Top Group Video Chat Software for 2025: Features, Pricing & Reviews

Finding the right chat software for a website is no easy task—trust me, I’ve been there. As someone who spent months scouring the web for the best chat software, I quickly realized how difficult it is to find reliable solutions for group chat rooms rather than live chat tools for customer support. The decline of chat room platforms and the rise of live chat software only add to the confusion, making it hard to uncover options for true community-driven communication.

If you’re like me and use WordPress, you might have already noticed how thin the plugin options are for chat rooms. A simple search often floods you with results for free live chat tools for businesses, which is frustrating when your focus is on building chat rooms for engagement, not handling customer queries. The challenge is real, but after extensive research and testing, I’ve compiled this guide to showcase the 2025 best options for chat room software.

This list is specifically designed for those looking to add group chat rooms, video chat, or even unique features like random chat (think Chatroulette) to their websites. While I haven’t personally tested every single tool, I’ve ensured they are active, available, and diverse enough to suit different needs. Whether you’re after free chat software or a premium solution, you’ll find something here to fit your project.

Unlike the overwhelming number of reviews for live chat software, this guide is focused solely on chat rooms and chat messenger programs. Some platforms on this list may offer live chat features, but I’ve deliberately avoided reviewing them to keep the spotlight on community-focused tools.

If you’re tired of searching for the perfect solution, this page is here to save you time and frustration. Whether you need a good software free chat option, advanced video chat rooms, or something niche like random chat, you’ll find the best choices here to move your project forward in 2025.

Here’s a summary table of all the chat solutions and their overall scores:

Chat Software	Percentage	Price	Comments
CodyChat	94%	$49 (one-time) + optional $10/month support	Affordable, highly customizable with plugins, excellent value.
Minnit Chat	92%	Free to £430/month (scalable plans for up to 10,000 users)	Flexible, scalable, and user-friendly; great for communities and events.
Chatwee	92%	Free to $69/month (custom enterprise pricing available)	Adaptable with extensive customization and user-friendly features.
Html5 Video Chat	92%	VIP (€16.99): Basic support, standard camera quality; Super VIP (€35.00): enhanced camera quality; Supreme VIP (€50.00	Feature-rich platform with strong monetization tools and customization.
RumbleTalk	88%	Free to $59/month (custom enterprise pricing available)	Versatile for various use cases, great engagement features, scalable plans.
AtomChat	90%	$49–$299/month or discounted annual plans	Advanced features, monetization tools, and scalable plans for businesses.
html5chat.com	86%	Free to €99/year (subscription)	Highly customizable, steep learning curve, but robust functionality.
Wise Chat Pro	80%	$61 (one-time) + third-party costs (e.g., Twilio for video chat)	Budget-friendly with good features; setup can be confusing for beginners.
CometChat	74%	$298.75–$423.75/month or custom enterprise pricing	Feature-rich but extremely expensive with inconsistent support.
Roomlio	40%	$29–$299/month + $13/user for overages	Overpriced, limited features, and poor value for money.
Better Messages WP	0%	Pricing unclear (not listed on the website)	Confusing interface, unclear pricing, and poor support.
ArrowChat	0%	Free to $395 (one-time), with plans charging extra for essential features	Unusable due to mobile issues, poor support, and performance problems.
IFlychat	N/A	Discontinued	No longer supported.

This format should now look better on mobile devices while still being concise and easy to

Key Takeaways:

1. Affordable Options:
   • CodyChat ($49 one-time) and Wise Chat Pro ($61 one-time) stand out for their budget-friendly, no-subscription pricing.
   • Minnit Chat and Chatwee offer flexible plans, starting free with affordable scaling for more users.
2. Premium Choices:
   • AtomChat and Html5 Video Chat offer advanced tools and scalability but require higher investments.
   • CometChat is expensive and best suited for enterprise users.
3. Avoid:
   • ArrowChat and Better Messages WP due to usability, pricing, and support issues.
   • Roomlio for its high cost and limited features.

Wise Chat Pro

1. Overview

Wise Chat is a lightweight WordPress plugin designed to effortlessly add chat rooms to your website. It’s particularly suited for small communities and niche websites, offering group chat and private messaging functionalities.

Setting up Wise Chat is straightforward, but certain features, like the Facebook-style chat widget, are only available to Pro members. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion; for example, I struggled to get the Facebook chat feature working until I realized it required a Pro subscription.

The Pro version comes with a one-time fee of $61—no monthly payments—making it a budget-friendly option. Wise Chat looks great on both mobile and desktop, with plenty of customization options. However, while the plugin offers a variety of features, the interface can be confusing at first. I had to contact the developer for help, who, while responsive, took some time to reply.

