Which WhatsApp option is right for you
Chatlane connects WhatsApp three ways — via Chatlane, via Meta, and via Twilio. Compare number ownership, setup effort, calling, Coexistence, templates, and billing to pick the right one.
Chatlane can connect a WhatsApp Business number three different ways. They all land WhatsApp conversations in the same inbox and behave identically once live — the difference is who provides the number, what you need to set up, and a couple of features (in-browser calling, and keeping the WhatsApp Business app).
- WhatsApp via Chatlane — Chatlane provides and manages the number for you. No Twilio account, no number of your own. Guide
- WhatsApp (Meta) — connect a number you already own directly through Meta's Cloud API, including numbers already in the WhatsApp Business app (Coexistence). Guide
- WhatsApp via Twilio — register a number from your own Twilio account. Setup
Quick recommendation
- Just want a WhatsApp number with the least fuss? Use WhatsApp via Chatlane. You pick a number in a couple of clicks, sign in with Meta once, and Chatlane handles the number, verification, and registration — no Twilio account, no OTP codes.
- Already using the number in the green WhatsApp Business app, and want to keep it? Use WhatsApp (Meta) with Coexistence — you keep the app and your chat history, and add Chatlane on the same number.
- Already run your own Twilio account with WhatsApp senders? Use WhatsApp via Twilio to keep that setup and billing relationship.
Side-by-side comparison
| via Chatlane | via Meta | via Twilio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who provides the number | Chatlane (or bring your own) | You (existing or new) | You, in your Twilio account |
| Your own Twilio account needed | No | No | Yes |
| Setup effort | Lowest — pick a number, one Meta sign-in | Low — one Meta sign-in with your number | Higher — Twilio account + sender setup |
| OTP during signup | None — number is pre-verified for you | You verify your number with Meta's code | Handled in your Twilio setup |
| Keep the WhatsApp Business app (Coexistence) | No | Yes | No |
| In-browser WhatsApp calling | Yes | No | Yes |
| Message templates | Yes (a starter template is auto-created) | Yes (managed in Meta) | Yes (Twilio Content API) |
| One number across SMS + Phone + WhatsApp | Yes | No (WhatsApp only) | If the number is also in your Twilio account |
| Billing | Chatlane-managed number + Meta's per-conversation fees | Meta's per-conversation fees, paid to Meta | Your Twilio charges + Meta fees via Twilio |
A bit more on each
WhatsApp via Chatlane
Chatlane provisions the phone number on your behalf and registers it with Meta for you. You never touch Twilio, and because Chatlane pre-verifies the number before the Meta window opens, you're never asked for an OTP code — the number appears pre-selected and verified. It's the fastest path from nothing to a working WhatsApp channel. A Chatlane number can also double as your SMS and Phone number (see one number, many channels), and it supports WhatsApp calling.
WhatsApp (Meta)
You connect a number you already control straight to Meta's Cloud API. This is the only option that supports Coexistence — keeping a number active in the WhatsApp Business app while also using it in Chatlane, chat history included. It's the right choice when the number is already live in the app, or when you specifically want to run on Meta's Cloud API without any Twilio in the picture. Note that in-browser calling isn't available on Meta Cloud API numbers.
WhatsApp via Twilio
If you already operate your own Twilio account — for example you buy or port numbers there, or you run other Twilio-based telephony — you can register a Twilio WhatsApp sender and connect it to Chatlane. Billing and number management stay in your Twilio account. In-browser WhatsApp calling is supported.
Can I switch later?
Yes. WhatsApp channels are added per inbox, so you can remove one and set up a different option. A single number can only be on WhatsApp once, though — if you want to move a number between options, deregister it from the old one first. See each guide's "Removing the channel" section.