Clash Client Review

Clash client comparison and selection

This guide compares eight popular clients by platform coverage, core, maintenance status, learning curve and real-world use cases. Check your device and workflow first, then choose the right download.

Top Overall Pick

Choose Clash Plus First

If you want a similar workflow across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, Clash Plus is the most straightforward starting point. It covers the major desktop and mobile platforms, with everyday tasks centered on subscriptions, proxy groups, system proxy and traffic interception—without requiring you to understand a long list of core parameters first.

Linux desktop users should start by comparing Clash Verge Rev and FlClash. For Android-only use, compare Clash Meta for Android with Surfboard. Clash for Windows and ClashX Meta are no longer maintained, so treat them as migration references rather than first choices for a new installation.

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Quick Decision

Need an iOS client Choose Clash Plus
Mainly use Linux Compare Verge Rev and FlClash
Android only Compare Clash Plus, CMFA and Surfboard
Migrating an old configuration Identify the CFW or ClashX Meta configuration structure first

Six Key Differences

Platform, Core and Maintenance Comparison

Platform coverage in this table follows the client packages available on our download page. Learning difficulty reflects the effort needed to install, import a subscription and switch proxies—not the number of features.

Client	Platform Support	Core or Implementation	Maintenance	Learning Curve	Standout Features	Ideal Users
Clash Plus Top Pick	Windows、macOS、Android、iOS	mihomo-compatible core	Actively Maintained	Low	Cross-device coverage, subscription management, proxy switching and centralized everyday controls	First-time users and people using both desktop and mobile devices
Clash Verge Rev	Windows、macOS、Linux	mihomo	Actively Maintained	Medium	TUN, system proxy, rule and connection views, with comprehensive desktop controls	Desktop users, Linux users and people who want fine-grained configuration
FlClash	Windows、macOS、Android、Linux	mihomo	Actively Maintained	Medium	Consistent interface across platforms, with support for desktop and Android	Users who need Linux and Android and value a consistent interface
Clash Nyanpasu	Windows	mihomo	Actively Maintained	Medium to High	Detailed views of connections, rules, proxy groups and core runtime information	Users who want to inspect connection behavior and adjust advanced options
Clash for Windows	Windows	Original Clash	No Longer Maintained	Low	Mature legacy interface structure, with extensive older tutorials and configuration references	Users migrating legacy configurations or checking old settings
Clash Meta for Android	Android	Meta	Actively Maintained	Medium	Per-app routing, proxy-group switching, configuration overrides and mobile traffic interception	Android-only users who need fine-grained app traffic routing
Surfboard	Android	Proprietary implementation with support for common configuration formats	Actively Maintained	Medium	A streamlined mobile workflow with centralized configuration and proxy switching	Users who prefer a lightweight Android client
ClashX Meta	macOS	Meta	No Longer Maintained	Medium	Menu-bar controls, legacy macOS configuration compatibility and migration reference	macOS users retaining old configurations and preparing to migrate

Choose by Use Case

Start with Your Device, Then Consider Control Depth

The client with the most features is not always the best fit. Platform coverage, maintenance status and configuration complexity usually matter more than interface details.

Eight Clients ReviewedFit Matters More Than Feature Count

Top Overall Pick Actively Maintained

Clash Plus: Desktop and Mobile Coverage

Clash Plus’s main advantage is its platform lineup. It provides options for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, making it suitable for people who use a computer, phone and tablet. Subscriptions, proxy strategies, connection status and common settings are placed where they are easy to find, so you do not need to study a complete YAML parameter reference before starting.

It is best for users who treat Clash as an everyday networking tool rather than a project for constantly studying core details. When using multiple devices, you still need to import the subscription and confirm system permissions on each one; the client does not automatically replace system-level proxy or VPN authorization steps. Linux is not among the Clash Plus platforms offered on this site, so Linux users should choose Verge Rev or FlClash.

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Actively Maintained Desktop Platforms

Clash Verge Rev: Balanced Desktop Controls and Advanced Settings

Clash Verge Rev targets Windows, macOS and Linux and uses the mihomo core. System proxy, TUN, subscription management, proxy groups, rules and connection logs all have clear entry points. It handles straightforward subscription imports while also supporting advanced configuration such as overrides, DNS and traffic interception.

It has more settings than beginner-oriented clients. On first launch, complete the minimum workflow first: import a subscription, select the configuration, choose a proxy, enable the system proxy and verify the connection. Once the basics work, enable TUN, service mode or custom overrides one at a time. For Linux desktop users who need a GUI, Verge Rev is usually one of the first clients to compare.

