CLIENT SELECTION

Clash Client Comparison and Selection Guide

Compare eight popular Clash clients by platform support, core type, maintenance, ease of use and key features. Identify your device first, then decide whether you need TUN, rule editing or a consistent workflow across devices.

  • Platform support
  • Core relationship
  • Maintenance status

COMPARISON MATRIX

Key differences among eight clients

Difficulty is based on importing a subscription, choosing a policy, enabling the system proxy and viewing logs. Maintenance status describes the current project state and does not mean an older client stops working immediately.

Client Platform support Core or implementation Maintenance status Ease of use Key features Best for
Clash PlusTop pick Windows、macOS、Android、iOS mihomo ecosystem Actively maintained Low to moderate Multi-platform access, subscription management, rule modes, system proxy and mobile workflows First-time users, multi-device users and anyone seeking a consistent workflow across platforms
Clash Verge Rev Windows、macOS、Linux mihomo Actively maintained Moderate Comprehensive desktop configuration management, TUN, system proxy, rules and log access Desktop-focused users, Linux users and anyone adjusting advanced parameters
FlClash Windows、macOS、Linux、Android mihomo Actively maintained Moderate Cross-platform desktop and Android support, consistent interface structure, configuration and policy group management Users combining computers and Android devices who prefer a consistent interface
Clash Nyanpasu Windows mihomo Actively maintained Moderate Windows GUI, configuration switching, rule management and core runtime controls Windows-only users who need a comprehensive desktop control panel
Clash for WindowsDiscontinued Windows Original Clash Discontinued Low to moderate Classic desktop layout with broad coverage in legacy configurations and tutorials Users handling legacy configurations or migrating from an older environment
Clash Meta for Android Android Meta-based core Actively maintained Moderate to high Android VPN takeover, configuration file management, rule and network mode controls Users familiar with Clash configuration who want fine-grained control over Android networking
Surfboard Android Independent implementation Actively maintained Moderate Mobile configuration and policy controls with an independent compatibility path Android-only users willing to verify subscription compatibility
ClashX MetaDiscontinued macOS Meta-based core Discontinued Moderate Menu bar controls, system proxy switching and legacy macOS workflows Users maintaining legacy configurations or preparing to migrate an existing ClashX Meta environment

DECISION PATH

Choose by use case

You do not need to compare every feature at once. Device coverage, configuration complexity and maintenance status usually eliminate most options.

CLIENT NOTES

Client-by-client review

These reviews focus on differences that genuinely affect the decision: platform coverage, configuration access, core relationships, migration effort and long-term maintenance.

Top pick Actively maintained

Clash Plus

Clash Plus stands out for broad platform coverage and a straightforward workflow. Users on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS can find the appropriate download from one page, making it suitable for homes, personal computers and phones used together. Everyday tasks center on subscription imports, proxy modes, node policies and the system proxy, without requiring users to distinguish between numerous core variants first.

If your needs grow to include rule-based routing, TUN or configuration tuning, you can continue learning within the mihomo ecosystem instead of immediately moving to a different configuration model. Keep in mind that background execution, VPN permissions and system proxy behavior vary by operating system. Broad platform coverage does not mean every toggle works identically on every device.

Choose the Clash Plus package →
Advanced desktop Actively maintained

Clash Verge Rev

Clash Verge Rev targets Windows, macOS and Linux desktops and uses the mihomo core. It suits users who want to manage subscriptions, policy groups, the system proxy, TUN, configuration files and runtime logs from a graphical interface. Its desktop controls are comprehensive, making it easier to trace connection issues through logs, ports and core status.

More entry points also mean a steeper learning curve. For a first setup, complete only the subscription import, rule mode and system proxy steps, then learn TUN, DNS and configuration overrides gradually. Linux users should also account for their desktop environment, system tray and permissions rather than copying Windows instructions directly.

View Verge Rev platforms →
Cross-platform Actively maintained

FlClash

FlClash supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, making it suitable for users who combine a computer with an Android phone. Similar interface organization across platforms makes it easier to find configurations, policy groups and connection controls when switching devices. Its mihomo-based capabilities cover common rules, subscriptions and traffic interception needs.

Cross-platform clients are still subject to differences in system capabilities. Desktop systems generally use the system proxy or TUN, while Android typically relies on the system VPN interface. When migrating a configuration, verify local overrides, DNS and proxy group names rather than assuming identical behavior from copied interface settings.

