Comparison

Arctic For Lemmy vs Igloo

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

Head to head
About

Arctic For Lemmy

This native iOS client provides a private and ad-free way to experience the Fediverse. Browse feeds with embedded content, engage in conversations with a rich markdown editor, and enjoy customizable features for seamless navigation and notifications.

Highlights
  • Ad-free and tracker-free experience
  • Native media viewing (photos, videos, GIFs)
  • Rich markdown editor for content creation
  • Customizable swipe gestures
  • Unlimited account switching
  • Push notifications for accounts and communities
  • Content filtering by keyword
Features
Read full description

Arctic For Lemmy is a free and native iOS client for Lemmy. In the spirit of the Fediverse, Arctic is completely free and private. No data of any kind will be collected from your device, and no pesky advertisements, Ever. Arctic was built specifically for iOS and runs natively on pure Swift. Enjoy browsing feeds with embedded content that keeps you out of the browser, and in the app. Engage in the conversation using the rich markdown editor, and intuitive post composer Key Features: • No advertisements or trackers, ever • Native support for media, photos, videos, gifs, etc • Robust media viewer to view content in full detail • Rich link previews in posts and comments • Customizable swipe gestures to make navigation a breeze • Account quick switcher, supports unlimited accounts • Community switcher, quickly jump between communities • Account push notifications, badges, replies, mentions, messages, reports, applications • Community push notifications. customizable notifications for communities based on filters • Content filters, exclude content by keyword • Smart cache keeps browsing fast, and storage freed • Rich markdown editor for composing new content • Upload manager for keeping control of uploaded media • Highly customizable UI with custom theme support • Lemmy Explorer integration, browse Lemmy Explorer directly in the app • Full-featured client, if you can do it on this website, you can do it in Arctic Visit Arctic's community at !arctic@lemmy.world to keep up with the latest changes and provide feedback.

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

Arctic For Lemmy4 screens
Igloo3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Arctic For Lemmy at 86% against Igloo's 43%. Arctic For Lemmy also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.7). Igloo's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and ratings volume (119 vs 20). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Arctic For Lemmy sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Arctic For Lemmy holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Igloo has 119 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Arctic For Lemmy's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Arctic For Lemmy ships an update every 5 weeks, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Arctic For Lemmy versus Igloo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArctic For LemmyIgloo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (20 ratings) — better3.7 (119 ratings)
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews — better43.0% of reviews
Number of ratings20119 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB19 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDana BuehreEskimo Software

Customer experience

Arctic For Lemmy

All ratings20 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

Igloo

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

Bugs and requests

Arctic For Lemmy

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

4 purchases

Arctic For Lemmy

One-time4
  • Kind Tip$2.99
  • Generous Tip$5.99
  • Bountiful Tip$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Supporter Tip$19.99
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 Arctic For Lemmy free?
Arctic For Lemmy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Igloo free?
Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Arctic For Lemmy or Igloo?
Arctic For Lemmy is rated higher. Arctic For Lemmy averages 4.8 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.
Do Arctic For Lemmy or Igloo have ads?
Neither Arctic For Lemmy nor Igloo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Arctic For Lemmy or Igloo?
Arctic For Lemmy ships an update every 5 weeks, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, Arctic For Lemmy was updated on September 17, 2026 and Igloo on September 9, 2026.

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