Chat Mitra vs Gupshup: An Honest Look at Two WhatsApp Platforms
Skip the marketing. Here's what you actually need to know.
Two different approaches to WhatsApp Business API. One focuses on transparent per-conversation pricing with hands-on support. The other offers per-message pricing with multi-channel capabilities. Here's what actually matters when choosing between them.
January 2026
Feature by Feature Comparison: Chat Mitra vs Gupshup
Detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and make an informed decision based on your business needs.
| Features | Gupshup | |
|---|---|---|
| How You Pay | ₹0.20 per conversation, zero markups or hidden fees | $0.03-0.07 per message (~₹2.50-5.85) depending on type |
| Minimum Monthly Cost | ₹0. Seriously. Start with nothing. | Technically zero but add-ons apply for most features |
| Setup Time | 30 minutes with guided onboarding | 24-48 hours, requires technical setup |
| Green Tick Verification | FREE - included in every plan | Supported through API integration |
| Message Broadcasting | Unlimited conversations, no limits | Unlimited but counted as single messages |
| Onboarding Support | Free setup call where they walk you through everything | Limited. Self-service documentation with support tickets. |
| Contract Terms | Month-to-month. Cancel anytime. | Monthly billing. Can cancel anytime. |
| Hidden Costs | None. What you see is what you pay. | Yes. API add-ons, SMS gateway integration, routing charges |
| Chatbot Builder | Free basic version included. Advanced (₹999/month) for complex flows | Yes, but basic and generic. Conversation Studio module extra. |
| Payment Integration | Razorpay, PayPal, Stripe ready | Requires custom integration via API |
| Customer Support | 24/7 via phone, WhatsApp, email, Zoom call | Email and support tickets. 24-48 hour response. |
| Chatbot Templates | Industry-specific (finance, mentorship, healthcare, retail) | Generic templates. Not industry-specific. |
| Contact Management | Advanced - import, tag, segment, bulk operations | Standard - requires external CRM integration for advanced features |
| Message Scheduling | Schedule messages for specific times | Available via API only |
| Analytics | Full conversation and chatbot analytics | Basic. Advanced analytics in higher tiers. |
| Strategy & Consulting | Free template strategy and optimization help | Not included |
| Response Time | Minutes for most issues | 24-48 hours via email/tickets |
| Multi-Channel Support | WhatsApp focused, native integrations | SMS, Email, WhatsApp, RCS (multi-channel strength) |
| API Access | Full API documentation for developers | Full API access is core offering |
| Data Location | India, GDPR compliant | Global data centers, GDPR compliant |
| Website | Visit | Visit |
| Pricing Page | https://chatmitra.com/pricing/ | https://www.gupshup.io/pricing |
Key Differences That Matter
Understanding the critical distinctions helps you choose the right platform for your business requirements.
Cost Structure
Chat Mitra
₹0.20 per conversation (back-and-forth counts as one conversation). Send 1,000 conversations = ₹200. Send 10 = ₹2.
360dialog
$0.03-0.07 per individual message (~₹2.50-5.85). A 5-message conversation costs $0.15-0.35 (~₹12.50-29). Plus add-ons for features.
For 10,000 messages/month: Chat Mitra costs roughly ₹1,000. Gupshup costs roughly ₹25,000-58,000 (at $0.03-0.07 per message). Chat Mitra is 10-50x cheaper depending on message type. However, Gupshup's strength is multi-channel (if you need SMS, Email, WhatsApp together).
Getting Started
Chat Mitra
Someone calls you. 30 minutes guided setup. They handle everything including Meta verification.
360dialog
You read documentation and make API calls. Requires technical knowledge. 24-48 hours minimum. Need a developer.
If you're non-technical and need to launch fast: Chat Mitra wins easily. If you have a developer and don't mind the learning curve: Gupshup's API-first approach might feel more powerful.
What It's Built For
Chat Mitra
WhatsApp-first platform with specific templates for different industries. Designed for businesses that want to focus on WhatsApp only.
360dialog
Multi-channel communication platform. Gupshup is SMS + Email + WhatsApp. If you need all channels, Gupshup makes sense. If you only need WhatsApp, it's overkill.
