If you're evaluating WhatsApp automation tools in 2026, BotConversa is likely one of the platforms you’re considering. It offers chatbot automation, CRM functionality, and WhatsApp marketing flows designed primarily for small and mid-sized businesses.

But one key question often arises:

What’s the difference between Starter and PRO when connecting WhatsApp?

This guide explains:

• BotConversa pricing structure
  
  
  

• How Starter connects to WhatsApp
  
  
  

• How PRO enables official API coexistence
  
  
  

• Step-by-step setup processes
  
  
  

• Pros, limitations, and costs
  
  
  

BotConversa Pricing (2026)

BotConversa offers tiered subscription plans, primarily divided into Starter and PRO levels.

Starter Plan - R$ 189

Designed for entry-level automation, typically includes:

• 1 WhatsApp connection
  
  
  

• Automation flow builder
  
  
  

• Contact management
  
  
  

• Campaign sequences
  
  
  

• Limited user seats
  
  
  

• Message volume limits
  
  
  

However, Starter does NOT include Official API coexistence.

PRO Plan - R$ 199

The PRO plan unlocks advanced infrastructure, including:

• Official WhatsApp API coexistence
  
  
  

• Meta Business authentication
  
  
  

• API integrations and webhooks
  
  
  

• More user seats
  
  
  

• Expanded automation capabilities
  
  

According to the official pricing page, “API Oficial da Meta(Access to the Official META API)” and “Conexão de coexistência(Coexistence connection)” are features tied to the PRO tier.

How Starter Connects to WhatsApp (QR Code Method)

If you're on the Starter plan, WhatsApp connects using a WhatsApp Web-style QR linking method rather than Meta’s official Business API.

Here’s the complete process:

Step 1: Log into BotConversa

Access your dashboard and navigate to the settings or connection area.

Step 2: Open WhatsApp Connection Section

Inside the platform, locate the WhatsApp connection module and select the option to generate a QR code.

Step 3: Generate QR Code

BotConversa will display a QR code similar to WhatsApp Web.

Step 4: Open WhatsApp on Your Phone

On your mobile device:

• Open WhatsApp (Business or Personal)
  
  
  

• Go to Settings
  
  
  

• Tap Linked Devices
  
  
  

• Choose Link a Device
  
  
  

Step 5: Scan the QR Code

Use your phone to scan the QR displayed in BotConversa.

Step 6: Connection Activated

Once scanned successfully:

• Your WhatsApp account becomes active inside BotConversa
  
  
  

• Automation flows can now send and receive messages
  
  
  

Important Notes About Starter QR Method

• It mirrors WhatsApp Web sessions
  
  
  

• It does NOT use the official WhatsApp Business API
  
  
  

• Message delivery depends on session stability
  
  
  

• Marketing template messages are not supported like official API
  
  
  

• Higher operational risk compared to API coexistence
  
  
  

This method is faster to deploy but less robust for scaling.

How PRO Connects to WhatsApp (Official API Coexistence)

The PRO plan enables you to connect your WhatsApp number via Official API with Coexistence, allowing automation while still using WhatsApp Business on your phone and WhatsApp Web. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process:

Step 1: Upgrade to PRO

Official API coexistence is only available on the PRO plan. Make sure your subscription includes this tier.

Step 2: Access WhatsApp Official API Settings

Navigate to:

Settings → WhatsApp Official API → Connect WhatsApp

You will see two connection options:

• Option 1: Move Your Number to the Platform
  Transfers your WhatsApp entirely to BotConversa. Your entire chat history will be lost, and you can no longer use WhatsApp on your phone or WhatsApp Web. Not recommended for most users.
  
  
  

• Option 2: Keep WhatsApp Business App with Coexistence (Recommended)
  This newer Meta-supported option allows you to continue using WhatsApp on your phone and Web while connecting the number to BotConversa for automation. Recommended for all users.
  
  Select the coexistence option before continuing.

Step 3: Log in to Facebook

A popup will appear for authentication:

• You can log in with any Facebook account that has access to your Business Manager portfolio
  
  
  

• Permissions will be requested to access your business assets, including the WhatsApp number
  
  
  

• If you do not have a Business Manager portfolio yet, you can create one during this step
  
  
  

After logging in, click Start to grant access.

Step 4: Configure Business Details

You will be asked to fill in:

• Company name
  
  
  

• Website
  
  
  

• Country
  
  
  

• Phone number (include DDD/DDI for your region, e.g., Brazil +55)
  
  
  

Click Next to proceed.

