The Lounge is a free, open-source, self-hosted web IRC client that reconciles the simplicity of the IRC protocol with modern usage. Unlike a traditional desktop client, it remains permanently connected to IRC servers : even when you close your browser, your channels continue to receive messages, and you get the full history back when you return.

Designed for multi-device use, The Lounge offers a responsive interface accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, with a single synchronized session everywhere. It handles multiple networks and channels simultaneously, displays enriched previews for links, images, and videos, and offers notifications, mentions, and customizable themes.

On the administration side, The Lounge supports multi-user mode with isolated accounts, external authentication (LDAP), and a simple Docker deployment — ideal for a community, association, or technical team that wants to keep control of their communications.