IRC Networks List: Where to Chat on IRC in 2026
An IRC network is a group of linked servers that share the same users and channels. There are hundreds of them, and each has its own focus and rules. The best-known today are Libera.Chat and OFTC for open-source projects, the classic general networks EFnet, IRCnet, Undernet and DALnet, and smaller community networks such as TwistedNET, which focuses on privacy, zero logs and Tor access. This guide compares them so you can pick where to connect.
Major IRC networks compared
// server addresses checked October 2026
| Network | Known for | Server | TLS port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libera.Chat | Free and open-source software projects; formed in 2021 by former freenode staff | irc.libera.chat |
6697 |
| OFTC | Open-source projects and their developers | irc.oftc.net |
6697 |
| EFnet | One of the oldest networks (1990), general chat, no nickname services | See server list at efnet.org | Varies by server |
| IRCnet | The original European network, split from EFnet in 1996 | open.ircnet.net |
6697 |
| Undernet | Long-running general network (1992) | irc.undernet.org |
Plaintext 6667 on this hostname |
| DALnet | General community network (1994), early adopter of nickname services | irc.dal.net |
6697 |
| Rizon | Anime and general communities | irc.rizon.net |
6697 |
| QuakeNet | Gaming communities | irc.quakenet.org |
Plaintext 6667 |
| Snoonet | Communities that grew out of Reddit | irc.snoonet.org |
6697 |
| TwistedNET | Privacy: zero logs, no tracking, Tor hidden service, independent since 2007 | irc.twistednet.org |
6697 |
User counts change daily; for live numbers check an IRC statistics site such as netsplit.de. Always confirm current servers on a network’s own website before you configure a client.
How to choose an IRC network
// match the network to what you want
- You want support for a specific open-source project — go where the project lives, usually Libera.Chat or OFTC. Check the project’s website for its channel.
- You want privacy and anonymity — choose a network that keeps no logs and welcomes Tor. TwistedNET runs a .onion hidden service; some large networks block Tor or only allow it for pre-registered accounts.
- You want an old-school, no-frills IRC experience — EFnet and IRCnet are as classic as it gets.
- You want a smaller, friendlier community — independent networks like TwistedNET are easier to get to know than networks with tens of thousands of users.
- You just want to try IRC — use a network with a web chat, so you can connect from your browser without installing anything.
Things to check before you join a network
// a quick checklist
- Encryption: does it offer TLS (usually port 6697)? Avoid plaintext 6667 on untrusted networks.
- Logging policy: does the network say what it logs? TwistedNET keeps zero message logs.
- Nickname services: can you register your nick with NickServ so nobody else takes it?
- Tor and VPN policy: some networks block anonymity networks; others, like TwistedNET, offer an onion address.
- Rules: read the network and channel rules before you chat.
Connect to TwistedNET
// free, encrypted, no account required
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| IRC client (TLS) | irc.twistednet.org port 6697 |
| IRC client (plaintext) | irc.twistednet.org port 6667 |
| IPv6 | ipv6.twistednet.org port 6697 |
| Tor | 6tjhpp6dyrs4tqb3xr3r47buqaekho4nlyfwrzw4kg4qpqfhhgztksad.onion port 6667 |
| Browser | chat.twistednet.org |
Start in #twisted, the main lobby, then browse our channel list. Full details are on the connection guide.
IRC networks FAQ
What is the biggest IRC network?
Libera.Chat is generally the largest network today, mainly because thousands of open-source projects moved there from freenode in 2021. Sizes change constantly, so check a live statistics site for current numbers.
Is freenode still active?
freenode still exists, but after its 2021 change of ownership most open-source projects and many users moved to Libera.Chat. If you are looking for a project’s channel, check Libera.Chat first.
Which IRC network is best for privacy?
Look for a network that publishes a no-logging policy, supports TLS on every connection and allows Tor. TwistedNET was built around exactly that: zero message logs, no tracking and a Tor hidden service.
Can I be on more than one IRC network at once?
Yes. Desktop clients such as HexChat, WeeChat and Irssi can connect to many networks at the same time, each in its own tab or buffer.
Are IRC networks free?
Almost all public IRC networks are free to use and are run by volunteers. TwistedNET is free with no ads and no premium tiers.
What is the difference between an IRC network, a server and a channel?
A network is the whole system (for example TwistedNET). Servers are the machines that make up the network and that your client connects to (for example irc.twistednet.org). Channels are the chat rooms on that network, whose names start with # (for example #twisted). New to IRC? Read What is IRC?