Evolution API WhatsApp: Open Source Alternative to Integrate WhatsApp [2026]
Evolution API is an open source project that allows connecting applications with WhatsApp without depending on the official Meta API. Unlike the WhatsApp Business API, which requires business verification, template approval, and per-conversation payment, Evolution API works by emulating the WhatsApp Web protocol to offer programmatic access to messaging functions. In this guide, we explain exactly what it is, how to install it step by step with Docker, when it makes sense versus the official API, and in which scenarios it is a viable option for your project. If you are looking for a general overview of the WhatsApp development ecosystem, start with our WhatsApp API guide for developers.
What Is Evolution API WhatsApp
Evolution API is an open-source API REST, available on GitHub, that provides a programmatic interface for interacting with WhatsApp. It works as a middleware layer that connects to WhatsApp Web through the Baileys protocol (a Node.js implementation of the WhatsApp protocol), exposing HTTP endpoints that allow sending text messages, images, documents, audio, locations, and contacts.
The project was born as a free alternative for developers and companies that needed to automate WhatsApp without going through Meta's approval process or bearing the per-conversation costs of the official API. In 2026, Evolution API has gained enormous traction -- with search trends that have multiplied sixfold in the past year -- especially among technical teams integrating no-code tools like n8n to build conversational automation workflows.
The architecture is straightforward: a Node.js server that maintains an active WhatsApp Web session, exposes a REST API with API key authentication, and allows managing multiple instances (phone numbers) from a single installation. Webhooks notify incoming events in real time, exactly how the Meta WhatsApp Cloud API works, but without the business verification requirements.
How to Install Evolution API WhatsApp with Docker Step by Step
The most common way to deploy Evolution API is through Docker, as it simplifies dependency management and allows setting up the environment in minutes. Here are the prerequisites and the complete process.
Prerequisites
- A server with Docker and Docker Compose installed. Any VPS with 1 GB of RAM and Ubuntu 22.04+ is sufficient for testing.
- A phone number with active WhatsApp. This number will be linked to the Evolution API session, just like when you open WhatsApp Web in a browser.
- SSH access to the server or a local environment with Docker Desktop.
Step 1: Clone the Repository and Configure Variables
Download the official Evolution API WhatsApp repository from GitHub and configure the environment variables file. The essential variables are the global API key (which protects the endpoints), the base server URL, the exposure port, and the database configuration (by default it uses SQLite, but you can configure PostgreSQL for production).
Step 2: Start the Containers
With a single Docker Compose command, you start the complete server. The container exposes port 8080 by default and the API becomes immediately accessible. On first boot, Evolution API creates the database tables and is ready to create instances.
Step 3: Link WhatsApp
Once the server is running, you create a new instance through the API and receive a QR code. You scan that code with the WhatsApp app on your phone -- exactly as you would with WhatsApp Web -- and the session is established. From that moment on, you can send and receive messages through the HTTP endpoints.
The Evolution Manager panel provides a graphical interface for managing instances, viewing connection status, and monitoring webhooks without needing to use the command line. It is especially useful if you manage multiple phone numbers from the same installation.
Evolution API vs Official WhatsApp Business API: Key Differences
Before choosing between Evolution API and the official Meta API, you need to understand the technical, legal, and operational implications of each option. It is not just a matter of cost.
| Característica | Evolution API | WhatsApp Business API (Meta) |
|---|---|---|
| Coste | Gratuito (open source) | Pago por conversación + coste BSP |
| Aprobación de Meta | No requerida | Verificación empresarial obligatoria |
| Templates | No necesarios | Obligatorios para iniciar conversación |
| Límite de envío | Sin límite oficial (riesgo de baneo) | Tiers progresivos de Meta |
| Soporte oficial | Comunidad | Meta + BSP |
| Cumplimiento normativo | Sin garantía | Conforme a políticas de Meta |
| Tick verde | No disponible | Disponible tras verificación |
| Estabilidad | Depende de cambios en el protocolo | SLA de Meta |
| Integraciones nativas | n8n, Typebot, Chatwoot | CRMs, helpdesks, plataformas enterprise |
The critical point: Evolution API operates on the unofficial WhatsApp Web protocol. This means that Meta can change the protocol at any time, causing service disruptions until the community updates the Baileys library. Furthermore, the use of unofficial APIs violates WhatsApp's terms of service, which implies a risk of number banning. If the difference between the app and the official API is still not clear, we have a detailed comparison of WhatsApp Business vs API.
