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Halloy alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Halloy: configuration is done by editing a TOML file, and no scripting language like mIRC or WeeChat. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Halloy, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. KVIrc currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1KVIrc logoKVIrcOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 466.5
  1. KVIrc logo

    1. KVIrcTop pick

    Best for: People who want a free graphical IRC client with scripting on Windows, Mac or Linux

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Halloy

    Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

    Pros

    • Graphical client on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Own scripting language and community addons
    • Free and open source

    Cons

    • Busy interface with a very large number of settings
    • Slow release pace with a small volunteer team
    • macOS builds are less polished than Windows and Linux ones
    Visit KVIrc Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is KVIrc a good Halloy alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0 (with exception)
    Checked Nov 1, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Toolkit
    Qt
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kvirc.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Latest release
    5.2.10 (Dec 2025)
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kvirc.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence exception
    Extended GPL
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kvirc.net(opens source in a new tab)

The best Halloy alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

KVIrc logo

Best Halloy alternative for most people

KVIrc

Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

KVIrc logo

Best Halloy alternative for a free option

KVIrc

Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

KVIrc logo

Best Halloy alternative for open source

KVIrc

Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

KVIrc logo

Best Halloy alternative for Mac

KVIrc

Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

mIRC logo

Best Halloy alternative for Windows

mIRC

Polished Windows client with deep scripting, if paying for a licence is fine.

KVIrc logo

Best Halloy alternative for Linux

KVIrc

Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

Halloy alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Halloy?

KVIrc ranks first right now. Another free cross-platform graphical client, with its own scripting language.

Is there a free alternative to Halloy?

Yes. KVIrc (open source) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Halloy?

Yes: KVIrc.

Which Halloy alternatives work on Linux?

KVIrc runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Halloy?

The complaints we hear most: configuration is done by editing a TOML file; no scripting language like mIRC or WeeChat; no mobile app.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Halloy, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.