Halloy

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

FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux
Official websitehalloy.chatDownload pagehalloy.chatSource codegithub.com

These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.

2 more ways to get Halloy

Package managers

  • Homebrewbrew install --cask halloy
  • Flathubflatpak install flathub org.squidowl.halloy

About Halloy

Halloy is a native desktop IRC client built in Rust with the iced GUI library, using a single codebase for macOS, Windows and Linux. It supports a long list of IRCv3 capabilities, including chat history, SASL, message tags, reactions, replies, read markers, typing notifications and soju bouncer networks.

Configuration lives in a config.toml file covering servers, notifications, themes, fonts, panes and keyboard shortcuts. It is also available from Flathub and the Snap Store.

Strengths

  • Broad IRCv3 support including chathistory and soju bouncer features
  • Native cross-platform app from one codebase
  • Detailed configuration in a single TOML file
  • Frequent releases and active development

Limitations

  • Configuration is done by editing a text file
  • IRC only; no other chat protocols

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence.
License
GPL-3.0
Developer
The Halloy contributors
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Best suited for
IRC users who want a fast, modern desktop client
Categories
Messaging
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 2 sources on file.

Alternatives to Halloy

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Software that can replace Halloy for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • WeeChat

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

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    WeeChat is a terminal IRC client with scripting in eight languages and remote interfaces, so you trade Halloy's native GUI for a server-friendly console tool.

  • Irssi

    A terminal-based IRC client with split windows, extensive settings and scripting support.

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    Irssi is a terminal IRC client that runs over SSH with scripting and split windows, replacing Halloy's graphical interface with keyboard commands.

  • Konversation

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    Konversation is a graphical KDE IRC client with DCC file transfers and per-channel encodings, available on Windows and Linux but not macOS.

  • The Lounge

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    The Lounge is a self-hosted web IRC client that stays connected while you are offline, but it requires running your own Node.js server.

  • mIRC

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

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    mIRC is a long-running Windows-only IRC client sold as proprietary shareware requiring registration, unlike the free, open-source, cross-platform Halloy.

  • Textual

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

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    Textual is a paid, closed-source native macOS IRC client with IRCv3 and OTR encryption, limited to macOS Monterey or later.

  • Pidgin

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

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    Pidgin is a GPL-2.0 multi-network client with IRC and XMPP built in and plugins, though its interface is dated and releases are infrequent.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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