# Igloo vs Newsygroup

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Igloo | Newsygroup |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 43.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) | [Arnold Tang](https://appshunter.io/developer/598711202) |

## What reviewers say

### 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, iPhone Duo 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


### Newsygroup

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/newsygroup/id6480019265)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Newsy Plus Subscription | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*