Best Chat API · head-to-head
Pusher Channels vs Ably
A sourced, side-by-side comparison for chat api. Pusher Channels has the lower entry price. Every figure links to the vendor's own page and the date we captured it.
At a glance
- Price: Pusher Channels $0/mo vs Ably $0/mo — Pusher Channels is cheaper to start.
- Free tier: Pusher Channels Yes; Ably Yes.
- HIPAA: Pusher Channels —; Ably Yes.
Side by side
| Pusher Channels | Ably | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0/mo (Sandbox) | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA (BAA) | — | Yes |
| SOC 2 | — | Yes |
| GDPR | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | real-time notifications | real-time data pipelines |
Sources — Pusher Channels: pusher.com (verified 2026-06-15). Ably: ably.com (verified 2026-06-15).
Key features
Pusher Channels: Per-day message + connection pricing (not MAU-based); ISO27001:2013 certified; 8 published self-serve tiers with transparent flat rates; Prorated billing on plan changes
Ably: Connection + channel-minute consumption billing model; HIPAA BAA on Enterprise; SOC2 Type 2 certified; Data residency options (EU, US, Australia)