Self-Hosted IRC Communication: 11 Open-Source Apps

Best for your setup

The default order favors popular apps. These picks favor your specific setup.

Homelab Novice
Wants it running tonight, with one command.
The Lounge6.3k
The Lounge is a modern web-based IRC client designed for self-hosting.
- Live demo
- Documented
- No cloud account needed
83/100 fitHow well this app matches homelab novices, 0 to 100
See all
Homelab Hacker
Wants control: APIs, scripts and many ways to run it.
Ergo3.3k
Ergo is a modern IRC server written in Go with integrated services, account management, history storage, and bouncer-like functionality.
- CLI or plugin support
- Many ways to install
- Works offline
84/100 fitHow well this app matches homelab hackers, 0 to 100
See all

Sort

11 projects

The Lounge

6.3k

The Lounge is a modern web-based IRC client designed for self-hosting.

IRC CommunicationSelf Hosting SolutionsPermissive License

Ergo

3.3k

Ergo is a modern IRC server written in Go with integrated services, account management, history storage, and bouncer-like functionality.

IRC CommunicationSelf Hosting SolutionsNetwork Utilities+2

Single Container

Weechat

3.4k

WeeChat is a fast, lightweight, highly customizable chat client with modular plugins and script-based extensibility.

IRC CommunicationCopyleft License

InspIRCd

1.4k

InspIRCd is a high-performance IRCv3 server for UNIX-like systems and Windows.

IRC CommunicationCopyleft LicenseSelf Hosting Solutions

ZNC

2.1k

ZNC is an advanced IRC bouncer that sits between IRC clients and networks to buffer traffic and keep users connected.

IRC CommunicationProxy ServersSelf Hosting Solutions+2

ngircd

580

ngIRCd is a lightweight Internet Relay Chat (IRC) server for small or private networks.

IRC CommunicationSelf Hosting SolutionsNetwork Utilities+1

UnrealIRCd

526

An open source IRC server with strong modularity, security, and extensive configuration options.

IRC CommunicationNetwork UtilitiesCopyleft License

Quassel IRC

796

A modern, cross-platform distributed IRC client with a central core that clients can attach to and detach from.

IRC CommunicationSelf Hosting SolutionsCopyleft License

Glowing Bear

980

A web frontend for the WeeChat IRC client with modern browser-based access and added media embedding features.

IRC CommunicationCopyleft LicenseSelf Hosting Solutions+1

Kiwi IRC

989

Kiwi IRC is a web-based IRC client that runs as static files and supports multiple IRC connections, themes, and plugins.

IRC CommunicationPermissive LicenseSelf Hosting Solutions+1

Robust IRC

195

A project with documentation available at robustirc.net/docs.