8x8 Communications APIs vs Exotel Contact Center

8x8 Communications APIs provide programmable messaging, voice and video for applications. Listed messaging channels include SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, Viber, LINE and Zalo, alongside voice and video. The APIs support phone numbers, and SDK platforms include iOS and Android; the service is listed for Android, iOS and web. The free Developer plan costs nothing and covers 25 users. Monthly plans include Basic at $99 a month for 300 users, Standard at $499 a month for 1.5K users and Business at $999 a month for 3K users. Video Interaction plans are seat-based: Basic costs $99 a month, Pro costs $109 a month and Enterprise costs $119 a month, each for 100 to 249 users. Other listed options are pay-as-you-go, customized subscription pricing and tailored enterprise pricing; no prices are stated for these options. The pricing note lists paid plans from $99/mo.

Exotel Contact Center manages inbound and outbound calls, messages, chatbot interactions, social media engagement and video communications through an internet connection. Its interface brings together channels including voice, SMS, WhatsApp and video conferencing. Teams can build multi-level IVR call flows with a drag-and-drop builder, including voicemail and custom greetings. Automated SMS, prerecorded calls and autodialers are available, as is automatic recording of incoming and outgoing calls for training or conflict resolution. Deployment options include public cloud, private cloud, on-premises and hybrid models. Integrations connect the platform with CRM, helpdesk, messaging and custom applications; listed CRM examples include Salesforce, Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, Freshdesk, HubSpot and LeadSquared. Exotel states compliance with ISO 27001, ISO 27018, PCI-DSS, VAPT and GDPR standards, and offers two-factor authentication. XPrime costs $70 a month and XPro $100 a month; XTRM has no listed price. There is no free plan, but a trial account includes free SMS and call credits.