Comparison

Igloo vs IRCpug

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — 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: • 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

About

IRCpug

Features
Read full description

IRCpug is a native IRC client for iPhone and iPad. Keep your networks, channels and direct messages together, with local message history and privacy controls that put you in charge. • A modern IRC client: Every network, one tidy list. • Read more, scroll less: Nicknames sit in their own column. • One inbox for what matters: Mentions, private messages, invitations and files. • Find it in your history: Search saved conversations on your device. • Your privacy. Your choice.: Choose when images and previews load. • Share files. Stay in IRC.: Manage direct DCC transfers in one place. • Put a face to every nick: Make your chats yours with custom avatars. • Make IRC feel like home: Choose your theme and text size.

Screenshots

Igloo4 screens
IRCpug4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Igloo at Free against IRCpug's $2.99. IRCpug's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Igloo is free to download; IRCpug costs $2.99 up front. Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. IRCpug asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Igloo ships an update every 2 weeks, IRCpug every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 5 level
Igloo versus IRCpug: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIglooIRCpug
PriceFree — better$2.99
Positive reviews43.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEskimo SoftwarePawel Karpinski

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

IRCpug

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
None

IRCpug

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Igloo free?
Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IRCpug free?
IRCpug costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Igloo or IRCpug have ads?
Neither Igloo nor IRCpug shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Igloo or IRCpug?
Igloo ships an update every 2 weeks, and IRCpug every 4 days. Most recently, Igloo was updated on October 27, 2026 and IRCpug on October 31, 2026.

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