WhatsApp Messaging API vs WhatsApp Connect

In-depth architectural comparison of the WhatsApp Messaging API and WhatsApp Connect 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 Connect 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 Connect Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	WhatsApp Messaging API Communication	WhatsApp Connect Communication
Summary	Send WhatsApp messages from Claude. No Meta Business approval or WhatsApp Business account.	Read, search, and send personal WhatsApp messages from any MCP client, behind a send-confirm gate.
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-connect": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "whatsapp-connect-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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