Freedom251 › Live chat software
Kiwi IRC
What Kiwi IRC is
Kiwi IRC is a free, open-source web IRC client that connects to any IRC network, either one at a time or several simultaneously. Its widget can add live chat to WordPress, Joomla, blogs, and other CMS sites without downloads or plugins for visitors. The client supports desktop, phone, and tablet use, with themes, plugins, user scripts, SSL, multiple languages, text styling, light and dark modes, and multiple layouts. Runtime JSON configuration allows further customization. Connections can use a websocket IRC server, webircgateway, or KiwiBNC, and the client works with bouncers such as ZNC. Plugins can add file uploading and video calling. Network operators get WEBIRC hostname handling, real-time user statistics, and controls over allowed servers. Self-hosting downloads cover Debian or Ubuntu, RHEL-based systems, Raspberry Pi, Linux, macOS, and ARM systems. Kiwi IRC says client and widget use does not retrieve or store user data, IRC traffic is not logged, and its site forces HTTPS for browser traffic.
Who it suits
Kiwi IRC suits communities and site owners wanting browser-based IRC or an embeddable live-chat widget. It also fits operators who need self-hosting and network connection controls.
What it does well
- Free, open-source IRC client
- Embeddable chat needs no visitor download
- Connects to one or multiple IRC networks
- Themes, plugins, scripts, and JSON configuration
- Self-hosting options include Linux, macOS, and ARM
What to know first
- Cannot control bans on connected IRC networks
- File uploads and video calls require plugins
- No website chatbot or live agent chat
Verdict
Kiwi IRC combines browser IRC access, embeddable chat, customization, and self-hosting options. Its capabilities depend partly on plugins and the IRC networks it connects to, so operators should account for those boundaries.
Facts from Kiwi IRC's own pages
- Account security
- For registered website users, the privacy page says it stores the minimum required data and hashes passwords with eight rounds of Blowfish. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- The project README says it is tested on modern browsers and IE11, including Chrome Mobile on Android, Firefox, and Safari 9 or later. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Website chatbot
- No · kiwiirc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Chat channels
- website · kiwiirc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Client features
- The site lists themes, plugins, user scripts, SSL, multiple languages, text styling, and support for desktop, phone, and tablet. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Connection options
- Kiwi IRC can connect directly to a websocket IRC server, through webircgateway, or stay connected with KiwiBNC. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The client supports light and dark modes, multiple layouts, themes, plugins, and runtime configuration through a JSON file. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Embedding
- A widget can be embedded in a website to provide live chat, with no downloads or plugins required for visitors. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The privacy policy says Kiwi IRC forces HTTPS for its pages and links to encrypt browser traffic to its servers. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Free access
- The maker describes Kiwi IRC as designed to be used freely and its website widget as free live chat. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · kiwiirc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- GitHub use
- The embedding page describes generating a GitHub Markdown button that links a project to an IRC channel. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The client can connect to IRC networks and bouncers, including ZNC, and supports file uploading and video calling through plugins. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Live agent chat
- No · kiwiirc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Network administration
- Kiwi-enabled network tools include WEBIRC support, real-time user statistics, and control over which servers Kiwi users can connect to. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Networks
- It supports single or multiple IRC network connections and can use a default network or one you choose. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Network tools
- IRC network tools include WEBIRC hostname handling, real-time user connection statistics, and controls over which servers users can connect to. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- The README lists file uploading and video calling as examples of plugin support. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the client and widget retrieve or store no user data and that IRC traffic is not logged. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Kiwi IRC is a web based messenger that uses IRC. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Kiwi IRC consists of static files that can be hosted on a web server or CDN. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site links to a support mailing list. · kiwiirc.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support limitation
- Kiwi IRC says it cannot control IRC networks that use its service, including network bans. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Transport security
- The privacy page says kiwiirc.com forces HTTPS to encrypt browser traffic to its servers, including IRC messages. · kiwiirc.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where Kiwi IRC stands on Freedom251
- Live chat software#44 of 94