Alternatives to Irssi

A terminal-based IRC client with split windows, extensive settings and scripting support. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Irssi.

  • WeeChat

    An extensible terminal chat client with a full IRC plugin and scripting in eight languages.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxCommand line

    WeeChat is also a terminal IRC client, with scripting in eight languages, a script manager and remote interfaces for browser, phone and GUI clients.

  • Halloy

    An open-source IRC client for macOS, Windows and Linux, written in Rust and focused on speed.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Halloy is an open-source graphical IRC client for macOS, Windows and Linux with broad IRCv3 support, configured through a single TOML file instead of commands.

  • Konversation

    A graphical IRC client from KDE with DCC file transfers, per-channel encodings and an embedded terminal.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    Konversation is a graphical KDE IRC client for Linux and Windows with DCC file transfers and a beginner-friendly interface, but no macOS version.

  • The Lounge

    A self-hosted web IRC client that stays connected to servers while you are offline.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    The Lounge is a self-hosted web IRC client that stays connected while you are offline and works from phones and desktops, but needs a Node.js server.

  • mIRC

    A long-running Windows client for chatting on Internet Relay Chat networks, sold as shareware.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    mIRC is a long-running graphical IRC client for Windows only, and it is proprietary shareware that requires paid registration.

  • Textual

    A native macOS IRC client with IRCv3 support, OTR encryption and customizable styles.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    Textual is a paid native macOS IRC client with IRCv3 support and OTR encryption, replacing the terminal with a graphical Mac interface.

  • Pidgin

    A chat client that signs in to several networks at once, supporting XMPP, IRC, Matrix and more through plugins.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Pidgin is a graphical GPL client that connects to IRC alongside XMPP and other networks from one window, though releases are infrequent and there is no official macOS build.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.