Kiwi IRC review: open-source, browser-based IRC client features, self-hosting, and how it compares to The Lounge, IRCCloud and Mibbit.
Category
Team Chat
Pricing
Open Source, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Founded
2011
Web AppOpen SourceSelf-Hosted
Overview
Kiwi IRC is a free, open-source, browser-based IRC client with roots dating to 2011. It is developed as a community open-source project rather than by a single company, built with Vue.js and released under the AGPLv3 license, and hosted on GitHub under the kiwiirc organization.
The project serves both as a self-hostable client that IRC network operators can embed on their own websites, and as a free public web gateway at kiwiirc.com that lets anyone join popular IRC networks instantly from a browser without installing native IRC software.
Key Features
Kiwi IRC supports simultaneous connections to multiple IRC networks, SSL/TLS-secured connections, and standard IRC features like channel management, private messaging and user modes. A plugin system adds file uploads and Jitsi-based video calling inside channels.
Additional conveniences include multiple interface themes, a scripting interface for customization, real-time desktop notifications, and a responsive layout for mobile and desktop browsers. The client can be deployed as fully static files on any standard web server or CDN.
Pricing
Kiwi IRC is completely free and open source with no subscription or license fee of any kind. Organizations that self-host the client only pay for their own web hosting infrastructure.
Individual users of the public kiwiirc.com gateway can connect to supported IRC networks at no cost, with no account or payment required to start chatting.
Key Features
Multi-Network Connections — Connect to multiple IRC networks simultaneously from a single browser-based interface.
SSL/TLS Secured Connections — Secure encrypted connections between the browser client and IRC servers.
Self-Hosted or Public Gateway — Deploy Kiwi IRC on your own web server or use the free public gateway at kiwiirc.com.
Plugin Support — Extend functionality with plugins for file uploads and Jitsi-based video calling inside channels.
Multiple Themes — Choose between Relaxed, Basic and CLI dark themes to customize the chat interface.
Scripting Interface — Customize client behavior through a built-in scripting interface for advanced users.
Static Deployment — Runs as fully static files compatible with any standard web server or CDN for simple self-hosting.
Real-Time Notifications — Desktop notifications alert users to new messages and mentions in real time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no subscription costs
No installation required; runs directly in any modern browser
Self-hostable as static files, making deployment cheap and simple
Active open-source project with plugin extensibility for file sharing and video calls
Cons
Requires self-hosting or reliance on the public gateway rather than a managed cloud service
Lacks persistent bouncer-style always-connected functionality found in tools like The Lounge or IRCCloud
No official mobile app; relies on responsive browser design
Documentation and support are community-driven rather than commercially backed
Less actively marketed and updated compared to commercial hosted IRC alternatives
Pricing
Open Source (Self-Hosted) Free N/A
Public Web Gateway Free N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiwi IRC free to use?
Yes, Kiwi IRC is completely free and open source, both for self-hosting and for using the public web gateway at kiwiirc.com.
Do I need to install anything to use Kiwi IRC?
No, Kiwi IRC runs entirely in a web browser, so no desktop or mobile app installation is required.
Can I self-host Kiwi IRC?
Yes, Kiwi IRC can be deployed as static files on your own web server or CDN, making it suitable for network operators who want to embed a chat client on their site.
What license does Kiwi IRC use?
Kiwi IRC is released under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3 (AGPLv3).
How does Kiwi IRC differ from The Lounge or IRCCloud?
Kiwi IRC emphasizes lightweight static deployment and an instant no-signup gateway, while The Lounge focuses on always-on bouncer-style connections and IRCCloud is a paid hosted service.
Does Kiwi IRC support video calling?
Yes, through plugin support that integrates Jitsi-based video calling directly inside channels.