RCS vs WhatsApp Business API: which should you choose
Compare RCS and WhatsApp Business API side by side so you can pick the right channel, or use both, based on your goals.
If you're deciding between RCS and WhatsApp Business API for your business messaging, this guide compares both channels side by side so you can pick the right one, or use both, based on your goals.
What's covered
The core difference
RCS = messages inside the phone's default messaging app, no separate app needed. WhatsApp API = messages inside the WhatsApp app, which the customer needs to have installed.
Detailed comparison table
Where it opens
Phone's default messaging app
WhatsApp app or WA Business
App required
No installation needed
Customer must have WhatsApp or WA Business installed
Reach
Strong on Android; iPhone unsupported on DoubleTick today
Very strong across both Android and iPhone
Cost per message
~₹0.15
~₹0.99 (marketing template)
Delivery rate
Generally lower than WhatsApp API. RCS messages are delivered only to Android devices with RCS enabled. They don't reach iOS devices, and many Android users may not have RCS enabled by default, which reduces the overall delivery rate.
Generally higher than RCS. While WhatsApp delivery can be affected by frequency capping for business messaging at scale, it still reaches a much larger user base across both Android and iOS, resulting in a better overall delivery rate.
Read/response rate
Moderate
Currently higher, since customers are more used to engaging on WhatsApp
Rich media
Images, videos, cards, carousels, suggested replies
Images, buttons, lists, product catalogs
Two-way conversation
Supported, but more commonly used for one-way broadcasts
Core strength, built for ongoing conversations and support
Fallback option
WhatsApp can act as a fallback if RCS isn't supported
RCS can act as a fallback if WhatsApp delivery fails
Brand identity
Verified sender with business name, logo, and brand colors
Official green checkmark and verified business profile
Template approval
No approval process
Every template requires Meta's approval
Ideal use case
High-volume one-way promotions
Ongoing conversations, customer support, and high-trust interactions
Why the difference between delivery rate and read rate matters
These two metrics measure different things, and understanding both helps you choose the right channel for your use case. Delivery rate measures whether a message successfully reaches the customer. WhatsApp API generally has a higher overall delivery rate because it works across both Android and iOS devices. RCS, on the other hand, is available only on RCS-enabled Android devices. Since iOS devices don't support RCS and not all Android users have RCS enabled, its overall delivery rate can be lower. Read/response rate measures whether customers open and engage with the message after it's delivered. WhatsApp typically performs better because customers are already accustomed to checking and responding to WhatsApp messages. That said, RCS remains a strong channel for the right audience. If your target users are primarily on Android devices with RCS enabled, it offers a rich, app-like messaging experience with features such as branded messages, carousels, suggested replies, rich media, and interactive buttons. For businesses targeting this segment, RCS can be an effective complement to WhatsApp rather than a replacement.
How fallback works between RCS and WhatsApp
Industry-wide, RCS and WhatsApp can support each other as fallback channels. If a customer can't be reached on one, the message can potentially still be delivered on the other.
On DoubleTick specifically, this fallback isn't automatic. If RCS delivery isn't possible (for example, the recipient is on iPhone or has RCS disabled), DoubleTick shows an error instead of auto-switching the message to WhatsApp. Your team can still choose to manually resend the message via WhatsApp in that case, but the platform doesn't do it for you.
Which one should you use?
Choose RCS if:
You're running high-volume, one-way promotional campaigns and want a cost-effective option.
Your audience is mostly on Android.
You want a reliable way to keep reaching customers even when WhatsApp delivery is affected by frequency capping.
Choose WhatsApp Business API if:
You need real two-way conversations, like customer support or sales.
You want the widest possible reach across Android and iPhone.
You want higher engagement and response rates from your messages.
Use both together if:
You want maximum reach and reliability, using each channel where it performs best, keeping in mind that on DoubleTick, switching between them during a delivery failure is a manual step, not automatic.
Ready to get started? See getting started with RCS on DoubleTick, or if you'd rather stick with WhatsApp, see how to start a new chat with a customer.
Key takeaways
RCS opens inside a phone's default messaging app; WhatsApp API requires the WhatsApp app to be installed.
WhatsApp generally has a higher delivery and read rate; RCS is cheaper per message and avoids frequency capping.
Fallback between RCS and WhatsApp isn't automatic on DoubleTick — you'll need to manually resend if delivery fails.
Many businesses run both channels together, using each where it performs best.
Frequently asked questions
Which channel has a better delivery rate? WhatsApp API generally has a higher delivery rate since it reaches both Android and iOS. RCS is limited to RCS-enabled Android devices.
Which channel is cheaper per message? RCS, at roughly ₹0.15 per message compared to around ₹0.99 for a WhatsApp marketing template.
Does DoubleTick automatically fall back to WhatsApp if RCS fails? No. You'll need to manually resend the message via WhatsApp if RCS delivery isn't possible.
Can I use RCS and WhatsApp at the same time? Yes. Many businesses run both together so each channel covers the other's gaps.
Which channel should I use for customer support? WhatsApp Business API, since it's built for ongoing two-way conversations and has higher engagement.
Suggested articles
Getting started with RCS on DoubleTick How to send an RCS message in a one-on-one conversation How to broadcast an RCS message How to start a new chat with a customer RCS frequently asked questions
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