Clash Client Comparison & Guide

A good fit if you want to manage mihomo configs through a desktop interface. Common workflows include subscription management, system proxy, service mode, and TUN. To add rules to a subscription or adjust DNS, learn how overrides and merging work instead of repeatedly editing settings that a subscription update may overwrite.

More features mean more layers to keep track of. After making changes, check the final runtime config and confirm that overrides apply to the active subscription. TUN involves a virtual network adapter, permissions, and routing, so avoid enabling it alongside other options during your first import.

Built on mihomo, FlClash suits users who want a similar workflow on desktop and Android. You can reuse the same rule concepts, but traffic routing differs: desktop often starts with the system proxy, while Android typically requires VPN permission.

Before choosing, check that the settings you need are available on your platform. Desktop and mobile differ in file permissions, background operation, and network switching; being able to import a config doesn’t make the runtime environments identical. When troubleshooting, start with a minimal config and add custom settings one at a time.

Best suited to desktop users who want to organize configs, customize the interface, and explore core options. This download list provides a Windows option. After installing, check which core is active and refer to its documentation to avoid assuming different cores support the same fields.

A customizable interface doesn’t mean stronger networking capabilities. If you just import a subscription and enable the system proxy, extra themes and settings may not be worth the added learning curve. Consider this client when you already have a clear configuration workflow and are comfortable checking logs and runtime configs.

Often abbreviated CFW, this archived client is mainly useful for checking older setups and planning a migration. Existing users may rely on Parsers, scripts, or custom rules, but these aren’t interchangeable with overrides in newer clients. For a new install, choose a client that is still maintained.

For migration, keep the original subscription source, custom rules, and settings you actually need. Don’t overwrite the new client’s entire config directory. Fields supported by the original or Premium ecosystem also don’t prove compatibility with newer mihomo protocols or extensions.

Often abbreviated CMFA, Clash Meta for Android is suited to Android users who understand Clash subscriptions, proxy groups, and rule modes. On first connection, allow the VPN connection. If another network tool is already using Android’s VPN service, resolve that conflict before troubleshooting the config.

Background operation matters on mobile. Battery optimization, background restrictions, and network changes can all interrupt a connection, so don’t assume every drop is caused by a proxy node. Protocol and field support depend on the core bundled with the app; don’t apply current mihomo documentation to an older build without checking compatibility.

Although Surfboard appears alongside Clash clients in the Android downloads section, it isn’t just another Clash interface. It has its own implementation and Surge-style configuration syntax; protocol parameters, policy expressions, and rules must follow its own configuration requirements.

Consider Surfboard if you already have a compatible subscription or know this format. If you only have Clash YAML, choose a client that can handle it directly. Config conversion also requires checking protocol and rule semantics; changing the file extension isn’t enough.

An archived macOS client built around menu bar controls and configuration switching. Use it to check an existing setup, but don’t assume it supports new devices, macOS releases, or protocols just because it worked in the past.

For migration, compare Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, or FlClash. Keep your config source and essential rules, and choose the installer for Apple Silicon or Intel. Don’t copy old startup items and proxy settings wholesale; multiple clients could end up controlling the system proxy after login.