Another feature worth noting is video chat, which can be set up using Twilio, a pay-per-minute service. While affordable, video chat isn’t included for free unless you host it on your own server, it does also have a live chat facility if you want a shop kind of setup but I did not use that so I cannot tell you if that is any good

2. Key Features

• Real-time group chat and private messaging.
• It can function as a chat room or chat messenger and be embedded into pages sites, or both at the same time!
• Customizable design to match your website.
• Moderation tools, including banning users and deleting messages.
• Integrates with WordPress user roles.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to set up and integrate with WordPress.
• Lightweight and won’t slow down your website.
• One-time payment with no monthly fees.
• Works well on both mobile and desktop.

Cons:

• Facebook-style chat widget requires a Pro membership, which isn’t immediately clear.
• Video chat setup requires a third-party service (Twilio) with additional costs.
• The interface can be confusing for beginners.
• Support is available but not always prompt.

4. Pricing

• Free Version: Basic chat features with limited customization.
• Pro Version: $61 one-time fee, with access to additional features like the Facebook-style chat widget and expanded customization.

The Pro version offers good value for those on a budget, though it may not be suitable for users needing more advanced features or free video chat.

5. Rating

• Features: 4/5 (Good options but lacks advanced functionality without Pro or additional services.)
• Ease of Use: 5/5 (Straightforward setup, though advanced features need guidance.)
• Customization: 4/5 (Plenty of options, but the interface can be confusing.)
• Pricing: 4/5 (Reasonable one-time fee, but extra costs for video chat add up.)
• Support: 3/5 (Developer responds but not quickly.)

Total Score: 20/25 (80%)

6. Final Thoughts

Wise Chat is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly chat solution for WordPress. Its lightweight design and ease of setup make it appealing, especially for small communities and niche websites. However, advanced features like video chat and Facebook-style widgets may require additional costs and setup, which could deter users looking for an all-in-one solution. For its price and functionality, it’s a solid option for most website owners, the support for me was a little slow as it was email only, but it was fine the developer got back to me within a few days or so,

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html5 chat.com

1. Overview

This platform offers a customizable video chat solution for various needs, from casual video chats to advanced setups like chat roulette, messenger-style chats, shout boxes, and even pay-per-view options. While the interface can be a bit confusing initially, the extensive options available make it a powerful tool for anyone looking to create a tailored chat experience.

2. Key Features

• Highly customizable chat types (video chat, messenger, chat roulette, pay-per-view, etc.).
• WebRTC-based for efficient streaming.
• Multiple chat modes: private, public, and invitation-only.
• Tab and window modes for managing multiple chats.
• Conference mode for webinars or shows.
• No streaming limits in premium versions.
• Admin tools for user, room, and gender management.
• Draggable webcams and full-screen support.
• Moderation tools (kick, ban, warn).
• Auto-login integration with existing databases.
• Source code option for full customization.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Highly customizable and versatile.
• Supports various chat styles for different use cases.
• Affordable options for basic and advanced features.
• Source code option for self-hosting.
• Extensive admin and moderation tools.

Cons:

• Initial setup can be confusing for new users.
• Limited features in the free version.
• Requires a paid subscription for full functionality.

4. Pricing

• Free Version (€0): Limited to 4 webcams, 3 rooms, 50 users, and low streaming quality.
• Full Registered Version (€20/month or €99/year): Unlimited webcams, rooms, no ads, and WebRTC streaming.
• Source Code Version (€1990): Full source code with 12 months of updates and support, ideal for hosting on your own server.

The pricing offers good value for the features provided, especially for those requiring advanced customization or large-scale usage.

5. Rating

• Features: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 3.5/5
• Customization: 5/5
• Pricing: 4/5
• Support: 4.5/5

Total Score: 21.5/25 (86%)

6. Final Thoughts

This video chat platform is a robust solution for anyone looking to create a customizable chat experience. While the learning curve can be steep, its wide range of features and scalability make it well worth exploring. Whether you need a casual chat setup or a professional-grade solution, this platform offers flexibility and functionality to meet your needs.

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Html5 video chat

1. Overview

CST Software Corp offers an innovative video chat platform designed for seamless, secure, and customizable communication. Built on Node.js and sockets, it’s compatible with all major browsers and offers advanced features for video chat, instant messaging, and online streaming. From personalized room creation to monetization tools like credit systems and donation integration, CST provides powerful solutions for businesses and communities alike. Whether you’re hosting a camgirl site, music streaming platform, or private video chats, CST enables you to deliver an engaging, interactive experience.