Running an online store? Chat Mitra's WhatsApp focus is simpler. Managing customer support across SMS, Email, and WhatsApp? Gupshup's multi-channel unification saves work.
When Support Matters
Chat Mitra
Template rejected? Call Chat Mitra. Fixed in 30 minutes. Integration broken? Same thing.
360dialog
Template rejected? Email Gupshup. Wait 24-48 hours for a response via support ticket. Meanwhile, campaigns are down.
Time-sensitive campaigns: Chat Mitra's instant support is worth more. Non-urgent integrations: Gupshup's slower support might not matter.
Which Solution Works Best for Different Business Scenarios?
Real world scenarios showing when each platform delivers maximum value.
Small E-commerce Store: 1,000 Monthly Messages
Order confirmations, shipping updates, customer replies
Chat Mitra Approach
₹500-1,000/month depending on conversation length. Setup in 30 minutes.
360dialog Approach
$30-70/month (~₹2,500-5,800) for WhatsApp messages. Takes 24-48 hours to set up.
Chat Mitra. Cheaper and faster. Gupshup is the same ballpark but requires technical setup.
Service Business with SMS + WhatsApp: 3,000 Monthly Messages
SMS appointment reminders, WhatsApp confirmations, email updates
Chat Mitra Approach
₹1,500-2,500/month for WhatsApp. Would need separate SMS provider.
360dialog Approach
$90-210/month (~₹7,500-17,500) for all channels combined via Gupshup.
Gupshup wins if you actually need SMS + WhatsApp unified. But if WhatsApp alone is enough, Chat Mitra saves money.
Finance Company: 5,000 Loan Inquiry Conversations Monthly
Loan offers, KYC updates, approval notifications, follow-ups
Chat Mitra Approach
₹5,000-8,000/month. Finance-specific templates included. Strategy support free.
360dialog Approach
$150-350/month (~₹12,500-29,000) for WhatsApp alone. Templates are generic. Would need custom building.
Chat Mitra. Specialized templates for finance, expert support, and 50% cheaper.
Large Enterprise: 100,000 Messages/Month Across Channels
Customer support, marketing, notifications via SMS, Email, WhatsApp
Chat Mitra Approach
₹100,000+ just for WhatsApp. Would need separate providers for SMS/Email.
360dialog Approach
$3,000-7,000/month (~₹2.5-5.8 lakhs) for everything unified. But requires developer integration.
Gupshup. Multi-channel unification at scale justifies higher cost. Chat Mitra is more for single-channel focus.
Problems WhatsApp Business Platforms Solve
Understanding how modern platforms address common business communication challenges.
Problem
Gupshup's per-message pricing ($0.03-0.07 per message) makes high-volume conversations extremely expensive
Solution
Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 per conversation treats multi-message exchanges as one unit
Business Impact
A customer support conversation with 10 back-and-forths costs $0.30-0.70 on Gupshup (~₹25-58). On Chat Mitra, it's ₹0.20. That's a 125-290x difference.
Problem
You need WhatsApp set up this week but don't have a developer on your team
Solution
Chat Mitra's 30-minute guided setup vs. Gupshup's API-first approach requiring technical knowledge
Business Impact
You launch immediately instead of waiting for a developer to learn the API and set it up (24-48+ hours).
Problem
You're in finance or a specific industry but all the templates you find are generic
Solution
Chat Mitra has pre-built templates for finance, mentorship, healthcare, retail. Gupshup's are generic.
Business Impact
You customize existing flows in 30 minutes instead of building from scratch (10+ hours of developer time).
Problem
Your WhatsApp integration breaks during a critical campaign and you need help immediately
Solution
Chat Mitra's 24/7 instant support (call/WhatsApp) vs. Gupshup's 24-48 hour email ticket system
Business Impact
A broken campaign costs money. Fixing it in 30 minutes vs. 24-48 hours saves thousands.
Problem
You only need WhatsApp but Gupshup's pricing structure includes add-ons for basic features
Solution
Chat Mitra's all-in pricing with zero hidden costs
Business Impact
No surprise charges. You know exactly what you're paying for WhatsApp messaging.
Problem
You want expert advice on messaging strategy for YOUR business type, not generic best practices
Solution
Chat Mitra includes free template strategy and optimization. Gupshup doesn't offer this.
