Top 10 Chat Apps for WordPress Sites

WordPress is one of the best websites for plugins and integrations, offering an open-source platform with a community of developers and users that are constantly working to offer even better solutions for themselves and others. There are several paid solutions out there for live chat apps and tools, but some businesses just aren’t ready to spend the cash. Others might not see the point, what with so many options out there. In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best chat apps for WordPress sites.

However, how can you possibly pick the perfect one when you have so many factors to consider? Fortunately, that’s not a problem that you have to be concerned with any longer. In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best chat apps for WordPress sites, including the features of each, to help you get your live chat up and running in no time. 

(And, at the end of the article, we’ll explain how Smith.ai can offer fully-staffed chat solutions for your business that integrate with your existing software and take your customer support to a whole new level.) 

Why live chat?

The advantages of having a live website chat tool are horribly understated in most of the information that you find online. Not only that, but several complain or attempt to make the argument that it’s “just not profitable” for their organization yet. 

46% of customers prefer live chat, and that number is only going to grow.

So, why is now the time to install a chat app? Well, because your customers demand it and because the market is ripe with opportunity. Plus, there’s a host of tools and solutions that can change your business for the better when you start by integrating a live chat app.

A chat app allows you to meet customers where they are and you’ll be able to do that without having to invest more money in marketing or expanding your reach. Why chat? Nine percent of the websites out there are using a live chat feature—that's one of the reasons why. 

It may also be a good idea because as many as 90% of people expect some kind of online support portal. Live chat gives you a chance to connect on a personal level, address people's concerns or needs directly, and help get them on the right track and see why your brand is the answer to their needs. So, now that you understand why these chatbot apps are essential, let’s talk about which ones will best fit your brand. 

The 10 best chat apps

1. Smith.ai Chatbot

The Smith.ai Chatbot offers a 24/7 solution for automated chat. This chatbot includes powerful AI and machine learning so that you can truly “set it and forget it”. You can customize the widget to suit your needs and integrate it with your entire tech stack, including your CRM, for streamlined operations across the board. 

You’ll also appreciate the Smith.ai Chatbot for its pre-screening sequences that allow you to screen leads quicker and easier, and the proactive messaging that makes sure customers always know you’re there to help. Mobile compatibility isn’t an issue because this chatbot is optimized for all devices, too. You can even add calendar links to your chatbot for scheduling, and so much more. Key highlights include:

• Total customization of chatbot widget
• 24/7 unlimited chats 
• Smart Q&A
• Pre-screening sequences
• Pre-chat disclaimer for legal and finance

2. WP Live Chat Support

WordPress, of course, has its very own Live Chat plugin that offers basic functionality with dynamic features that will ensure that your customers are always taken care of. You can set up feedback requests and surveys, choose your welcome messages or other greetings, integrate with Google Analytics for tracking, and more. 

You can host chats on your WP server if you don’t want to take up the space on your own website and bog things down. You can even use the tool to gain insights with reporting features and more. There's the option to ban users based on IP addresses, enable or disable sounds and notifications, and even pop-up options and other customizations for the chat tool. The best features include:

• Stores chats left while you’re away
• Offers animations
• Optional registration for users
• Real-time typing
• Easy integration
• Fully functional within minutes

3. Tawk.To

With Tawk.To, you’ll find a ton of different features that are absolutely free, all the time. This chat app is 100% free, with no ads or spam to worry about. You can even monitor visitor behavior in real-time and connect to people easily to address their concerns. The Tawk.To app makes it easy to manage customer needs from an intuitive dashboard, too. 

There is the option to use multiple agents and an app is available for iOS and Android, making it convenient to take your chats on the go. You can set up custom welcome messages and it offers a simple design so that it just works and works like it should. 

• Custom visibility and display options
• Multiple agents
• User insights
• Compatible with all browsers and mobile

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4. UserLike

UserLike is a free WordPress plugin that makes it easy for you to get setup and going with chat in just minutes. You will be able to rely on popular messaging tools like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS, and others, along with having a live chat tool on your website. A free account takes minutes to setup and there are unlimited conversations available. 

UserLike makes it easy to customize the widget to fit your branding and blend in with your website and includes seven languages to ensure easy communication. You can even send reminders and capture better leads. Plus, it’s got premium security and privacy features, as well. The highlights include:

• 100% GDPR compliant
• Automatic translation 
• Free unlimited conversations
• Paid plans available with more features

5. Pure Chat

Pure Chat makes it easy for you to install and customize your chat tool, and you can even choose the display options for when your chat agents are offline: offline indicators, email options in lieu of chat, or even to have the chat disappear entirely until it is staffed again. This tool doesn’t include ads, either. 

