Best self-hosted Communication - IRC apps

IRC communication software.

11 open source Communication - IRC tools you host on your own server — with full control of your data and no per-user cost.

The Lounge

★ 6,274

Self-hosted web IRC client.

Communication - IRC MIT

Weechat

★ 3,341

Fast, light and extensible chat client.

Communication - IRC GPL-3.0

Ergo

★ 3,253

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

Communication - IRC MIT

ZNC

★ 2,114

Advanced IRC bouncer.

Communication - IRC Apache-2.0

InspIRCd

★ 1,328

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

Communication - IRC GPL-2.0

Kiwi IRC

★ 980

Responsive web IRC client with theming support.

Communication - IRC Apache-2.0

Glowing Bear

★ 973

A web frontend for WeeChat.

Communication - IRC GPL-3.0

Quassel IRC

★ 784

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

Communication - IRC GPL-2.0

ngircd

★ 568

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

Communication - IRC GPL-2.0

UnrealIRCd

★ 516

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

Communication - IRC GPL-2.0

Robust IRC

★ 194

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

Communication - IRC BSD-3-Clause

Frequently asked questions

What are the best self-hosted Communication - IRC tools?

Among the 11 options, the most popular include The Lounge, Weechat, Ergo. Compare license, platform and popularity in the list below.

Is there a free open source alternative for Communication - IRC?

Yes — all 11 tools on this page are open source and you run them on your own server, with no monthly fee.

Where can I host a Communication - IRC app?

On a home server (homelab) or a cheap VPS from ~€4/mo. See the suggestions on this page.