Plugin Review – BP Better Messages

Plugin Review – BP Better Messages

https://wordpress.org/plugins/bp-better-messages/

Version Tested: V 1.9.2.5

BP Better Messages is a BuddyPress plugin that turns BP Messaging into a threaded instant messaging type communication tool. You can disable the requirement for a subject line and also enable name search and file attachments.

Installation is a case of installing and activating the plugin from Dashboard>>Plugins>>Add New.

Once installed there are new options to configure in Dashboard>>Settings>>BP Better Messages. Here you get to choose between the free AJAX based version or the Pro WebSocket based version:

The WebSockets version offloads a lot of messaging activity to dedicated servers and so improves site performance, this is a pro feature and is enabled through the purchase of a licence.

There are several tabs in the Settings page – General, Chat, Attachments and License. The Chat tab allows user search to be enabled and the subject line to be removed:

The Attachments Tab allows for attachments to be enabled and for the supported size and type of attachments to be set:

Once activated, The users BuddyBar menu item for messages changes to Threads:

Now messages will be threads of instant message items, if both users are online, then the message page will be updated instantly – no need for the notification – load new page cycle so a considerable improvement over classic BP Messaging:

I give this plugin 9 out of 10. I think on the messaging front BP Better Messages is in general a big improvement and for some sites it will work very well. My only issue with it is that ultimately installing this means you are losing many features of BP classic Messaging, and this may not be appropriate for a number of sites.

My Star Rating

Other Peoples Reviews

webby87

Just. Amazing.

I've never come across such fast support in my life! Wordplus has created an amazing addition for buddypress messages. I'm using PRO version and it has given my website the next level experience for my users.

May 15, 2021

khudri

It's not better, it's the best!

Normally Im not really a fan of giving a review. But you guys deserve it. It's like your only job is only maintaining this plugin, every time I see a plugin update, it's this plugin. You guys really put your best heart and mind on to this plugin. I'm really impressed! [...] Thank you for this great great plugin. Plus, we get the "better" buddypress group message now. It truly helps me a lot! I just need one thing from you, please keep being awesome! Read more »

May 9, 2021

shawfactor

Very responsive dev

Good plugin great dev, I suggested some improvements and he implemented them right away. 5 stars

May 4, 2021

gingerbooch

Modern messaging

Thank you for that great plugin, especially for 2021 updates !!

April 17, 2021

xmerakix

Excellent Plugin With Excellent Support

This plugin is beautiful, the free version is very generous and allows all of the functions necessary to run the plugin professionally. The support is also immediate from the Facebook group. I'm 100% satisfied!

March 23, 2021

Jakob (jakobbader)

Absolutely love it...

I absolutely love this plugin. [...] Having my own chat/call/video-call app on my site is just awesome. Highly recommended. One thing missing, but on the roadmap as per Andrij is the possibility to start a call/video-call without first having a text message conversation. Andrij, thank you for your speedy support 🙏🏻 Read more »

March 7, 2021

kimherbs

Absolute best customer service I have ever experienced from a plugin author

Excellent messaging app aside, this is the absolute best customer service I have ever experienced from a plugin author. Seriously. He went beyond the call of duty for me when I asked about the possibility of changing the color of the chat box tab. I am so impressed. We just got the video/audio chat [...]feature up and running and it’s so much fun. An excellent addition to our site. First class all the way - both the product and the service behind the product. Read more »

February 26, 2021

graphfit

Great plugin and even better support!

An all honesty, I originally downloaded this plugin without much hope that it would do what I wanted. Turns it does everything I need perfectly well and more. [...] I reached out for some help with a question which was responded to within 1 hour, since then we have gone back and forth for more help and advice on how to best use the plugin in my particular processes. This is the first ever review I have left after using hundreds of WP themes and plugins, but felt it deserved recognition after the great experience I have had so far. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to see new features in the future. Read more »

February 22, 2021

mcary1996

Great plugin and A+ terrific support!

I found BuddyPress messaging to be sub-par at best, installed BP Messages and we were off to a great start, the interface and several options provided for user experience were great. When I discovered something that didn’t work quite right, their tech support was DILIGENT and VERY RESPONSIVE in [...]getting it fixed super fast - I highly recommend using this plugin and hope they continue to support this plugin for many years to come. Read more »

February 9, 2021

idraprogetti

Il plugin perfetto per la chat di BuddyPress

Tra tutti i plugin penso sia il migliore e l'assistenza è ottima; mi hanno aiutato con un'implementazione che mi serviva per il mio sito.

January 28, 2021