Business Impact
You get personalized advice without hiring a consultant.
Which One Should You Actually Use?
- Pick Chat Mitra if: You need WhatsApp-only messaging, you want to launch this week without a developer, cost matters to you, you like having someone to call for support, and you're in finance, services, mentorship, or healthcare.
- Pick Gupshup if: You need SMS + Email + WhatsApp unified, you have a developer on staff who knows APIs, you're okay with 24-48 hour support response, and you want maximum flexibility to build custom integrations.
- The cost difference is dramatic: 10,000 messages/month costs Chat Mitra roughly ₹1,000-2,000. Gupshup costs $300-700/month (~₹25,000-58,000). Chat Mitra is 10-50x cheaper for WhatsApp-only needs.
- If you have a developer, Gupshup's API is powerful. If you're non-technical, Chat Mitra's guided setup saves weeks of learning.
- Gupshup's multi-channel strength: If you genuinely need SMS + Email + WhatsApp together, Gupshup's unified platform saves integrating three services. If you only need WhatsApp, Chat Mitra is simpler.
- Support matters for urgent issues: Chat Mitra's instant phone support fixes problems in 30 minutes. Gupshup's email tickets mean 24+ hour waits. For time-sensitive campaigns, Chat Mitra wins.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Detailed technical details for developers and technical decision-makers.
| Specification | Chat Mitra | 360dialog |
|---|---|---|
| Messages Per Second | Up to 1,000 messages/second. Handles high-volume broadcasts. | Varies. Gupshup can handle 1,000+ msg/sec but add-on charges may apply at scale. |
| API Availability | Full API documented. Webhooks for developers. | API-first platform. Extensive API documentation. Webhooks built in. |
| Message History | 90 days. Unlimited contact storage. | Not publicly specified. Depends on plan tier. |
| Multi-Channel Support | WhatsApp focused. Native integrations for Google Sheets, Shopify, WooCommerce. | SMS, Email, WhatsApp, RCS all in one platform. This is Gupshup's strength. |
| Compliance | GDPR compliant, ISO 27001 certified. India data centers. | GDPR compliant. Global data centers. |
| Template Management | Industry-specific templates pre-built. | Generic conversation templates. Requires customization. |
Understanding 360dialog: What It Does Well and Where It Has Limitations
Strengths
- ✓ Gupshup's multi-channel approach is genuinely valuable. If you need to manage SMS, Email, and WhatsApp from one platform, Gupshup unifies it. This saves integrating three separate services.
- ✓ Their API is comprehensive and well-documented. If you have a developer and want full customization control, Gupshup's API-first design is powerful.
- ✓ Gupshup's been around since 2007. They have enterprise customers and case studies showing what's possible at scale.
- ✓ If you need SMS as a primary channel and WhatsApp secondary, Gupshup's unified pricing makes sense.
- ✓ Advanced automation and routing options for developers who want complete control over message flows.
- ✓ Global presence and support across multiple time zones (useful for international businesses).
Limitations
- − $0.03-0.07 per message pricing means customer support conversations become expensive fast. A 10-message conversation costs $0.30-0.70 (~₹25-58). Chat Mitra treats it as ₹0.20.
- − No hands-on onboarding. You follow documentation yourself. 24-48 hours minimum setup time. Requires someone technical.
- − Templates are generic, not industry-specific. Finance companies, mentorship platforms, and service businesses would need custom building.
- − Support is email/tickets only. 24-48 hour response times. If something breaks during your campaign, you wait until next business day.
- − Hidden charges accumulate: API routing fees, add-ons for advanced features, conversation studio modules cost extra. You think you're paying $30/month but the bill is $100+.
- − Learning curve is steep. You need someone who understands APIs, webhooks, and message routing to set it up properly.
- − Designed for developers and enterprises, not for small businesses that just need WhatsApp up and running.
Why Businesses Choose Chat Mitra Over Alternatives
Discover how Chat Mitra addresses business communication challenges with innovative features and exceptional value.
You Pay Per Conversation, Not Per Message
Gupshup charges $0.03-0.07 per individual message. A customer support conversation with 10 messages costs $0.30-0.70. Chat Mitra charges ₹0.20 per conversation, regardless of length.
