The Lounge

Self-Hosted

Self-hosted web IRC client for communities and individuals

Overview

The Lounge is an open-source, self-hosted web-based IRC client built for accessibility and persistence. It keeps connections alive even when the browser is closed, supports multiple user accounts, and features a responsive UI for mobile/desktop use. Deploy via Docker, npm, or source; customize with themes/plugins to fit your needs. Ideal for teams or communities seeking a privacy-focused alternative to cloud IRC clients, with full control over data and server infrastructure.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  the_lounge:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: the-lounge
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Persistent IRC connections (stays online offline)
Multi-user support with individual accounts
Responsive web UI (mobile/desktop compatible)
Customizable themes and plugin support

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is The Lounge hard to install?

No—The Lounge offers simple deployment options like Docker (one-line command for setup), npm packages, or source installation. Official docs provide step-by-step guides for all methods, making it accessible even for users with basic server experience.

? Is it a good alternative to IRCCloud?

Yes—The Lounge is a top self-hosted alternative to IRCCloud. It provides persistent connections and web access like IRCCloud but lets you own your data and server. It also offers more customization (themes/plugins) and no paid tiers for full functionality.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—The Lounge is open-source under the MIT License. It’s free to use, modify, and self-host without any restrictions or hidden costs. All features are available for free, with no premium upgrades required.

Top Alternatives

IRCCloud Search Google

Mibbit Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - IRC

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted, no third-party data control)
⊕ No subscription fees or paid tiers
⊕ Easy deployment options (Docker, npm)
⊕ Active open-source community support

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server setup knowledge
⊖ Limited to IRC protocol (no support for other chat networks)
⊖ No built-in E2EE (depends on IRC network's encryption)
⊖ May need regular updates for security/patches