phpFreeChat vs. SPChat compared

Version scope and comparison basis

Sources checked on: 05.10.2026

phpFreeChat: The kerphi/phpfreechat repository, 2.x documentation with 2.1.1 in its quickstart. Feature lists from the 1.x series are not carried over.

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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phpFreeChat vs. SPChat · Details from documentation
Criterion	phpFreeChat	SPChat
License and usage rights	MIT license [4]	Domain-bound single-site license; non-transferable [5]
Documented PHP requirement	PHP ≥ 5.3.0, Apache with mod_rewrite in the quickstart; PHP 8 compatibility: Unknown [1]	PHP 8.2 or newer [6]
Database / storage	File system; no database required [2]	MySQL or MariaDB, InnoDB and utf8mb4 [6]
Text message transport	AJAX polling over HTTP [2]	SSE; HTTP polling fallback [7]
Rooms	Unknown	Permanent and temporary rooms, optional passwords [7]
Private messages	Unknown	Inbox and dockable chat windows; controlled by group permissions [7]
Moderation	Operator rights, kick, ban and unban documented from 2.1.0 [3]	Kick, ban, IP bans, word filter and audit log [7]
Customization	Themes, jQuery interface and hooks [1][2]	Custom CSS and optional JavaScript in the admin panel [5]
Website integration	Modular authentication; phpBB3 integration listed, current compatibility: Unknown [2]	Widgets and optional WEB-PHP CMS module [8][9]

phpFreeChat without a database

The 2.x documentation checked here describes file storage, so no database is required. That can simplify setup for a small website chat. SPChat instead requires MySQL or MariaDB. Both need suitable write permissions and a server configuration matching their package.

Why some features remain Unknown

The architecture overview lists several features as planned, while the command documentation already establishes moderation from 2.1.0. We therefore neither copy older 1.x feature lists nor treat every planned feature as definitely absent. Multiple-room management and private messages remain Unknown in this table.

The README refers to 2.1.1 and historical minimum requirements. This does not establish support for current PHP releases. Check your package, its dependencies and authentication on your server.

What changes with SPChat?

SPChat requires a database and a domain license. Rooms, private messages and moderation are described in the current feature documentation. Moving from phpFreeChat changes data storage. Assess existing content and the connection to your account system separately.

Use the installation guide and live demo to check the workflow before deciding.

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.