Igloo vs IRCpug
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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
IRCpug
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | Igloo | IRCpug |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free ā better | $2.99 |
| Positive reviews | 43.0% of reviews | ā |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 4 days ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No ā better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | ā |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 ā better |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 14 MB | 47 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Eskimo Software | Pawel 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 moreShow fewer
- 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 moreShow fewer
- 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
Igloo
- Monthly License$0.991 Month
- Yearly License$7.991 Year
- Free TrialFree
- Lifetime License (Upgrade)$9.99
- Lifetime License$19.99
IRCpug
No in-app purchases






