WeeChat icon

WeeChat

WeeChat is an open source chat client that supports multiple chat protocols like IRC, XMPP, and others. It is highly customizable and scriptable with plugins and themes.

What is WeeChat?

WeeChat is a feature-rich console-based chat client that supports multiple chat protocols including IRC, XMPP/Jabber, Twitter, and more. Some key features of WeeChat:

  • Open source software licensed under GPLv3
  • Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS
  • Highly customizable interface with scripts, plugins, and color themes
  • Supports multiple connections and chat rooms/channels at once
  • Advanced filtering, logging, and notification options
  • Built-in encryption support for protocols like XMPP and IRC
  • Lightweight and fast even when running hundreds of buffers
  • Python scripting interface to extend functionality
  • Relay plugin allows access to WeeChat from web browser or mobile client

WeeChat is aimed primarily at technical and power users who want immense flexibility and customization options for their chat client. The learning curve can be steep, but the capabilities are unmatched especially for managing lots of IRC channels. With its active development community constantly adding new features, WeeChat is among the most capable open source chat clients available.

The Best WeeChat Alternatives

Top Apps like WeeChat

mIRC, Pidgin, Adium, HexChat, SeaMonkey, Quassel IRC, KVIrc, ZeroChat, Kiwi IRC, XChat for Linux, Colloquy, IRCCloud, irssi, Talkonaut, Maid-IRC, Convos, Atomic IRC, Konversation, WebIRC, IRCAnywhere, HoloIRC, CenterICQ, Revolt (for Riot), Web-IRC, XChat for Windows, relay.js, jsIRC, Jabbin, sushi IRC suite, Qwebirc, jakeIRC, MetroIRC, Jabiru, Smuxi, Nettalk, Kaiwa, CGI:IRC, Visual IRC 2, MegaIRC, Pidgin on MacOSX, Hextor, Gnotty, leafChat, Yaaic, Kaidan, Srain, LostIRC are some alternatives to WeeChat.

MIRC

mIRC is one of the most popular Internet Relay Chat (IRC) clients for Windows. First released in 1995 by Khaled Mardam-Bey, mIRC allows users to communicate in real-time online chat rooms and private conversations.Key features of mIRC include:Connectivity to multiple IRC servers and networks simultaneouslyA customizable interface with skins...

Pidgin

Pidgin is a popular open source chat application used primarily for instant messaging. It supports multiple mainstream chat protocols and accounts including AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP/Jabber, IRC, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Novell GroupWise, Lotus Sametime, Zephyr, and more. This allows users to manage all of their instant messaging accounts and...

Adium

Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application developed specifically for the macOS operating system. It supports many popular chat networks and protocols including AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Jabber/XMPP.Some key features of Adium include:A simple and easy-to-use interface that can...

HexChat

HexChat is a popular open source IRC chat client available for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. It provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to IRC servers and channels to chat in real-time.Some key features of HexChat include:Support for multiple IRC servers and channelsCustomizable interface with support for...

SeaMonkey

SeaMonkey is a free and open-source Internet suite. It is developed by the Mozilla Foundation as community-driven software and a successor to the Mozilla Application Suite. SeaMonkey includes a web browser, email and newsgroup client with feed support, HTML editor, IRC chat and web development tools.Some key features of...

Quassel IRC

Quassel IRC is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client developed by the Quassel Project. It is designed to be easy to use while also providing advanced capabilities for power users.Some key features and benefits of Quassel IRC include:Modern, streamlined user interface with tabbed conversations and customizable layoutsDistributed...

KVIrc

KVIrc is a free, open source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client first released in 1998 for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It was later ported to Windows and macOS as well.KVIrc has an intuitive graphical user interface allowing multiple chat windows to be open at once. Common IRC features...

ZeroChat

ZeroChat is a free, open source, decentralized peer-to-peer instant messaging and VoIP application focusing on security and privacy. It utilizes strong end-to-end encryption for messages and calls to ensure confidentiality. Additionally, it integrates with anonymity networks like Tor and I2P to protect user identities and location.Some key features...

Kiwi IRC

Kiwi IRC is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client that runs in most modern web browsers without requiring any downloads or plugins. It provides a full-featured IRC experience directly within the browser.Some of the key features of Kiwi IRC include:Supports all major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge...

XChat for Linux

XChat is a popular open source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Linux. It provides a graphical user interface that allows users to easily connect to IRC networks and chat channels.Some of the key features of XChat include:Support for multiple IRC servers and channels - users can connect...

Colloquy

Colloquy is a long-standing and widely used Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client application specifically designed for macOS. First released in 2003, Colloquy aims to provide a streamlined yet full-featured IRC chat experience for Mac users.Key features of Colloquy include:Connect to and manage multiple IRC servers and channels at onceSSL...

