# Igloo — The chillest IRC client

> A high-performance, feature-rich IRC client with a modern interface and enhanced file sharing. (iPhone/iPad app by Eskimo Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122)
- Category: Social Networking, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.81/5 from 118 App Store ratings · 79 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 19 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2024-02-10
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews.md

## What is Igloo?

Introducing the new Igloo: a complete overhaul delivering an IRC Client with enhanced performance and stability. This latest version, reengineered from the ground up, offers a refined user experience while maintaining the simplicity and versatility you expect from Igloo.

What's New:
• Multi-File DCC/XDCC: Enhanced to support simultaneous file transfers, now conveniently stored locally for immediate access.
• Redesigned User Interface: A cleaner, more intuitive UI paired with a selection of themes, elevating your chat experience.
• Optimized for Bouncers: Advanced features tailored for a seamless experience with popular bouncers like ZNC.

Core Features:
• Comprehensive Network Support: Compatible with all IRC networks, including Freenode, Libera, Rizon, EFnet, and more.
• Secure Communication: Ensured by SSL/TLS encryption.
• ZNC Integration: Seamless integration with ZNC and a Push Notification module (https://push.igloo.app).
• Versatile File Sharing: File, image, audio, and video sharing supported through platforms like Arxius.io and Imgur.com.
• Enhanced Input Completion: For channels, nicks, and commands.
• Inline Media Viewing: Experience inline media display for a more engaging chat environment.
• Customization and Compliance: Customize your experience with inline nick coloring, full formatting with 99 color support, and adherence to IRCv3 standards.
• VoiceOver Accessibility: Enhanced accessibility features including VoiceOver integration to support our vision-impaired users.

We're committed to evolving Igloo based on your feedback. If there are features you'd like to see in future updates, please let us know at contact@igloo.app or join us at #igloo on iglooirc.com.

Terms of Service: https://igloo.app/terms
Privacy Policy https://igloo.app/privacy

## Key features

- Multi-file DCC/XDCC transfers
- Redesigned user interface with themes
- Optimized for bouncers (ZNC)
- Comprehensive network support
- SSL/TLS encryption
- Inline media viewing
- VoiceOver accessibility

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly License | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly License | $7.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime License | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime License (Upgrade) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Free Trial | Free | one-time |


## What do users think of Igloo?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎨 Clean, minimalistic, and modern interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive app performance
- 🔗 Seamless bouncer integration with IRCv3 support
- 📱 Best IRC client available for iOS/iPadOS
- 💬 Active developer with responsive support
- 💳 Flexible pricing with one-time purchase option
- 🔄 Regular updates and continuous development
- ⚙️ Highly customizable settings and themes
- 🛠️ Developer actively considers user feedback
- 📲 Push notifications for IRC highlights

**Cons**

- 💰 Expensive pricing compared to competitors
- 🔄 Forced upgrade from previous version with license non-transfer
- 😤 Developer has dismissive and snarky attitude in responses
- 📵 Cannot stay connected in background (Apple limitation)
- 🚫 Misleading 'free' app store listing (trial only)
- ⚠️ Previous app version disabled to force upgrade
- 🔐 Deceptive licensing practices and bait-and-switch tactics
- 🎯 Missing features compared to classic version
- 📧 Requires emailing developer for license upgrades instead of automated process
- 🔔 Misuse of push notifications for promotional giveaways

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App disconnects when screen turns off or app backgrounded
- Theme selection not persisting between app launches
- User list menu jumps unexpectedly on tap
- Link opening requires multiple taps instead of single tap
- Copy/paste functionality hidden and unintuitive
- Some servers fail to connect
- Cannot open certain IRC networks
- Whois/whowas functionality issues with saved conversations
- Trial license not showing in Apple account for cancellation
- iPad view support initially broken in V3

**Most requested features**

- Restore /ignore command for blocking users
- IRCv3 CHATHISTORY extension implementation
- DCC file transfer support
- Ability to hide/disable Slap function
- Color customization for usernames
- Disable part/quit message spam
- Customizable timestamp formats
- Multi-line copy/paste selection
- Long-term chat log retention
- Reorderable server lists
- Icon selection for servers
- Hideable user list in portrait mode on iPad
- Automatic configuration sync across devices
- Keep screen from timing out during sessions
- Theme selection persistence

## Recent user reviews (10 of 79)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Best

*2026-05-07, version 3.11.1*

It is the best IRC client for iOS

### 1/5 — Not free, costs $20

*2026-04-28, version 3.11.1*

If it had said it cost $20, I would have considered spending $20 on it. But it said it was free (no indication in description that this needs a license) and then asked for $20. So now if I want to use this I have to get over feeling deceived and then fork over $20

### 4/5 — Great but lacking in one area

*2026-03-31, version 3.11.1*

Igloo IRC Client is the best that I’ve seen on the App Store!  Between the hugely vast configuration of servers to te mostly perfect amount of app configuration, I was hard pressed to find anything I didn’t like about this app.  It’s only real flaw to me is the lack of font  size selection being capped at 30pt.  Capping at 50pt would make it much more usable for low vision users such as myself.  Thanks for giving this issue some attention.

### 2/5 — Looks decent but not free

*2026-03-27, version 3.11.1*

The app is responsive looks like it works well but it is not free as the other comment suggests.

