What is Sendbird?
Sendbird is a communication platform that helps developers integrate chat, messaging, and real-time communication features into apps or websites. It offers APIs and SDKs for functionalities like text, multimedia sharing, voice, and video. Businesses use it for in-app messaging, customer support, and user engagement.
What is ControlHippo?
ControlHippo is a platform that helps businesses manage customer communication across multiple channels, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and email, from a single dashboard. It includes tools for automation, analytics, and real-time messaging, aiming to streamline interactions and enhance customer service efficiency.
Why is ControlHippo the Best Alternative to Sendbird?
ControlHippo is a solid alternative to Sendbird because it offers a user-friendly interface and flexible APIs for chat and communication features. It supports real-time messaging, scalability, and integration with other tools. Unlike Sendbird, it provides cost-effective plans, making it a better choice for businesses looking to manage communication without overspending. ControlHippo’s focus on simplicity and customization ensures it meets various use cases, from team collaboration to customer engagement.
Sendbird vs. ControlHippo: Feature-wise Comparison
The below table compares key features of Sendbird vs. ControlHippo, highlighting why ControlHippo is the best Sendbird alternative.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score |   4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.1/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value for money (pricing details below) | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Design quality | 4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Features | • In-app Chat API • Video Calling API • Voice Calling API • Pre-built UI Kits • Message Moderation Tools | • Omnichannel Shared Inbox • Workflow Automation • AI Chatbot Assistant • WhatsApp Shared Inbox • AI Chatbot Builder • Broadcast Campaigns |
| Head to head Comparison | • Focuses mainly on in-app messaging. • Offers video and voice calls. • Good API support for customization. | • Workflow automation and AI chat assistant • Omnichannel inbox and WhatsApp API • AI-powered messaging and automation |
| Pricing range | Pay-as-you-go model– charges per API and feature. No free plan for all users. | Free plan “Basic” for small teams with a chatbot and several limited features. The bronze plan starts at $20/user per month with a chatbot, additional AI features, and advanced reporting tools. |
| Try for Free |
Features That Make ControlHippo #1 AI Customer Service Platform
ControlHippo stands out with its ability to automate workflows, provide intelligent self-service through an AI-powered knowledge base, integrate seamlessly with CRMs, Workflow Automation and unify customer communication across multiple channels.
Optimize Team Efficiency with Automated Workflows
ControlHippo provides advanced workflow automation, making it easier to manage tasks compared to Sendbird's limited options.
- Simplifies repetitive tasks, reducing manual work and response time delays.
- Automatically assigns tickets to the right agents for quicker resolutions.
- Tracks ticket progress with tailored workflows, improving operational control.
Accelerate Customer Support with AI Chat Assistant
While Sendbird offers basic tools, ControlHippo’s AI-driven knowledge base improves support efficiency and accuracy.
- Offers users instant answers using a dynamically updated knowledge library.
- Continuously learns and adapts to improve future query responses.
- Minimizes reliance on agents for answering repetitive customer inquiries.
Boost Efficiency with Seamless CRM Integration
ControlHippo offers seamless CRM integration, streamlining data flow, unlike Sendbird’s limited CRM capabilities.
- Combines all customer interactions into one synchronized CRM platform.
- Ensures seamless data flow across systems for personalized customer support.
- Improves decision-making with integrated insights from multiple channels.
Connect Across Channels with Omnichannel Integration
ControlHippo excels with full omnichannel support, while Sendbird mainly focuses on in-app messaging features.
- Brings messaging apps, emails, and social platforms into one shared interface.
- Enables real-time engagement with customers through multiple synchronized channels.
- Facilitates collaboration with shared inboxes and tools for internal teams.
Top Sendbird Alternatives
Discover the top sendbird alternatives with detailed insights into key features and ideal use cases. Ease of use ratings are carefully aggregated from trusted platforms like Capterra.
1. ControlHippo
ControlHippo streamlines customer interactions with AI-powered service and collaboration.
