Real-Time Messaging

Better Messages delivers chat messages in two distinct modes — AJAX polling in the free version (the browser checks for new messages every few seconds) and WebSocket push in the WebSocket version (messages arrive instantly via a persistent connection). The mode determines the perceived speed of the chat — both deliver every message reliably, but the experience is dramatically different.

What it adds#

Two delivery mechanisms: AJAX polling or WebSocket push
Configurable polling intervals for AJAX mode (per-conversation and site-wide)
Instant delivery via persistent WebSocket on the paid version
Automatic reconnection when the network drops
Works site-wide — across any page where the plugin is loaded
Same backend for both modes — switching versions is a setting flip

How each mode works#

AJAX mode (free version)#

The browser polls the WordPress server on a configurable interval (default 3 seconds for the active conversation, 10 seconds for other pages). When new messages exist, they're returned and rendered. This works on any standard WordPress hosting — no extra server, no Node.js, no third-party service.

Trade-offs: a small (1-10 second) delay between sending and receiving, plus continuous low-volume requests to your server.

WebSocket mode (paid version)#

A persistent WebSocket connection runs between the browser and the hosted cloud relay (included with the WebSocket-version license). When someone sends a message, the relay pushes it to all participants' open connections instantly. No polling, no delay.

Trade-offs: requires the WebSocket version license. The cloud relay is the dependency (or self-hosted plan for sites with strict data-sovereignty needs).

Aspect	AJAX mode	WebSocket mode
Delivery latency	1-10 seconds	Instant (<200 ms)
Server load	Continuous polling	Minimal — push only on activity
Hosting requirements	Any WordPress hosting	Cloud relay included
Typing indicator	Not supported	Supported
Presence status	Not supported	Supported
Web push notifications	Not supported	Supported
Voice / video calls	Not supported	Supported
End-to-end encryption	Not supported	Supported
Site infrastructure	None extra	None extra (relay is hosted)

When to choose each#

Site profile	Recommended mode
Casual community, hobby site	AJAX free version works fine
Marketplace where buyer-seller messaging is core	WebSocket — instant response is competitive
Live customer support	WebSocket — chat-app expectations
Public chat rooms with many active participants	WebSocket — polling at scale becomes server-heavy
Dating / fan community	WebSocket — real-time presence + delivery matters
LMS office hours	WebSocket — instant Q&A feels like a real conversation

How to enable#

Navigate to WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → General.

All three are in the Realtime Update Mechanism section:

Realtime Update Mechanism — AJAX or WebSocket. AJAX polls the server at intervals. WebSocket delivers instantly over a persistent connection and puts far less load on your server.
Conversation Refresh Interval — how often to check for new messages while a conversation is open, in seconds (AJAX only, default 3)
Site-Wide Refresh Interval — how often to check on other pages of the site, in seconds (AJAX only, default 10)
Continuous Fallback Mode — appears only in WebSocket mode, and keeps AJAX polling running alongside the socket. Not recommended: it adds requests your server does not need. Turning it on also brings the two interval fields back, since polling is then in play.

WebSocket version

The WebSocket version (paid license) unlocks instant delivery plus typing indicators, presence, web push, voice/video calls, group calls, end-to-end encryption, and Better Messages Cloud AI. The relay is hosted — no Node.js to deploy, no third-party service to bill against, no extra load on your WordPress server.

Frequently asked questions#

Can I run my own WebSocket server instead of the hosted relay?#

The self-hosted plan lets you run the WebSocket layer on your own infrastructure — useful for strict data-sovereignty requirements (GDPR Article 9, HIPAA-adjacent, jurisdictional rules). Contact support for the build and pricing.

Will increasing polling frequency on free version cost performance?#

Yes — every 1 second of decrease in polling interval roughly doubles request load. Default 3 seconds is a balanced choice. For "near-instant" delivery on the free version, consider upgrading to WebSocket instead of polling at 1 second.

Does the WebSocket version work on shared hosting?#

Yes — the WebSocket connection talks to the cloud relay, NOT to your WordPress server. Your WordPress hosting is unaffected. The connection bypasses it entirely. This is the key architectural advantage.

What happens if the WebSocket connection drops?#

The plugin auto-reconnects when network connectivity returns. Messages sent during the disconnect are queued and delivered on reconnect.

Can I switch between AJAX and WebSocket at runtime?#

Switching is a setting change in the admin — no reinstall. Site-wide for the moment (not per-user). Per-role overrides (e.g. WebSocket for paid members, AJAX for free) are not exposed as a built-in setting today — contact support if your site needs that pattern.