Best Self Hosted Alternatives to IRCCloud

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.

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.

Convos is a self-hosted, browser-based IRC client designed to make IRC accessible with a modern web UI while keeping connections and chat history available across devices. It supports both single-user and multi-user deployments and can be run as a long-lived service so your IRC connections stay online.

Key Features:

• Web IRC client UI for networks, channels, and private messages
• Multi-user support (suitable for teams) with separate accounts
• Always-on server process (bouncer-like) to keep IRC connections alive
• Persistent logs/history stored server-side for later viewing
• Notifications and highlights support (client UI feature)
• Deployable via container images and typical service managers

Use Cases:

• Replace hosted web IRC clients for personal IRC access from any browser
• Provide a shared, self-hosted IRC web gateway for a team/community
• Run an always-on IRC session to avoid missing messages while offline

Convos is a practical option if you want an IRC-focused web chat experience with persistent connectivity and multi-user operation. It fits well for users who still rely on IRC networks and want a modern interface without depending on third-party hosted web IRC services.