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5 VLESS Clients for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android in 2026

Technical Editor · Updated October 2, 2026

VLESS is a widely used proxy protocol, but it is not a VPN app. To use it, you need a compatible client and a server link or subscription supplied by your provider.

The available clients differ by platform. Windows users often turn to v2rayN or Clash Verge Rev, v2rayNG remains a common Android choice, and many iPhone users choose Shadowrocket. Cross-platform clients such as Karing are also worth considering.

If your subscription uses REALITY, XHTTP, WebSocket, gRPC, or complex routing rules, check whether the current client version supports the full configuration. Here are five VLESS clients to consider in 2026.

1. v2rayN: An Established VLESS Client for Windows

Platform: Windows

v2rayN is a familiar graphical client in the V2Ray and Xray ecosystem. It is often a Windows user's first VLESS client.

You can import server links, QR codes, and subscriptions. It also offers system proxy settings, routing rules, and latency tests. Its Xray-core support makes it a useful choice for many VLESS and REALITY configurations.

Good for:

  • Windows users
  • VLESS and REALITY configurations
  • Users who need Xray compatibility
  • Managing multiple servers and subscriptions

The range of features also makes the interface more involved. Allow some time to learn the settings if you only need a quick connection.

2. Clash Verge Rev: For Mihomo Configurations and Routing Rules

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

Clash Verge Rev is an actively maintained graphical client for Mihomo on desktop systems.

It suits users with Clash or Mihomo format subscriptions and rule-based routing. Alongside ordinary proxy mode, it can use TUN, rule and policy groups, and DNS settings for more detailed traffic routing.

If your provider supplies a Mihomo or Clash subscription, this can be easier than managing individual VLESS servers by hand.

Good for:

  • Windows and macOS users
  • Mihomo or Clash configurations
  • Rule-based routing
  • Managing several servers and policy groups

Clash Verge Rev is not exclusively a VLESS client. Whether a particular VLESS server works depends on the Mihomo core and the transport settings in your subscription.

3. Shadowrocket: A Common Choice on iPhone

Platforms: iPhone, iPad

Shadowrocket is a widely used iOS proxy client. It supports VLESS alongside other proxy protocols and routing rules.

You can import a link, QR code, or subscription and configure DNS and domain-based routing. Many providers offer instructions or import links specifically for Shadowrocket.

Good for:

  • iPhone and iPad users
  • VLESS configurations
  • Subscription management and routing rules
  • Users already familiar with Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket is paid, and availability can vary by App Store region.

4. v2rayNG: An Established Android VLESS Client

Platform: Android

v2rayNG is a familiar Android client in the V2Ray and Xray ecosystem. It supports VLESS, VMess, and Trojan, with imports from subscriptions, QR codes, and links. It remains a common option for VLESS with REALITY.

Its interface is utilitarian, but the configuration is visible and the project continues to release updates.

Good for:

  • Android users
  • VLESS and REALITY configurations
  • Xray users
  • Users who prefer an established open-source client

Some cross-platform apps may be easier for a simple connection. If Xray and VLESS configuration options matter more, v2rayNG is still a strong starting point.

5. Karing: A Cross-Platform Proxy Client

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and others

Karing is a cross-platform client with ongoing releases. It supports modern proxy protocols, subscriptions, routing rules, and TUN.

A similar interface across computers and phones can reduce the time spent learning separate apps. Karing continues to follow changes in proxy protocols and underlying cores.

Good for:

  • People using several platforms
  • VLESS users
  • Users of the sing-box ecosystem
  • Those who prefer a modern graphical interface
  • Users who need rules, DNS, and TUN

If your subscription uses REALITY, an unusual transport, or complex routing, confirm that the current version supports those exact settings.

What About Hiddify, Throne, Clash Mi, and sing-box?

Other tools can also suit specific needs.

Hiddify is a cross-platform client with an approachable interface. It remains an option for VLESS; check its release page and support for your subscription format before choosing it.

Throne continues the desktop-client approach of Nekoray. It supports sing-box, Xray, and protocols including VLESS. It is worth a look if you previously used Nekoray. The original Nekoray project is no longer maintained, so its old releases are not a good default for new users.

Clash Mi is another cross-platform graphical option for people with Mihomo or Clash format subscriptions.

sing-box is closer to a full proxy platform and core than a single graphical client. It provides DNS, routing, TUN, and support for multiple protocols. Direct configuration offers more control, with a steeper learning curve.

How Should You Choose a VLESS Client?

Start with your device and subscription format; you do not need to install several clients at once.

For Xray and VLESS on Windows, consider v2rayN. For a Mihomo or Clash subscription, consider Clash Verge Rev. On Android, start with v2rayNG; on iPhone or iPad, consider Shadowrocket. Karing may suit you if you want a similar workflow across computers and phones.

Connection success depends on the client version, proxy core, protocol parameters, transport, and subscription format, not just the app name.

How Do VLESS, REALITY, and the Client Fit Together?

VLESS is a proxy protocol. REALITY is a transport security mechanism often used with it. The client must support the complete server configuration to connect. See how VLESS and REALITY work together for more detail.

If the roles of protocol, transport, and security settings are unfamiliar, start with the VLESS overview before checking client compatibility.

The app's underlying core matters too. See Xray vs sing-box vs Mihomo for a comparison based on subscription format and routing needs.

Supporting VLESS does not mean supporting every VLESS server. Examples include:

  • VLESS + TCP + REALITY
  • VLESS + XHTTP + REALITY
  • VLESS + WebSocket + TLS
  • VLESS + gRPC + TLS

Support for these combinations varies by client and version. If an imported server fails to connect, check both server availability and support for its protocol and transport. WahooVPN users can also see the third-party app import guide.

Summary

  • Windows / Xray: v2rayN
  • Windows, macOS / Mihomo: Clash Verge Rev
  • iPhone, iPad: Shadowrocket
  • Android / Xray: v2rayNG
  • Cross-platform: Karing

Hiddify, Throne, Clash Mi, and sing-box each have their own use cases. For most people, one maintained client that matches their device, subscription format, and server configuration is more useful than repeatedly switching apps.