2. Key Features

• Video Chat System: Cam-to-cam interactions with public and private chat options.
• Room Creation: Fully customizable rooms with themes, rules, and moderators.
• Audio Messaging: Send voice messages for a more personal touch.
• Guest Access: Allow non-registered users to join public chats.
• User Profiles: Personalized profiles with photos and descriptions.
• Full Admin Panel: Manage users, rooms, and settings efficiently.
• Credit System: Tokens for user interactions, whispers, or accessing premium features.
• Monetization Options: Direct donations and profile chat earnings.
• Custom Games: Quiz and Scribble Game to keep users engaged.
• Language Support: Includes English, Spanish, Chinese, and more.
• Streaming Radio Integration: Bring your broadcast directly into chats.
• Fake Users: Automatically generate activity for dynamic interactions.
• Full Webcam Support: High-quality, full-screen streaming.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of features, including monetization tools.
• Fully customizable chat rooms and user profiles.
• Multi-language support for global accessibility.
• Innovative tools like fake users and integrated radio.
• Games and interactive features for engagement.

Cons:

• Some features may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Limited options in the basic pricing tier.
• Advanced monetization tools require higher-tier plans.

4. Pricing Plans:

VIP (€16.99): Basic license with standard support and camera quality.

• Super VIP (€35.00): Comprehensive control, free plugins, and improved camera quality.
• Supreme VIP (€50.00): All features, including social network integration and superior camera quality.

The pricing is competitive for the extensive feature set, with scalable plans suitable for different needs and budgets.

5. Rating

• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Customization: 5/5
• Pricing: 4.5/5
• Support: 4.5/5

Total Score: 23/25 (92%)

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Atom Chat

1. Overview

AtomChat is a powerful real-time chat solution designed to enhance user engagement on websites and applications. With a wide range of features, including video chat, monetization tools, and collaborative options, AtomChat is ideal for communities, businesses, and marketplaces. Its customizable interface and seamless integration make it accessible for users of all technical levels, while advanced features like pay-per-minute video calls and in-chat payments enable monetization opportunities. AtomChat is trusted by over 4,000 companies and provides robust support for dynamic, interactive communication.

2. Key Features

• Real-Time Text Messaging: Instant messaging with typing indicators and read receipts.
• Voice & Video Calls/Conferencing: One-on-one or group audio/video calls and conferences.
• Pay-per-Minute Video Calls: Monetize interactions with Stripe-powered billing.
• Screen Sharing: Share your screen in private chats or groups.
• Real-Time Language Translation: Instant translations for global communication.
• Credit System & Monetization: Generate revenue through in-chat payments and donations.
• Customizable Rooms: Personalize chat rooms with themes, backgrounds, and rules.
• Collaborative Tools: Includes a whiteboard, collaborative documents, and location sharing.
• File Sharing: Share files up to 20MB, depending on your plan.
• Single Player Games: Enhance user engagement with built-in games.
• Platform Integration: Easy setup with CMS platforms like WordPress and Shopify.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of features catering to different use cases.
• Monetization tools, including pay-per-minute calls and Stripe integration.
• Supports multiple platforms with easy installation.
• Advanced features like real-time translation and collaborative tools.
• Scalable plans suitable for both small businesses and large organizations.

Cons:

• Pricing may be steep for startups requiring advanced features.
• Free trial requires payment information, which may deter some users.
• Limited to one subscription per website.

4. Pricing

Lite Plan ($49/month or $34/month annually)

• 5,000 monthly active users
• 100 simultaneous users
• Real-time text messaging, file sharing, stickers, and emojis
• 500MB storage, 7-day data retention

Startup Plan ($99/month or $69/month annually)

• 10,000 monthly active users
• 250 simultaneous users
• Includes all Lite features plus voice/video calling, role-based access control, and no AtomChat branding
• 1GB storage, 30-day data retention

Mega Plan ($229/month or $160/month annually)

• 25,000 monthly active users
• 500 simultaneous users
• Includes all Startup features plus screen sharing, real-time translation, and collaborative tools
• 10GB storage, 180-day data retention

Pro Plan ($299/month or $209/month annually)

• 25,000 monthly active users
• 500 simultaneous users
• Includes all Mega features plus pay-per-minute video calls, in-chat payments, and advanced monetization tools

5. Rating

• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Customization: 5/5
• Pricing: 4/5
• Support: 4.5/5

Total Score: 22.5/25 (90%)

6. Final Thoughts

AtomChat is a robust, feature-packed platform that empowers businesses and communities to offer dynamic and engaging chat experiences. Its monetization tools and collaborative features make it a standout choice for those looking to drive user interaction and generate revenue. While its pricing may be a consideration for smaller businesses, the value it provides through scalability, flexibility, and advanced tools makes it an excellent investment for enhancing communication and user engagement.