### 1/5 — Dev Needs to take a PR class

*2026-03-18, version 3.11.1*

Their responses to 1-star reviews is alarmingly unpleasant. I had used the free version and am questioning if this is worth $20.

### 5/5 — A Modern IRC Client

*2026-02-27, version 3.11.1*

Igloo is hands-down the best IRC client on iOS right now. Clean, modern UI, rock-solid support, and many useful features! Worth every penny for anyone serious about mobile IRC.

### 5/5 — Perfect modern IRC client

*2026-02-15, version 3.11.1*

After discovering the iOS client I’ve used for years was no longer available on the app store, I decided to give Igloo a try. Being one week into the trial, I wish I’d discovered Igloo years ago!  The client works seamlessly with my bouncer, has a well-organized and minimalistic interface, and has ircv3 capability.  Zero problems setting it up and no complaints after using it heavily over the past week.  I’m not crazy about subscription models, so I appreciate the one-time purchase option.  Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using Igloo, would recommend it without question, and hope it continues to be actively developed for years to come!

### 5/5 — Very few IRCs

*2026-01-26, version 3.11.1*

There are very few IRCs out there supporting modern day devices. I really appreciate the work you do, regardless of whether they’re saying you open a new app every year or whatever. 
I understand the need for innovation and I see that you are generous in giving free keys to past users. 

5 stars. Good work. Thank you for providing a secure space.

### 1/5 — Didn’t Like the Free Trial Trap

*2025-10-26, version 3.11.1*

I wouldn’t mind adware but I’m not clicking on acting that says “Free Trial” cause we all know what that means.

### 5/5 — *UPDATE, all working* Can’t connect to ircnet

*2025-08-28, version 3.11.1*

*thank you for your help, all connected and DCC all working AOK*
And before you say it’s my fault I can connect with another app, unfortunately no dcc with other app. Also it seems I have committed to a free trial, but there’s no note of that in my apple account so I can’t cancel. I hope I don’t get charged.

## Frequently asked questions about Igloo

### What is Igloo?

Igloo is a completely overhauled IRC client designed for enhanced performance and stability. It offers a refined user experience with a cleaner interface, advanced file transfer capabilities, and seamless integration with bouncers like ZNC. It supports secure communication through SSL/TLS encryption and provides extensive customization options.

### What are the key features of Igloo?

Key features include multi-file DCC/XDCC transfers, a redesigned user interface with themes, optimized ZNC integration, comprehensive network support for all IRC networks, SSL/TLS encryption for secure communication, versatile file sharing, inline media viewing, enhanced input completion, and VoiceOver accessibility.

### Is Igloo free to use?

The application is free to download and use. However, it does offer in-app purchases, which may unlock additional features or customization options for users who wish to enhance their experience further.

### What platforms is Igloo compatible with?

While the provided description does not explicitly state compatibility with specific operating systems (like iOS or Android), it is presented as a mobile application. Users should check the app store for specific device and OS requirements.

### How does Igloo handle file sharing?

Igloo supports versatile file sharing for files, images, audio, and video through platforms like Arxius.io and Imgur.com. It also features multi-file DCC/XDCC transfers that can be stored locally for immediate access.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.11.1 — 2025-05-03

• Fixed an issue with buffextras parsing
• Fixed slightly broken notice handling in very specific situations

### 3.11 — 2025-04-16

• Added QR Sync feature to sync your networks and settings with Igloo on other devices and platforms.

### 3.10.5 — 2025-03-25

• Added a setting to disable all backgrounding. Normally, Igloo stays open in the background (though Apple stops networking after 30 seconds). With backgrounding disabled, the app will fully close when backgrounded. This is helpful if you prefer starting fresh each launch or want to prevent scrollback buildup without manually force-closing the app.

### 3.10.4 — 2025-03-19

• Fixed clicking a DCC download on macOS not opening up Finder
• Fixed a bug in CAP DEL causing it not to take effect
• Fixed removing +k and +l from a channel via the UI
• Add @igloo to the provided ident for people not using the proper bouncer auth type and didn't include a client identifier

### 3.10.3 — 2025-02-28

• Fixed FaceID/TouchID to require re-authentication each time the app leaves the foreground

## Apps similar to Igloo

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Element X - Secure Chat & Call](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820) | 3.4 (149) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Monal — XMPP Chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monal-xmpp-chat/id317711500) | 3.7 (133) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Arctic For Lemmy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arctic-for-lemmy/id6457925837) | 4.8 (20) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Goguma IRC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goguma-irc/id6470394620) | 3.6 (10) | $0.99 | Social Networking |
| [FluffyChat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluffychat/id1551469600) | 4.0 (97) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Siskin IM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/siskin-im/id1153516838) | 3.7 (33) | Free | Social Networking |

## More apps by Eskimo Software

- [Igloo Classic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo-classic/id1545797402)
- [HNSNS - Handshake Resolver](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hnsns-handshake-resolver/id1660666457)
- [ShakeStation Resolve](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shakestation-resolve/id6746951078)
- [Fistbump Wallet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fistbump-wallet/id6760681731)

All apps by Eskimo Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122

## Related topics

[irc client](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/irc-client) · [igloo](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/igloo) · [igloo irc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/igloo-irc) · [irccloud](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/irccloud) · [goguma irc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/goguma-irc) · [irc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/irc) · [goguma](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/goguma) · [eskimo software](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eskimo-software)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*