The Wati alternative with the AI agent built in
Wati is a popular, affordable WhatsApp inbox, with AI agents sold separately as Astra. On Hala the AI agent is the product: it answers chats and WhatsApp calls in your customers' dialect, and we set it up for you.
Which one fits you?
Choose Hala AI if
- You want AI to handle conversations and calls without buying a second product.
- Your customers write in Arabic dialects and replies must sound local.
- You'd rather have the agent set up for you than build it in a no-code tool.
Choose Wati if
- You mainly need low-cost WhatsApp broadcasts and a simple shared inbox.
- Your team is happy building bots in a no-code builder.
Hala AI vs Wati, feature by feature
Checked against each vendor's public pricing and product pages on 2 October 2026.
| Feature | Hala AI | Wati |
|---|---|---|
| AI agent | ||
| AI agent that answers customers on its own | Included on every plan | Separate product (Astra), from $99/mo |
| Set up and trained for you | Setup and integrations included on every plan | Self-serve builder |
| Arabic dialects: Lebanese, Gulf, Egyptian | Tuned per dialect, in chats and on calls | Arabic through general multilingual AI |
| Voice | ||
| AI answers voice calls | WhatsApp calls, minutes included on every plan | Through Astra, 5 credits per minute |
| Channels | ||
| Instagram and Facebook Messenger | ||
| Website chat | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $125/mo billed yearly, AI agent and call minutes included | $25/mo billed yearly ($29 monthly), AI agent extra |
| What raises the bill | Conversations and call minutes | Plan tier and users, plus Astra credits for AI |
| Free trial | 50 conversations and 10 call minutes, no card | 7 days |
Included Partly, or at extra cost Not offered
Meta's own WhatsApp fees are billed on top on every platform here, Hala included.
Sources: wati.io/pricing, wati.io/products/astra/en/pricing. Wati is a trademark of its owner. Spot something out of date? Email info@metaempires.com.
Why businesses pick Hala over Wati
The AI is the product, not an add-on
On Wati, AI agents come from Astra, a separate product with its own plans from $99/month and credits per reply and per call minute. On Hala, the AI agent is included in every plan.
Calls and chats in one plan
Every Hala plan includes AI call minutes on WhatsApp, starting with 100 minutes on Launch, alongside your conversations. No separate credit wallet for voice.
Done for you, not do-it-yourself
Our team configures the agent, loads your prices, policies and FAQs, and connects your calendar or tools before you go live. Setup is included on every plan, and the team you reach is in the region, on WhatsApp.
Arabic that sounds local
Hala replies in the dialect your customer uses, whether Lebanese, Gulf, Egyptian or Modern Standard Arabic, and keeps each reply in one language and script. On calls it speaks with a voice chosen for that dialect.
Switching from Wati
- 1
Book a 15-minute call
Tell us how customers reach you today and which conversations the AI should take over.
- 2
We build and train your agent
We load your services, prices and policies, connect your calendar or tools, and test the agent with you in your customers' dialect.
- 3
Connect your channels and go live
Link WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger and your website. Your team can step into any chat from the dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hala cheaper than Wati?+
Not at the entry level. Wati's inbox starts at $25/month billed yearly, and AI agents through Astra start at $99/month on top. Hala starts at $125/month billed yearly with the AI agent, 500 conversations and 100 call minutes included. Meta's WhatsApp fees apply on both.
Is Hala a good Wati alternative?+
Yes, if you want an AI agent that answers customers on chats and calls without building it yourself. If you mostly send broadcasts and reply by hand, Wati's lower entry price may fit better.
Can Wati answer calls with AI?+
Yes, through Astra's voice agent, billed at 5 credits per minute. Hala includes call minutes in every plan.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number if I leave Wati?+
Usually, yes. A WhatsApp Business number can move from one provider to another, and we walk you through it during setup. Some numbers need two-step verification turned off on Wati first.
Do I have to build the AI agent myself?+
No. Setup and integrations are included on every Hala plan. You review the agent before it goes live and can edit what it knows from the dashboard at any time.
Hear Hala answer in your dialect
Book a 15-minute demo, or message Hala on WhatsApp and try it yourself.