A VPN client is an application that connects your device to a VPN server. The choice of client affects speed, stability, and ease of use. Let’s review the best options for each platform.
Types of VPN Clients
| Type | Description | For Whom |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary app | From VPN provider | Beginners |
| Universal client | Works with any provider | Advanced |
| System VPN | Built into OS | Corporate |
Recommendation: Universal clients provide more control and work with any provider.
Windows
Hiddify (Recommended)
Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, Trojan, Hysteria2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern interface | Requires .NET |
| All protocols | - |
| Auto-update subscription | - |
| Free | - |
Download: GitHub
v2rayN
Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, Trojan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many settings | Complex interface |
| Flexible routing | Windows only |
| Active development | - |
Download: GitHub
Nekoray
Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, Trojan, Naive
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cross-platform | Less popular |
| Simple interface | - |
| sing-box core | - |
macOS
Hiddify (Recommended)
Same client as Windows. Works natively on Apple Silicon.
V2Box
Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, Trojan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Native for macOS | Fewer settings |
| Simple interface | - |
| App Store | - |
Shadowrocket (Paid, ~$3)
Protocols: All modern
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best functionality | Paid |
| All protocols | Requires non-RU Apple ID |
| Excellent stability | - |
Android
Hiddify (Recommended)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All protocols | - |
| Simple interface | - |
| Play Store + APK | - |
Download: Google Play or GitHub
v2rayNG
Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Shadowsocks, Trojan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Popular | Outdated interface |
| Stable | Fewer features |
| Lightweight | - |
Download: Google Play
NekoBox
Protocols: All + experimental
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced features | More complex |
| Flexible routing | - |
| sing-box core | - |
iOS / iPadOS
Shadowrocket (Recommended, ~$3)
Best choice for iOS. One-time purchase, works with all protocols.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All protocols | Paid |
| Excellent stability | Requires non-RU Apple ID |
| Flexible rules | - |
| On-demand VPN | - |
Hiddify
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Fewer features |
| Simple | - |
V2Box
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Basic functionality |
| App Store | - |
Linux
sing-box (CLI)
Powerful core for advanced users.
# Installation
sudo apt install sing-box
# or
yay -S sing-box
# Run
sing-box run -c config.json
Nekoray (GUI)
Graphical client for Linux with sing-box core.
Hiddify (GUI)
Works on Linux but requires testing on your distribution.
Comparison Table
| Client | Win | Mac | Android | iOS | Linux | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiddify | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Free |
| v2rayN | ✓ | - | - | - | - | Free |
| v2rayNG | - | - | ✓ | - | - | Free |
| Shadowrocket | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ~$3 |
| NekoBox | - | - | ✓ | - | - | Free |
| Nekoray | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | Free |
| V2Box | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | Free |
Which Client to Choose
For Beginners
- Windows/Mac/Android: Hiddify
- iOS: Hiddify (free) or Shadowrocket (better)
For Advanced Users
- Windows: v2rayN
- Android: NekoBox
- iOS: Shadowrocket
- Linux: sing-box
For Maximum Compatibility
Hiddify: works on all platforms with unified interface.
How to Import Configuration
Method 1: Subscription Link
- Copy link from provider
- In client: Add → Import from clipboard
- Connect
Method 2: QR Code
- Scan QR code from provider
- Configuration adds automatically
Method 3: Configuration File
- Download file (.json or .yaml)
- Import into client
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Client won’t start | Install dependencies (.NET, VC++) |
| No connection | Check configuration |
| Slow speed | Change server or protocol |
| Battery drains quickly | Use Shadowrocket (iOS) |
FAQ
Which client is fastest?
Speed depends on server and protocol, not the client. All modern clients perform equally fast.
Is Shadowrocket worth the money?
Yes. It’s a one-time purchase (~$3) that provides the best functionality on iOS. Worth the investment.
Can I use multiple VPN providers?
Yes. Universal clients allow adding configurations from different providers.
Summary
For most users, Hiddify is the best choice: free, cross-platform, simple. For iOS, we recommend Shadowrocket: one-time purchase with best functionality.
Tainet provides ready-made configurations for all popular clients - just import and connect.
