Some modern IRC clients that have gained popularity or maintained their relevance

[taskone]

1. HexChat:
   • Features: HexChat offers a range of features including support for multiple servers and channels, customizable themes and plugins, DCC file transfers, spell checking, and extensive scripting capabilities.
   • Platforms: HexChat is available for Windows and Unix-like systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
   • User Interface: It provides a user-friendly interface with customizable layouts, tabbed windows for easy navigation between channels, and support for system tray notifications.
   • Community: HexChat has an active community of users and developers who contribute plugins, themes, and support resources.
2. IRCCloud:
   • Cloud-based: IRCCloud operates entirely in the cloud, allowing users to access their IRC sessions from any device with an internet connection.
   • Features: It offers features such as persistent connections, synchronized chat history across devices, push notifications for mentions, and inline image previews.
   • Accessibility: IRCCloud's web-based interface makes it accessible across various platforms without the need for installing dedicated client software.
   • Subscription Options: While IRCCloud offers a free tier, it also provides premium subscription options with additional features such as more simultaneous connections and longer chat history retention.
3. WeeChat:
   • Lightweight: WeeChat is known for its lightweight nature, making it suitable for resource-constrained systems or users who prefer efficiency.
   • Customization: It offers extensive customization options through scripts and plugins, allowing users to tailor their experience to their preferences.
   • Text-based Interface: WeeChat primarily operates through a text-based interface, which may appeal to users who prefer command-line or terminal-based interactions.
   • Plugin Ecosystem: The availability of a wide range of plugins extends WeeChat's functionality, enabling features such as IRC bouncer support, notifications, and more.
4. The Lounge:
   • Web-based: The Lounge is entirely web-based, providing users with a responsive and accessible interface that can be accessed from any modern web browser.
   • Modern Design: It features a modern and intuitive design with support for multiple servers, channels, and user management.
   • Themes and Plugins: The Lounge supports customization through themes and plugins, allowing users to personalize their experience and extend functionality.
   • Community Support: While The Lounge may not have as large a community as some other IRC clients, it has an active development community and user base.
5. Quassel IRC:
   • Distributed Architecture: Quassel IRC's unique distributed architecture allows users to connect to a central core from multiple devices, providing seamless synchronization of chat history and connections.
   • Cross-platform Support: It supports Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems, making it accessible across a wide range of platforms.
   • Feature-rich: Quassel IRC offers features such as multiple server support, built-in notifications, customizable themes, and a plugin system for extending functionality.
   • Ease of Use: Despite its advanced features, Quassel IRC aims to provide a user-friendly experience with intuitive controls and configuration options.
6. Kiwi IRC:
   • Web-based Interface: Kiwi IRC operates entirely within a web browser, making it accessible across platforms without the need for installation.
   • Simplicity: It is designed with simplicity in mind, offering an easy-to-use interface suitable for both beginners and experienced IRC users.
   • Themes and Plugins: Kiwi IRC supports customization through themes and plugins, allowing users to personalize their experience and add functionality.
   • Community Integration: Kiwi IRC integrates with popular chat networks and services, offering users access to a wide range of channels and communities.
7. Element (formerly known as Riot):
   • Interoperability: Element supports IRC among other messaging protocols, enabling users to communicate across different chat networks and services from a single interface.
   • Modern Interface: It features a modern and intuitive user interface with support for features such as end-to-end encryption, file sharing, and voice/video calling.
   • Community Collaboration: Element emphasizes collaboration and community engagement, offering features such as public and private chat rooms, community moderation tools, and integration with other collaboration platforms.
   • Cross-platform Support: Element is available as a web application, desktop application, and mobile app, ensuring users can access their conversations from any device.

 

[Pirrico]

Interesting comparison of IRC clients, but I'm surprised they didn't mention mIRC. It may be old school, but it's still widely used and has a ton of scripting capabilities. For modern features though, The Lounge seem to offer the best balance of accessibility and functionality.