ControlHippo offers an all-in-one solution for businesses to enhance their customer communication via WhatsApp. With features like multi-user access, automation, and analytics, it simplifies team workflows while delivering personalized customer experiences.
Its integration capabilities and intuitive design make it an ideal choice for medium-sized businesses aiming to scale customer engagement.
Main Features
- Omnichannel Messaging: Consolidate communications from SMS, email, WhatsApp, and more into a single unified inbox for easy management and streamlined customer support.
- Workflow Automation Automate processes like replies, notifications, and follow-ups, saving time, ensuring consistency, and providing better customer service with fewer manual tasks.
- CRM Integration: Sync conversations directly with CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive for better management of customer data and streamlined communication workflows.
- Analytics Dashboard: Gain valuable insights into messaging performance, customer satisfaction, and team productivity, enabling data-driven decisions and continuous improvements in customer service.
- Team Collaboration: Empower multiple agents to collaborate on customer conversations in real time, ensuring quick, efficient responses while maintaining a unified support approach.
Advance Features
- AI Chat Assistant: Use advanced AI tools to help agents with real-time responses, improving response accuracy and reducing the time spent searching for information during chats.
- WhatsApp Business API Support: Integrate WhatsApp directly with your support system, enabling automated, real-time communication with customers through the globally popular messaging app.
- Live Chat: Provide instant, real-time assistance through live chat functionality, ensuring customers’ inquiries are addressed promptly and improving overall service quality.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Bronze: $20/user/month
- Silver: $28/user/month
- Gold: Custom Pricing
- User-friendly interface simplifies the adoption process.
- Highly customizable to fit various business needs.
- Powerful integrations with leading CRM tools for smooth operations.
- Can be complex for small businesses without dedicated support.
- Pricing structure may be higher for smaller teams or startups.
2. Twilio
Twilio enables businesses to integrate voice, messaging, and video into apps.
Twilio provides APIs for developers to add communication features like voice calls, messaging, and video to apps. It offers solutions for SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, voice calls, and more. With global reach and reliability, Twilio supports businesses in connecting with customers via flexible and scalable communication tools.
The platform is popular among developers for its ease of integration and diverse product offerings, making it a go-to solution for communication services.
Main Features
- Programmable Messaging API: Allows businesses to send SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp messages globally with rich media support, enhancing customer engagement.
- Conversations API: Facilitates real-time, multi-channel messaging across SMS, webchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, all integrated seamlessly.
- Programmable Voice API: Enables businesses to build voice communication features into apps, including calling, recording, and speech recognition.
- SendGrid Email API: Simplifies bulk and transactional email management, allowing easy sending, tracking, and organizing of emails.
- Twilio Frontline: A prebuilt mobile app for teams, helping them engage customers via SMS, WhatsApp, and voice, with customizable features.
- Twilio Sync: A real-time synchronization service that keeps app data consistent across devices, improving app performance and user experience.
Pricing
- Pay-as-you-go Voice: $0.0085 per minute (outbound calls)
- SMS/MMS: Starting at $0.0079 per message
- Twilio Frontline: Pricing varies based on the number of users
- Scalable communication services suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Global network with robust APIs for easy integration and flexibility.
- Advanced voice, messaging, and video features for multi-channel support.
- Pricing can be expensive, especially for high-volume users.
- Requires technical expertise to fully leverage API capabilities.
3. StreamChat
StreamChat offers a robust real-time messaging solution for building scalable and engaging chat apps.
Stream Chat enables businesses and developers to integrate real-time messaging into their apps. It supports various communication features such as private messaging, group chats, and multimedia sharing.
Stream offers scalable solutions for apps, including social and community platforms, with enterprise-level performance, security, and compliance standards. Its intuitive SDKs and APIs allow for quick integration, making it a reliable option for chat and messaging functionalities.
Main Features
- Real-Time Messaging: Stream Chat provides seamless real-time messaging, ensuring instant communication across all platforms and devices.
