Monal vs NinjaIRC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Monal
This open-source messenger provides a fast and user-friendly way to connect to the XMPP public chat network. Enjoy private, ad-free communication with end-to-end encryption and features like group chats and file sharing.
- Open Source
- No Ads
- OMEMO encrypted chat
- Multi user chat (MUC)
- Audio/Video calls
- File sharing
Read full descriptionHide full description
There has never been a better time to get into XMPP, a free public chat network no one controls or owns. Monal is a fast and user friendly way to use XMPP. Just download the app, login or register and you are ready to chat in minutes. It looks and works the way other apps do, so there is no need to “learn XMPP” or even care what it is. Notable features: - Open Source - No Ads! Strong focus on privacy. Does not phone home and does not have software "metrics" - Does not read any personal information - With a direct connection to your server, your password and all other info are never sent to a third-party - OMEMO encrypted chat - Will work with corporate XMPP servers that require VPN - Multi user chat (MUC) support for group chats - Audio/Video calls Implements certain XMPP extensions intended to improve mobile communication: - XEP-0357: Push Notifications - XEP-0280: Message Carbons keep messages in synch between clients - XEP-0198: Stream Management to quickly reconnect - XEP-0199: XMPP Ping to maintain connections - XEP-0313: Message Archive Management to download chat history - XEP-0352: Client State Indication for dramatic reduction on power use - XEP-0363: HTTP File Upload to send images in conversations
NinjaIRC
Read full descriptionHide full description
NinjaIRC is a modern IRC chat client built for iPhone. Connect to IRC servers, join channels, send private messages, and use familiar slash commands from a clean mobile interface. NinjaIRC is designed to make classic IRC feel smooth and modern on iOS, with support for dark and light mode, notifications, and a simple chat-focused user experience. Features: • Connect to IRC servers • Join and manage channels • Send and receive private messages • Use slash commands • Receive notifications • Switch between dark and light mode • Modern iPhone-friendly interface • App icon variants NinjaIRC is made for users who still love IRC but want a cleaner and more mobile-friendly way to chat.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: Monal at 3 against NinjaIRC's —. Monal also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). On price and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Monal | NinjaIRC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (142 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 57.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 142 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Ads | No | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | — |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 72 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Molitor und Dietzel, Inh. Thilo Molitor | Maurice den Braber |
Bugs and requests
Monal
Reported bugs
4 issues- Disconnects frequently
- Incompatible with some XMPP servers
- Crashes when sending messages
- Issues with loading contact lists
Requested features
4 requests- Add OTR/PGP encryption support
- Improve group chat functionality
- Allow customization of sounds and notifications
- Optimize for older iOS versions
NinjaIRC
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Monal
No in-app purchases
NinjaIRC
No in-app purchases