For a 5-message back-and-forth: Gupshup costs $0.15-0.35 (~₹12.50-29). Chat Mitra costs ₹0.20. That's a 62-145x difference per conversation.
Setup in 30 Minutes Without a Developer
You don't need technical knowledge. Chat Mitra walks you through it. Gupshup requires someone who knows APIs.
Chat Mitra: Phone call with setup specialist. 30 minutes. Gupshup: Read API documentation. Make API calls. Test integration. 24-48+ hours minimum.
Industry-Specific Templates Ready to Use
Finance templates for loan offers, mentorship templates for bookings, healthcare for appointments. Customize for your business, don't build from scratch.
Chat Mitra has templates. Gupshup has generic conversation flows. You'd need a developer to customize for your industry.
Someone Answers the Phone in Minutes, Not 24 Hours
Template rejected by Meta? Integration broken? Call Chat Mitra and someone helps immediately. Gupshup requires an email ticket and 24-48 hour wait.
Chat Mitra: 24/7 phone, WhatsApp, email, Zoom support. Gupshup: Email tickets. 24-48 hour response time.
No Hidden Costs or Add-ons
Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 is the full cost. Gupshup's per-message pricing adds up and doesn't include advanced features in base plan.
Chat Mitra: All analytics, scheduling, templates included. Gupshup: Advanced features, automation add-ons, API routing charges.
Free Consulting on Messaging Strategy
Chat Mitra includes free optimization help for template messaging, timing, and automation. Gupshup doesn't offer this.
You get expert advice on what actually converts, not just generic templates.
Ready to Transform Your WhatsApp Business Communication?
Start with transparent pricing, expert onboarding, and 24/7 support. See the difference in hours, not days.
Compare ChatMitra with Other Solutions
Discover why leading businesses choose ChatMitra for their WhatsApp communication needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chat Mitra compare to Gupshup?
Gupshup is an older, established messaging platform supporting multiple channels (WhatsApp, SMS, RCS). Chat Mitra specializes in WhatsApp-only with affordable ₹0.20/conversation pricing. Choose Chat Mitra for focused WhatsApp; Gupshup for multichannel messaging.
What's the pricing difference?
Chat Mitra: ₹0.20 per conversation. Gupshup: Subscription-based, typically more expensive. Chat Mitra is significantly cheaper for WhatsApp-only use cases.
If I need SMS and WhatsApp together, which platform?
Gupshup. They support multiple channels including SMS alongside WhatsApp. Chat Mitra is WhatsApp-only. For multichannel campaigns, Gupshup is better positioned.
Does Gupshup support WhatsApp as well as Chat Mitra?
Yes, Gupshup supports WhatsApp, but it's one of several channels. Chat Mitra specializes exclusively in WhatsApp. If WhatsApp is your only focus, Chat Mitra is more optimized.
Which platform has better WhatsApp-specific features?
Chat Mitra: Optimized specifically for WhatsApp with industry templates, easy setup, and WhatsApp expertise. Gupshup: Good WhatsApp support but balanced with SMS, RCS, and other channels.
How long has each platform been operating?
Gupshup: Established since 2007, very experienced in messaging. Chat Mitra: Newer but focused specifically on WhatsApp business. Gupshup has longer track record; Chat Mitra has specialized focus.
What about customer support?
Chat Mitra: 24/7 phone, WhatsApp, email support. Gupshup: Support varies by plan and is enterprise-focused. Chat Mitra's instant phone support is more accessible to small/medium businesses.
If I want WhatsApp + Email + SMS, which is better?
Gupshup is designed for this multichannel approach. Chat Mitra is WhatsApp-only. For multichannel, choose Gupshup. For pure WhatsApp, Chat Mitra is simpler and cheaper.
Is Gupshup overly complex for simple WhatsApp use?
Potentially. Gupshup's broad platform is powerful but complex for businesses wanting simple WhatsApp messaging. Chat Mitra is more straightforward if you only need WhatsApp.
For an Indian startup needing just WhatsApp, which is better?
Chat Mitra. Their ₹0.20/conversation model, guided onboarding, and WhatsApp focus are perfect for startups prioritizing simplicity and cost. Gupshup is better if you need multichannel messaging.