Polari
Polari: A focused, free IRC client for Linux users—not a full hosted team workspace. Ranked #47 of 63 in Team Chat Apps by our editors (4.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users needing a lightweight IRC client.
At a glance
- Editor score4.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users needing a lightweight IRC client
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open-source software for Linux
- Supports public IRC channels and private conversations
- Includes notifications, history logging, and IRC completion
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Linux
- Focused on IRC rather than modern team chat
- Image and text sharing uses a public paste service
Our verdict on Polari
Polari is a desktop Internet Relay Chat client from the GNOME Project. It is designed for Linux users who need to connect to IRC networks, join public channels, or hold private one-to-one conversations. The application also includes desktop notifications, nickname and IRC-command completion, chat history logging, IRC nickname password support, and sharing for images or text through a public paste service. Its GNOME integration and focused feature set suit users who want a straightforward IRC client rather than a broader collaboration platform.
Polari’s strongest fit is its narrow IRC focus. Users can connect to IRC networks, participate in public channels, and switch to private conversations without moving beyond the IRC model. Notifications help surface activity, while completion for nicknames and IRC commands can reduce repetitive entry. Chat history logging adds continuity for conversations handled through the client. As free, open-source software, Polari is distributed for Linux through Flatpak and software centers, making its platform scope clear and its cost structure simple.
That focus also defines the product’s limits for team-chat buyers. Polari runs on Linux and is an IRC client, not a hosted team workspace with broader collaboration features. Its fit is strongest for individuals, communities, and teams already organized around IRC channels and private IRC conversations. Organizations looking for a cross-platform team chat environment, workspace-style administration, or a wider ecosystem should choose a different type of product. Choose Polari when Linux and IRC are the requirements; avoid it when the priority is a modern, multi-platform team workspace.
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Polari pricing
Polari fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Channels | Yes |
| Guest access | Not verified |
| Message history | Not verified |
| Integrations | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | linux |
| Maximum members | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | apps.gnome.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Polari
- Microsoft TeamsA broad team chat workspace with a free plan and deep Microsoft 365 integration.9.4
- SlackA capable team-chat hub for integration-heavy teams, with limited free history.9.3
- Zoho CliqA broad team chat suite with strong Zoho ecosystem fit and a capable free plan.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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