Compare software

ii vs WeeChat: catalog facts
ii	WeeChat
Best for: People who want to use IRC from the command line	Best for: IRC users who want a scriptable client they can keep running on a server
Free Free software distributed under the MIT license.	Free Free software; the project accepts donations.
Linux, Command line	Linux, Command line
IRC messages and commands are accessible as files Can be controlled from shell commands and scripts All 3 strengths for ii IRC messages and commands are accessible as files Can be controlled from shell commands and scripts Small implementation of at most 1,000 lines	Full-featured IRC support including SASL and DCC Scripting in eight languages with a script manager All 4 strengths for WeeChat Full-featured IRC support including SASL and DCC Scripting in eight languages with a script manager Remote interfaces for browser, phone and GUI clients Regular releases on a published schedule
Uses a filesystem interface rather than a graphical chat client	Terminal only, with a learning curve for new users IRC is the main built-in protocol
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for ii tools.suckless.org/ii Catalog checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for WeeChat weechat.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.