Comparison

Siskin IM vs Igloo

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Siskin IM

A powerful and lightweight XMPP client for seamless communication. Manage multiple accounts, access chat history, and enjoy features like push notifications and file sharing. Ideal for both new and experienced XMPP users.

Highlights
  • Multi-account management
  • Message archive access
  • Chatroom support
  • Automated status management
  • In-band account registration
  • Push notifications
  • File sharing
  • VoIP calls
Features
Read full description

Siskin IM is a lightweight, powerful XMPP client developed by Tigase, Inc. It provides an easy way to start using the XMPP Protocol (formerly known as Jabber) if you've never used it before. Veterans of the protocol will find many features here they are familiar with along with enhancements to reduce data use and extend battery life. - Control multiple accounts from a single application and sign into all your XMPP accounts at once. - Message Archive supported: Access chat history from the server. - Support for joining and creating chatrooms for multi-party collaboration. - Automated status management; no need to change status every time you put your phone down. - In band registration; Sign into and create a new account on your favorite XMPP/jabber server! - Push Notifications: Never miss another message. - Photos and other files easy sharing in private chats and in group chats, even with people using different XMPP clients. - Vcard support: robust user profiles. - VoIP: You can call your friends. Welcome to XMPP: Welcome to Siskin IM!

About

Igloo

This IRC client has been completely re-engineered for enhanced performance and stability. It offers a refined user experience with a redesigned interface, simultaneous file transfers, and optimized bouncer integration. Enjoy secure communication, versatile file sharing, and extensive customization options.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Screenshots

Siskin IM4 screens
Igloo3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Siskin IM at none against Igloo's 5. Igloo's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (119 vs 33). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Siskin IM asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for Siskin IM against 3.7 for Igloo. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 119 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 46% of Siskin IM's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Siskin IM ships an update every 2 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Siskin IM versus Igloo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSiskin IMIgloo
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (33 ratings) — better3.7 (119 ratings)
Positive reviews46.4% of reviews — better43.0% of reviews
Number of ratings33119 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.014.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTigase, Inc.Eskimo Software

Customer experience

Siskin IM

All ratings33 ratings
Positive60.6%
Neutral12.1%
Negative27.3%
Written reviews56 reviews
Positive46.4%
Neutral17.9%
Negative35.7%

Igloo

All ratings119 ratings
Positive68.9%
Neutral2.5%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews79 reviews
Positive43.0%
Neutral3.8%
Negative53.2%

Bugs and requests

Siskin IM

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Igloo

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • 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
Show 5 more
  • 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

Requested features

15 requests
  • Restore /ignore command for blocking users
  • IRCv3 CHATHISTORY extension implementation
  • DCC file transfer support
  • Ability to hide/disable Slap function
  • Color customization for usernames
Show 10 more
  • 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

In-app purchases

None

Siskin IM

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Igloo

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly License$0.991 Month
  • Yearly License$7.991 Year
One-time3
  • Free TrialFree
  • Lifetime License (Upgrade)$9.99
  • Lifetime License$19.99

Questions

Is Siskin IM free?
Siskin IM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Igloo free?
Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Siskin IM or Igloo?
Siskin IM is rated higher. Siskin IM averages 3.7 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.
Do Siskin IM or Igloo have ads?
Neither Siskin IM nor Igloo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Siskin IM or Igloo?
Siskin IM ships an update every 2 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Siskin IM was updated on September 21, 2026 and Igloo on September 9, 2026.

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