View FlClash downloads →
Windows Actively maintained

Clash Nyanpasu

Clash Nyanpasu suits Windows-focused users who want mihomo capabilities with a graphical desktop control panel. Configuration switching, policy selection, rule inspection and core runtime management are centralized in the client. It is a good fit for users who understand the difference between rule modes and the system proxy but do not want to edit configuration files manually on a regular basis.

It is not a multi-device consistency solution. If you may later need macOS, Android or iOS clients, consider in advance how subscriptions and rules will be reused across devices. On a Windows-only setup, compare it with Clash Plus and Clash Verge Rev, focusing on whether the startup flow, settings access and everyday policy switching match your habits.

Go to the Windows download section →
Discontinued

Clash for Windows

Clash for Windows is a classic client used by many legacy tutorials and configurations, following the original Clash approach. Its main value today is helping users recognize the old interface, export existing subscriptions and configurations, and migrate to a mihomo client. For a new installation, it should not be treated as a long-term default because development has stopped.

During migration, save the subscription source, custom rules, policy group selections and port settings, then restore them one by one in the new client. Do not overwrite the original directory and delete the old configuration immediately. First confirm that the new client loads the configuration, uses the expected system proxy port and matches common rules correctly.

View configuration and migration basics →
Advanced Android Actively maintained

Clash Meta for Android

Clash Meta for Android, often called CMFA, is aimed at users familiar with Clash configuration and mobile traffic interception. It uses Android VPN capabilities to handle device traffic and provides access to configuration files, policy groups, rules and connection controls. It is a better fit than a basic-toggle client when you need Meta-specific fields or fine control over mobile networking.

Background restrictions are an essential part of choosing a mobile client. Battery optimization, background permissions, persistent VPN operation and health-check frequency can all affect connection stability and battery use. Establish a basic connection first, then add complex DNS or TUN options; when problems occur, check system permissions and runtime logs first.

Go to the Android download section →
Independent implementation Actively maintained

Surfboard

Surfboard is an independent Android network proxy client and should not be treated simply as a mihomo GUI. It suits users who prefer a mobile workflow, whose subscription format is compatible with the current service and who do not rely on Clash-specific advanced fields. Its concepts may differ from common Clash tutorials, so verify that the subscription parses correctly before switching.

If a configuration relies heavily on providers, scripts, overrides or specific DNS fields, check each item when migrating to an independent implementation. Configurations using common nodes, policy groups and basic rules are generally easier to migrate. When a field is not recognized, adjust the configuration source instead of repeatedly changing system VPN permissions.

Compare Android clients →
Discontinued Legacy macOS

ClashX Meta

ClashX Meta uses a macOS menu bar workflow and was once used to manage the system proxy, configurations and policy groups. Since development has stopped, it is better treated as a legacy environment to identify and migrate rather than a default entry point for new users. Existing users should first record the current proxy port, subscription URL, rule mode and local overrides.

When migrating to Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev or FlClash, check macOS system proxy permissions, the differences between Apple Silicon and Intel packages, and compatibility with Meta fields in the old configuration. Do not let old and new clients control the system proxy simultaneously, as this can cause port conflicts or make the menu bar status differ from the actual traffic path.

Compare macOS clients →

CORE RELATIONSHIP

How to understand Original, Meta and mihomo

Client names and core names describe different layers. A GUI client may switch to or invoke a specific core, while configuration compatibility depends on the fields and protocols supported by that core.

Original Clash

Original Clash established the structure for rules, proxy groups and YAML configuration. Legacy clients such as Clash for Windows built a large body of tutorials around it, but the original approach is no longer a suitable baseline for choosing new features. When handling a legacy configuration, identify old fields and plan the migration first.

Meta-based branches

Meta-based branches extend the original configuration model with additional protocol, rule and networking capabilities. Meta in names such as CMFA and ClashX Meta indicates their ecosystem relationship, but each client's maintenance status, interface capabilities and platform permissions still need to be assessed separately.

mihomo

mihomo is the name of a commonly used successor core. Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, FlClash and Clash Nyanpasu provide graphical interfaces around its capabilities. With these clients, still verify operating system support, configuration compatibility and the client's maintenance status.

FINAL CHECK

Four checks before choosing

  1. Does it support your current devices? Confirm the Windows, macOS, Android, iOS or Linux package first, then consider interface preferences.
  2. Does the configuration rely on newer core fields? For newer protocols, complex DNS, providers or advanced rules, prefer a mihomo or Meta-based client.
  3. Is the project still maintained? A discontinued client is suitable for migrating a legacy environment, not as a long-term default for a new installation.
  4. Do you really need every advanced feature? When you only import subscriptions and use rule modes, a clear basic workflow matters more than a large number of adjustable parameters.