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XChat for Linux VS Kiwi IRC

Compare XChat for Linux VS Kiwi IRC and see what are their differences

XChat for Linux logo XChat for Linux

XChat is an IRC chat program for both Linux and Windows.

Kiwi IRC logo Kiwi IRC

A hand-crafted IRC client that you can enjoy. Designed to be used easily and freely.
  • XChat for Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-06
  • Kiwi IRC Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-28

XChat for Linux features and specs

  • Cross-platform Support
    XChat is available not only on Linux but also on Windows and other operating systems, providing flexibility and accessibility for users across different platforms.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The interface of XChat is clean and straightforward, making it easy for both new and experienced users to navigate and use the application.
  • Customization Options
    XChat offers various customization options, allowing users to tailor the chat environment to their liking, including themes, fonts, and colors.
  • Script Support
    The application supports scripting, which enables users to automate tasks or add functionality using popular scripting languages like Python and Perl.
  • Multiple Server Connections
    XChat allows users to connect to multiple IRC servers simultaneously, providing flexibility in communication and collaboration across different networks.

Possible disadvantages of XChat for Linux

  • Discontinued Development
    The development of XChat has ceased, meaning there will be no further updates or official support, which may lead to compatibility and security issues over time.
  • Outdated Interface
    While the interface is user-friendly, it appears quite dated by modern standards, which might not appeal to users looking for a more contemporary look.
  • Limited Features Compared to Modern Clients
    XChat lacks some of the advanced features offered by newer IRC clients, such as integrated media sharing and advanced notification systems.
  • Not Available in Some Distribution Repositories
    Some Linux distributions might not include XChat in their official repositories, requiring users to manually install and configure it, which can be a barrier for less experienced users.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, XChat may not be as optimized for performance compared to newer alternatives, which can be a concern for users on limited hardware resources.

Kiwi IRC features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Kiwi IRC provides an intuitive and modern web-based interface that is easy for users of all levels to navigate.
  • Customization Options
    Users and administrators have a variety of customization options to tailor the experience to specific needs, including themes, layouts, and plugins.
  • Accessibility
    Being a web-based client, Kiwi IRC is accessible from any device with an internet connection and a web browser, eliminating the need for client installations.
  • Open Source
    Kiwi IRC is open-source software, meaning the code is freely available to inspect, modify, and improve, fostering a collaborative development environment.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Kiwi IRC supports integration with other platforms and services, allowing for a seamless communication experience across different environments.
  • Real-Time Communication
    Kiwi IRC facilitates real-time messaging, making it ideal for dynamic and engaging conversations.

Possible disadvantages of Kiwi IRC

  • Technical Knowledge Required for Setup
    While user-friendly in usage, the initial setup of servers and configurations may require a certain level of technical expertise.
  • Self-Hosting Complexity
    For those opting to self-host, the process can be complex and requires server management skills and resources.
  • Security Concerns
    As with any IRC client, there are potential security vulnerabilities if not properly managed and updated. User data and communication can be susceptible to attacks if adequate measures are not in place.
  • Limited Mobile Optimization
    Although accessible via web browsers, the mobile experience may not be as optimized compared to dedicated mobile applications.
  • Resource Usage
    Running Kiwi IRC on a self-hosted server can be resource-intensive, which might be a consideration for smaller organizations or individual users.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionalities are easy to use, there can be a learning curve for users to fully utilize more advanced features and settings.

Analysis of Kiwi IRC

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Kiwi IRC is considered a good choice for those looking for a reliable, user-friendly, and easily accessible IRC client. Its modern design and features cater to the needs of a wide range of users, from individuals to communities seeking to incorporate chat functionality into their platforms.

Why this product is good

  • Kiwi IRC is a web-based client that supports modern web technologies, making it accessible and easy to use without the need for software installation. It offers features like a responsive interface, ease of integration into existing platforms, and support for multiple networks. These features can enhance the user experience for both novice and experienced IRC users.

Recommended for

    Kiwi IRC is recommended for website builders looking to integrate chat services, beginners who appreciate a straightforward interface, and communities in need of a customizable and hosted IRC solution.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to XChat for Linux and Kiwi IRC)
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
25 25%
75% 75
Communication
32 32%
68% 68
Instant Messaging
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Kiwi IRC should be more popular than XChat for Linux. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

XChat for Linux mentions (2)

  • X's new "encrypted" XChat feature doesn't seem to be any more secure
    As a user of XChat[0] since 1999, I can tell you that it's definitely not encrypted or secure. Don't believe the hype! [0]: http://xchat.org. - Source: Hacker News / 2 days ago
  • Ansible and Matrix
    Well not really, Ansible, Matrix and IRC are all not really apps, Ansible is an automation framework and Matrix and IRC are both protocols that any app can integrate with. The Matrix Gnome client is https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Fractal and there are decent looking IRC clients over the years but most are using awful stuff like XChat which looks like the screenshot on their website http://xchat.org/. Source: almost 4 years ago

Kiwi IRC mentions (6)

  • Matrix 2.0: How we’re making Matrix go voom
    > At that point you've just reimplemented a less-standard version of matrix with extra steps though. There are IRCv3 specifications that allow this richer experience, and they are at least as standard as Matrix. Check out https://ergo.chat/ with modern clients like https://sr.ht/~emersion/goguma/ (Android), https://git.sr.ht/~emersion/gamja/ https://kiwiirc.com/ (web), or https://git.sr.ht/~taiite/senpai (TUI) >... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Long term good standing user account seems to be disabled, is it ok to ask here for advice for what looks like a automated P2P-NET ban?
    First try the web-based ones - https://kiwiirc.com/ - https://mibbit.com/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Looking for some very specific courses. Voice acting, acting, voice over, narrator stuff, I just wanna know how people do this shit!
    Their IRC link is on their homepage. If you don't have an IRC client you can use https://kiwiirc.com/ in browser. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Ergo IRC Server
    It depends. There's a lot of people on/around IRC who really like it (see libera and all the other networks), and yeah there definitely are people spinning up new smaller networks. Especially with things like https://sr.ht/~emersion/gamja/ and self-hosted https://kiwiirc.com/ , as well as really polished client experiences like irccloud, it's easier to convince people to join in. Right now I'm working with a dev... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • I search for an up to date, light, easy to use and multiplateform client
    Since it's a local install, I would use ergo as the server. For the client I would set up a web based client, either KiwiIRC or The Lounge. Source: almost 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing XChat for Linux and Kiwi IRC, you can also consider the following products

HexChat - HexChat is a fork of XChat with bug fixes and new features.

mIRC - mIRC: Internet Relay Chat client

Pidgin - Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once.

irssi - Irssi is a terminal based IRC client for UNIX systems.

KVIrc - KVIrc is a free portable IRC client based on the excellent Qt GUI toolkit.

SeaMonkey - The SeaMonkey project is a community effort to develop the SeaMonkey all-in-one internet...