Step 5: Confirm WhatsApp Name, Time Zone, and QR Code

• Confirm your WhatsApp display name and time zone
  
  
  

• If this is your first connection, you’ll need to scan a QR code from your WhatsApp app (Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device), similar to WhatsApp Web
  
  
  

• Click Advance → Confirm to continue
  
  
  

This establishes the official API connection.

Step 6: Account Verification and Initial Limits

Once connected:

• BotConversa checks your business for compliance with WhatsApp policies
  
  
  

• Initial limit: 250 company-initiated conversations per day for new WhatsApp Business numbers
  
  
  

• After verification through Business Manager, the daily limit increases to 1,000 conversations, and it grows further over time (up to 10,000, 50,000, or 100,000) based on usage patterns
  
  
  

This is similar to a credit line — more usage and verified accounts allow higher limits.

Step 7: Import Chat History (Optional)

• BotConversa allows you to import existing WhatsApp Business chat history to maintain your contact list
  
  
  

• Options typically include the last 24 hours, 3 months, or 6 months
  
  
  

• Select your preferred timeframe to synchronize historical messages into the chat bot

Step 8: Connection Complete

After syncing, your dashboard will display:

• Connected number
  
  
  

• WhatsApp name and profile picture
  
  
  

• WhatsApp Business account ID
  
  
  

• Account status and verification
  
  
  

• Conversation limits
  
  
  

You can now:

• Start automated messages within the allowed daily limits
  
  
  

• Create message templates after account verification
  
  
  

• Monitor account status and performance
  
  
  

✅ Key Points to Remember

1. Always choose Coexistence to retain WhatsApp functionality on your phone and Web.
   
   
   

2. Facebook login must have access to your Business Manager portfolio.
   
   
   

3. QR code scanning is required only for the first connection.
   
   
   

4. Initial conversation limits start at 250 per day and increase with verification and usage.
   
   
   

5. You can import past chat history to preserve contacts and conversations.
   
   
   

WhatsApp API Costs Explained

Important distinction:

• BotConversa subscription fee
  
  
  

• Meta conversation-based charges
  
  
  

Meta bills based on conversation category:

• Marketing
  
  
  

• Utility
  
  
  

• Service
  
  
  

• Authentication
  
  
  

Each 24-hour conversation window is charged separately depending on country and message type.

Businesses should calculate total ROI including both layers.

More info: BotConversa WhatsApp Setup common errors and solutions

Pros & Cons of BotConversa

Pros

• Visual automation builder
  
  
  

• CRM-style contact organization
  
  
  

• Official API coexistence (PRO)
  
  
  

• Campaign automation tools
  
  
  

Cons

• Official API locked behind PRO
  
  
  

• Public pricing transparency limited
  
  
  

• Flow-based logic can become rigid
  
  
  

• Requires understanding Meta billing model
  
  
  

A Smarter Alternative: Dealism

Dealism Pricing and Plans

Dealism offers transparent, premium pricing that reflects its service quality:

• $19/month Plan: 1,000 conversations, multiple agents, autoreply & copilot, continuous learning, unlimited agent creation.
  
  
  

• $39/month Plan: 2,000 conversations with the above features for larger operations.
  
  
  

• $32/month Annual Plan: 2,000 conversations billed annually for cost efficiency.
  
  
  

• Enterprise Custom Plan: Tailored features for high-volume businesses, including custom conversation quotas and dedicated agent setup.
  
  
  

  
  

Dealism Features

Unlike traditional flow-based chatbot systems, Dealism functions as an AI-powered conversation execution engine. Its WhatsApp auto-reply capabilities go beyond keyword triggers, enabling contextual understanding, adaptive responses, and automated action flows.

Core strengths include:

• Self-learning conversation intelligence
  
  
  

• Lead qualification automation
  
  
  

• Smart follow-up sequencing
  
  
  

• Action-triggered workflows
  
  
  

• Reduced manual sales handling
  
  
  

This makes it particularly effective for service businesses and founders managing high-volume inbound messaging.

Dealism on WhatsApp

Through its WhatsApp automation solutions, Dealism helps businesses transform conversations into structured business processes. It supports:

• Instant inbound automation
  
  
  

• AI-driven qualification
  
  
  

• Automated re-engagement
  
  
  

• Scalable messaging workflows
  
  
  

For brands building audience ecosystems, its strategies align closely with best practices outlined in the WhatsApp Communities business guide, enabling scalable engagement beyond one-to-one automation.

Final Verdict: Starter vs PRO vs AI Automation

If you want quick, low-barrier automation → Starter QR connection works.

If you want official infrastructure and compliance → PRO coexistence is required.

If you want AI-driven execution instead of static chatbot flows → Dealism represents a more advanced 2026-ready alternative.