HexChat vs XChat for Linux

Struggling to choose between HexChat and XChat for Linux? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

HexChat is a Social & Communications solution with tags like opensource, crossplatform, irc, chat, notifications, autoreconnecting.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, XChat for Linux is a Social & Communications product tagged with open-source, chat-client, irc, linux.

Its standout features include Graphical user interface, Supports multiple servers/channels, Plugins and scripts, SSL/TLS support, Logging, Notifications, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to use, Highly customizable, Available for multiple platforms.

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.

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


XChat for Linux

XChat for Linux

XChat is an open source IRC chat client for Linux. It has a simple, easy-to-use graphical interface, supports multiple servers and channels, and offers plugins and scripts for customization.

Categories:
open-source chat-client irc linux

XChat for Linux Features

  1. Graphical user interface
  2. Supports multiple servers/channels
  3. Plugins and scripts
  4. SSL/TLS support
  5. Logging
  6. Notifications

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to use

Highly customizable

Available for multiple platforms

Cons

Development has stalled

Limited native encryption support

No mobile client