AJAX Chat vs. SPChat compared

Version scope and comparison basis

Sources checked on: 05.10.2026

AJAX Chat: Blueimp AJAX Chat in the Frug/AJAX-Chat repository, standalone documentation labelled 0.8.8. Forum integrations are separately documented variants.

SPChat: Download version 1.0.7 for self-hosting. The linked product documentation and license form the basis for its details.

Unknown means that the checked sources do not establish the detail. It does not mean that a feature is absent. This documentation comparison contains no common performance or security tests.

Features and operation compared

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AJAX Chat vs. SPChat · Details from documentation
Criterion	AJAX Chat	SPChat
License and usage rights	Modified MIT License; third-party components have their own licenses [3]	Domain-bound single-site license; non-transferable [4]
Documented PHP requirement	PHP ≥ 5 in the manual; PHP 8 compatibility: Unknown [2]	PHP 8.2 or newer [5]
Database / storage	MySQL ≥ 4 in the manual [2]	MySQL or MariaDB, InnoDB and utf8mb4 [5]
Text message transport	JavaScript requests updates as XML; an optional Flash/Ruby socket path is described [2]	SSE; HTTP polling fallback [6]
Rooms	Multiple and private channels, invitations [1]	Permanent and temporary rooms, optional passwords [6]
Private messages	Private messages documented [1]	Inbox and dockable chat windows; controlled by group permissions [6]
Moderation	Kick, ban, ignore, flood control and message deletion [1]	Kick, ban, IP bans, word filter and audit log [6]
Customization	CSS, templates and custom commands [1]	Custom CSS and optional JavaScript in the admin panel [4]
Website integration	Separate phpBB, MyBB, PunBB, SMF and vBulletin variants listed; current forum compatibility: Unknown [1]	Widgets and optional WEB-PHP CMS module [7][8]

Which AJAX Chat does this page cover?

AJAX is a technique, not a unique product name. This page covers Blueimp’s AJAX Chat in the Frug/AJAX-Chat repository. Its manual labels the standalone variant 0.8.8. Other products called AJAX Chat are outside its scope.

Forum integration or a standalone chat?

The repository lists separate variants for several forum systems. A matching integration can matter to communities with existing forum accounts. Compatibility with your current forum release still needs checking. The manual describes PHP files for managing users and channels in the standalone variant.

SPChat offers widgets and an optional WEB-PHP CMS module. This does not promise the same forum integrations. Compare your actual login flow and permissions rather than relying on a general integration label.

Check operation and licensing

The Modified MIT License allows broad usage under its conditions. Third-party components retain their own licenses. SPChat is offered under a domain license. With self-hosted installations, hosting and maintenance remain the operator’s responsibility in both cases.

Historical minimum requirements in the AJAX Chat manual do not establish current PHP 8 support. Check your package on the intended server. SPChat’s documented requirements apply to its installation.

SPChat Download costs

SPChat Download costs €99.99* once, including one year of update access. Update access can then be renewed optionally for €39* per year. The installed version remains usable. Your own hosting and its costs are separate. There are no artificial user or room limits; server resources determine capacity. See the pricing page for details.

Sources and limitations

Sources relate to the scope stated above. Historical documentation does not confirm current PHP compatibility. Later versions and private modifications may differ.