# Element X vs Igloo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Element X at none against Igloo's 5. Igloo's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 3.4) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.5). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

Igloo holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 152 and 119 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Element X's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's.

Element X ships an update fortnightly, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Element X | Igloo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews) | **[3.7 (119 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **152** | 119 |
| Positive reviews | 40.2% of reviews | **43.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 313 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) |

## What reviewers say

### Element X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820)

Communicate securely and privately with instant messaging and video calls. This app offers robust features for individuals and communities, allowing you to own your data and choose where it's hosted. Enjoy real-time communication with synchronized history across all your devices.

**Highlights:** Real-time messaging, Video calls, Public and private rooms, Rich messaging features, Cross-device synchronization, Data ownership and server choice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly License | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly License | $7.99 | per year |
| Free Trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime License (Upgrade) | $9.99 | 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 Element X free?

Element X 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, Element X or Igloo?

Igloo is rated higher. Element X averages 3.4 out of 5 from 152 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.

### Do Element X or Igloo have ads?

Neither Element X nor Igloo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Element X or Igloo?

Element X ships an update fortnightly, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Element X was updated on September 24, 2026 and Igloo on September 9, 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.*