# Better Messages vs BuddyDrive

> Better Messages vs BuddyDrive compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Better Messages comes out ahead, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head checks against BuddyDrive.

**Better Messages comes out ahead, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head checks against BuddyDrive.** Choose Better Messages if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and rating. Choose BuddyDrive if you care most about download trend.

| | Better Messages – Chat Rooms, Group Chat, Private Messages & AI Chat Bots | BuddyDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10K+ ✅ | 1K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 46.8K ✅ | 431 |
| Download trend | +15.2% | +22.4% ✅ |
| Rating | 4.8/5 ✅ | 4.3/5 |
| Reviews | 142 ✅ | 47 |
| Health score | 93/100 ✅ | 50/100 |
| Last updated | 5 days ago ✅ | 1 year ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.3 ✅ | WP 6.8.11 |
| Support resolved | 100% | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Jan 2017 | Apr 2013 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Better Messages or BuddyDrive?
Better Messages comes out ahead, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head checks against BuddyDrive. Choose Better Messages if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and rating. Choose BuddyDrive if you care most about download trend.

### Is Better Messages more popular than BuddyDrive?
Better Messages is the more popular of the two with 10K+ active installs, compared with 1K+ for BuddyDrive.

### Can I use Better Messages and BuddyDrive together?
Both plugins cover buddypress, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.

### Are Better Messages and BuddyDrive free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.


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