Best Communication - IRC software in 2026

11 tools compared across pricing, features, and deployment.

Ergo

ergo.chat

Open source

Modern IRCv3 server written in Go, combining the features of an ircd, a services framework, and a bouncer.

Communication - IRCFree

Glowing Bear

github.com

Open source

A web frontend for WeeChat.

Communication - IRCFree

InspIRCd

inspircd.org

Open source

Modular IRC server written in C++ for Linux, BSD, Windows, and macOS.

Communication - IRCFree

Kiwi IRC

kiwiirc.com

Open source

Responsive web IRC client with theming support.

Communication - IRCFree

ngircd

ngircd.barton.de

Open source

Portable and lightweight Internet Relay Chat server for small or private networks.

Communication - IRCFree

Quassel IRC

quassel-irc.org

Open source

Distributed IRC client, meaning that one (or multiple) client(s) can attach to and detach from a central core.

Communication - IRCFree

Robust IRC

robustirc.net

Open source

IRC without netsplits. Distributed IRC server, based on RobustSession protocol.

Communication - IRCFree

The Lounge

thelounge.chat

Open source

Self-hosted web IRC client.

Communication - IRCFree

UnrealIRCd

unrealircd.org

Open source

Modular, advanced and highly configurable IRC server written in C for Linux, BSD, Windows, and macOS.

Communication - IRCFree

Weechat

weechat.org

Open source

Fast, light and extensible chat client.

Communication - IRCFree

ZNC

wiki.znc.in

Open source

Advanced IRC bouncer.

Communication - IRCFree