For personal projects, rapid prototypes, or low-volume internal integrations, Evolution API is a powerful and free tool. For production customer service, bulk messaging, or any case where service continuity is critical, the official WhatsApp Business API remains the responsible choice.
Use Cases and Practical Examples
Evolution API shines in scenarios where prototyping speed and zero cost are prioritized over long-term stability. These are the most common cases.
Automation with n8n
The n8n + Evolution API WhatsApp combination is one of the most popular integrations in the community. n8n is a no-code workflow automation platform that connects directly with Evolution API through its native node. You can build workflows that receive messages from WhatsApp, query a database, call an external API, and respond automatically -- without writing a single line of code.
Chatbots with Typebot
Typebot allows designing visual conversational flows that run directly on Evolution API. It is a popular option for creating chatbots for lead qualification, automated surveys, or interactive customer service menus. The integration is configured by pointing the webhooks of Typebot to the instance of Evolution API.
Internal Notifications
For teams that need to receive alerts from internal systems (monitoring, deploys, production errors) directly in a WhatsApp, Evolution API is a quick solution. A simple POST to the message sending endpoint from your CI/CD pipeline or alerting system and the team receives the notification instantly.
CRM and Support with Chatwoot
Chatwoot is an open-source customer service platform that integrates natively with Evolution API. This allows creating a shared inbox where multiple agents manage WhatsApp conversations simultaneously. If you need a multi-agent solution for WhatsApp customer service, check our guide on WhatsApp multi-agent.
Integration with PHP
If your tech stack is based on PHP (WordPress, Laravel, custom), Evolution API exposes standard HTTP endpoints that you can consume from any language. For more direct integrations with the official API using PHP, we have a WhatsApp API with PHP tutorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Evolution API?
Evolution API is an open-source API REST that allows sending and receiving messages on WhatsApp without using the official API from Meta. It works by emulating the WhatsApp Web protocol through the Baileys library and is typically deployed with Docker. It is free, but operates outside the official terms of service of WhatsApp.
How much do you pay for the WhatsApp API?
The official API from Meta charges per conversation: between 0.03 and 0.15 euros depending on the category (utility, marketing, authentication, or service) and the country. Additionally, if you use a BSP as a provider, add their monthly fee. Evolution API, on the other hand, is completely free as software, although you need a server to host it. For a complete cost breakdown, check our WhatsApp API pricing guide.
What is the best API for WhatsApp?
It depends on the context. For enterprise production with stability guarantees, official support, and regulatory compliance, the WhatsApp Cloud API from Meta is the reference. For prototypes, personal projects, or internal integrations where the banning risk is acceptable, Evolution API offers a powerful and free alternative. If you want to understand exactly what the official API is, we have a complete explanation of what WhatsApp API is.
What is the official WhatsApp API?
The official API is the WhatsApp Business Platform from Meta, offered in two modes: Cloud API (hosted on Meta's infrastructure, the recommended one) and On-Premise (on your own servers, being deprecated). It requires business verification, message template approval, and compliance with Meta's usage policies. All the technical detail is in our WhatsApp API guide for developers.
How GuruSup Complements Your WhatsApp Strategy
If you are evaluating Evolution API to set up a customer service channel on WhatsApp, you are probably looking for automation, reduced cost, and fast implementation. Those same goals are covered by GuruSup professionally and with the guarantees that a production support channel demands.
Key GuruSup Features
GuruSup connects to the official WhatsApp Business API from Meta and deploys AI agents capable of automatically resolving queries, without rigid flows or decision trees. The agents understand natural language, consult your knowledge base, escalate to humans when necessary, and learn from each interaction. All from a platform with a multi-agent inbox, real-time analytics, and integrations with CRM.
Unlike an Evolution API installation that requires continuous technical maintenance, updates for protocol changes, and assumption of banning risk, GuruSup operates on the official infrastructure with a guaranteed SLA.
How to Get Started with GuruSup
Setting up an AI agent on WhatsApp with GuruSup takes minutes, not weeks. No servers, no Docker, no manual webhook management. If you want to see how an AI agent transforms WhatsApp customer service, check our guide on AI agent for WhatsApp.
Try GuruSup for free: automate your customer support with AI agents on WhatsApp. Start now.
