6 Best Instant Messaging API & SDK [ for Developers in 2021]

When it comes to choosing the right communication platform, multiple users expect an instant and simple platform. Out of the many communication channels available for users to engage from, instant messaging takes the beat.  Instant messaging is the best way to communicate across different locations without any hassles. Around 2.77 billion mobile phone users  utilized messaging apps to communicate in 2021 and the number is likely to grow by 2022 as per a report by Statista. No wonder every business is moving forward to building an efficient messaging app for enhancing its communication strategies.

Are you planning to do the same? That's great! However, building a chat app from scratch might consume a lot of time and capital. And, this is exactly where third-party API and SDK providers come into play. In this article, we shall discuss the top 6 instant messaging SDK providers in 2021 that developers can integrate into mobile and web applications to enhance communications. Stay with us and read on. 

What are Chat APIs and SDKs?

Before digging deep into the various types of API providers, let us first understand the meaning of API and SDK. Now, API stands for Application Programming Interface. It consists of a set of programs that can be utilized to develop  an application.  Messaging APIs help implement advanced messaging features into your mobile and web application.

 On the other hand, SDK stands for Software Development Kit and consists of various software development tools that help build an application. Instant messaging SDK can make your instant message communication easier, smoother, and quicker.

Top 6 secure Instant Messaging API & SDK Providers for Android,iOS Apps

To stand out of the competitive clutter, it is indispensable to strengthen your communication strategies with the most advanced messaging features. Before finalizing your instant messaging  API, make sure to study and compare the different third-party in-app Chat SDK  providers in the market. Let us delve deep into some of them one by one.

1. CONTUS MirrorFly -Best Instant Messaging API & SDK Provider

Visit Website : MirrorFly.com

CONTUS MirrorFly offers real time chat APIs and messaging SDKs for web and mobile platforms to cater one aim, build a secure chat platform. The API provider offers tons of valuable features that help to enhance any messaging platform which is one of the many reasons why CONTUS MirrorFly ranks in the highest in the top 6 instant messaging tools.

1. API & SDK Features
   
   One of the many amazing things about CONTUS MirrorFly is that it has around 150+ chat messaging functions. It also supports peer-to-peer communication be it one-on-one or some group conferencing. Also, CONTUS MirrorFly prioritizes chat privacy. It has a 3-tier security and compliance. Apart from that, CONTUS MirrorFly is home to different state-of-the-art advanced chat features such as secure file transfer, screen sharing in a click, digital whiteboards, unlimited message broadcasting, and many more. 
   
   It also supports SIP & VoIP calling. Another excellent feature is its On Cloud/On premises infrastructure. All in all, if you want all your modern chat requirements to be fulfilled instantly, CONTUS MirrorFly is your instant messaging API solution.
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android,ios ,window and Web
   
3.  Popularity :  It has enabled 1B+ conversations.
   
4.  Price : One-time Licenese Cost & Free Demo
   
5. Ease of Use :  Self hosted chat solution that allows developers to build secure real time chat, voice and audio applications.
   

2. Apphitect - Complete In-App Messaging Solution

Visit Website : Apphitect.ae

Apphitect is one of UAE’s top mobile application development. The app focuses on building mobile applications with customization options to ensure that every instant messaging app is unique and exhibits the concerned brand well. To redefine users' experience on the app, Apphitect blends multiple technologies in the app such as augmented reality and more.

1. API & SDK Features
   Apphitect supports a multitude of modern chat functionalities such as file, images &, video sharing, video conferencing, and much more. The best part is that it supports privacy. It is 100% secured. Moreover, it facilitates unlimited cloud storage and has zero downtime possibility. 
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android, iOS, and Windows devices
   
3.  Popularity :  Delivered 600+ apps successfully
   
4.  Price : Customized pricing
   
5. Ease of Use :  Full stack technologies that are easy to integrate into your mobile and web application.

3. Sendbird - Popular Instant Messaging Solution

Visit Website : sendbird.com

An extremely easy-to-use API and a fully managed chat app on the backend. Sendbird serves chat requirements across different verticals such as healthcare, gaming, marketplaces, and others. It also powers live chat support and builds modern chat and messaging experiences. 

1. API & SDK Features
   Sendbird has all the modern chat functions that can ace your communication game. It allows you to access offline messages and make moderations, announcements, and other crucial chat functionalities. Be it private chat, group communication, supergroup private chat, or public group chat - Sendbird has got it all covered! Infact, it also keeps a count of your unread messages. . 
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android, iOS, and web
   
3.  Popularity :  Delivers 2.5B+ messages per month.
   
4.  Price : Available on monthly subscription
5. Ease of Use : Pre-fab UI components for enhancing developer's productivity. 

4. Cometchat - One of the top Instant Messaging SDK providers

Visit Website : Cometchat.com

One of the leading chat APIs and SDKs made specifically to fulfill your chat requirements.  Get in-depth documentation and tutorial for faster implementation. It is endlessly extensible and comes with end-to-end encryption. Moreover, it has open-source UI components. 

1. API & SDK Features
   Cometchat provides you with a suite of modern chat features. Be it push notifications or email notifications, Cometchat has got your back. You will be able to leverage real-time translation and conduct one-on-one and group conversations. Cometchat also provides you with typing indicators, read indicators, and online presence indicators. 
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android, iOS, and web
   
3.  Popularity :  Trusted by 50,000+ customers
   
4.  Price :  7 days free trial and then paid service. 
5. Ease of Use : Comprehensive guides and documentation. 

5. Twilio - One of the best instant messaging API providers 

Visit Website : Twilio.com

Twilio is a popular programmable messaging API. It helps you connect with your customer wherever they want. With state of the art chat functions, Twilio is especially designed for the modern developer's workflow.  Quickly build solutions like programmable messages, 2FA, and others. 

1. API & SDK Features
   Twilio supports cross channel messaging, two-factor authentication and keeps chat privacy as the top priority. With modern chat features like proactive notifications, intelligent chatbots, and account notifications, Twilio can be your secure instant messaging SDK. In addition to all these, it also supports dispatch notification, contact center, and appointment reminders. 
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android, iOS, and web
   
3.  Popularity :  795+ billion interactions across various channels.  
   
4.  Price :  Free & Paid 
5. Ease of Use :  Well-defined documentation and tutorials. 

6. Getstream - Easy to use Instant Messaging API provider

Visit webite :Getstream.com

Scalable and fast API for custom messaging apps. It has no defined limits on channel sizes and has a robust security system. It supports HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR ready chat infrastructure. Moreover, Getstream supports social in-app messaging and connects all your app users.  There is low latency and 99. 999% uptime. 

1. API & SDK Features
   Getstream offers fully customizable chat functions and supports multi-tenancy. Not only this, it also has built-in GIPHY, emoticons, reactions, and other fun messaging features. Getstream also supports direct one-on-one chat and group conversations. It allows you to preview links and supports end-to-end encryption. 
   
   
2.  Platform Availability : Android, iOS
   
3.  Popularity :  Popular for building custom messaging apps
   
4.  Price :  Free & Paid 
5. Ease of Use :  Designed especially for engineers to maximize efficiency. Getstream comes with well-documented tutorials. 

Conclusion