What does Twilio charge for WhatsApp?
- $0.005 per message, inbound or outbound, as Twilio's own fee.
- Meta's per-template fees on top, passed through by category (utility, authentication and so on).
- A $0.001 fee for messages that end in a failed status, and optional add-ons such as link shortening and scheduling at $0.015 per message, with the first 1,000 free each month.
- The page shows prices in dollars, and we did not find India-specific rates in the part we read. Check the calculator for your country.
Source: Twilio WhatsApp pricing page, 11 October 2026. The page states a free tier that resets monthly without naming the amount.
What is the real difference?
| Twilio | InboxWA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A messaging API you build on | A WhatsApp platform with inbox, flows, AI and CRM, plus an API |
| Team inbox | You build or buy one | Included |
| Automation | You write the logic | No-code flow builder |
| Currency | US dollars | Indian rupees |
| Per-message cost | $0.005 on top of Meta's fee | Meta's fee passed through with no markup |
| Best for | Engineering teams wanting programmable messaging across channels | Businesses that want WhatsApp working without a build |
When Twilio is the better choice
- You have engineers and want full control over every part of the experience.
- WhatsApp is one of several channels you want to build on a single programmable provider.
- You already run on Twilio and want one vendor.
When a full platform is simpler
- You want agents answering from a shared inbox this week, not after a build.
- Per-message fees matter at your volume: a flat platform fee plus Meta's own rates can be lower than a per-message fee plus Meta's rates, depending on how many messages you send.
- You still want an API for custom work. InboxWA has one: see the developer guide.
Estimate your own numbers with the pricing calculator, and see other alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Twilio alternative for WhatsApp in India?
If you want a working WhatsApp inbox, automation and AI without building them, a full platform such as InboxWA is simpler and is priced in rupees. If you want a programmable API across channels and have engineers, Twilio remains a strong choice.
How much does Twilio charge for WhatsApp messages?
Twilio's fee is $0.005 per message, inbound or outbound, on top of Meta's per-template fees, with a $0.001 charge for messages that fail.
Does Twilio include a team inbox?
Twilio is an API, so the inbox and automation are something you build or add separately. A platform such as InboxWA includes them.
Can I move from Twilio to another platform?
If your WhatsApp number is registered under your own WhatsApp Business Account, it can be moved, but you will need to resubmit templates and reconnect the number on the new platform.
Try it on your own account
Plans from ₹999/month, zero markup on Meta's message fees. 7-day free trial, no card required.