View Verge Rev Downloads →

Actively Maintained Cross-Platform UI

FlClash: Coverage for Linux and Android

FlClash offers versions for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, making it a good fit for users who want a similar interface structure across systems. Its workflow also centers on configuration, proxies, proxy groups and connection status, with relatively small conceptual differences between desktop and mobile.

The usual reason to choose FlClash is not one particular switch, but its combination of Linux and Android support. System-level permissions still differ: Android intercepts traffic through the system VPN interface, while desktop systems can use a system proxy or TUN. On Linux, the desktop environment, network services and permission settings may also matter.

View FlClash Download Options →

Actively Maintained Advanced Windows

Clash Nyanpasu: Detailed Connection and Rule Information

Clash Nyanpasu suits Windows users who want to inspect more runtime details in a graphical interface. Connection lists, rule matches, proxy groups and core status can be reviewed in one place. When troubleshooting why a domain uses a direct connection, proxy or particular strategy, this information is more useful than a simple set of toggles.

More complete information also means a higher learning curve. At first, there is no need to adjust every page: confirm that the subscription updates, proxy groups have available choices and the local proxy port works, then inspect logs or connections when an actual issue arises. If you only need quick import and everyday use, Clash Plus offers a shorter path.

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No Longer Maintained Legacy Client

Clash for Windows: For Identifying Legacy Configurations

Clash for Windows was once widely used on the Windows desktop, so it still appears in older tutorials, screenshots and legacy configurations. Built on the original Clash model, its Profiles, Proxies, Rules and General sections also influenced the interaction patterns of many later clients.

This client is no longer maintained and should not be treated as a long-term choice for new installations. If you still use it, record the subscription URL, current proxy selection, system proxy port and custom overrides before migrating, then import them into a newer mihomo-based client. Supported fields may differ between cores, so check the parsed configuration and runtime logs after migration.

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Actively Maintained Android

Clash Meta for Android: Fine-Grained Mobile Controls

Clash Meta for Android is designed for users who want to adjust more networking behavior on their phone. In addition to subscriptions and proxy groups, it supports per-app routing, configuration overrides, log viewing and mobile traffic interception. The extra settings may be more than casual users need, but they are useful when certain apps must bypass or use the proxy.

Android displays the client as a VPN connection because this is the system’s local interface for intercepting traffic. Grant the required system permission on first launch, and check whether battery-saving policies restrict background operation. Start app-routing rules with a small number of clearly defined apps so it is easier to identify the cause of a problem.

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Actively Maintained Lightweight Android Option

Surfboard: A Simpler Mobile Workflow

Surfboard is another Android option, using its own implementation while supporting common configuration formats. It suits users who prefer a streamlined mobile workflow focused on importing configurations, choosing a proxy and toggling the connection. Its supported extension fields and behavior should not be assumed to match mihomo clients exactly.

When migrating from another client to Surfboard, verify the connection with a basic configuration first, then check whether rule sets, DNS or special protocol fields are recognized correctly. If a subscription relies heavily on mihomo extensions, Clash Plus or Clash Meta for Android is usually a safer choice and reduces compatibility checks.

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No Longer Maintained Legacy macOS Client

ClashX Meta: A Legacy Menu-Bar Workflow

ClashX Meta targets macOS and follows the traditional menu-bar client workflow. Users can switch configurations, proxy groups and proxy status from the menu bar, a pattern frequently seen in older macOS tutorials. It uses a Meta-family core, but the client itself is no longer maintained.

If you still use ClashX Meta, focus migration on configuration files and subscription details rather than copying client preferences. The newer client’s system proxy, TUN and startup behavior may work differently. For macOS plus mobile devices, consider Clash Plus first; for desktop-only use with more control, compare Verge Rev.

View macOS Alternatives →

Confirm Before Choosing

Three Questions to Narrow It Down

Which operating system do you use?

First eliminate clients without a matching package. For iOS, go straight to Clash Plus; for Linux desktop, compare Verge Rev and FlClash; Android offers the widest range of choices.

Do you need advanced traffic interception?

For browsers and regular desktop applications, the system proxy is usually enough. TUN is worth exploring for games, command-line tools or apps that ignore the system proxy.

Does the configuration come from a legacy client?

When migrating an old configuration, preserve the subscription details and overrides first, then restore them item by item in the new client. Do not directly replace local preference files between different clients.

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