SendBird vs Stream: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare SendBird and Stream, two popular messaging platforms, and highlight their key differences.

1. Scalability: SendBird is designed to handle large-scale messaging applications with millions of concurrent users. It provides sophisticated backend infrastructure and global network optimization to ensure reliable and scalable messaging capabilities. On the other hand, Stream also offers high scalability but is more suited for applications with smaller user bases.

2. Real-time Chat Features: SendBird offers a rich set of real-time chat features, including text messaging, group chats, push notifications, and message threading. It also supports file sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and various customization options. Stream, like SendBird, provides similar real-time chat features but may lack some advanced functionalities.

3. API Flexibility: SendBird offers a comprehensive set of APIs that allow developers to customize and extend the messaging platform as per their requirements. Its modular architecture provides flexibility in integrating with other systems and services. Stream, in contrast, provides an easy-to-use API but may have fewer customization options compared to SendBird.

4. User Engagement and Retention: SendBird provides various engagement features like chatbots, activity feeds, and rich media messages, which can help improve user retention and increase user engagement. Stream, although offering similar features, may have fewer options or a different approach to user engagement and retention.

5. Cost Structure: SendBird offers pricing plans based on the number of active users, and provides custom enterprise plans for larger organizations. Stream, on the other hand, also offers pricing plans based on the number of monthly active users but may have different pricing tiers and cost structures.

6. Support and Documentation: SendBird offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and developer resources to support developers during the integration process. It also provides dedicated support channels for customers. Stream also offers documentation and support, but the level of available resources and customer support may vary.

In summary, SendBird and Stream are both powerful messaging platforms with scalability and real-time chat features. SendBird offers greater scalability, advanced customization options, and a comprehensive set of engagement features, while Stream may have more accessible pricing plans and a simpler API. Developers should evaluate their specific needs and compare these key differences to determine which platform is the best fit for their application.