Comparison

Snikket vs Igloo

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

Head to head
About

Snikket

Connect with friends, family, and colleagues on a global network without compromising your personal data. This privacy-focused chat application requires an invite to a Snikket service to function, ensuring secure and trusted communication.

Highlights
  • Privacy-friendly communication
  • Worldwide communication network
  • Data protection
  • Trusted service providers
  • Open-source software
Features
Read full description

The Snikket app allows you to join a worldwide communication network. Use the app for communicating with friends, family and colleagues without surrendering your data to large corporations. Important Note: To get started with the app you need an invite to a Snikket service, or run your own. The app will not work unless you have an invite to join a Snikket service. Snikket allows you to use a service provided by someone you trust. This could be an organisation, simply a techie friend or family member. Snikket is 100% free and open-source software. Questions? Browse our FAQ: https://snikket.org/app/faq/

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

Snikket3 screens
Igloo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Igloo at 5.0 against Snikket's 3.5. Igloo also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). Snikket's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (64% vs 43%). On price, ads and device support 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 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Snikket asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Igloo holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Snikket has 17 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Snikket's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Snikket ships an update every 7 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Snikket versus Igloo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSnikketIgloo
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (17 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews — better43.0% of reviews
Number of ratings17 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSnikket Community Interest CompanyEskimo Software

Customer experience

Snikket

All ratings18 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral9.1%
Negative27.3%

Igloo

Written reviews79 reviews
Positive43.0%
Neutral3.8%
Negative53.2%

Bugs and requests

Snikket

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

Snikket

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Igloo

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly License$0.991 Month
  • Yearly License$7.991 Year
One-time2
  • Free TrialFree
  • Lifetime License$19.99

Questions

Is Snikket free?
Snikket 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, Snikket or Igloo?
Igloo is rated higher. Snikket averages 3.5 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Igloo averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Snikket or Igloo have ads?
Neither Snikket nor Igloo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Snikket or Igloo?
Snikket ships an update every 7 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Snikket was updated on November 3, 2026 and Igloo on November 4, 2026.

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