Comparison

Groups.io App vs Igloo

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

Head to head
About

Groups.io App

This app provides a modern platform for online communities with powerful management tools. It offers advanced features like hashtag organization, topic muting, and integrations with other services. Users can find, join, and manage groups, receiving real-time notifications.

Highlights
  • Advanced group management
  • Hashtag archive organization
  • Mute individual topics
  • Real-time push notifications
  • Integrated Chat, Calendar, Polls
  • Integrations with RSS, Trello, Github
  • Member synchronization with Slack
Features
Read full description

Groups.io is the next generation platform for online communities. We are a modern platform for serious communities. Powerful management tools. Mobile ready. No ads, no tracking. We have the most advanced features of any group system, including: - Better archive organization with hashtags - Mute individual topics and hashtags - Advanced group management - Powerful additional features, including Chat, Calendar, Polls, Databases, Wiki, Files and Photos - Additional integrations with RSS, Trello, and Github - Member synchronization with Slack This app lets you: - Find and subscribe to existing groups - Receive real time push notifications about activity in your groups - Create and manage your groups

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

Groups.io App4 screens
Igloo3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Igloo at 3.7 against Groups.io App's 3.0. Igloo also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 15 months) and ratings volume (119 vs 26). Groups.io App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, review sentiment, 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 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Groups.io App asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Igloo holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 119 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Groups.io App's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Groups.io App ships an update every 15 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Groups.io App versus Igloo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGroups.io AppIgloo
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (26 ratings)3.7 (119 ratings) — better
Positive reviews36.0% of reviews43.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings26119 — better
Update frequencyEvery 15 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB19 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperGroups.io, IncEskimo Software

Customer experience

Groups.io App

All ratings26 ratings
Positive42.3%
Neutral11.5%
Negative46.2%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive36.0%
Neutral12.0%
Negative52.0%

Igloo

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

Bugs and requests

Groups.io App

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

Groups.io App

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 Groups.io App free?
Groups.io App 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, Groups.io App or Igloo?
Igloo is rated higher. Groups.io App averages 3.0 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.
Do Groups.io App or Igloo have ads?
Neither Groups.io App nor Igloo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Groups.io App or Igloo?
Groups.io App ships an update every 15 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Groups.io App was updated on October 7, 2026 and Igloo on October 7, 2026.

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