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Rumbletalk

Overview:
RumbleTalk is a feature-rich cloud-based group chat platform designed to enhance real-time communication for websites, events, and virtual communities. It supports various chat types, including social chats, private conversations, moderated Q&A sessions, and member-exclusive chats. With easy integration, extensive customization options, and multimedia sharing capabilities, RumbleTalk provides an intuitive and engaging user experience. From startups to enterprises, it caters to businesses of all sizes by offering scalable pricing plans and robust features tailored to diverse needs.

Key Features of RumbleTalk:

• Multiple Chat Types: Includes social chats, private chats, moderated queued chats, members-only chats, and expert chats.
• Multimedia Sharing: Supports file uploads, YouTube/Vimeo video embedding, audio/video messages, and screen sharing (beta).
• Engagement Tools: Offers polls, pin messages, custom emoticons, mentions, and welcome messages.
• Advanced Moderation: Features muting users, banning by IP, message screening, and exporting transcripts.
• Custom Design: Pre-made themes and skins, along with custom CSS capabilities.
• Integration Options: REST API and libraries for Angular, React, WordPress, Joomla, Moodle, Wix, and more.
• Monetization Features: Tailored solutions with support for social media login, secure SSO, and paid access features.
• Security: SSL encryption ensures secure data transmission.
• Admin Tools: Includes full admin control to moderate and manage users in real time.

Pros of RumbleTalk:

• Scalable Plans: Offers options for individuals, businesses, and enterprises.
• Customization: Full control over design and branding with CSS and templates.
• Engagement Features: Includes polls, multimedia sharing, and interactive tools for user interaction.
• Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with popular CMS platforms and APIs for advanced use cases.
• Flexible Usage: Suitable for websites, virtual events, e-learning platforms, and more.

Cons of RumbleTalk:

• Limited Free Plan: Only 5 seats and basic features are included.
• Simultaneous User Limit: Plans are capped by the number of active users.
• Pricing for Large Scale: Higher costs for businesses needing multiple rooms or participants.

Pricing Details:

• Free Plan ($0/month):
  • 5 seats
  • 1 chat room
  • Unlimited messages and private chats
• Professional Plan ($34/month, paid annually):
  • 50 seats
  • 1 chat room
  • File and image sharing
  • 1 chat admin
• Business Plan ($59/month, paid annually):
  • 100 seats
  • 1 chat room
  • File and image sharing
  • 1 chat admin
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing):
  • Tailored solutions for high-traffic businesses
  • Multiple rooms and customizable options
  • Premium support and professional onboarding

Conclusion:
RumbleTalk is a versatile chat solution for businesses and communities looking to engage their audiences effectively. Its extensive features and integration options make it a powerful tool for fostering communication during events, on websites, or within virtual communities. While its free plan is limited, the platform offers scalable and affordable options as you grow, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a customizable, feature-packed chat experience.

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Minnit Chat

Overview:
Minnit Chat is a lightweight, cloud-hosted group chat platform designed to seamlessly integrate into websites, blogs, or applications. Its responsive design ensures compatibility across devices, making it an excellent choice for boosting engagement, hosting events, or facilitating real-time communication. With easy embedding via iframe, Minnit requires no coding expertise and offers a range of customizable features such as Single Sign-On (SSO), moderation tools, and design options to match your brand. It’s the perfect solution for small communities and large organizations alike.

Key Features of Minnit Chat:

• Seamless Embedding: Easily add chat to websites, livestreams, or blogs using an iframe.
• Customization: Modify color schemes, backgrounds, and CSS; integrate music streams like SHOUTcast or TuneIn Radio.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Enable users to log in via OAuth2, SAML2, or platforms like WordPress, Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Moderation Tools: Pre-approve messages, ban or kick users, block proxies, and use AI moderation for offensive content.
• Engagement Tools: Create polls, export messages, and receive notifications for new messages.
• Multimedia Sharing: Upload files, images, and videos with generous bandwidth limits.
• Security Features: Password-protect chats, require CAPTCHA, and enforce SSL encryption.
• Scalability: Plans cater to 20 to 10,000 simultaneous users, with options for additional rooms and features.
• API Access & Webhooks: Extend functionality and integrate Minnit with other platforms.

