[theshrike79]

IRC is really hard to do well, since it requires a consistent TCP connection to really be useful :/

[joecool1029]

Combine the parent's suggestions and use IRC over a Matrix bridge. It checks all the boxes when it works and as their comment mentioned you'll learn to hate things when it doesn't!

[dijit]

FWIW there are efforts to prevent this being required and they’re quite close to mature.

I currently run an irc network with these extensions.

[Siira]

I use a self-hosted web client (thelounge). It's still not good for casual IM usage IMO, but it's pretty painless.

[mehdix]

I run znc on my server and Revolution IRC on my android phone and couldn't be happier about it.