CLIENT SELECTION · CARD CATALOG

The Clash Client Buyer's Guide

Clash clients mostly differ in five ways: core engine family, platform coverage, maintenance status, configuration depth, and interface style. This page lines up all eight clients from our download hub side by side — starting with a comparison table, followed by individual reviews, and wrapping up with scenario-based picks — so you can make the call before you install anything.

Catalog No. CL-02 · 8 clients listed · Updated 2026-08-01

CL-02.1Comparison Table

Six criteria, side by side. On narrow screens, scroll the table horizontally.

Platform SupportWhich operating systems the client runs on — the first thing to check if you're running Clash on multiple devices.
Core EngineThe original Clash core and mihomo (the Meta-based fork) differ significantly in protocol and rule support, which directly affects subscription compatibility.
Maintenance StatusSimplified to just "actively maintained" or "no longer maintained." The latter means no more updates for new protocols or OS compatibility.
Learning CurveHow much setup and understanding it takes to get from install to first successful connection — rated Low, Medium, or High.
Standout FeaturesWhat sets it apart from the rest — config enhancements, UI customization, cross-platform consistency, and so on.
Best ForA general takeaway based on the criteria above — see the individual reviews for details.
Client Platform Support Core Engine Maintenance Status Learning Curve Standout Features Best For
Clash Plus Windows / macOS / Android / iOS mihomo Actively Maintained Matching interface across 4 platforms, guided subscription import First-time users, multi-device setups
Clash Verge Rev Windows / macOS / Linux mihomo Actively Maintained Merge/Script config enhancements, full TUN management Desktop power users
FlClash Windows / macOS / Android / Linux mihomo Actively Maintained Cross-platform via Flutter, consistent desktop/mobile experience Multi-device users who want it lightweight
Clash Nyanpasu Windows mihomo Actively Maintained Deep UI theming, script-based customization Windows users who like a customized interface
Clash for Windows Windows Original Clash No Longer Maintained Once the desktop standard, extensive tutorials and community resources Existing users only
Clash Meta for Android Android mihomo Actively Maintained High Settings mirror the core engine, fine-grained control Android power users
Surfboard Android Independently built, compatible with Clash config format Actively Maintained Minimal interface, low background footprint Lightweight Android use, older devices
ClashX Meta macOS mihomo No Longer Maintained Menu bar app, small footprint Existing Mac users only

Maintenance status reflects each project's current repository activity and is descriptive, not exact. For version numbers and installers, always check the live results on the Download Hub — this table doesn't track specific versions.

CL-02.2Individual Reviews

One card per client — what it's for, the trade-offs, and where to move on to next. Listed in the order they appear on the download hub.

Call No. CL-02.2-01 · Client Review

Clash Plus

Top Pick
Windows / macOS / Android / iOS Core: mihomo Actively Maintained

The first card you'll see on the download hub for good reason. All four platforms share the same interface, and the import wizard handles subscription links automatically — policy groups and rule pages are all clearly labeled. It runs on mihomo, so common protocols and rule types are fully supported. The iOS version ships through the App Store, and the official site is clashplus.io. For anyone new to Clash, it shortens the install-import-connect path to almost nothing; for multi-device users, one set of habits carries across all four platforms, and there's no need to keep separate config files.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-02 · Client Review

Clash Verge Rev

Recommended
Windows / macOS / Linux Core: mihomo Actively Maintained

The go-to pick for power users on desktop, and the top recommendation on Linux. Its strength is configuration depth: two-tier Merge and Script enhancements let you add rules or rewrite policy groups without touching the original subscription, and TUN mode, system proxy, and service mode are all fully manageable. The menu is denser than beginner-friendly clients, so it takes some time up front to understand each toggle — but in return you get the most complete control panel on desktop right now. Existing Clash configs carry over directly if you're switching from another client.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-03 · Client Review

FlClash

Windows / macOS / Android / Linux Core: mihomo Actively Maintained

A cross-platform client built with Flutter, with an identical interface and workflow on desktop and mobile. It connects with the default settings, and frequent actions — switching policy groups, testing node latency — sit right on the main screen without digging into settings. Its feature depth sits between Clash Plus and Verge Rev: a bit more configurable than the former, a bit less advanced than the latter. Good for anyone who uses both a phone and a computer and doesn't want to learn two different interfaces; note that iOS isn't supported, so iPhone users will need to look elsewhere.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-04 · Client Review

