Comparison

Igloo vs Newsygroup

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

Head to head
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: โ€ข Multi-File DCC/XDCC: Enhanced to support simultaneous file transfers, now conveniently stored locally for immediate access. โ€ข Redesigned User Interface: A cleaner, more intuitive UI paired with a selection of themes, elevating your chat experience. โ€ข Optimized for Bouncers: Advanced features tailored for a seamless experience with popular bouncers like ZNC. Core Features: โ€ข Comprehensive Network Support: Compatible with all IRC networks, including Freenode, Libera, Rizon, EFnet, and more. โ€ข Secure Communication: Ensured by SSL/TLS encryption. โ€ข ZNC Integration: Seamless integration with ZNC and a Push Notification module (https://push.igloo.app). โ€ข Versatile File Sharing: File, image, audio, and video sharing supported through platforms like Arxius.io and Imgur.com. โ€ข Enhanced Input Completion: For channels, nicks, and commands. โ€ข Inline Media Viewing: Experience inline media display for a more engaging chat environment. โ€ข Customization and Compliance: Customize your experience with inline nick coloring, full formatting with 99 color support, and adherence to IRCv3 standards. โ€ข 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

About

Newsygroup

Features
Read full description

Read the news. Discover the community! Newsygroup is a text-based newsgroup reader, loaded all topics you interested. From world news to personal stories, fashions, dining and much more. Just tap on the topic and everything is loaded. Tap to see all others comments at once. Your favorite topic is not listed? No problems. There are thousands of newsgroups on the Internet. Just tap "+" button to find out more topics. Experienced newsgroup user? Try the all new way for reading newsgroup! Just forget about tree view. The new tile list makes you reading articles more easily. Still prefer traditional style? No problems. Classic Mode take you back to Outlook Express like style. Newsygroup is smart enough to filter text and image from a long article. Starting from now, reading newsgroups can't be easier! Highlight: Dark Mode Spotlight Search In-app notification when receive reply Post maximum 20 photos at once (require server support) Tap to expand entire article - A quick way to peek entire message Filter repeated message automatically Block article / sender - Block any unwanted articles, images and senders Support animated GIF Mark all article as read Support iPad Split View/Slide Over Classic Mode - Outlook Express like three-pane view Terms of Use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Igloo4 screens
Newsygroup4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Igloo at none against Newsygroup's shown. Newsygroup's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Newsygroup sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Igloo ships an update every 2 weeks, Newsygroup every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
Igloo versus Newsygroup: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIglooNewsygroup
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews43.0% of reviewsโ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 11 days โ€” better
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesโ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS17.615.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size14 MB26 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperEskimo SoftwareArnold Tang

Bugs and 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

Newsygroup

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
1 purchases

Newsygroup

Subscriptions1
  • Newsy Plus Subscription1 Month trial$0.991 Month

Questions

Is Igloo free?
Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Newsygroup free?
Newsygroup is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Igloo or Newsygroup have ads?
Newsygroup shows ads; Igloo does not.
Which is updated more often, Igloo or Newsygroup?
Igloo ships an update every 2 weeks, and Newsygroup every 11 days. Most recently, Igloo was updated on October 27, 2026 and Newsygroup on October 30, 2026.

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