One of the best features is probably the Engagement Hub, which is where visitors will be able to choose from live chat, phone, email, or even Twitter or Google Maps. There are plenty of other features to love about the free tool and you can upgrade to the Pro version to send SMS notifications, get real-time tracking and analytics, and more. Highlights include:

• Engagement Hub makes communication easy
• Customization and scalability
• Custom away status/display options
• Integrates with other tools and software

6. Tidio Live Chat

Tidio is probably one of the more popular live chat tools available for WordPress. It makes starting a conversation easy, starting with immediate visibility of the chatbox once you have installed the tool. You can even go into the settings and customize features to suit your needs, see who’s on your site in real-time, and more. 

Tidio allows you to set up agent accounts for different users, as well as contact information, automated messages, and other elements to create a dynamic chat tool. It also integrates with tons of other tools and software, including Salesforce, MailChimp, and more. Some of the highlights include:

• Language support for multiple languages
• Set custom hours and away messages
• Pro version upgrade available for a fee
• Seven-day free trial of pro features
• Customization features 
  
  

7. Zendesk Chat

Although Zendesk has paid plans and solutions, it also offers a free chat tool that can be used by anyone with an account. It does have its limits, including that you can only carry on one conversation at a time, but for brands testing the waters, it could be a great choice. You’ll be able to communicate with customers in real-time and if you like what you see, you can pay for the premium plan to access all the features. 

Zendesk Chat is also available in 40 languages and offers a mobile-optimized design. It also has an intuitive dashboard and chat records are available for 14 days on the free version. Of course, those who upgrade will find much more customization and other premium features. Our favorite features include:

• Zendesk brand support
• Integrates with all Zendesk apps and tools
• Customization options for paid plans
• Conversion tracking and multiple conversations with upgrade
  
  

8. HubSpot All-in-One Marketing

HubSpot is one of the leading tools for marketing and as part of its platform, it includes a chat tool for website chat. You can also access the chat feature by itself if you don’t need the whole marketing suite, but when it comes to streamlining, they definitely have a package worth considering at HubSpot. 

As a leader in online marketing, HubSpot knows what it takes to deliver premium products and services. You can even pick and choose just to install the live chat feature, or you can add the chatbot for another layer of communication, and even create an entire marketing suite of tools if you’d like. Here are some of the highlights:

• Connects to HubSpot marketing platform
• Comes with customization options
• Automated chatbot available
• Premium features available with paid plans
  
  

9. REVE Chat

REVE Chat offers a powerful array of features, allowing you to connect with your audience in real-time and close more sales. In addition to standard live chat features, this tool also includes video and voice chat support, co-browsing and screen sharing, and more. Free customization comes with every installation and the tool is even optimized for mobile. 

The app reports 99.8% uptime and allows you to pick and choose from several features and setup options, along with several ways to communicate. Plus, it offers a single, intuitive dashboard from which to manage it all. Check out key features like:

• Screen sharing
• Auto triggers
• Personalized interactions
• Premium upgrade available
• Branded and custom chat windows
  
  

10. Click to Chat for WhatsApp

Click to Chat for WhatsApp is a popular choice for businesses catering to younger demographics. The WhatsApp platform is familiar to them as a chat tool already, so when you add it to your website, you’re giving people instant familiarity and comfort. You’re also addressing their need for real-time answers and 24/7 availability, which allows you to stand out among the competition who are still on the fence about using live chat. 

When you install the chat tool, the visitor just clicks on the “Chat” button and the WhatsApp window will open to initiate the chat. Just install the plugin, add a WhatsApp number or group ID, and you’ll be good to go. Highlights include:

• Animations and short codes
• Nine predesigned styles
• Hide option
• Integrates with Google and Facebook Analytics
• Floating positioning
  
  

Free yourself from the work by partnering with Smith.ai instead 

Do you really have time to monitor another customer service tool, and do you know how to do it properly? That’s where the dedicated live chat agents from Smith.ai come in. We can provide a scalable, user-friendly chat platform that integrates with WordPress and the rest of your tech stack, along with a team of live agents to answer every single message. 

Plus, when you choose a staffed plan from Smith.ai, you’ll also get premium white-glove setup and installation of our software, which is available in English and Spanish to deliver the perfect chat experience every single time. And in case that’s not enough, ask how our team can also field your SMS texts and so much more. 

Schedule a consultation today to discuss how Smith.ai can take your live website chat to the next level with integrated solutions for communication, along with scheduling, client intake, lead screening, and more. You can also reach us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.