OpenWidget versus AcornChat

OpenWidget is a free eCommerce widget launched in November 2022 by LiveChat.inc. It is not a real-time live chat but has 4 important features.

• Contact form (email)
• Product cards to promote deals
• FAQ section
• Widget customization

It is easy to set up but offers limited customization options, as can be expected for such a free tool. There is no option to upload images, they have to be linked to a URL. All changes are applied to the widget on your website in real time without the need to replace the script.

It has plugins for popular eCommerce platforms like:

• BigCommerce
• Google Tag Manager
• OpenCart
• Shopify
• Squarespace
• Woocommerce
• WordPress

AcornChat is a dedicated Live Chat integration for Slack. It is intended for companies with fewer than 15 employees. AcornChat does not have its own dashboard, all conversations are managed in your Slack workspace. If you are already a Slack power user this might be a perfect fit for you.

The app is straightforward and has one other functionality than routing all messages through Slack; you can enable the email capture function when you are not online to answer any incoming queries. Set up the chat widget and create a dedicated channel or select an existing one in Slack. A new thread is created for each visitor that contacts you, providing a clear overview.

Read more about the pros and cons of Acorn Chat in our analysis of the best live chats with Slack integration of 2023.