Compare software

Polari vs WeeChat: catalog facts
Polari	WeeChat
Best for: GNOME users who want a simple IRC client	Best for: IRC users who want a scriptable client they can keep running on a server
Free Free and open source under the GPL-2.0-or-later licence.	Free Free software; the project accepts donations.
Linux	Linux, Command line
Integrates cleanly with the GNOME desktop Simple interface focused on conversations All 4 strengths for Polari Integrates cleanly with the GNOME desktop Simple interface focused on conversations Notifications for new messages Actively maintained with regular releases	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
Linux only Fewer power-user features than clients such as HexChat or WeeChat All 3 limitations for Polari Linux only Fewer power-user features than clients such as HexChat or WeeChat IRC only, no other chat protocols	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: GPL-2.0-or-later	License: GPL-3.0
No account needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Polari apps.gnome.org/Polari Catalog checked October 1, 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.