Clash Plus stands out for broad platform coverage and a consistent workflow. Users on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS can start within the same client family instead of choosing completely different tools for each device. For newcomers, subscription import, proxy mode, and system integration are the three essential steps. A client that puts these common controls front and center is more useful than one that exposes a long list of advanced options from the start.
- Platform
- Windows、macOS、Android、iOS
- Difficulty
- Low; suitable for learning the basics
- Best for
- First-time installations, multi-device use, and users who want fewer configuration differences
Clash Verge Rev is a popular desktop client in the mihomo ecosystem, suited to users who need a more comprehensive settings surface. Beyond subscriptions and proxy switching, it makes advanced work with rules, TUN, DNS, and configuration overrides more accessible. Entry points are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easier to maintain similar management habits across multiple desktops. More settings also mean understanding what each toggle does; for a first installation, keep the defaults and adjust only the subscription, proxy mode, and system integration.
- Platform
- Windows、macOS、Linux
- Difficulty
- Medium; requires understanding the difference between system proxy and TUN
- Best for
- Advanced desktop users, Linux users, and people with extensive rule configuration needs
FlClash supports Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, making it a good fit for setups that include Android or Linux. Its value is not a long list of complex features, but a similar workflow across platforms. Before downloading, confirm that the package matches your device architecture, especially Intel versus Apple Silicon on macOS, processor architecture on Android, and the package format used by your Linux distribution.
- Platform
- Windows、macOS、Android、Linux
- Difficulty
- Low to medium; basic tasks are intuitive, but advanced settings still require configuration knowledge
- Best for
- Users who combine computers and Android devices and want a consistent interface
Clash Nyanpasu is aimed at users who want detailed control over desktop proxy settings. Subscription configuration, rule mode, system proxy, TUN, and logs are organized into clear functional areas, making it suitable for people who understand the basic Clash concepts and want to inspect how their configuration behaves. The site's download page currently provides a Windows entry point, so the platform information here reflects packages directly available for download rather than platforms supported historically by the project.
- Platform
- Windows
- Difficulty
- Medium; best after learning the basic terminology
- Best for
- Windows desktop users who need detailed subscription and rule management
Clash for Windows appeared in many older tutorials, so many users still have its configuration directory and workflow. The project is no longer maintained and is not suitable as a long-term default for new installations. Its main remaining value is helping users identify legacy configuration structures before migrating subscription URLs, proxy group choices, and required overrides. Do not overwrite the new client's configuration directly; import separately and verify network access, DNS, and rule-based routing first.
- Platform
- Windows
- Core
- Original Clash ecosystem
- Best for
- Users with an existing legacy installation who need to read and migrate old configurations
Clash Meta for Android is designed for users who are comfortable working with configuration files. It suits people who need to manage proxy groups, rules, overrides, and per-app network routing on Android, but battery optimization, VPN permissions, and background restrictions can directly affect connection stability. After importing a configuration, confirm that VPN permission has been granted, then check whether battery-saving policies are limiting the app instead of repeatedly changing nodes.
- Platform
- Android
- Difficulty
- Medium to high; requires knowledge of Android permissions and Clash configuration
- Best for
- Android users familiar with proxy groups, rules, and configuration files
Surfboard is an independent proxy client for Android rather than a direct wrapper around the original Clash core. It handles common proxy configurations and rule requirements, but its interface concepts, compatibility range, and behavior are not identical to those of standard Clash clients. Whether an existing subscription works directly should be determined by the actual import result. It is best treated as an alternative Android workflow, not a universal replacement for Clash configurations when the differences are not understood.
- Platform
- Android
- Core
- Independent compatibility implementation
- Best for
- Users willing to check configuration compatibility and looking for an alternative Android client
ClashX Meta is designed for the macOS menu bar, and many older configurations and tutorials still mention it. Because the project is no longer maintained, new users should choose a maintained macOS client instead. During migration, existing users should record the current proxy mode, system proxy status, and configuration source, then import the subscription into Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, or FlClash. If the configuration includes custom overrides, check each field separately to confirm it is still supported.
- Platform
- macOS
- Core
- Clash Meta ecosystem
- Best for
- macOS users with an existing installation who need to organize and migrate legacy configurations