IRC client for Android - 3 apps in comparison
You can of course also use IRC on the Android smartphone as long as you have installed a suitable client. There are numerous apps that support the chat protocol. We picked three special IRC clients and compared them with each other.
AndChat: Simpler IRC client with comfortable settings
AndChat is available free of charge in the Google Play Store and supports both tablets and smartphones from Android 2.1.
- Operation / design: The IRC client is clearly based on the typical user interface of chat programs such as mIRC or XChat, but uses a dark design as standard (see picture). At the start, the network configuration is displayed, where you can get help. The Android app is easy to set up and can be operated intuitively with IRC commands - provided that you have already used other IRC clients in the past.
- Features: With AndChat you can configure and use several networks at the same time - also via SSL. The so-called highlight function is also supported: You will receive a notification when someone writes your nickname. Chat logs can be saved and all app data can be stored encrypted.
- Conclusion: This IRC client is especially recommended for long-established IRC fans who want to go back in time. No frills, simple design and all important setting options - this is what distinguishes this Android app.
HoloIRC: Open source IRC client in Android holo design
You can also download HoloIRC for free from the Google Play Store and use it on Android tablets and smartphones. However, you need at least Android 4.0 for this.
- Operation / design: This IRC client is visually adapted to the usual holo design of Android and thus very clean, tidy and clear. When starting, you can configure networks or IRC bouncers or connect to one of the preconfigured networks. Unlike with AndChat, you do little about the IRC-typical commands here: "/ join #channel" does not work, instead you perform all actions via buttons. This is a bit unusual for old IRC rabbits, but it is easy for beginners.
- Features: You can also set up multiple networks here and optionally connect via SSL. Highlights and notifications are also supported, but they cannot be configured in so many ways. Logging can be (de-) activated at will. If you want to highlight a certain user, the auto-completion for nicknames will help you.
- Conclusion: HoloIRC is particularly chic and user-friendly. It also runs remarkably stable and fast. It is particularly commendable that the source code of the ad-free Android app is freely accessible.
Yaaic: Open source IRC client with retro charm
Yaaic is also available free of charge in the Google Play Store and in the alternative Market F-Droid. All Android devices from version 2.1 are supported.
- Operation / design: The old-fashioned interface of this IRC client should divide the mind - retro fans will love it, while others may consider the design to be old-fashioned and outdated. In terms of operation, the Android app is very comparable to AndChat and thus meets all the standards of a common IRC client. Commands are traditionally used for control.
- Features: Yaaic also supports multiple networks, highlight notifications and SSL connections. The mIRC colors and graphic smilies can also be displayed. An auto-completion for nicknames is also included. However, chat logs cannot be saved permanently.
- Conclusion: "Yaaic" stands for "Yet another Android IRC Client" - and this free app is not much more. The IRC client has all the basic functions and options in its luggage and can only stand out from the competition due to its simplicity: the design is old-fashioned and the app size is just 900 kB pleasantly small. This app is probably the least suitable for beginners.
Special: In the next article we will show you how you can use IRC encrypted.