OpenWidget versus POWR

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

POWR offers a complete suite of no-code eCommerce solutions with more than 60 apps and plugins, mostly aimed at platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify. They have apps for social media tools, form builders, surveys, popups, payment buttons, website media, and of course, live chat.

Their live chat app connects through Facebook Messenger. A Facebook page and Messenger are required for the live chat app to function. Meaning, POWR live chat is not a suitable option for businesses that do not use Facebook or have compliance requirements that conflict with Meta’s policies and reputation.

The POWR website can be difficult to navigate and find all information you need, especially regarding the live chat and its features. The customization tool for the chat widget is easy to use and offers a lot of options. However, most options are only available in the more expensive plans.

Customers of POWR are mostly small businesses. A few of them share their success stories on the POWR.io website.