Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Simple, clear interface
HexChat's default interface is clear, well-organized and intuitive. Channels can be laid out as both tabs and in a tree structure. All components such as user lists, topics bar or even menu bar can be hidden to provide a clean way to interact. Conversely the interface can be configured to show quick access buttons for changing channel flags, sending files or performing operator actions.
Pro Functionality can be extended with plugins and scripts
HexChat has a great list of plugins and scripts and is compatible with most XChat plugins. XChats library is incredibly extensive. There is a wide range of both useful and fun plugins. It's possible to add an RSS feed, play a game of chess or control an mp3 player via chat while translating everything written to l33t speek.
Pro The Win10 Store Trial Is actually the full version
The Win10 Store "trial" is actually the full version and is not time limited - the pay version is simply there to give Windows Store users the ability to donate to the project, because the Windows Store doesn't support a donate button.
Pro Available in multiple languages
HexChat has either complete or partial translations in over 50 languages.
Pro Automation tools built into core application
Lots of automation features built into the core application. Custom keyboard shortcuts and Alias commands enabled. Winamp, url-logger, and many other plugins can be easily enabled for extra functionality. UI is highly configurable/themeable, large community of users. Supports countless simultaneous connections.
Pro Excellent documentation
Hexchat has well-organized, extensive documentation that covers everything from a basic Getting Started guide to enabling Spell Check, connecting to Twitch chat or using Tor.
Cons
Con It is not free on Windows Store
Caused by Windows Store way of installing. If you select install trial, you have full use without limit. Don't use Windows Store.
Con Bad character support
Writing normal apostrophes and certain characters is not possible without a certain plugin installed.
Additionally, it does not render all glyphs like most other programs would.
Con Poor high DPI display support
Text is blurry and hard to read on HDPI displays. Both in Windows and Mac.
Con High CPU usage on some Windows 8.1 & 10 versions
HexChat has a long-standing unresolved issue with high CPU usage spikes on key-presses that is noticed in some Windows 8.1 and 10 versions.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con It is free on Windows
The Demo version is the same as the main app from the windows app store. The Desktop version can still be downloaded for free from the website. The 10$ price tag is optional since the demo version is the same as the main app. Windows App Store is useless anyway.
Con Says its free but wants you to pay.
If it says free be free, If its a Demo SAY Demo.
Con Not actively developed
Development is pretty much halted on this. No major update in 2 years. Outdated features/functions. It's still using gtk2 when gtk3 is available. Using xtext instead of gtkTextView.
Pro HiDPI support
HexChat for Windows supports HiDPI displays with no issues of scaling.