IRCCloud

IRCCloud is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client designed to be used through web browsers or mobile apps rather than a desktop application. It allows users to connect to IRC servers and join chat channels to participate in real-time text-based conversations.Some of the key features of IRCCloud include...

Irssi

irssi is a highly flexible and programmable IRC client built for advanced text-based user interfaces in Linux, UNIX, and other systems. Unlike most graphical IRC programs, irssi runs fully in a terminal window, allowing system administrators, developers, and other power users a highly configurable IRC client that can integrate tightly...

Talkonaut

Talkonaut is a freemium voice assistant software that enables natural language conversations between humans and machines. It combines several key AI technologies including automatic speech recognition, natural language understanding, dialogue management, and speech synthesis to allow users to interact conversationally with computers.Some key capabilities and features of Talkonaut include...

Maid-IRC

Maid-IRC is an open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client developed specifically for the MaidSafe network. It provides a decentralized and secure alternative to traditional IRC clients and networks.Some key features of Maid-IRC include:End-to-end encrypted messaging between usersFile and data sharing on IRC channels hosted on the SAFE NetworkAccess...

Convos

Convos is an open-source instant messaging and chat application. It is written in Node.js and released under the MIT license. Convos is designed to be:Simple and easy to use for both users and administratorsEasy to extend and customize due to its plugin architectureSecure as it supports HTTPS, TLS...

Atomic IRC

Atomic IRC is a free, open source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Windows. It provides a basic yet functional IRC client with essential features including:Support for connecting to multiple IRC servers and networksSASL authentication for connecting to IRC networks securelyAuto-reconnect in case of disconnects to keep you onlineDesktop...

Konversation

Konversation is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client built for the KDE desktop environment. It provides an intuitive user interface and integrates well with the KDE desktop.Some key features of Konversation include:Supports connecting to multiple IRC servers and channels at onceTabbed interface for easily switching between multiple...

WebIRC

WebIRC is a web-based Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client that allows users to access IRC channels and chat in real-time through a website, without needing to install a desktop IRC client application. It runs directly in the web browser, making it convenient to use WebIRC on any device that has...

IRCAnywhere

IRCAnywhere is a web-based IRC client that enables users to access IRC networks and chat channels directly through a web browser, without needing to install any additional desktop software. It works across platforms and devices, providing a seamless IRC experience on Windows, Mac, Linux, as well as mobile devices.Some...

HoloIRC

HoloIRC is an open-source IRC client designed specifically for Hololens and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. It provides an immersive 3D user interface that allows users to connect to IRC channels and chat with others in a virtual environment.Key features of HoloIRC include:Ability to connect to popular IRC networks...

CenterICQ

CenterICQ is a free, open-source instant messaging application for Windows. It enables users to connect to multiple IM networks and chat services including ICQ, XMPP/Jabber, MSN, AIM, IRC, and more from a single application.Some of the key features of CenterICQ include:Supports popular IM protocols like ICQ, XMPP...

Revolt (for Riot)

Revolt is an open-source, privacy-focused chat platform built as an alternative to Riot/Matrix. Revolt shares some similarities with Riot such as public/private channels and end-to-end encryption but also has some key differences.Some of the key features of Revolt include:Fast and lightweight client built with RustEncrypted messaging...

Web-IRC

Web-IRC is a web-based Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client that allows users to access IRC channels and chat right within their web browser without needing to install any additional desktop software. It provides a convenient way for people to use IRC chat straight from their browser.Some key features of...

XChat for Windows

XChat for Windows is a popular Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client designed for the Windows operating system. As an IRC client, XChat allows users to connect to IRC networks and join chat channels to engage in real-time text-based conversations.Some key features of XChat for Windows include:Supports connecting to...

Relay.js

relay.js is an open-source JavaScript framework created by Facebook for building data-driven single-page React applications. It provides an optimized way to fetch and manage GraphQL data in React apps.Some key features of relay.js:Seamless integration with React for building complex UI driven by GraphQL dataHelps structure applications...

JsIRC

jsIRC is an open-source, browser-based Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client written in JavaScript. It allows users to connect to IRC networks and join chat channels directly from their web browser, without needing to install any additional software or plugins.As a pure web application, jsIRC is very accessible - it...

Jabbin

Jabbin is an open-source, cross-platform instant messaging and voice-over-IP (VoIP) client application that places strong emphasis on security and privacy. It was created as a secure alternative to other popular IM clients such as Skype or WhatsApp.Some key features of Jabbin include:End-to-end encryption for chats and calls to...

Sushi IRC suite

Sushi IRC Suite is a free, open source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Windows. It was originally designed as an easy-to-use IRC client with basic features, but has since grown into a more full-featured IRC client suite.Some of the key features of Sushi IRC Suite include:Support for...

