:
- Reach many contacts simultaneously
- Pre-approved messages by Meta
- Ideal for marketing campaigns
Limitations:
- It is not conversational or interactive
- Requires prior approval of each template
- Costs per message sent
- Risk of spam blocking if abused
The 7 best automation platforms for WhatsApp in 2025
1. Aurora Inbox - Conversational AI Agents
Aurora Inbox is a business communication platform that stands out for its advanced artificial intelligence agents, capable of holding natural conversations, solving complex queries and executing business actions autonomously.
Type of automation: Conversational AI agents with execution capabilities
Key features:
- AI agents with access to toolsAgents can consult catalogs, schedule appointments in Google Calendar, qualify leads and transfer conversations to humans, all within the same conversation.
- CRM integrated with sales pipelineYou don't need an external CRM. Manage opportunities, tags and tracking from the same platform.
- Multichannel inboxUnify WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and TikTok in one place with automatic mapping.
- RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)Agents access documents, websites and knowledge bases to provide accurate and up-to-date answers.
- Interactive product catalog: Customers browse products and add to cart directly in the conversation.
- Native Spanish support: Platform, documentation and customer service completely in English.
Ideal for: Companies looking for the most advanced automation with AI that actually understands and solves, not just redirects.
Price: From $49/month with AI agents included.
2. ManyChat - Conversation Flows
ManyChat is a conversational marketing automation platform known for its drag-and-drop visual stream editor. Originally designed for Facebook Messenger, it added support for WhatsApp as an additional channel.
Type of automation: Rules-based chatbot with visual flows
Key features:
- Visual drag-and-drop flow editor
- Programmed message sequences
- Integrations with Shopify, HubSpot and Zapier
- Basic audience segmentation
- Simple keyword recognition
Limitations for WhatsApp:
- Reduced functionality compared to Messenger
- No real conversational AI (keywords only)
- Interface and support mainly in English
- Flows break down with unexpected responses
Ideal for: Businesses already using ManyChat on Instagram or Messenger and want to add WhatsApp as a secondary channel.
Price: From $15/month (limited WhatsApp features in basic plan).
3. Landbot - Visual chatbot builder
Landbot is a codeless chatbot builder with an attractive visual interface. It allows you to create conversational experiences for web, WhatsApp and other channels using an intuitive flow editor.
Type of automation: Visual rule-based chatbot with conditional logic
Key features:
- Highly intuitive visual flow editor
- Variables and advanced conditional logic
- Conversational forms
- Integrations with Google Sheets, Airtable, Slack
- Structured data capture capability
Limitations for WhatsApp:
- No conversational artificial intelligence
- Rigid flows that do not adapt to free responses
- High price for WhatsApp plan
- Very basic CRM functionalities
Ideal for: Companies that need conversational forms or automated surveys via WhatsApp.
Price: From $45/month (WhatsApp plan from $200/month).
4. Make (formerly Integromat) - Workflow Automation
Make is a process automation platform that connects applications with each other through visual scenarios. It allows you to create complex automations involving WhatsApp as part of a larger workflow.
Type of automation: Workflow automation (integration between applications)
Key features:
- Thousands of integrations available
- Visual scenario editor
- Conditional logic and ramifications
- Error handling and retries
- Webhooks and custom APIs
Limitations for WhatsApp:
- Does not generate conversational responses to the customer
- Requires a separate WhatsApp Business API provider
- Complex technical configuration
- Does not include inbox or CRM
Ideal for: Companies with technical equipment that need to connect WhatsApp with their existing stack of tools.
Price: From $9/month (limited operations, WhatsApp requires additional provider).
5. Zapier - Automation of simple workflows
Zapier connects applications through simple trigger-action type automations. It is similar to Make but with a more accessible interface and lower learning curve.
Type of automation: Workflow automation (integration between applications)
Key features:
- Simple trigger + action interface
- Thousands of applications available
- Filters and data formatters
- Multi-step zaps
- No coding required
Limitations for WhatsApp:
- It is not a customer service solution.
- Linear automations without conversation
- Requires separate WhatsApp API provider
- No intelligent response capacity
Ideal for: Businesses that want to automate notifications or create logs when they receive WhatsApp messages.
Price: From $19.99/month (WhatsApp requires additional integration at a separate cost).
6. WATI - Dissemination of templates and basic answers
WATI is a platform focused on WhatsApp Business API that stands out for its capabilities to send mass templates and manage messages with a team of agents.
Type of automation: Template broadcasting with basic chatbot
Key features:
- Massive sending of HSM templates
- Basic chatbot builder without code
- Shared inbox for teams
- Contact segmentation by attributes
- API for custom integrations
Limitations:
- Very limited or non-existent conversational AI
- Basic chatbot with rigid flows
- Technical support varies by region
- Basic CRM functionalities
Ideal for: Companies that prioritize the mass sending of notifications and WhatsApp bells and whistles over conversational attention.
Price: From $49/month.
7. Respond.io - Messaging Workflows
Respond.io is an enterprise messaging platform that offers a workflow system to automate the allocation and management of multichannel conversations.
Type of automation: Assignment and management workflows with a basic chatbot
Key features:
- Workflows for automatic conversation assignment
- Multi-channel support (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, etc.)
- Integration with external CRMs via API
- Equipment reports and analytics
- Message broadcasting modules
Limitations:
- Limited conversational AI (basic integration with OpenAI)
- High learning curve for complex workflows
- High price for large equipment
- No integrated native CRM
Ideal for: Medium to large support teams that need intelligent conversation mapping and operational workflows.
Price: From $79/month.
