Textual Alternatives

Irssi is a terminal based IRC client for UNIX systems.

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

mIRC: Internet Relay Chat client

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.

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

A hand-crafted IRC client that you can enjoy. Designed to be used easily and freely.

LimeChat is an IRC client for Windows, Mac OS X and iOS. Features

WeeChat is a fast, light and extensible chat client.

Traditionally, chat clients on the Mac have been anything but glamorous.

Adium is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that can connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more.

IRCCloud is a modern IRC client that keeps you connected, with none of the baggage. Stay synced and notified wherever you are with our web and mobile apps.

Quassel IRC is a modern, cross-platform, distributed IRC client based on the Qt4 framework.