Qwebirc

Qwebirc is a lightweight web-based IRC client that runs directly in a web browser using only HTML and JavaScript. It provides users access to Internet Relay Chat (IRC) networks and channels without requiring any additional software installation or configuration.As a web application accessible through any modern web browser, Qwebirc...

JakeIRC

jakeIRC is an open-source, cross-platform Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client written in Java. It provides a basic set of IRC features for Windows, Mac and Linux users including:Support for connecting to multiple IRC servers and networks at onceJoining, leaving and managing multiple IRC channelsPrivate messaging with other IRC usersCustomizable...

MetroIRC

MetroIRC is a free, open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client designed for the Windows platform. It focuses on providing a fast, lightweight, and easy-to-use IRC experience for Windows users.Some key features of MetroIRC include:Modern, metro-inspired interface following Windows UI guidelinesSupports connecting to multiple IRC networks and joining multiple...

Jabiru

Jabiru is an open-source eCommerce platform written in Java and built on open-source technologies like Spring, Hibernate, and Bootstrap. It offers a complete eCommerce solution for building customizable online stores with modern features.Some key capabilities and benefits of Jabiru include:Product catalog management - Add and manage products with...

Smuxi

Smuxi is a free, open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client developed for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It has an intuitive user interface that allows users to connect to multiple IRC networks and join chat channels on those networks.Some key features of Smuxi include:Support for multiple IRC...

Nettalk

Nettalk is a cloud-based Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides a complete business phone system solution without the need for expensive on-premise PBX hardware.Key features of Nettalk include:Auto Attendant - Professionally greet callers and route them to the right department...

Kaiwa

Kaiwa is an open-source, web-based chat client with a focus on privacy and security. It allows users to chat using various protocols like XMPP, IRC, Telegram and Matrix, without relying on centralized servers.Some key features of Kaiwa include:Encrypted peer-to-peer chat using OMEMO encryption over XMPPSupport for anonymous IRC...

CGI:IRC

CGI:IRC is an open source web application that functions as an IRC client that can be accessed through a web browser. It allows users to join IRC channels, chat with others, and use many standard IRC commands without needing to install a desktop IRC client.Some key features of...

Visual IRC 2

Visual IRC 2 is a feature-rich Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Windows. It provides a user-friendly graphical interface for connecting to IRC networks and servers. Some of the key features of Visual IRC 2 include:Ability to connect to multiple IRC servers and networks simultaneouslyJoin, monitor, and participate in multiple IRC...

MegaIRC

MegaIRC is a feature-rich open source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It was created in 2002 and has been under active development ever since.Some key features of MegaIRC include:Support for multiple IRC servers and channelsA clean, customizable interface with support for scripts...

Pidgin on MacOSX

Pidgin is a free and open source chat client that can connect to many popular chat networks and protocols. It has native support for common protocols like IRC, XMPP/Jabber, Bonjour, and more. On MacOSX, Pidgin integrates well with the operating system to provide a native-feeling interface.Some key features...

Hextor

Hextor is an open source web application vulnerability scanner that performs black-box scanning to identify security flaws in web applications. It is designed to be easy to use, yet provide comprehensive scanning capabilities for detection of vulnerabilities including:Cross-site scripting (XSS)SQL injectionCommand injectionPath traversalInsecure server configurationCommon application vulnerabilities and...

Gnotty

Gnotty is a free and open-source note taking and note organizing application for Linux-based operating systems. Developed by a small team of open source contributors, Gnotty aims to provide a fast, flexible, and easy to use alternative to proprietary note apps.At its core, Gnotty is designed to work like...

LeafChat

leafChat is an open source, privacy-focused messaging app for Android. It is designed with security as a key priority and includes support for end-to-end encryption to protect user data and conversations.Some of the main features of leafChat include:End-to-end encryption using the OMEMO protocol - This ensures only the...

Yaaic

Yaaic is an open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client application designed for Android mobile devices. Originally launched in 2010, Yaaic aims to provide a fully-featured yet lightweight IRC client option for Android users.Some key features of Yaaic include:Support for connecting to multiple IRC servers and channels simultaneouslyTLS/SSL encrypted...

Kaidan

Kaidan is an open-source, lightweight XMPP/Jabber client for mobile devices running Linux-based operating systems such as Ubuntu Touch, Sailfish OS, and Plasma Mobile. It is written in Qt/QML and designed to provide a fast, secure, and easy-to-use native messaging experience.Some of the key features of Kaidan include...

Srain

Srain is an open-source, cross-platform Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client written in GTK. It aims to provide a modern user interface and experience for IRC while keeping faithful to its text-based nature.Some key features of Srain include:Modern, responsive UI with support for themingSupport for connecting to multiple IRC...

LostIRC

LostIRC is a free, open-source Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. Developed by artists and engineers, LostIRC aims to provide a simple yet fully-featured IRC client.The intuitive user interface makes LostIRC easy to set up and start chatting on IRC servers and channels...