Comparative table: Automation Platforms for WhatsApp 2025
| Platform | Type of automation | AI level | Ease of use | Integrated CRM | Price from (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Inbox | Conversational AI agents | Advanced (LLM + tools) | High | Yes, with pipeline | $49/month |
| ManyChat | Rule-based flows | Basic (keywords) | High | No | $15/month |
| Landbot | Visual flow builder | None | High | Basico | $45/month |
| Make | Workflow automation | None | Media | No | $9/month + WhatsApp provider |
| Zapier | Workflow automation | None | High | No | $19.99/month + WhatsApp provider |
| WATI | Broadcast + basic chatbot | Basico | Media | Basico | $49/month |
| Respond.io | Allocation workflows | Limited | Medium-Low | No (integrations) | $79/month |
How to choose the best automation platform for WhatsApp?
Choosing the right platform depends on several key factors:
By type of business
- E-commerce and online storesYou need conversational AI to display catalogs and process orders. Aurora Inbox offers this capability natively.
- Professional services (clinics, offices, agencies): You require automatic scheduling and lead qualification. AI agents with calendar access are the best option.
- Companies with technical equipmentIf you already have a defined technology stack, Make or Zapier can complement your existing solution.
- Businesses with high volume of notificationsIf your priority is to send mass campaigns, WATI can meet that specific need.
According to budget
- Limited budgetManyChat: ManyChat offers a low entry point, but limited functionality in WhatsApp.
- Average budgetAurora Inbox offers the best cost-benefit ratio with advanced AI included from the first plan.
- High budget with enterprise needsRespond.io can work for large teams that need complex operational workflows.
According to the technical level of the equipment
- No technical equipmentAurora Inbox, ManyChat or Landbot offer intuitive interfaces without the need for coding.
- With technical equipmentMake or Zapier allow you to create customized automations with greater control.
WhatsApp automation trends by 2025
The WhatsApp automation market is evolving rapidly. These are the most relevant trends:
1. From chatbots to AI agents
The most significant market transition is from rule-based chatbots to artificial intelligence agents that understand context, maintain conversation memory and execute complex actions. Platforms that do not incorporate advanced AI will become obsolete in the next few years.
2. AI with access to tools (Tool Use)
Modern AI agents don't just answer questions: they query databases, schedule appointments, process payments and manage inventory. This "tool-using" capability transforms automation from a simple responder to a full-fledged digital employee.
3. RAG for accurate responses
Retrieval Augmented Generation technology enables AI agents to query up-to-date documents, websites and knowledge bases to provide accurate and contextual responses, eliminating hallucinations and incorrect answers.
4. Unified multichannel automation
Companies no longer want to manage each channel separately. The trend is to unify WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, TikTok and other channels under one platform with a single AI agent that maintains context between channels.
Why is Aurora Inbox the most advanced automation platform for WhatsApp?
Aurora Inbox differentiates itself from other platforms by combining all current trends in a comprehensive solution:
- State-of-the-art AI agentsThey use advanced language models that understand native Spanish, conversational context and the client's real intention.
- Execution of real actionsAgents not only respond, but also consult catalogs, schedule appointments, qualify leads and transfer to humans when necessary.
- Integrated CRMNo need to hire or integrate an external CRM. Sales pipeline, tags and tracking included.
- Knowledge base with RAGAgents access your documents and website to provide up-to-date and accurate answers.
- Design for Spanish-speaking marketsPlatform, support and documentation natively in Spanish.
Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp automation
Is it legal to automate WhatsApp Business?
Yes, WhatsApp Business automation is completely legal when using the official WhatsApp Business API (provided by Meta). Platforms that use the official API, such as Aurora Inbox, WATI and Respond.io, comply with WhatsApp's terms of service. What is not allowed is to automate the personal WhatsApp application using unofficial bots.
What is the difference between a chatbot and an AI agent for WhatsApp?
A traditional chatbot follows predefined flows and responds according to programmed rules (if the user says X, respond Y). A conversational AI agent uses advanced language models to understand the real meaning of the message, maintain context throughout the conversation and generate natural responses adapted to each situation. AI agents can handle unexpected questions, while chatbots break down at any unforeseen variation.
Do I need the official WhatsApp Business API to automate?
Yes, to implement enterprise level automation you need access to the WhatsApp Business API (also called WhatsApp Cloud API). This API is different from the free WhatsApp Business application. Automation platforms like Aurora Inbox facilitate the process of connecting to the official API without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
How much does it cost to automate WhatsApp for my company?
The cost of automating WhatsApp depends on the platform chosen and the volume of conversations. Basic workflow solutions (Make, Zapier) start from $9-20/month but require an additional WhatsApp API provider. Specialized platforms with basic chatbot (ManyChat, WATI) range from $15-49/month. Advanced solutions with AI agents like Aurora Inbox start from $49/month all-inclusive. Additionally, Meta charges for WhatsApp API conversations depending on the country and type of conversation.
Can I combine several automation platforms for WhatsApp?
Technically it is possible to use tools like Make or Zapier to complement your main WhatsApp platform, but it is not recommended to use two conversational platforms on the same WhatsApp number. The ideal is to choose an integrated platform like Aurora Inbox that combines conversational AI, CRM and process automation in one place, avoiding the complexity and costs of maintaining multiple tools.
Conclusion
WhatsApp automation in 2025 is no longer limited to rigid chatbots that frustrate customers. Conversational artificial intelligence agents represent the next evolutionary step, offering natural experiences that actually resolve queries and generate sales.
When choosing a WhatsApp automation platform, consider not only the initial price but also the level of automation it offers. A basic chatbot may be cheaper, but if it doesn't solve your customers' queries, it will end up generating more work for your team.
Aurora Inbox combines the most advanced AI technology on the market with an integrated CRM and native Spanish support, making it the most complete option for companies looking to automate WhatsApp intelligently and effectively in 2025.
