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Best IRC Clients

Choose the perfect client for your platform

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Desktop Clients

Full-featured IRC clients for your computer

HC

HexChat

Windows / Linux FREE

Visual, user-friendly GUI client that is perfect for getting started with IRC. Clean interface with multiple server and channel tabs. Supports Python and Perl plugins for extending functionality. Highly customizable with themes and scripts.

BEST FOR: Beginners and intermediate users
hexchat.github.io
mI

mIRC

Windows SHAREWARE

The classic Windows IRC client that has been around since 1995. One of the most iconic pieces of IRC software ever made. Features a powerful built-in scripting language that lets you automate virtually anything. Decades of community scripts available.

BEST FOR: Windows power users
mirc.com
WC

WeeChat

Linux / Mac / Windows FREE

Terminal-based and highly extensible IRC client. Supports plugins in Python, Perl, Ruby, Lua, TCL, and more. Features a remote relay protocol that lets you connect from mobile devices or web browsers. Extremely customizable and lightweight.

BEST FOR: Terminal enthusiasts and power users
weechat.org
Ir

Irssi

Linux / Mac FREE

The legendary terminal IRC client. Minimal, fast, and incredibly reliable. Perl scripting support with a massive library of community scripts. Perfect for running inside screen or tmux for persistent 24/7 connections on a remote server.

BEST FOR: Linux sysadmins and purists
irssi.org
Tx

Textual

macOS PAID

Beautiful native macOS IRC client built with Swift. Features iCloud sync across your Apple devices, native Dark Mode support, and a polished interface that feels right at home on macOS. The most elegant IRC experience on a Mac.

BEST FOR: Mac users who want a polished experience
Mac App Store
KV

KVIrc

Windows / Mac / Linux FREE

Feature-rich visual IRC client with a built-in scripting engine and highly customizable themes. Cross-platform with a consistent experience across operating systems. Great for users who enjoy customizing every aspect of their IRC experience.

BEST FOR: Users who want visual customization
kvirc.net

Mobile Clients

IRC in your pocket

Revolution IRC

Android FREE

Modern Material Design IRC client for Android. Clean interface, notifications, and all the features you need to chat on the go.

Google Play Store

Palaver

iOS FREE

Native iOS IRC client with push notifications. Beautifully designed to feel native on iPhone and iPad. Never miss a mention.

App Store

IRCCloud

iOS / Android FREE TIER

Cloud-connected IRC that keeps you online even when the app is closed. Syncs across all your devices seamlessly. Free tier available.

irccloud.com

Web-Based Clients

No installation required — just open your browser

TwistedNET WebIRC

Kiwi IRC Instance RECOMMENDED

Our official web client. Instant access to TwistedNET with zero setup. Works on any device with a browser. The fastest way to get chatting.

Open WebIRC

The Lounge

Self-Hosted Instance PERSISTENT

Our self-hosted The Lounge instance. Stays connected 24/7 so you never miss a message. Scroll back through history anytime.

Open The Lounge

Gamja

Lightweight Web Client FREE

A minimalist, lightweight web IRC client. No frills, no bloat. Just a clean interface for connecting to IRC servers. Great for quick sessions.

codeberg.org/emersion/gamja

Connect Any Client to TwistedNET

Universal connection settings that work with every IRC client

Server

irc.twistednet.org

Port

6697 (SSL/TLS)

SSL/TLS

Enabled (required)

Default Channel

#twisted

Quick Setup Steps
  1. 1. Open your IRC client and add a new server
  2. 2. Enter irc.twistednet.org as the server address
  3. 3. Set the port to 6697 and enable SSL/TLS
  4. 4. Set your nickname and connect
  5. 5. Join #twisted and say hello

Client Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison

IRC client feature comparison table
Client Platform Price Type Scripting Rating
HexChat Win / Linux Free GUI Python, Perl ★★★★☆
mIRC Windows Shareware GUI mIRC Script ★★★★☆
WeeChat Lin / Mac / Win Free Terminal Python, Perl, Ruby, Lua+ ★★★★★
Irssi Linux / Mac Free Terminal Perl ★★★★★
Textual macOS Paid GUI Plugins ★★★★☆
KVIrc Win / Mac / Lin Free GUI KVS Script ★★★☆☆

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