CGI:IRC vs HexChat

Struggling to choose between CGI:IRC and HexChat? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

CGI:IRC is a Social & Communications solution with tags like irc, web-chat, open-source.

It boasts features such as Web-based IRC client, Supports multiple users and channels, Customizable interface and themes, SSL support, Logging and archiving of chat sessions, User registration and authentication, File transfers, Bot and scripting support and pros including Easy to use web interface, Cross-platform - works on any device with a browser, No need to install desktop IRC client, Persistent sessions - stays connected when browser is closed, Open source and self-hosted - no reliance on 3rd party servers.

On the other hand, HexChat is a Social & Communications product tagged with opensource, crossplatform, irc, chat, notifications, autoreconnecting.

Its standout features include Multi-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS), Supports multiple IRC networks and channels, Highly customizable with scripts and plugins, Encrypted communication via SSL/TLS, Auto-reconnect and auto-join channels, Notification support, Text formatting and styling, Logging and scrollback, Proxy support, IPv6 support, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Very customizable and extensible, Stable and lightweight, Supports all major IRC features, Available for all major desktop platforms, Active development community.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

CGI:IRC

CGI:IRC

CGI:IRC is an open source web IRC client that allows users to access IRC channels through a web browser instead of using a desktop IRC client. It enables web-based IRC chatting.

Categories:
irc web-chat open-source

CGI:IRC Features

  1. Web-based IRC client
  2. Supports multiple users and channels
  3. Customizable interface and themes
  4. SSL support
  5. Logging and archiving of chat sessions
  6. User registration and authentication
  7. File transfers
  8. Bot and scripting support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Easy to use web interface

Cross-platform - works on any device with a browser

No need to install desktop IRC client

Persistent sessions - stays connected when browser is closed

Open source and self-hosted - no reliance on 3rd party servers

Cons

Limited functionality compared to desktop IRC clients

Requires web hosting and setup

Potential security issues being web-based

No native desktop notifications

Mobile experience may be limited


HexChat

HexChat

HexChat is an open source, free IRC client for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports multiple servers and channels, theming, plugins, and features useful for IRC chat, including notifications, auto-reconnecting, and text styling.

Categories:
opensource crossplatform irc chat notifications autoreconnecting

HexChat Features

  1. Multi-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS)
  2. Supports multiple IRC networks and channels
  3. Highly customizable with scripts and plugins
  4. Encrypted communication via SSL/TLS
  5. Auto-reconnect and auto-join channels
  6. Notification support
  7. Text formatting and styling
  8. Logging and scrollback
  9. Proxy support
  10. IPv6 support

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Free and open source

Very customizable and extensible

Stable and lightweight

Supports all major IRC features

Available for all major desktop platforms

Active development community

Cons

Steeper learning curve than some clients

Limited native mobile support

Less user-friendly than modern chat apps

Some platform versions more outdated than others