# Igloo vs IRCpug

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Igloo | IRCpug |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Positive reviews | 43.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) | [Pawel Karpinski](https://appshunter.io/developer/1662830028) |

## 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


### IRCpug

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ircpug/id6798395157)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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