> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chatsyncs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloud API vs On-Premise

> What the WhatsApp Cloud API is and how it differs from the On-Premise API. Use when a customer asks whether they need their own server, whether to switch from On-Premise to Cloud API, or why On-Premise is no longer recommended.

There are two ways to access the WhatsApp Business API: Cloud API (hosted and managed
entirely by Meta) and On-Premise API (hosted on your own servers or via a BSP). Cloud API is
the current standard; On-Premise no longer receives updates.

## WhatsApp Cloud API

Hosted by Meta on Meta's own cloud. Businesses do not need to maintain servers. Meta handles
all updates, maintenance, and encryption automatically. Pricing is conversation-based — you
only pay for what you use. New features are available immediately.

## WhatsApp On-Premise API

Hosted on a company's own servers or through a BSP (Business Solution Provider). The business
is responsible for server maintenance, software updates, hardware costs, and managing
encryption locally. It no longer receives new features or updates. It is more complex and
more expensive than Cloud API.

<Note>
  **Recommendation:** Use Cloud API for any new integration. On-Premise is legacy and should
  not be chosen for new projects.
</Note>

## Frequently asked

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need my own server to use the WhatsApp API?">
    No. With the Cloud API, Meta hosts everything. You just make API calls — no server setup
    or maintenance needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Should I switch from On-Premise to Cloud API?">
    Yes. On-Premise no longer gets new features or updates. Cloud API is cheaper, easier to
    maintain, and always up to date.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is a BSP?">
    A Business Solution Provider (like Twilio or 360dialog) is a company that resells access
    to the WhatsApp API. With Cloud API you can connect directly to Meta without going through
    a BSP. See the [glossary](/meta-api/concepts/whatsapp-api-glossary).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Cloud API cheaper than On-Premise?">
    Yes. Cloud API is conversation-based pricing — you pay only for what you use. On-Premise
    requires hardware, hosting, and maintenance costs on top of any usage fees.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Gotchas & common mistakes

<Warning>
  * **On-Premise is no longer updated** — do not recommend it for any new build.
  * **BSPs still exist for Cloud API** — some businesses use a BSP even with Cloud API (for
    extra tooling), but it is optional. You can go direct to Meta.
  * **End-to-end encryption** exists in both, but is managed differently: Cloud API handles it
    automatically; On-Premise requires local management.
</Warning>