Is Orbit free?
Yes — it's free software under AGPL-3.0. You can use, modify, and self-host it. If you run a modified version as a network service, you must publish your source.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Pick a nick and start chatting. Accounts (SASL / registration) are optional and only needed to reserve a nick, host images, or get push notifications while closed.
What servers does it work with?
Any IRCv3 server with a WebSocket listener — InspIRCd, Ergo, and others. The more capabilities the server supports, the more features light up. See IRCv3 capabilities.
Can I use it for my own network?
Absolutely — that's the point. Re-point it at your server and rebrand it entirely from one
config.json, no rebuild. See Branding & themes.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Orbit is an installable PWA with a mobile-first layout, offline shell, and push notifications.
Are my passwords safe?
Orbit connects over TLS, and it masks services passwords in the message log. If you accidentally
type IDENTIFY nick pass without a leading slash, it intercepts it, sends it privately, and warns
you — it's never broadcast to the channel.
How do notifications work?
In-tab alerts and sounds work everywhere. Push notifications while the tab is closed use the
draft/webpush capability (VAPID) and require being logged into an account.
Can I self-host it?
Yes — it's a static build behind any web server. The project even runs its own git server with push-to-deploy. Start with the Quick start.
How do I report a bug or contribute?
Issues and code live on Codeberg. You can also clone it
straight from https://orbit.tchatou.fr/orbit.git.
Why IRC in 2026?
Because it's open, federated, and yours — no platform lock-in, no ads, no data harvesting. Orbit gives that protocol a modern, friendly face.