When starting WhatsApp bot development, many developers feel confused about which library to choose. There are several options available such as Baileys, open-wa, venom-bot, and others. Each library has its own style, features, and limitations. In this guide, we will compare Baileys with other popular libraries in a simple and practical way.
Baileys is a lightweight JavaScript library that connects directly with WhatsApp Web using WebSocket. It provides full control over messages, media handling, and events without needing the official WhatsApp Business API.
| Feature | Baileys | Other Libraries |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Yes | Mostly Heavy |
| Direct WebSocket | Yes | No (Browser based) |
| Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Stability on VPS | Very Stable | Sometimes Crashes |
Baileys does not depend on running a browser in the background. Other libraries often use Puppeteer or browser sessions which consume more RAM and CPU. Baileys communicates directly, which makes it faster and more efficient for hosting on VPS or cloud servers.
If you are a beginner and want very simple setup without coding much, some browser-based libraries may feel easier. However, for serious bot development and long-term stability, Baileys is usually the better choice.
Choosing the right library is important for the success of your WhatsApp bot. Baileys offers speed, flexibility, and better server performance which makes it a top choice for developers in 2026.