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Irssi

Free#61 of 63 in Team Chat Apps

Irssi: A focused, scriptable IRC client for technical users who prefer terminal-based chat. Ranked #61 of 63 in Team Chat Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for technical users preferring text-mode IRC.

3.0/10Editor score

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Irssi3.0 Visit Irssi

At a glance

Editor score
3.0 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Technical users preferring text-mode IRC
Paid from
Free
Founded
1999
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Built-in IRC support with channels and private-message commands
- Perl and Python scripting plus protocol modules
- Logging, themes, layouts, and automatic connections
Where it doesn't
- Text-mode interface may not suit visual-chat users
- Windows support requires Cygwin or WSL
- Designed as a client, not a hosted team-chat workspace

Our verdict on Irssi

Irssi is a modular, text-mode chat client primarily built for IRC. It suits technical users who prefer terminal-based communication, configurable windows, and command-driven workflows over a hosted team-chat workspace. The client supports channels and private conversations, while its Unix-like focus makes Linux the most direct platform. Windows users can run it through Cygwin or WSL.

Its strongest advantage is depth for users who want control over the chat environment. Irssi supports configurable text-mode windows and layouts, themeable message display with true-color support, message and away logging, automatic server connections, and automatic channel joining. Built-in IRC support covers the core use case, while protocol modules extend connectivity to ICB, SILC, XMPP, PSYC, Quassel, Matrix, Rocket.Chat, and RobustIRC. This breadth is useful for users who want multiple chat systems within a text-oriented client, though the experience remains centered on terminal interaction rather than visual collaboration.

Scripting adds another layer of customization through Perl and Python support, and the built-in IRC proxy module can support proxy-based IRC workflows. Irssi is distributed as source code and through operating-system packages, fitting users comfortable with command-line software and package-based installation. It is a strong choice for IRC-focused technical users who value modularity, logging, automation, and precise control over layout. Teams seeking a hosted workspace, visual conversation tools, or a conventional team-chat interface should choose a different type of product.

Your product? Our editors can test Irssi in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Irssi pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on irssi.org

Irssi fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Channels	Yes
Guest access	Not verified
Message history	Not verified
Integrations	IRC, ICB, SILC, XMPP, PSYC, Quassel, Matrix, Rocket.Chat, RobustIRC
Supported platforms	Linux; Windows via Cygwin or WSL
Maximum members	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Linux, Windows
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	9 integrations: IRC, ICB, SILC, XMPP, PSYC, Quassel … See all →
Pricing	Open source
Website	irssi.org
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Irssi integrations

Irssi lists 9 integrations on its own site.

IRC
ICB
SILC
XMPP
PSYC
Quassel
Matrix
Rocket.Chat
RobustIRC

See all Irssi integrations →

Alternatives to Irssi

See all Irssi alternatives →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Irssi for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Irssi is listed in our Team Chat Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update