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KVIrc vs Textual: catalog facts
KVIrc	Textual
Best for: IRC users who want a customisable, scriptable desktop client	Best for: Mac users who want a polished native IRC client
Free Free to download and use; donations are accepted.	Paid Sold directly by the developer; no longer available in the Mac App Store.
Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS
Built-in scripting language with documented API Themes, addons and translations available All 4 strengths for KVIrc Built-in scripting language with documented API Themes, addons and translations available Regular releases in the 5.2 series Nightly builds available from GitHub	Native macOS interface with dark and light modes IRCv3, IPv6 and client certificate support All 4 strengths for Textual Native macOS interface with dark and light modes IRCv3, IPv6 and client certificate support OTR encryption for private chats Scriptable addons in many languages
IRC only, no other chat protocols Many options can feel heavy for casual use	macOS only, requiring Monterey or later Paid, and no longer in the Mac App Store
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-2.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for KVIrc kvirc.net Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Textual codeux.com/textual Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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