Wati is a WhatsApp-only tool with a 20% message markup that adds up fast. Orbis gives you 8 channels, zero message markup, and AI agents included — so you can grow beyond WhatsApp without switching platforms or overpaying for messages.
A full omnichannel platform vs a WhatsApp-only tool — here’s how they compare.
8 channels vs WhatsApp only. Zero message markup vs Wati’s 20% surcharge. AI agents included in all plans. Visual workflow builder. Arabic RTL support. White-label branding. Campaign broadcasting across channels. On-premise option.
Both support WhatsApp Business API with template messages and broadcast campaigns. Both offer team collaboration features and contact management. Both have reasonable onboarding experiences.
Lower entry price at $49/month if you truly only need basic WhatsApp. Simpler, more focused interface for small teams. Faster initial onboarding for WhatsApp-only use cases.
Wati charges a 20% markup on top of Meta’s WhatsApp conversation fees. This means for every $1 you pay Meta, you pay Wati an extra $0.20. At scale, this adds up to hundreds of dollars per month in hidden costs.
Orbis charges $0 markup — you only pay Meta’s standard conversation fees at pass-through pricing.
See what you get with a full omnichannel platform vs a WhatsApp-only tool.
| Feature | Orbis | Wati |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | ||
| WhatsApp Business API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instagram DM | ✓ | ✕ |
| ✓ | ✕ | |
| Voice / Telephony | ✓ | ✕ |
| X (Twitter) DM | ✓ | ✕ |
| TikTok | ✓ | ✕ |
| Telegram | ✓ | ✕ |
| Web Chat Widget | ✓ | ✕ |
| Total Channels | 8 | 1 (WhatsApp only) |
| WhatsApp Features | ||
| Template Messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Broadcast Campaigns | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interactive Buttons & Lists | ✓ | ✓ |
| WhatsApp Flows | ✓ | Limited |
| Message Markup | $0 (pass-through) | 20% surcharge |
| AI & Automation | ||
| AI Agents (auto-reply) | ✓ All plans | ✕ |
| Visual Workflow Builder | ✓ Drag-and-drop | Basic flows |
| AI Conversation Summary | ✓ | ✕ |
| Auto-Translate Messages | ✓ | ✕ |
| Chatbot Builder | ✓ AI-powered | Rule-based |
| Platform | ||
| Full Arabic / RTL UI | ✓ | ✕ |
| White-Label Branding | ✓ Business+ | ✕ |
| On-Premise Deployment | ✓ | ✕ |
| SLA Management | ✓ | ✕ |
| Contact CRM | ✓ Full CRM | Basic contacts |
| Analytics & Reporting | ✓ All channels | WhatsApp only |
Wati looks cheaper upfront, but the 20% message markup changes the math entirely.
Four reasons businesses switch from Wati to Orbis as they scale.
Your customers message on Instagram, email you, tweet at you, and chat on your website. With Wati, you need separate tools for each. Orbis unifies all 8 channels in one inbox.
Wati’s 20% surcharge on WhatsApp fees means the more successful your messaging gets, the more you overpay. At 10,000 conversations/month, that’s $200+ in pure markup. Orbis charges $0.
Customers expect instant responses. Wati has no AI agents — every message requires a human. Orbis AI agents handle common queries 24/7, freeing your team for complex conversations.
Wati offers basic rule-based flows. Orbis provides a full visual workflow builder with branching logic, API triggers, multi-channel actions, and AI-powered decision nodes.
Common questions from teams comparing Orbis and Wati.
If you need more than just WhatsApp, yes. Orbis supports 8 channels, includes AI agents, offers a visual workflow builder, and charges zero message markup. Wati is limited to WhatsApp only and adds a 20% surcharge on conversation fees. If your business truly only needs basic WhatsApp messaging for a small team, Wati’s $49/month entry is cheaper.
Meta charges businesses for WhatsApp conversations at standard rates. Wati adds a 20% surcharge on top of those Meta fees. So if Meta charges you $0.05 per conversation, Wati charges $0.06. This markup applies to every single conversation and scales with your volume. Orbis passes through Meta’s pricing with zero markup.
Yes. You can migrate your WhatsApp Business number from Wati to Orbis without losing your verification status or phone number. Export your contacts from Wati and import them into Orbis via CSV. The migration typically takes less than a day with zero customer-facing downtime.
No. Wati is exclusively a WhatsApp platform. If a customer contacts you on Instagram, email, or any other channel, you need separate tools. Orbis provides a unified inbox for WhatsApp, Instagram, Email, Voice, X, TikTok, Telegram, and Web Chat — all in one platform.
It depends on your WhatsApp volume. If you spend $500/month on Meta conversation fees, Wati adds $100/month in markup alone. Over a year, that’s $1,200 in savings just from removing the markup — plus you get 7 additional channels and AI agents included. Use our calculator or contact us for a personalized cost comparison.
No. Wati does not offer AI-powered agents. They provide a basic rule-based chatbot builder for simple question-and-answer flows, but nothing that understands context or generates intelligent responses. Every Orbis plan includes AI agents that handle conversations in Arabic and English, 24/7.
Keep your WhatsApp number, ditch the 20% markup, and add 7 more channels instantly.
Get 8 channels, AI agents, zero message markup, and a visual workflow builder — all in one platform.
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