# TextWheels vs Igloo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TextWheels at none against Igloo's 4. TextWheels also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.6). Igloo's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 28 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Igloo sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. TextWheels asks for nothing beyond the download.

TextWheels ships an update every 28 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TextWheels | Igloo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 43.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 28 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali AbdAllah](https://appshunter.io/developer/1123094140) | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) |

## What reviewers say

### TextWheels

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textwheels/id1455190945)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Igloo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly License | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly License | $7.99 | per year |
| Free Trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime License | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 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)

**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

**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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TextWheels free?

TextWheels is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Igloo free?

Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do TextWheels or Igloo have ads?

Neither TextWheels nor Igloo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TextWheels or Igloo?

TextWheels ships an update every 28 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, TextWheels was updated on October 26, 2026 and Igloo on November 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*