- Multimedia Support: It allows sending images, videos, GIFs, and files, enriching user conversations with multimedia content.
- Advanced Moderation Tools: Equipped with automated filters, users can report, mute, and block inappropriate content to ensure safe chats.
- Scalable Architecture: The platform can effortlessly scale to handle millions of active users, ideal for growing communities.
- Push Notifications: Notifications are sent for new messages, keeping users engaged and returning to the app.
- Customizable UI: Developers can customize the user interface, tailoring the chat experience to their app’s needs.
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0 for up to 5,000 monthly active users.
- Pro Plan: Starts at $99/month for up to 100,000 MAUs.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large-scale businesses with advanced needs.
- Reliable for large-scale deployments, handling millions of users seamlessly.
- Robust moderation tools to ensure safe communication.
- Extensive platform support including iOS, Android, and web.
- Customization requires more developer effort than out-of-the-box solutions.
- Some advanced features come with additional costs.
4. CometChat
CometChat enables in-app text, voice, and video messaging for web and mobile.
CometChat provides a comprehensive in-app messaging solution for mobile and web applications, enabling text, voice, and video chats. It helps businesses and developers integrate real-time communication into their applications seamlessly.
With features like customizable chat widgets, moderation tools, and multimedia support, CometChat enables a richer user experience. It supports various industries like e-learning, gaming, and customer service, offering features to engage users through chat and collaboration in real time.
Main Features
- Customizable Chat Interface: Allows developers to fully brand and personalize chat elements.
- Text, Voice, and Video Chats: Enables communication in all formats for richer engagement.
- Real-Time Translation: Offers live language translation, bridging communication gaps across different languages.
- File Sharing: Supports easy and secure sharing of documents, images, and videos within chats.
- Advanced Moderation Tools: Provides tools for managing users and content to ensure a safe environment.
Pricing
- Developer Free: Free for up to 25 users, with essential features.
- Essentials: $109/month, for up to 1,000 monthly active users (MAUs).
- Pro: $423/month, with additional engagement and moderation features.
- Custom: Custom pricing based on needs, offering premium features like multi-tenancy.
- Simple to implement with pre-built SDKs.
- Scalable for various application sizes and industries.
- Offers excellent customer support and documentation.
- Limited support for certain legacy platforms.
- Occasionally slower response times from customer service.
5. MirrorFly
MirrorFly powers in-app messaging, video calls, and VoIP for businesses.
MirrorFly is a comprehensive communication platform providing businesses with tools for voice, video, and messaging services. It offers in-app messaging, SIP and VoIP calling, and advanced video conferencing solutions.
With secure features like end-to-end encryption, and seamless integration options, MirrorFly caters to industries such as healthcare, remote teams, and eLearning. It also includes real-time chat functionalities, custom branding, and a full suite of communication tools.
Main Features
- In-app Messaging: Real-time and interactive messaging allows users to chat seamlessly across web and mobile apps, ensuring efficient communication.
- Video and Voice Calling: Offers HD-quality calls, with options for one-on-one or group calls, including screen sharing, enabling smooth collaboration.
- File Sharing: Easily send and receive various file types such as images and documents, improving team collaboration and information exchange.
- Multi-Device Support: Ensures uninterrupted communication on all platforms, including web, iOS, Android, and desktop, for maximum accessibility.
- Secure Communication: Provides end-to-end encryption for all chats and calls, ensuring privacy and protection of sensitive data during communication.
Pricing
- Free Trial: Available
- Custom Quote Plan: Contact for pricing details
- Flexible communication options for varied business needs.
- High level of data security with encryption.
- Customizable platform for a tailored experience.
- Pricing is available only on request.
- Limited information on specific integration details.
6. PubNub
PubNub is a real-time communication platform offering global messaging and data streaming solutions for businesses.
PubNub enables real-time messaging and data streaming for applications across various industries. It supports multiple messaging patterns like pub/sub, file sharing, and mobile notifications.
