WhatsApp Messaging API vs WhatsApp

In-depth architectural comparison of the WhatsApp Messaging API and WhatsApp MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose WhatsApp Messaging API when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Communication domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore WhatsApp Messaging API Details

Choose WhatsApp when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Communication domain.
• You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore WhatsApp Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	WhatsApp Messaging API Communication	WhatsApp Communication
Summary	Send WhatsApp messages from Claude. No Meta Business approval or WhatsApp Business account.	Connect a personal/Business WhatsApp account via QR pairing (multi-device, like WhatsApp Web). Send
Category & Scope	Communication	Communication

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "whatsapp-messaging-api": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "whatsapp-messaging-api-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "whatsapp-2": {
      "url": "https://claude.ai/new?modal=add-custom-connector#settings/customize-connectors"
    }
  }
}

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