Most Popular IRC Networks

Here is the list of the Most Popular IRC Networks in use today. An IRC or Internet Relay Chat Network is a group of IRC Servers that speak to eachother across backend channels to expand the reach and performance a collection of chatrooms. In simple terms, a single IRC server would not have enough resources to serve a very large audience of active users on its own. By linking together a number of authorized systems, an IRC network can handle a greater load, and offer many points of entry. If a single server on an IRC network goes down, users on other servers in the network remain connected. Another benefit is that these networks combine all of the users on each server into one larger online chat community.

Right now, our own chat services are on a standalone server (irc://irc.mostpopularchat.com) and not part of a larger IRC network (yet). However, we are working on changing that by inviting webmasters who want to setup a professional online IRC network specifically for providing chatrooms for our members. For more information, join us in chat or at our forums.

QuakeNet IRC Network	QuakeNet is an IRC network, built around the gaming community, and is an organisation that facilitates the communication of many teams and online organisations. Though originally founded as a chat network for gamers, by gamers, QuakeNet welcomes everyone to chat about anything (within its rules). QuakeNet is also currently the largest chat network in the world, with a peak usercount each week of around 180,000 to 190,000 users.
IRCnet IRC Network	IRCnet is one of the most popular IRC networks in the world, originally part of EFnet until a split began in 1996 over the 'eris' issue. The companion website apparently is no longer being maintained.
Undernet IRC Network	The Undernet is one of the largest realtime chat networks in the world, with approximately 19 servers connecting over 35 countries and serving more than 1,000,000 people weekly.
Freenode IRC Network	A service of Peer-Directed Projects Center (PDPC). freenode provides discussion facilities for the Free and Open Source Software communities, for not-for-profit organizations and for related communities and organizations. In 1998, the network had about 200 users and less than 20 channels. Ten years down the line the network currently peaks at just under 60,000 users, freenode provides facilities to a variety of groups and organizations.
EFnet IRC Network	This was basically the IRC Network that started it all, short for Eris-Free, which defines the split between EFnet and IRCnet. While it remains the oldest IRC network, its still one of the largest and most popular.
Ustream IRC Network	Ustream is most popular for its ability to broadcast video LIVE to the world from a computer, mobile or iPhone in minutes, or watch thousands of shows from News to Entertainment to celebrities, 24/7, but it also boast a very large IRC network that goes hand in hand with its video offerings.
WebChat IRC Network	The most popular commercial chat server platform has its own IRC network of ConfereRoom servers.
DALnet IRC Network	Started in 1994 as an alternative to the overburdened networks of the time, DALnet has grown into a vibrant community and is widely regarded as the most "friendly" of the major IRC networks. DALnet pioneered nickname and channel registration, giving users the right and ability to govern their online experience, without the fear of channel takeover, impersonation or harassment.
Rizon IRC Network	Rizon was first established in July of 2002. In Novemeber of that year it was forced to shutdown after massive attacks against its servers, but it rebound 4 months later. Since then it skyrocketed with a maximum of 43,000 users and over 4500 channels. Rizon is now one of the largest IRC networks worldwide.
FCirc IRC Network	A very popular Japaneese based IRC network.

Top 10 Most Popular IRC Networks Graph from Netsplit.de

You can access most popular IRC networks using our webchat interface. You might also want to have a look at our report on the Most Popular IRC Clients and Most Popular IRC Servers.

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