Pros of Minnit Chat:

• Ease of Use: Simple to set up and integrate, even for non-technical users.
• Customizability: Extensive design options and CSS capabilities for branding.
• Flexible Pricing: Plans for various needs, with no limits on page views or active users.
• Advanced Moderation: Includes AI moderation and tools for maintaining chat quality.
• Scalability: Supports small communities to enterprise-level requirements.

Cons of Minnit Chat:

• Feature Access: Some features like AI moderation and custom domains require premium plans.
• Concurrent User Limits: Plans cap simultaneous connections, potentially requiring upgrades.
• Additional Costs: Adding chatrooms, domains, or AI moderation incurs extra monthly fees.

Pricing Details:

• Free Plan (£0/month):
  • 20 simultaneous users
  • 1-day message history
  • 1 chatroom
  • 100MB/month image uploads
• Basic Plan (£22/month):
  • 250 simultaneous users
  • 30-day message history
  • 10 chatrooms
  • 10GB/month file uploads
• Community Plan (£32/month):
  • 500 simultaneous users
  • 90-day message history
  • 50 chatrooms
  • 50GB/month file uploads
• Pro Plan (£86/month):
  • 2,500 simultaneous users
  • 180-day message history
  • Unlimited chatrooms
  • 500GB/month file uploads
• Business Plan (£430/month):
  • 10,000 simultaneous users
  • 365-day message history
  • Unlimited chatrooms
  • 1TB/month file uploads
• Add-ons:
  • Additional chatrooms: £0.80/month per room
  • Custom domains: £4.00/month per domain
  • AI moderation: £20.00/month per 250,000 characters analyzed

Conclusion:
Minnit Chat is a highly flexible and scalable chat solution that adapts to various use cases, from small blogs to enterprise-level applications. Its ease of setup and extensive customization options make it ideal for boosting user engagement and facilitating real-time communication. While some advanced features require premium plans, Minnit’s transparent pricing and add-on flexibility ensure you only pay for what you need. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to add an interactive chat experience to their platform.

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Chatwee

Overview:
Chatwee is a live chat application tailored for online communities. It offers real-time public and private communication, group chats, and file sharing. With support for multiple chat rooms, advanced customization options, and powerful moderation tools, Chatwee is ideal for websites aiming to boost user engagement. Designed for ease of use, it seamlessly integrates into your site with a simple installation script or dedicated plugins for popular CMS platforms. Its responsive design ensures compatibility across devices, making it versatile for events, team collaboration, and hobbyist communities.

Key Features of Chatwee:

• Multiple Display Modes: Choose from fixed tab, embedded chat, full-screen chat, or pop-out options.
• Customization: Modify colors, size, language, CSS, and display modes to match your branding.
• Moderation Tools: Appoint moderators, pre-approve messages, ban users (temporary, shadow, or IP), and enable profanity filters.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Automatically log users in with the same credentials they use on your site.
• Media Sharing: Support for images, animated GIFs, file uploads (up to 1GB on premium plans), and clickable links.
• Responsive Design: Ensures smooth functionality on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Multi-Language Support: Available in over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and more.
• API Access: Integrate with existing databases for SSO or advanced functionality.
• Advanced Analytics: Track chat activity and user engagement.
• Ads-Free Environment: Enjoy an uninterrupted chat experience.

Pros of Chatwee:

• Ease of Integration: Quick installation with an embed script or plugins for major CMS platforms.
• Extensive Moderation Tools: Multiple banning options and message premoderation ensure a safe chat environment.
• Customization: High level of design control through CSS and user-friendly dashboard settings.
• Scalability: Suitable for small communities or large enterprises with custom plans.
• Flexible Plans: Includes free, paid, and pay-per-use options.

Cons of Chatwee:

• File Size Limitations: Free plans have restricted upload limits (10MB).
• Concurrent User Caps: Simultaneous user limits vary by plan, requiring upgrades for larger audiences.
• Advanced Features Locked: Premium features like SSO, message premoderation, and custom branding are limited to higher-tier plans.

Pricing Details:

• Free Plan ($0/month):
  • 5 simultaneous users
  • 1 chat room
  • 10MB file upload limit
  • 14-day message history
• Standard Plan ($19/month):
  • 25 simultaneous users
  • 3 chat rooms
  • 150MB file upload limit
  • 14-day message history
• Pro Plan ($29/month):
  • 150 simultaneous users
  • 10 chat rooms
  • 300MB file upload limit
  • 30-day message history
• Ultimate Plan ($69/month):
  • 300 simultaneous users
  • 25 chat rooms
  • 1GB file upload limit
  • 90-day message history
• Enterprise Solutions (Custom pricing):
  • Unlimited users, chatrooms, and custom features tailored to specific needs.
• Pay-per-Use:
  • Ideal for short-term events or temporary use. Select dates, user limits, and optional white-label features with non-recurring plans.

