Irssi
by Irssi
What Irssi is
Irssi is free, open-source chat client software that runs in text mode, with IRC support built in. Protocol modules also allow use with ICB and SILC, and listed integrations include XMPP, PSYC, Quassel, Matrix, Rocket.Chat, and RobustIRC. It runs on Linux and on Windows through Cygwin or Microsoft WSL. Users can automate server connections and channel joins, while scripts can manage channels through a scripting API with signal handling. Themes can customize every message and use true colours. The manual documents SASL login configuration and notes that some networks need special login settings. Linux users can use distribution packages and binary builds, including Debian and Fedora options. Source builds require Ninja 1.5 and Meson 0.49. Download files include a signature for checking with gpg --verify. User support is offered in the volunteer #irssi channel on Libera.Chat, though immediate help is not assured. Third-party modules come without developer support or warranty and are used at the user’s risk.
Who it suits
It suits users who want a free text-based chat client on Linux or Windows and are comfortable with terminal software, scripts, or protocol modules.
What it does well
- Free and open-source
- Built-in IRC with ICB and SILC modules
- Runs on Linux and Windows through Cygwin or WSL
- Themeable messages with true colours
- Supports scripting and automated channel joins
What to know first
- Windows use requires Cygwin or WSL
- Source builds require Ninja 1.5 and Meson 0.49
- Volunteer support may not be immediately available
- Third-party modules lack developer warranty
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Irssi | Chat client software; source code requires compilation or use of binary packages | Free |
As irssi.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Irssi offers a scriptable, themeable text client with broad protocol integrations and Linux support. Windows users need Cygwin or WSL, and source compilation has stated build requirements.
Facts from Irssi's own pages
- Authentication
- The manual describes SASL login configuration and notes that some networks have special login requirements. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Users can configure automatic server connections and channel joins, and use scripts to manage channels. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- Building from source requires Ninja 1.5 and Meson 0.49, according to the download instructions. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Channels
- Yes · irssi.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Download integrity
- The download page provides a signature file and recommends verifying it with gpg --verify to check that the download was not tampered with. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1999 · irssi.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- IRC,ICB,SILC,XMPP,PSYC,Quassel,Matrix,Rocket.Chat,RobustIRC · irssi.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Linux support
- Irssi runs on Unix-like systems, and the site points to distribution packages and binary builds for Linux distributions including Debian and Fedora. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux; Windows via Cygwin or WSL · irssi.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Product
- Irssi is a modular text mode chat client with IRC support built in. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Project history
- The homepage gives Irssi's estimated start year as 1999. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Protocols
- The project says Irssi can be used with IRC, ICB, or SILC through protocol modules. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- Irssi provides a scripting API with signal handling and lists existing user scripts as an extension resource. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- The security page asks users to report security issues to [email protected] and lists past issues and affected versions. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- User support is offered through the volunteer-based #irssi channel on Libera.Chat, and the site cautions that no one may be available immediately. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Themes
- Irssi is themeable, including the ability to theme every message and use true colours. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Third-party modules
- The modules page says third-party modules come without support or warranty from Irssi developers and should be used at the user's own risk. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The site describes using Irssi on Windows through Cygwin or Microsoft WSL. · irssi.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Irssi stands on Freedom251
- Team chat apps#48 of 63