Clash Nyanpasu

Windows Core: mihomo Actively Maintained

A highly customizable client built for Windows. Themes, layout, and colors can all be finely tuned, and scripts can extend the config processing pipeline. Its feature set overlaps with Verge Rev but with a different focus: Nyanpasu leans into visual expression and personalization, treating the client as a workspace worth polishing over time. Good for Windows users willing to spend time tweaking the look and workflow; if you just want it to work out of the box, a beginner-friendly client gets you there faster.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-05 · Client Review

Clash for Windows

No Longer Maintained
Windows Core: Original Clash Archived

For a long time this was the default choice for Clash on Windows, and it still has the largest body of tutorials and community discussion. The project is no longer maintained and remains stuck on the original Clash core, so newer protocols and rule types aren't supported — some newer subscriptions may not parse correctly. Existing users can keep using their current setup, but new installs shouldn't start here. If you're looking for a Clash for Windows alternative, Clash Verge Rev and Clash Plus are the most common migration targets — both use the same Clash config format, so switching over is low-effort.

View archive on the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-06 · Client Review

Clash Meta for Android

Android Core: mihomo Actively Maintained

An Android client that stays close to the core engine, with settings mapped almost directly to mihomo — DNS policy, TUN stack, and rule-matching behavior can all be adjusted individually. The interface prioritizes function over simplicity, so you'll want a basic understanding of config file structure before your first connection. Best for users already comfortable with Clash configs who need fine-grained control on Android; first-time users will have an easier start with Clash Plus or FlClash.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-07 · Client Review

Surfboard

Android Compatible with Clash config Actively Maintained

A lightweight option for Android, independently built but compatible with the Clash config format — just import your subscription and go. The interface is minimal and the background footprint is low, running smoothly on older phones and low-memory devices, with minimal battery drain when running long-term. The trade-off is limited advanced configuration: complex policy groups, scripting, and some newer protocol parameters are out of scope. Think of it as a set-it-and-forget-it backup for Android, not necessarily a replacement for your main client.

Get it from the Download Hub →

Call No. CL-02.2-08 · Client Review

ClashX Meta

No Longer Maintained
macOS Core: mihomo Archived

A macOS menu bar client with no main window — subscription switching and mode selection all happen from the status bar, keeping resource usage low and the design restrained. The project is no longer maintained, so future macOS compatibility and core engine updates won't be coming. Existing users can keep using it as-is, since current configs still work; anyone setting up a new Mac should go straight for Clash Plus or Clash Verge Rev, which offer better feature coverage and more reliable long-term support.

View archive on the Download Hub →

CL-02.3Picks by Use Case

Find your scenario below. Four common questions, four straightforward answers.

Scenario 1: First time using Clash Go with Clash Plus. All four platforms share the same interface, and the import wizard takes over once you paste in your subscription — no need to understand config file structure. Once it's installed, follow the three steps on the tutorial page — import subscription, pick a mode, verify the connection — and you'll usually be up and running within minutes. Once policy groups and rules start making sense, you can decide whether a more advanced client is worth switching to.
Scenario 2: Power users who want fine-grained control On desktop, go with Clash Verge Rev — Merge/Script config enhancements, full TUN management, and service mode are all there; if interface customization matters more to you, Clash Nyanpasu overlaps in capability but leans in a different direction. On Android, go with Clash Meta for Android, where settings map directly to the mihomo core. What these clients have in common: they hand control back to you, as long as you're willing to learn what each toggle does.
Scenario 3: Managing multiple devices If your devices span both phone and computer, prioritize a consistent experience across platforms. FlClash covers Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux with an identical interface on all four; if an iPhone or iPad is also in the mix, Clash Plus is the only option that covers iOS too. Both use the same Clash config format, so switching devices doesn't mean relearning the interface, and you only need to maintain one subscription.
Scenario 4: Older computers and phones For an aging Windows machine low on resources, go with FlClash for its light interface footprint; for an older Android device, go with Surfboard for its low background usage and stable long-term running. One thing to avoid: don't install the unmaintained Clash for Windows just to save resources — its gaps in parsing newer subscriptions will cost you far more time troubleshooting than you'd save in memory.

CL-02.4Final Verdict

Still not sure? Follow this card.

Verdict No. CL-02.4-01 · 2026-08-01

Overall Top Pick: Clash Plus

It has the widest platform coverage, the lowest learning curve, and the mihomo core guarantees subscription and rule compatibility — it leads the pack on all three fronts. You won't go wrong starting here; if you need finer control down the line, migrating to Clash Verge Rev (desktop) or Clash Meta for Android (Android) is straightforward, since they all share the same Clash config format.

Download Clash View Import Tutorial