Popular Proxy Clients in 2026: 8 Official Download Options
A practical comparison of eight maintained proxy clients for desktop, Android, and Apple devices, with verified official links and safety notes.

Popular Proxy Clients in 2026: 8 Official Download Options
Proxy clients are applications that apply routing rules and connect to a proxy endpoint you already control or are authorized to use. They do not include nodes, subscriptions, bandwidth, or server resources. This guide compares eight actively maintained options using official project information checked on July 18, 2026.
Use these tools only for lawful, authorized networking. A client cannot by itself guarantee privacy or security: the profile, endpoint, DNS settings, operating system, and update practices all matter.
Quick recommendations
- For a polished Mihomo/Clash desktop interface: Clash Verge Rev.
- For Xray and sing-box on desktop: v2rayN.
- On Android: v2rayNG for the Xray/v2fly ecosystem, or Clash Meta for Android for Clash.Meta profiles.
- For a similar interface across Android and desktop: FlClash.
- For broad cross-platform support and easier profile handling: Hiddify or Karing.
- For a paid Apple-platform utility: Shadowrocket.
The eight clients
1. Clash Verge Rev
Clash Verge Rev is a Mihomo GUI for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its official documentation highlights system proxy and TUN modes, visual rule and node editing, profile enhancement, and WebDAV backup. It is a strong fit for desktop users who already have Clash/Mihomo-compatible profiles and want detailed rule control. GitHub repository · Official releases
2. v2rayN
v2rayN is a desktop GUI for Windows, Linux, and macOS that supports Xray, sing-box, and other cores. Its project also publishes GPG verification information for release files. This is a practical choice when protocol and core flexibility matter more than having the same interface on mobile. GitHub repository and downloads
Security note: the project marked version 7.24.0 as a pre-release and described it as an urgent fix for a serious man-in-the-middle risk in the downloader used by older versions. Release status can change, so existing users should read the official 7.24.0 security release note and the current releases page before deciding which build to install.
3. v2rayNG
v2rayNG is the Android companion in the same project family. It supports the Xray and v2fly cores and is best suited to Android users whose profiles and workflows already follow that ecosystem. Download it from the project's release page rather than an APK mirror. GitHub repository and official releases
4. Clash Meta for Android
Clash Meta for Android is an Android GUI for Clash.Meta. It is aimed at users who want rule-based routing with Clash.Meta/Mihomo-style profiles on Android. The official repository lists Android 5.0 as the minimum and Android 7.0 or later as recommended. GitHub repository and official releases
5. FlClash
FlClash is an open-source, ad-free ClashMeta client for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its official feature list includes subscription links, dark mode, responsive layouts, Material You styling, and WebDAV data sync. It is appealing when you want a familiar interface across mobile and desktop. GitHub repository · Official releases
6. Hiddify
Hiddify is an open-source, ad-free client based on the sing-box toolchain. It supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with features such as automatic node selection, TUN mode, remote profiles, subscription updates, and several common profile formats. It is one of the easier choices for people who value broad platform coverage and a guided interface. GitHub repository · Official releases
7. Karing
Karing is a Flutter GUI built around a modified sing-box core. The project documents compatibility with Clash, V2Ray/V2Fly, sing-box, Shadowsocks, and subscription formats, plus custom routing groups and several synchronization options. Official downloads cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and tvOS. GitHub repository · Official download site
8. Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a paid, closed-source rule-based proxy utility distributed through Apple's App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It supports rule matching, traffic inspection tools, multiple DNS transports, and profile import. The App Store listing explicitly says it is a standalone utility and includes no proxy service or server resources. Official App Store page
How to choose
- Choose by operating system first. Desktop-only users have more detailed management options; Apple mobile users should use an App Store build available in their region.
- Match the client to the profile format you are authorized to use. Clash/Mihomo profiles naturally favor Clash Verge Rev, Clash Meta for Android, or FlClash; Xray-oriented profiles often fit v2rayN or v2rayNG; sing-box-oriented workflows fit Hiddify or Karing.
- Decide how much control you need. TUN mode, custom routing, DNS behavior, and profile scripting are powerful but add complexity.
- Prefer a currently maintained project with an official release channel. A large download count or familiar name is not a substitute for current maintenance.
Download and update safely
- Use the official GitHub organization, project website, F-Droid listing linked by the project, or platform app store.
- Avoid repackaged installers, unofficial APK mirrors, and repositories that merely reuse a familiar project name.
- Check signatures or checksums when the project provides them, and read release notes before updating.
- Back up profiles without publishing subscription URLs, credentials, private keys, or access tokens.
- Review VPN/TUN permissions and certificate prompts carefully. Do not enable traffic decryption unless you understand the trust and privacy consequences.
Bottom line
There is no single best proxy client. Clash Verge Rev and v2rayN are strong desktop choices; v2rayNG and Clash Meta for Android cover two major Android workflows; FlClash, Hiddify, and Karing emphasize cross-platform convenience; Shadowrocket serves users who specifically want a paid Apple ecosystem utility. Start with platform and profile compatibility, then compare maintenance, security practices, and interface complexity.
Sources
- Clash Verge Rev official repository and documentation — accessed July 18, 2026.
- v2rayN official repository — accessed July 18, 2026.
- v2rayN 7.24.0 security release note — published July 16, 2026; accessed July 18, 2026.
- v2rayNG official repository — accessed July 18, 2026.
- Clash Meta for Android official repository — accessed July 18, 2026.
- FlClash official repository — accessed July 18, 2026.
- Hiddify official repository — accessed July 18, 2026.
- Karing official repository and download links — accessed July 18, 2026.
- Shadowrocket on the Apple App Store — accessed July 18, 2026.