Digital communication APIs and SDKs! the most powerful tool in the era of digitalization. Unlike other tools, these real time communication APIs have spread their impact over all industries and have successfully grabbed the attention of proficient developers too. Based on the demand and need of developers to know more about these digital communication APIs and SDKs concerning their market availability with pricing, features and functionalities, I have posted this article to get you some clarity with research on the top most real time chat API and SDK providers. So, let’s start over.  APIs stands for Application Programming Interface that allows your application to interact with any other external service with the help of a simple set of commands.  In other words, we can say that API facilitates communication between two platforms, no matter whether they have been represented as a standalone solution or included within an SDK. It enables its functionalities to be integrated into any third party device easily. Additionally, APIs have proven to be the most beneficial one for anybody who wants to get rid-off with the headache of building their new real time chat app from scratch. Of course, It is mainly liked by developers for its cost efficiency and time saving traits. Well, after having some knowledge about these digital communication SDKs & APIs, let's move on exploring some of the best real time Chat SDK and Messaging API providers and have more clarity to proceed further.  “Digital Communication API and SDK - An easy way to connect and collaborate with” Well, unlike other digital communication tools these APIs are easy-to-use and are one of the robust solutions for all types of innovation. Henceforth, they have been provided by many in the market.  But while selecting the one it is always better to go for something in terms of standard and that is what we are here going to have a look on. Let's have a study on 5 popular real time communication API and SDK providers in 2021 CONTUS MirrorFly is a real-time instant messaging communication API and SDK’s developed for iOS, Android, and web apps. It is a self-hosted chat solution that allows the developers to build their secure chat app with end-to-end customization allowing easy integration of over 150+ chat, voice and video APIs and SDKs into any pre-built or existing device.  Its tailored features are compatible enough to move along with any kind of industry that includes healthcare, contact centers, etc.  CONTUS MirrorFly Communication API & SDK Features White-label Chat Platform Fully Customizable Chat Solution One-to-one and group chat High-end scalability End-to-end Encryption Voice/Video call recording Live Video streaming Interactive voice response system (IVR) VoIP/SIP Calling File sharing Cross platform messaging On-cloud/on-premises hosting services Pricing - Monthly Subscription & One time license cost Twilio is a cloud communications platform that enables users to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, with other communication functions by utilizing its web service APIs. It provides endless convenient APIs that give unified communication from text messages to emails, phone calls to videos, in addition to intelligent chatbots, all within a single and powerful application.  However, even after including the coding aspects, the environment with Twilio platform is extremely easy and intuitive to use.  Twilio Communication API & SDK Features SMS bots Access Control Programmable Chat Programmable Video Live chat messaging Social Media Integration Video conferencing Bots and IVRs for contextual data Custom report builder Email automation Pricing - Monthly Subscription  MessageBird is a cloud communication platform which has quickly converted into a brand among others. It aims at connecting enterprises to their customers globally. It provides the solution that is with foundational building blocks and meant for business communication across preferred channels that includes SMS, WeChat, Messenger, Email, etc. It empowers the agents to perform their best task with direct access to data from any third party services.  It also provides access to a host of popular chat applications with additional tools. It provides a visual editor for developers to have their APIs. As an exclusive feature, its dashboard is accessible with a limited number of developers. MessageBird Communication API & SDK Features Custom hold music Text to speech Interactive voice response Cloud Telephony Caller ID Masked Numbers Inbound voice recording Notifications and reminders Meeting Management Transfer Call Pricing - Monthly Subscription Pilvo is a leading cloud communication platform that provides simple, quick and scalable ways of approaches to the companies and modernizes their business communications. It also provides communication SDK and API options for MMS connectivities. Moreover, with Pilvo's SMS connector, the companies can effortlessly send automated alerts, reminders, authentication codes, messages, even rich media files, etc.  It provides a convenient self-service platform as how to get started with technology, etc. Pilvo Communication API & SDK Features Conference call Voice Alerts Voice Survey Call forwarding Scalable cloud IVR Alerts and Notification SMS survey Appointment reminder Two-Factor Authentication Message Queuing Pricing - Monthly Subscription Vonage is a popular communication platform that is meant to connect customers and businesses. It offers the most flexible and scalable voice, messaging, video and data capabilities with promising customization for businesses of all sizes. This platform is highly preferred for small businesses and enterprise customers who want the best possible customer service.  Vonage's SmartWAN, with its SD-WAN solution provides a quality service by allowing their users to rely on VBC or embedded voice into VBC. Vonage Communication API & SDK Features Screen sharing  video calling SIP interconnection Audio detection Video chat Embeds Video streaming Messaging Recording Analytics Video Express Pricing - Monthly Subscription However, in the above section we have shed-light on some of the most popular communication API and SDK providers, but there are many in the market list to be listed on.  Now, if you are planning to build a real time chat app, then i suggest you to have this post as an additional document to your research criteria's. And make your choice in terms of features, functionalities, and pricing as they are the key players while planning to build your chat app.  But still, if you feel the need for more clarity - then feel free to contact us for further guidance to proceed with your instant messaging app development. Thank You! Growth Hacker & Product Markter