PubNub is designed to deliver low-latency communication, with services that scale globally. It offers a secure, customizable platform for industries such as gaming, healthcare, e-commerce, and more. PubNub also provides serverless functions and real-time user presence tracking, making it versatile for a wide range of use cases.
Main Features
- Global Presence: PubNub operates 15+ data centers worldwide, ensuring fast and reliable real-time messaging for apps globally.
- Pub/Sub Messaging: Allows real-time communication with flexible one-to-many, many-to-many, and many-to-one messaging patterns.
- Mobile Push Notifications: Ensures timely updates by supporting push notifications for offline users, improving user engagement.
- Presence Detection: Track real-time user and device presence, enabling dynamic interactions within your application.
- Message Persistence: Retain message history even when users are offline, ensuring continuity and access to previous messages.
- Serverless Functions: Run code tailored to your app’s needs, like data filtering or custom event triggers, without managing infrastructure.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 1 million messages, 10 devices.
- Starter Plan: $49/month for 5 million messages, 25 devices.
- Pro Plan: $499/month for 50 million messages, 250 devices.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing with advanced features, SLA support.
- Reliable, low-latency communication across global networks.
- Flexible and scalable for a variety of use cases.
- Extensive security features like encryption and access controls.
- Does not guarantee message order or delivery by default.
- HTTP long-polling transport may be less efficient than WebSockets.
7. MessageBird
MessageBird offers seamless, omnichannel communication solutions for businesses to connect globally via SMS, email, and more.
MessageBird provides robust communication tools for businesses to engage with customers across various channels. It supports messaging services like SMS, email, voice, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and more.
With its simple-to-integrate APIs, MessageBird ensures businesses can deliver real-time, personalized communication. This makes it a top choice for companies looking to streamline customer interactions globally with consistent, reliable services.
Main Features
- Omnichannel Messaging Support: Connect with customers via SMS, email, WhatsApp, and more, ensuring seamless interactions across channels.
- Global Connectivity: Reach customers worldwide with high deliverability rates, enhancing communication reliability for global businesses.
- Easy API Integration: Simple integration into your existing system, enabling businesses to implement messaging features effortlessly.
- Two-Way Messaging: Facilitate real-time, interactive communication with customers, boosting engagement through personalized messaging.
- SMS Campaigns: Create and manage targeted, personalized SMS campaigns for better customer outreach at scale.
Pricing
- Connectivity Plan: Contact for custom pricing.
- Omnichannel Plan: Starts at $0 for the first 1000 messages, then pay-per-message.
- Reliable global messaging infrastructure for seamless communication.
- User-friendly setup with clear API documentation for developers.
- Excellent customer support to help resolve issues quickly.
- Pricing may be higher for smaller businesses with limited budgets.
- Advanced features may require technical knowledge for proper integration.
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how it can improve your customer interactions and streamline support processes.
We got amazing help from the ControlHippo team. They're really quick to respond, know a lot, and do everything they can to help with our questions.
We've experienced exceptional customer support from the ControlHippo team. They are responsive and beyond to assist with any queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ControlHippo's AI Chat Assistant integrates seamlessly with channels like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and web chat. It provides multi-channel support for smooth customer engagement across platforms, improving customer interaction and experience.
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Yes, ControlHippo allows you to assign specific customer chats to designated agents. This ensures that conversations are managed efficiently and each customer receives tailored support from the most suitable agent.
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ControlHippo's AI-powered knowledge base helps agents respond quickly by suggesting relevant articles and solutions during chats. It automatically pulls data from your knowledge base to provide accurate, timely responses, reducing response time and improving efficiency.
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Yes, ControlHippo offers a CSAT feature that helps track customer satisfaction. After each interaction, customers can rate their experience, enabling businesses to measure and improve service quality based on real-time feedback.
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ControlHippo allows you to send bulk messages to customers across multiple channels. This feature is useful for promotional campaigns, updates, or customer notifications, ensuring wide reach and efficient communication.