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.

Mechanism — Choose between AJAX or WebSocket
Thread Interval — Polling rate for the active conversation (AJAX mode, default 3 seconds)
Site Interval — Polling rate for other pages (AJAX mode, default 10 seconds)

WebSocket version

The WebSocket version (paid license) unlocks instant delivery plus typing indicators, presence, web push, voice/video calls, AI chat bots, end-to-end encryption, and group calls. 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.