General IRC Networks

Selected networks with several hundred to several thousand users


updated March 2024

This page is part of the IRChelp.org Networks Site, please do not mirror or distribute.

We’ve set up separate pages to highlight some of the most popular nets (with over 10,000 people), or those serving a special local region or topical area. That still leaves hundreds of general networks. If you really want a full list, check out the netsplit.de 3rd party statistics site [ext. link]. We highlight just a few of these small to medium networks below. They are not necessarily the best or biggest nets. We just want to give you some suggestions if you’re new to IRC and looking for a general chat network. If you’re fed up with the chaos of the popular nets, many of these nets have full services and can be a reasonable place for you to either start or move your channel. Networks are listed alphabetically.

AUSTnet

Webchat: https://webchat.austnet.org/chat.php
Server Locations: Australia, Canada, Singapore, UK, USA
Services: Channel (ChanOP), Nick (NickOP), Note (NoteOP), Help (HelpOP)
Servers: incognito.or.us.austnet.org, onacloud.vic.au.austnet.org, ego.jp.austnet.org, vegas.qld.au.austnet.org
Information:
Servers mainly around the pacific. Unlike most large networks, this is one of the few that isn’t US-based, but predominantly australasian. North American all-nighters might find some signs of friendly life here. Started at early 1996

NewNet

Webchat: https://web.newnet.net/
Server Locations: Canada, USA
Services: Channel (ChanServ), Nick (NickServ)
Servers: https://newnet.net/servers/
Servers: club.newnet.net, tildeclub.newnet.net, uswest.newnet.net
Statistic: https://newnet.net/stats/
Information:
Originally formed by the irc.eskimo.com server after being forced off EFnet, this network soon became a prime example of how a small network grows to a respectable size and maintains stability for a number of years. Started at April 1996

RelicNet

Server Locations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, UK, USA
Services: Channel (ChanS), Nick (NickS), Memo (MemoS), others.
Support Channels: #relicnet
Servers: irc.relic.net
Information:
Started at October 1997


Groups: small, regional, topical, general, popular