LoungeChat (hosted IRC web clients)

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to LoungeChat (hosted IRC web clients)

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to LoungeChat (hosted IRC web clients).

Lounge Chat provides hosted instances of The Lounge — a persistent, modern web IRC client. It offers always-on, browser-based IRC access with multi-network and channel support, real-time notifications and simplified hosting so you don’t run your own server.

Alternatives List

#1
The Lounge

The Lounge

A self-hosted, browser-based IRC client with persistent connections, multi-user access, theming, and extensibility via plugins.

The Lounge screenshot

The Lounge is a web-based IRC client you host yourself, designed to keep IRC connections persistent on the server while users connect through a modern browser UI. It supports multiple IRC networks, multiple users, and works well for running always-on IRC sessions from any device.

Key Features

  • Persistent IRC connections handled server-side (stays connected even when the browser closes)
  • Multi-network and multi-channel support with an organized web interface
  • Multi-user mode with authentication and per-user configurations
  • IRCv3 capabilities support (where available) such as SASL authentication and modern server features
  • Message history/backlog and scrollback in the web UI (based on server-side buffering)
  • Theming support and a plugin/extension system for customization
  • Responsive UI suitable for desktop and mobile browsers

Use Cases

  • Provide a shared, always-on IRC web client for a team/community
  • Access IRC from restrictive networks or devices without an installed IRC client
  • Centralize long-running IRC sessions (bouncers-like workflow) with a modern UI

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not a full IRC bouncer replacement for every workflow; feature depth depends on IRC server capabilities and configuration
  • Requires running a Node.js service and managing user access/security like any web app

It is commonly used by IRC communities and teams that want a polished, persistent web interface without relying on third-party hosted IRC web clients. The Lounge balances a modern UX with traditional IRC concepts, and is extensible for advanced deployments.

6.1kstars
732forks
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#2
Ergo

Ergo

Ergo is a modern, self-contained IRCv3 server with integrated services (NickServ/ChanServ), TLS, history playback, bouncers, and extensive IRCv3 capability support.

Ergo screenshot

Ergo is an IRC server that focuses on modern IRCv3 features while staying easy to run as a single, self-contained daemon. It bundles “IRC services” functionality (accounts, channel registration, etc.) directly into the server and emphasizes secure defaults and a good experience for always-on and mobile clients.

Key Features

  • Broad IRCv3 support (capabilities, message tags, modern client features)
  • Integrated services: account registration/login, nickname enforcement, channel registration and management
  • Persistent history playback (including modern replay mechanisms for clients that support them)
  • Built-in bouncer-style functionality for always-on connections and better mobile experience
  • TLS/SSL support and common security hardening options (e.g., connection and auth controls)
  • Highly configurable via a YAML-based configuration file
  • Designed as a single binary/daemon with minimal external dependencies

Use Cases

  • Host a private IRC network for a team, community, or friends with modern client compatibility
  • Provide a stable IRC home with account-based identity and registered channels
  • Run an IRC network optimized for mobile/roaming clients with history replay and bouncer features

Limitations and Considerations

  • Best user experience depends on IRCv3-capable clients (older clients won’t benefit from modern features)
  • IRC ecosystem varies by client; some advanced capabilities may not be uniformly supported

Ergo is well-suited for administrators who want an IRC network with modern usability features without deploying separate “services” components. Its integrated approach and IRCv3 focus make it a practical choice for secure, always-on IRC communities.

3kstars
220forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running