Best IRC for Mac

June 22, 2006 3:25 PM

What's the best IRC client for Mac if you’ve never used IRC, don’t know much about it, and are sort of dense? I’m running 10.4.6, if that matters.
posted by MarshallPoe to Computers & Internet (15 answers total)

Colloquy, definitely.
posted by Mr. Six at 3:26 PM on June 22, 2006

I use colloquy as well. Since I am an idiot, had never used IRC before, and was able to figure out colloquy with no difficulty whatsoever, that pretty much makes it the definition of "idiot proof."
posted by dersins at 3:28 PM on June 22, 2006

Just one note of warning. The last time I used Colloquy, which was about a year ago or so, it would automatically turn image links into inline images within the channel window. I'm sure you can imagine how that might not be the best thing. It is turned off easily enough in the preferences.

Aside from that, definitely my favorite IRC client for OS X.
posted by chrisroberts at 3:37 PM on June 22, 2006

I've tried ircle, but i didn't like it. Each channel/PM is in its own window - easy to type something into the wrong conversation - very embarrassing.

I'm using snak now, and I like it. Looks similar to mirc.
posted by clh at 3:56 PM on June 22, 2006

If you use Firefox, the Chatzilla extension is pretty brainless to use.
posted by mullacc at 4:00 PM on June 22, 2006

Colloqyuy for aqua, Irssi for terminal based. Both have their deficciencies, but that's what I use
posted by singingfish at 4:04 PM on June 22, 2006

I use irssi but would not recommend it for a greenhorn.
posted by jedrek at 4:09 PM on June 22, 2006

Colloquy is kinda geeky, IMHO.

Try Conversation, which is designed for newbies.
posted by Mwongozi at 4:14 PM on June 22, 2006

Opera has an IRC client built in. It's super easy to use.
posted by bigmusic at 4:49 PM on June 22, 2006

I use irssi, and even if you're not a geek, once you're used to it you may love it! You just have to learn the proper commands for IRC, like you should know anyway.

Just stay the hell away from x-shat.
posted by cellphone at 5:01 PM on June 22, 2006

I've never had a problem with X-Chat Aqua, myself.
posted by Hackworth at 5:21 PM on June 22, 2006

I'll second Mwongozi's suggestion of Conversation. It's what I've always used on the Mac, and it's done the job perfectly.
posted by Inkoate at 5:51 PM on June 22, 2006

I like Mice IRC, and I've been annoyed to death with nearly every other app listed above. So if you try a couple of the above clients and wind up thinking "this terrible software wasn't meant for humans to use," try Mice.
posted by ikkyu2 at 6:33 PM on June 22, 2006

www.pure-mac.com - check out the IRC section. The Mac OS actually has a BUNCH of IRC clients available for it.

Try a few of 'em out!
posted by drstein at 6:37 PM on June 22, 2006

I used Conversation in the past, but when someone recommended Colloquy, I dropped Conversation like a bad habit.
posted by jxpx777 at 9:45 PM on June 22, 2006