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.

Feature	CGI:IRC	HexChat
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Social & Communications	Social & Communications

Product Overview

CGI:IRC

Description: 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.

HexChat

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

CGI:IRC Features

• 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

HexChat Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

CGI:IRC

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

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

Pricing Comparison

CGI:IRC

• Open Source

HexChat

• Open Source
• Free