Conclusion:
Chatwee is an adaptable and user-friendly chat solution that caters to diverse use cases, from small communities to large-scale events. Its rich feature set, responsive design, and extensive customization make it an excellent choice for engaging online audiences. While advanced features are reserved for premium plans, the platform’s scalability and pay-per-use flexibility provide cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.

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CodyChat

1. Overview

CodyChat is a highly popular and affordable chat room software solution known for its simplicity, lightweight design, and flexibility. It is widely used for online communities and platforms due to its one-time license fee and absence of monthly charges. CodyChat offers a robust foundation with extensive customization options through plugins, making it one of the most versatile and powerful chat solutions available.

2. Key Features

• Affordable Licensing: A one-time license costs $49, with optional support renewal plans ($10 for 1 month or $20 for 3 months).
• Customizable Functionality: Purchase and install plugins from the CodyChat store to extend functionality, similar to an app store.
• Ease of Installation: Lightweight and easy to integrate into websites, even for users with minimal technical expertise.
• Community Support: Access live chat support rooms and email assistance for troubleshooting and advice.
• Adaptable Plugins: Choose from a wide range of plugins for video chat, voice chat, and other features to tailor your chat experience.
• No Monthly Fees: A standout feature for budget-conscious users, offering cost-effective ownership.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low Cost: One-time licensing fee with no recurring charges.
• Highly Customizable: Wide range of plugins to meet unique requirements.
• Lightweight: Minimal impact on website performance.
• Active Community: Access to live chat rooms and responsive email support.

Cons:

• No Built-In Video Chat: Requires additional plugins for video or voice chat.
• Dependent on Plugins: Advanced features require plugin purchases.
• Limited Out-of-the-Box Features: Some basic features may require customization.

4. Pricing

CodyChat License:

• $49 for a regular license.
• $10 for 1 month of support.
• $20 for 3 months of support.

Custom Licensing: Discounts available for multiple license keys—contact CodyChat for a custom quotation.

5. Rating

• Features: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Customization: 5/5
• Pricing: 5/5
• Support: 4.5/5

Total Score: 23.5/25 (94%)

6. Final Thoughts

CodyChat is a standout chat software due to its affordability, ease of installation, and extensive customization options through plugins. While it lacks built-in video or voice chat, its plugin ecosystem allows users to add these features and more, making it adaptable to nearly any use case. The absence of monthly fees and active community support make it a cost-effective solution for individuals and organizations looking for a reliable, scalable chat platform.

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Comet Chat

Overview:
CometChat is a feature-rich but extremely expensive in-app messaging platform designed for developers to integrate chat, voice, and video calling into web and mobile applications? It provides robust infrastructure, enterprise-grade security, and a comprehensive suite of tools like SDKs, APIs, and UI kits for customization. While it boasts a wide range of features, its pricing model and inconsistent support have led to mixed reviews. It is primarily geared toward businesses and developers with substantial budgets for communication solutions.

Features of CometChat:

• In-App Messaging: Support for one-on-one and group chats, file sharing, message threads, and custom structured messages.
• Voice & Video Calling: Includes individual and group calling, pay-as-you-go pricing for extended usage, and call recording.
• AI Moderation: Rule-based and context-based moderation tools to detect spam, profanity, and toxicity.
• Customization: UI kits, SDKs, and APIs allow developers to personalize user experiences.
• Integration: Supports multiple frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, Flutter, and WordPress.
• Enterprise Features: Advanced insights, multi-tenancy, 99.999% SLA, and HIPAA compliance for healthcare applications.
• Notifications: Push, email, and SMS notifications with customizable templates.

Pros of CometChat:

• Feature-Rich: Comprehensive tools for messaging, voice, and video.
• Scalability: Suitable for enterprise-level needs with high concurrency and uptime guarantees.
• Customizability: SDKs and APIs provide flexibility for developers.
• Wide Framework Support: Integrates with numerous technologies, from JavaScript to Flutter.

Cons of CometChat:

• High Cost: Plans start at $298.75/month, making it prohibitively expensive for small businesses or individual developers.
• Support Issues: Many users report unreliable or slow customer support.
• Overpriced Add-Ons: Features like AI moderation and context-based insights increase costs significantly.
• Complex Pricing Model: Usage-based fees for MAUs (Monthly Active Users) and concurrent connections can lead to unpredictable costs.
• Underutilized: Despite its capabilities, many potential users avoid CometChat due to its pricing and better alternatives.

