Wafly International

Evolution API alternative

A managed Evolution API alternative in South Africa

Compare self-hosted Evolution API with managed Wafly when deciding who operates sessions, upgrades, monitoring and webhooks in South Africa.

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Direct answer

Evolution API fits teams that want to control and maintain their infrastructure. Wafly fits teams that prefer a managed US$20 monthly connection and want REST endpoints and webhooks without operating the session stack.

Evolution API is an open and flexible project for teams that want to run their own infrastructure. Wafly is for teams that prefer a managed API and want to spend their time on product and client workflows.

What you can automate

  • Compare self-hosting with a managed service
  • Identify operating costs beyond the software licence
  • Move an n8n workflow without redesigning the entire automation

Before you start

  • An inventory of Evolution endpoints in use
  • A real incoming webhook example
  • A non-critical number for the pilot
  • Acceptance criteria for sending, receiving and reconnection

A production-ready approach

Map the contract before migrating

Record every endpoint, header, field and event your workflow uses. Do not change the workflow until you know the equivalent names and the transformations n8n requires.

Run both paths in parallel

Connect a test number to Wafly and copy one small workflow. Compare identifiers, phone formatting, media and events without interrupting the primary number.

Decide on operations and risk

Self-hosting gives control but requires upgrades, monitoring and incident diagnosis. A managed service reduces that load, while you still evaluate provider dependency and QR connection risk.

Minimum migration map

{
  "sendText": "POST /send-text",
  "receive": "webhook",
  "auth": "instance + token",
  "pilotNumbers": 1
}

Production checklist

  • Endpoints mapped
  • Headers and credentials updated
  • Webhook compared with real data
  • Media validated
  • Reconnection tested
  • Rollback documented

How to build the workflow

  1. List the Evolution API functions your workflow currently uses.
  2. Map credentials, endpoints and equivalent Wafly webhooks.
  3. Move one test number and validate sending, receiving, media and reconnection.

QR connection, not the official Meta API. Use opt-in contacts and increase volume gradually.

Frequently asked questions

Does Wafly replace every Evolution API feature?

Not necessarily. Compare the endpoints your workflow uses; Wafly focuses on messaging, webhooks, groups, media and managed operations.

Is Evolution API free?

The code can be self-hosted under its licence, but servers, databases, upgrades, monitoring and support still have a cost.

Can I migrate only one number first?

Yes. Start with one number, compare events and move the remaining numbers only after validation.

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