Best IRC Software — Free & Paid (2026)

Explore and compare 8 IRC tools on FreeSoftwareX (More Software). Browse free, open-source and commercial options side by side — compare features, licensing and price — and find the right fit for your business.

What is IRC software?

IRC software helps teams handle their irc needs within More Software. On this page you can compare the leading options by licence model — 8 free / open-source and 0 paid / freemium tools — so you can shortlist by budget, features and support before you commit.

Top free & open-source IRC

ErgoInspIRCdKiwi IRCQuassel IRCThe LoungeUnrealIRCd

Popular IRC tools

Ergo — Open SourceInspIRCd — Open SourceKiwi IRC — Open SourceQuassel IRC — Open SourceThe Lounge — Open SourceUnrealIRCd — Open SourceWeechat — Open SourceZNC — Open Source

How to choose IRC

Start with your must-have features and budget. Open-source and free tools suit lean teams and those who can self-host; freemium lets you trial before paying; commercial tools add vendor support and guarantees. Compare the shortlisted IRC above, then request a quote or demo free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free IRC?
Popular free and open-source IRC options include Ergo and others listed above. The best choice depends on your features, team size and whether you can self-host.
How many IRC tools are listed?
FreeSoftwareX currently lists 8 IRC tools, spanning free, open-source, freemium and commercial licences.
Are there free IRC options?
Yes — 8 of the IRC tools listed are free or open source. See "Top free & open-source IRC" above.
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