Outbound OS vs Wati
An open-source alternative to Wati.
Wati is a hosted WhatsApp Business platform with a team inbox, campaigns and a no-code chatbot builder. Outbound OS is open-source software you run on your own server, built around capturing eligible leads, shared conversations and configured follow-up that stops on reply. They overlap on the inbox and campaigns and differ on almost everything else.
Side by side
Outbound OS and Wati, compared.
| Outbound OS | Wati | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open-source software you run yourself | Hosted WhatsApp Business platform (SaaS) with subscription plans |
| Where your data lives | Your own server and database | The vendor’s cloud |
| Paying for it | Open-source software; infrastructure, optional services and provider usage are separate | Check the vendor’s current plan, provider charges and support terms |
| Source code | Open, AGPL-3.0 | Closed |
| Lead capture | Source-key webhooks with presets for forms and external providers; CSV import is separate | Through their integrations |
| First contact | Configured outreach for eligible live-source leads; imports do not send | Through their automation features |
| Follow-ups | Configured WhatsApp and email sequences that stop on reply, opt-out, pause or close | Through their campaigns and automation |
| Other channels | Email, Telegram and iMessage on the same lead | Instagram, Facebook, website chat and SMS, per their website |
| Chatbot builder | Not included | Included |
| AI agent access | MCP server for compatible AI clients | Their own AI features |
| Hosting and support | You, the community — or managed hosting | The vendor |
Wati details are taken from Wati’s own website in September 2026 and may have changed. Wati is a trademark of its owner; Outbound OS is not affiliated with it.
Choose Wati if
- You want a chatbot builder to answer customers automatically
- You would rather pay a subscription than run a server
- You need vendor support and a hosted uptime commitment
- Instagram DMs and website chat matter as much as WhatsApp
Wati also advertises: No-code chatbot builder and AI agents; Click-to-WhatsApp ad tools; WhatsApp Business calling; A library of 100+ integrations.
Choose Outbound OS if
- You want leads and conversations in your own database
- You prefer an open-source software license and accept responsibility for infrastructure and provider costs
- Your leads arrive through forms, ads or marketplace connectors and need a visible next action
- Follow-ups should run across WhatsApp and email, and stop on reply
- You want to read and change the code, or let AI agents work the CRM over MCP
FAQ
Wati alternative questions
Is there a free alternative to Wati?
Outbound OS is free and open source. You host it yourself and connect your number through Meta’s WhatsApp Cloud API, paying Meta directly for messages. It does not include a chatbot builder, so it suits outbound follow-up more than automated support.
Can I move my WhatsApp number from Wati to Outbound OS?
Check Meta’s current migration route and your provider’s requirements for the number and WhatsApp account you own. Review app access, templates, billing and webhook cutover before switching, then verify incoming and outgoing messages. Do not assume migration includes the previous inbox history.
Does Outbound OS have a chatbot?
No. Configured outreach can send approved templates and follow-ups for eligible leads; replies, opt-outs, pauses and closed states stop the sequence. People work the conversation from the shared inbox. A no-code conversation builder is not included.
Other comparisons
Ready to make it your own?
One Docker command starts the app, creates the database and your first admin. The setup wizard does the rest.
git clone https://github.com/thatsarpit/outbound-os.gitcd outbound-oscp .env.example .envdocker compose up -dOpen http://localhost:3001 and sign in