Pricing details:

• Build Plan ($0/month):
  • Up to 100 users
  • Free forever, limited to testing and integration
• Basic Plan ($298.75/month):
  • Up to 1,000 MAUs
  • Rich in-app chat and push notifications
  • Global EDGE network and advanced moderation
• Advanced Plan ($423.75/month):
  • AI moderation, SMS/email notifications
  • Multi-tenancy and advanced search
  • Up to 10,000 MAUs
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing):
  • Tailored solutions for 10,000+ MAUs
  • Zero overages, advanced analytics, and top-tier support
  • Includes Gold support and 10% concurrency

Additional Costs:

• $0.10/MAU for overages
• $1/concurrent connection for overages in non-enterprise plans

Conclusion:
While CometChat offers an impressive array of features and integrations, its exorbitant pricing and inconsistent support make it a less attractive option for many developers and businesses. The platform is most suitable for enterprises with significant budgets that require a high level of customization and scalability. However, for small to medium-sized projects or businesses, there are more affordable and reliable alternatives available.

If you’re considering CometChat, it’s recommended to utilize the free Build Plan first to determine whether its features justify the steep cost.

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Arrow Chat

Overview:
ArrowChat is a private group chat platform that claims to offer a robust set of features at a one-time cost with no recurring fees. However, despite its competitive pricing, the software is plagued with critical issues, including poor mobile compatibility, unreliable performance, and a lack of effective customer support. These problems overshadow its feature list, making it an impractical choice for most users.

Features of ArrowChat:

• Private and Group Chat: Includes support for both private messages and group chatrooms.
• Voice & Video Chat: Features basic and advanced options, including mobile video chat and screen sharing (on higher plans).
• Customization: Supports custom colours, white labeling, and API access for integration.
• Moderation Tools: Includes blocking, banning, and word censoring capabilities.
• Media Sharing: File transfers, GIFs, and YouTube embeds are supported.
• Notifications: Real-time notifications for site updates and messages.
• Mobile Support: Available only on higher-priced plans, with additional costs.
• One-Time Payment: Packages include a one-time fee with no monthly charges.

Pricing details:

• Free Plan ($0):
  • Unlimited users
  • Limited updates
  • No technical support
  • Basic features like private/group chat, moderation, and file transfers
• Starter Plan ($95):
  • Unlimited users
  • 12 months of updates
  • 30 days of support
  • Basic video chat and mobile support
• Premium Plan ($195):
  • Unlimited users
  • 12 months of updates
  • 45 days of support
  • Advanced video chat, mobile video chat, and spam protection
• Business Plan ($395):
  • Unlimited users
  • 12 months of updates
  • 365 days of support
  • Professional installation, advanced features, and early access

Strengths of ArrowChat (Theoretical):

• Affordable Pricing: Competitive one-time fees with no recurring costs.
• Customizable: Open-source code allows users to make changes.
• Store Access: Buy and sell themes, apps, and mods to extend functionality.

Weaknesses of ArrowChat (Practical Experience):

• Doesn’t Work on Mobile: Critical mobile compatibility issues require additional payment for basic functionality.
• Terrible Support: Customer service is unhelpful, with numerous complaints about refund refusals and unresolved issues.
• Performance Issues: Features often fail to work as advertised, especially on mobile.
• Hidden Costs: Essential features like mobile support and spam protection are locked behind higher-priced plans.
• Negative Reputation: Widely regarded as unreliable, with poor reviews and user experiences.

Conclusion:
ArrowChat is a poorly executed product that fails to justify even its low price point. The additional costs for mobile support and unresolved performance issues render it unsuitable for modern websites that require reliable, mobile-friendly communication tools. Its terrible reputation for customer support and refund practices only worsens its appeal.

If you are considering chat software, it is highly recommended to explore better alternatives with proven track records for functionality, support, and mobile compatibility. ArrowChat is not worth the investment.

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Better Messages WP

Overview:
Better Messages WP is a WordPress messaging plugin that offers a range of features like real-time messaging, file sharing, video calls, and group chats. However, the plugin suffers from poor usability, a convoluted interface, and minimal support. The lack of transparency regarding pricing and unclear feature documentation makes it frustrating for users to understand what they are paying for or even how to get started.

Features of Better Messages WP:

• Real-time messaging: Powered by AJAX or WebSocket for instant message delivery.
• Voice and video calls: HD 1-to-1 and group calls, including screen sharing.
• File sharing: Supports GIFs, images, and file uploads.
• Group chats: Unlimited participants with customization options.
• Mobile-friendly layout: Claims enhanced designs for mobile users.
• Advanced features: Includes emoji/sticker support, mentions, role-based access control, and custom API hooks.
• Customizability: Options to adjust colors, integrate with BuddyPress, Ultimate Member, and PeepSo.
• WebSocket version: Promises faster and more secure messaging.

