OpenWidget versus WhosOn

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

WhosOn, by Parker Sofware, originally one of the first website visitor analytics tools, has been a major player in the live chat business since 2003.

WhosOn defines itself as a specialist for niche projects, while still offering a robust out of the box chat service. They have the possibility for cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid deployment.

All their plans include a multitude of features and integration options. They also offer paid options like an AI chatbot, remote desktop control, and real-time, two-way translation in 100 languages.

Their most simple plan starts at $33 per month for one agent. A 30 days free trial is available.

Customers of WhosOn include First International Bank & Trust, Harvard University, and Thomas Cook.