The client determines installation, OS integration, and everyday controls; the core determines rule processing and networking features. Filter by platform first, then compare maintenance, core, and complexity.
Similar client names do not imply the same GUI, core, or configuration compatibility. Check these three factors before comparing appearance.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux use different system proxy, VPN permission, and background-processing models. Confirm that an official installer exists for your platform before comparing other features.
The original Clash, Clash Meta, and its successor mihomo belong to the same evolving ecosystem, but their configuration fields and networking features are not identical. Check core compatibility before using newer rule sets, TUN, or extended configuration options.
A discontinued client may still launch on some systems, but it will not receive updates for OS changes. Legacy clients are better for reading old configurations, interpreting older tutorials, and migration—not as the default for a new installation.
This table compares stable product characteristics rather than version numbers, ratings, or release dates. Swipe horizontally on mobile to view every column.
| Client | Supported Platforms | Core or Implementation | Maintenance Status | Learning Curve | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clash Plus Top Recommendation |
Windows macOS Android iOS |
mihomo ecosystem | Actively Maintained | Low | Broad platform support, graphical configuration, and a consistent workflow | First-time users, multi-device setups, and anyone seeking a simpler setup |
| Clash Verge Rev | Windows macOS Linux |
mihomo | Actively Maintained | Moderate | Comprehensive controls for system proxy, TUN, rules, and logs | Desktop and Linux users who need to inspect rule behavior |
| FlClash | Windows macOS Android Linux |
mihomo | Actively Maintained | Moderate | Desktop and Android support with a similar cross-platform interface | Users switching between desktop and Android who value interface consistency |
| Clash Nyanpasu | Windows | mihomo | Actively Maintained | Moderate | Extensive configuration management, appearance, and desktop controls | Advanced Windows users who want fine-grained control over client behavior |
| Clash for Windows CFW Archived |
Windows | Original Clash | Discontinued | Extensive legacy documentation | Classic desktop interface covered by many older tutorials | Users migrating legacy configurations or interpreting steps in older tutorials |
| Clash Meta for Android CMFA |
Android | Clash Meta | Actively Maintained | Moderate | Android VPN integration and a traditional Clash workflow | Users with prior Clash experience on Android who need rule and log views |
| Surfboard | Android | Independent rules-based proxy implementation | Actively Maintained | Moderate to High | Rules-based proxying, configuration import, and Android VPN integration | Android users who can evaluate configuration formats and compatibility |
| ClashX Meta | macOS | Clash Meta | Discontinued | Simple legacy workflow | Menu bar controls and legacy macOS workflows | Users migrating old configurations or interpreting legacy macOS tutorials |
No single client suits every operating system and configuration. Defining your everyday tasks first usually reduces the shortlist to one or two options.
The following sections explain each client's role, strengths, limitations, and selection criteria. They focus on durable product differences rather than short-term version changes.
Clash Plus supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. First-time users can learn a similar process for importing configurations, connecting, and selecting policies before dealing with differences in proxy permissions across operating systems.
It suits users who want to focus on subscription availability, rule matching, and whether the system proxy is working. In multi-device setups, its consistent interface also reduces the need to learn different clients. For a Linux desktop GUI, choose Clash Verge Rev or FlClash instead.
Clash Verge Rev supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and uses the mihomo core. Its desktop interface brings together controls for the system proxy, TUN, configuration files, rules, proxy groups, and logs, making it suitable for monitoring connections and troubleshooting routing rules.
These comprehensive settings also introduce more concepts for first-time users. System proxy and TUN are not the same switch, while rule and global modes handle traffic differently. Clash Verge Rev offers direct diagnostic tools for users who know the basic setup process; Clash Plus usually has a shorter learning path for a first connection.
FlClash supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, making it suitable for users who want a similar interface across devices. It is part of the mihomo ecosystem and handles common Clash configurations and Routing Rules.
The main reason to choose FlClash is usually its consistent cross-platform workflow rather than any single setting. Similar configuration screens make switching between computers and Android devices easier. However, network integration still differs by OS: Android relies on VPN permissions, while desktop systems may use a system proxy or TUN. A similar interface does not mean identical behavior underneath.
The download list on this site provides Clash Nyanpasu for Windows. It uses the mihomo core and suits users who want detailed control over desktop configurations, subscription management, and interface behavior. It is also commonly compared with Clash Verge Rev.
Both clients handle common desktop proxy tasks, so the better choice depends largely on how well the settings layout matches your workflow. Check the controls you use most—proxy group switching, configuration updates, logs, and TUN—before deciding. More settings do not automatically make a client more suitable; a clear basic workflow matters more if you only import subscriptions and use rule mode.
Clash for Windows, commonly abbreviated as CFW, is the Windows GUI client featured in many early tutorials. Based on the original Clash ecosystem, its Profiles, Proxies, General, and Connections sections became widely used tutorial terminology.
This client is discontinued. Its main value now is reading legacy configurations, understanding old screenshots, and assisting with migration—not serving as a new long-term solution. Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, and other mihomo clients may organize the same functions differently. During migration, match features by purpose rather than searching for buttons in identical locations.
Clash Meta for Android, commonly abbreviated as CMFA, is a Meta-based Android client. It routes traffic through Android's VPN interface and provides familiar Clash controls for configurations, proxy groups, logs, and connections.
Users with previous Clash experience on Android will usually find its interface familiar. New users should pay close attention to VPN permissions, background restrictions, and battery optimization because connection persistence depends on more than the client's internal switches. For a more consistent workflow between computers and phones, compare Clash Plus and FlClash first.
Surfboard is an independently implemented rules-based proxy client for Android; it is not equivalent to the original Clash, Clash Meta, or mihomo core. It supports rule-based proxying and configuration imports, but syntax and feature compatibility depend on what the client can actually parse.
It is better suited to users who can read configuration errors, understand rule order, and evaluate field compatibility. If some fields are not recognized after import, do not immediately assume the subscription has expired. Check whether the configuration uses core-specific extensions, then either adjust it or choose another client. Android beginners seeking a standard Clash workflow should generally start with Clash Plus.
ClashX Meta is a macOS menu bar client that uses the Clash Meta core. Following the familiar macOS menu bar utility pattern, it typically provides access to the system proxy, configuration switching, and proxy group selection from the menu bar.
This client is discontinued and is best used for migrating existing configurations or understanding older macOS tutorials. For a new macOS installation, compare Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, and FlClash first. During migration, verify system proxy permissions, helper components, and TUN settings again; do not assume a new client will inherit the old client's OS integration.
Your first choice does not need to cover every advanced requirement. Start with a client that handles everyday tasks reliably, then reassess as your routing rules, TUN, and diagnostic needs evolve.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux is the first filter. Only compare clients that have an installer for your platform explicitly listed on the download page.
For new installations, exclude Clash for Windows and ClashX Meta. Keep them only for migrating legacy configurations or following older tutorials.
If you only need to import a subscription, switch policies, and enable the proxy, choose a client with a clear workflow. Compare advanced desktop clients when you need TUN, logs, and rule diagnostics.
After installation, do not rely solely on the client's connected status. Open the apps you need and verify that rule matching, DNS resolution, and system proxy coverage behave as expected.
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users can start with Clash Plus; Linux desktop users should compare Clash Verge Rev and FlClash first. When migrating from CFW or ClashX Meta, keep a copy of the original configuration and verify the system proxy, rule mode, and DNS behavior in the new client.