Pricing concerns:
The website does not clearly display pricing details or specify what is included in each package. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the value of the product or what users are actually purchasing.

Strengths of Better Messages WP:

• Feature-rich (theoretical): Offers a comprehensive list of messaging and engagement tools.
• Integration options: Supports major WordPress plugins like BuddyPress and Ultimate Member.
• Customizability: Allows CSS customization and white labeling.

Weaknesses of Better Messages WP:

• Confusing interface: The design is overly complex, making it difficult to set up or use.
• Lack of support: Poor customer service, even through their Facebook page, with users reporting no responses.
• Transparency issues: No clear pricing or explanation of what is included in paid plans.
• Overwhelming options: The sheer number of settings and features can make the plugin feel bloated.
• Bad reviews: Consistently receives negative feedback from users due to usability and support issues.

Conclusion:
Better Messages WP fails to deliver on its promises, with a convoluted interface and no clarity regarding pricing or included features. The lack of support and guidance further exacerbates the user experience, making it an unreliable choice for anyone looking to implement messaging on their WordPress site.

If you’re considering a WordPress messaging solution, it’s strongly advised to explore better alternatives with clearer documentation, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support. Better Messages WP is best avoided.

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Roomlio

Overview:
Roomlio is an embeddable chat platform designed for integration into existing websites and applications. Its primary focus is on providing “Twitch-style” embedded chat rooms with additional features for management and customization. However, its offering is very basic, the pricing is high, and the value for money is questionable. Despite its niche use case, Roomlio lacks the robustness and support to justify its cost, especially compared to other platforms.

Features of Roomlio:

• Embedded chat: Easily add chat rooms to websites, portals, or apps using embed codes or JavaScript API.
• Dynamic rooms: Automatically create rooms for specific purposes, such as customer support or class discussions.
• Unlimited rooms: No limits on the number of rooms that can be created.
• Notifications: Includes browser notifications for new messages.
• White label widget: Remove Roomlio branding on higher-priced plans.
• Cross-device support: Provides a lightweight Progressive Web App for chat management.
• Moderation tools: Includes basic management features for chatrooms.

Pricing details:

• Starter plan ($29/month):
  • 3 app users.
  • Up to 10 active embed users at a time.
  • Unlimited rooms and bandwidth.
  • No white label or priority support.
• Professional plan ($99/month):
  • 10 app users.
  • Up to 100 active embed users.
  • Unlimited rooms and bandwidth.
  • No white label or priority support.
• Business plan ($299/month):
  • 30 app users.
  • Up to 330 active embed users.
  • Unlimited rooms and bandwidth.
  • Includes white label widget and priority support.
• Overage costs:
  • $13 per additional app user.
  • $13 for every 10 additional embed users.

Strengths of Roomlio:

• Embed capability: Easy to integrate chat into existing pages.
• Dynamic rooms: Customizable for unique use cases like support or collaboration.
• Unlimited rooms and bandwidth: No limits on the number of chat rooms or traffic.

Weaknesses of Roomlio:

• High pricing: Expensive plans for very basic features, with additional costs for overages.
• Basic functionality: Lacks advanced features found in similarly priced platforms.
• Poor value for money: Overpriced for what is essentially an embeddable chat widget.
• Limited support: No priority support in lower tiers, and responses are reportedly slow.
• Steep learning curve: Setup and management can be confusing, especially for non-technical users.
• Limited user base: Capped at 10, 100, or 330 active embed users, depending on the plan.

Conclusion:
Roomlio is an overpriced chat platform that provides basic functionality without offering significant value. While its embeddable approach may appeal to specific use cases, its limited features, high costs, and lack of advanced capabilities make it a poor choice for most users. Better alternatives are available at more competitive prices, offering more features and better support. Roomlio is best avoided unless it fits a very specific niche need that cannot be fulfilled by other platforms.

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Arena – Group Chat looks pretty slick. I need to request a demo and pretty much $49 a month which is expensive I did not get time to review this one as yet, if you find any more email me and I will add them to the list

Chat software that seemed to be discontinued or nulled

IFlychat – I really used to love Iflychat and had it on my site for a few years, I was pretty shocked to see their site seems to be dead and their WordPress plugin has not been updated, you also cannot contact them anymore, so this is a non-starter now.

123 Flash chat – Long time nulled but still on the market somehow.