ZNC

An advanced IRC bouncer that keeps you connected

About ZNC

ZNC is a free, open-source IRC bouncer. It runs on a server and stays connected to IRC networks around the clock, so your client can disconnect and reconnect without losing your nickname, channels or place in the conversation; messages sent while you were away are buffered and replayed. Multiple clients can share one ZNC account, and modules written in C++, Python, Perl or Tcl extend it further. ZNC is essential kit for regular IRC users with unreliable connections.

ZNC website preview

Live preview of wiki.znc.in via the WordPress mShots service — it can take a few seconds to generate on a first visit.

ZNC: strengths & things to check

Strengths

Completely free to use — this directory lists no paid plan for it.
Covers irc, bouncer, chat, self hosted — see the focus areas listed in its key facts.
Has 6 close alternatives in the same category on this page, so switching or comparing is easy.

Things to check

Free tools can change their model or shut down — avoid locking critical work into it without an export path.
Current plan prices are not listed here (they change too often to print reliably) — confirm the exact price on the official site.
It is one of 565 tools in the Communication & Collaboration category here — compare it against the alternatives below before you commit.

Derived from this listing's own data (pricing model, focus areas and category) — not a hands-on review score.

ZNC pricing

Pricing model	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Free access	Yes — fully free
Current plan prices	Listed on the official site — prices change, so this directory links out instead of printing a number that may already be stale.
Official site	wiki.znc.in

ZNC key facts

Category: Communication & Collaboration
Pricing: Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Focus areas: irc, bouncer, chat, self hosted
Official site: wiki.znc.in

ZNC FAQ

How much does ZNC cost?

Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. Current plans and prices are listed on the official site (wiki.znc.in).

What is ZNC used for?

An advanced IRC bouncer that keeps you connected Its focus areas in the Communication & Collaboration category: irc, bouncer, chat, self hosted.

Where can I try ZNC?

On its official site, wiki.znc.in — the Visit Official Site button above goes straight there.

ZNC vs alternatives

	ZNC	Ergo	InspIRCd	The Lounge
Pricing	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Focus areas	irc, bouncer, chat, self hosted	irc, chat, server, self hosted, open source	irc, chat, server, self hosted	irc, chat, self hosted, open source
Official site	wiki.znc.in	ergo.chat	inspircd.org	thelounge.chat
Directory status	Listed	Listed	Listed	Listed

Side-by-side from each listing's own directory data. Full alternative cards are below.

About the Communication & Collaboration category

Chat, video meetings, and messaging apps that keep teams connected. The Communication & Collaboration category on Tools Hub currently lists 565 tools. Alongside ZNC, it includes FreePBX, Kamailio, Yeti Switch, Artalk.

FreeCommunication & Collaborationircbouncerchatself-hosted

Alternatives to ZNC

Tools in the same Communication & Collaboration category that share focus areas with ZNC — worth comparing before you commit:

Communication & Collaboration

Ergo

Modern IRC server software for communities

Freeircchatserverself-hosted

Communication & Collaboration

InspIRCd

Modular Internet Relay Chat server written in C++

Freeircchatserverself-hosted

Communication & Collaboration

The Lounge

Modern self-hosted web IRC client that keeps you always connected

Freeircchatself-hostedopen-source

Communication & Collaboration

AdiIRC

Free, portable IRC client for Windows

Freeircwindowsportablechat

Communication & Collaboration

HexChat

IRC client based on XChat for desktops

Freeircchatclientdesktop

Communication & Collaboration

Kiwi IRC

A web IRC client you can use easily and freely

Freeircweb-clientchatopen-source

More in Communication & Collaboration

Comparing tools in the Communication & Collaboration category? These related listings are worth a look: FreePBX — Web-based open-source GUI for managing Asterisk phone systems; Kamailio — The open-source SIP server for large real-time communication services; Yeti Switch — Open-source SIP softswitch, session border controller and VoIP billing system.