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Layer vs SendBird: What are the differences?
Developers describe Layer as "Build messaging, voice and video right into your app in minutes". Layer's asynchronous messaging fabric is capable of transporting payloads of any type. Get your users talking with chat, voice or video messaging. Pull them back in with push. Connect friends, colleagues or perfect strangers seamlessly. On the other hand, SendBird is detailed as "A Complete Chat Platform, Messaging and Chat SDK and API". SendBird is a Messaging SDK, Chat API, and fully managed chat infrastructure for your mobile apps and websites. Embeddable chat for iOS, Android, JavaScript, Unity, .NET.
Layer and SendBird can be primarily classified as "Communications SDK" tools.
"Open source ui atlas makes messaging easy" is the top reason why over 5 developers like Layer, while over 10 developers mention "Active support is impressive. (Support for private deve" as the leading cause for choosing SendBird.
I am considering which chat solution to choose between CometChat and SendBird, for our new app. The condition is, the app is going to run in a private network and has to connect with MSSQL. Any advice on other things I have to consider before choosing one, or is there another chat service you would recommend? Thank you!

Hi Yeongju, What do you mean by private network? Are you talking about limiting the users allowed to use the app or where the data is stored? I'd be happy to help you! Connect with me on linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquebhicks/ or book a call if you'd like help exploring - https://calendly.com/dominique-sales/discovery-call-with-stream Thanks!
Hi Yeongju. I work for Sendbird. Sendbird runs in the cloud. Since you mention private network and connecting with MSSQL, it sounds like you need an on-premise chat solution. CometChat claims to support on-premise. You might also look into open source chat solutions. https://medevel.com/12-open-source-chat-and-messaging-development-sdk-and-frameworks/ Hope this helps.
Pros of Layer
- Open source ui atlas makes messaging easy6
- Easy setup1
Pros of SendBird
- Active support is impressive. (Support for private deve13
- Easy to use10
- Pre-built UI for major platforms9
- Migration API for customers using other chat services8
- First chat SDK officially supports Xamarin7
- Scalability is awesome7
- Cool product5
- Because my product guy told me to5
- Unlimited number of users in public chat5
- Flexible message format ex) json, xml4
- Out of the box api and features2
- Intuitive and feature-packed2
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Cons of Layer
Cons of SendBird
- Policy on concurrent users leads to overages and overch2
- Prices ramp up exponentially2