Lurker

Lurker is a modern, always-on IRC client and bouncer designed to maintain persistent connections to IRC channels and preserve chat history, even when the user is offline or has closed all browser windows. The platform addresses the traditional limitation of IRC, where users would lose connection and miss messages when not actively connected. With Lurker, users remain present in their channels, and all messages are captured and made available upon return, ensuring that conversations are never missed.

The tool offers a fast web application with a clean, contemporary interface and several features aimed at enhancing the IRC experience. Notable capabilities include full-text search, file uploads (including image and text file hosting), notifications, notes, drafts, and smart nickname autocomplete. Users can connect to multiple IRC networks simultaneously from a single interface. Lurker also supports exporting user data, allowing those on the hosted service to migrate their information to a self-hosted instance without restriction.

Lurker is available in two main deployment models. The open-source, self-hosted edition can be run for free on user-controlled hardware, requiring only a single container and providing access to all features. This version is intended for those who prefer to manage their own infrastructure and value transparency, as the codebase is openly available and maintained. chat, where the same software is managed and operated by the platform's creator. The hosted service includes continuous off-site backups and implements modern security practices, relieving users of server management, upgrades, and security concerns.

Pricing for the hosted service is set at $5 per month per user, with a 14-day money-back guarantee and the option to cancel at any time with a single click. The open-source edition remains free to self-host indefinitely. Lurker is developed by Brad Root and is unaffiliated with any IRC networks, instead serving as an independent client connecting users to third-party IRC servers.