The quick answer: choose faster

  • Using a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer → choose v2rayN. There is no need to consider another desktop client.
  • Using an Android phone with no special requirements → choose v2rayNG. It has the most users, frequent updates, and the best default Xray-core compatibility.
  • Your provider explicitly requires the v2fly (v2ray-core) core, or you need v2fly-specific behavior → choose v2flyNG.
  • Using an iPhone or iPad → none of these three clients support iOS. See FAQ · iOS guide for alternatives.

Detailed feature comparison

Comparison v2rayN v2rayNG v2flyNG
PlatformWindows 10+ / macOS 13.7+ / LinuxAndroid 5.0+Android 5.0+
Bundled coreXray, sing-box (switchable and extensible)Xrayv2fly(v2ray-core)
Supported protocolsVMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS / Hysteria2 / WireGuardVMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS / Hysteria2 / WireGuardVMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS, and more
REALITY supportSupportedSupportedDepends on the v2fly core version
Subscription managementGroups and automatic updatesSupported, with automatic updatesSupported, with automatic updates
QR code importSupported (scan screen)Supported (camera / photo library)Supported (camera / photo library)
Batch real-connection speed testsSupportedSupportedSupported
Per-app proxy— (routing rules can be used instead)SupportedSupported
TUN / VPN modeTUN modeSystem VPNSystem VPN
Project relationshipIndependent desktop clientMainstream Android editionA branch sharing the v2rayNG codebase
Open-source licenseGPL-3.0GPL-3.0GPL-3.0
Best forAll desktop usersMost Android usersAndroid users who need the v2fly core

Core differences explained: Xray vs v2fly

The only fundamental difference between v2rayNG and v2flyNG is the bundled core. Xray is a community fork of v2ray-core that evolves more quickly, with exclusive newer features such as XTLS and REALITY and a larger current ecosystem; v2fly (v2ray-core) is the official continuation of the original V2Ray project, with behavior closer to traditional V2Ray specifications. For most users, the everyday experience is nearly identical— if your nodes use REALITY / XTLS, choose v2rayNG; if your provider specifies the v2fly core, choose v2flyNG.

Common selection questions

What is the difference between v2rayN and v2rayNG?

They differ by one letter but run on entirely different platforms: v2rayN is for computers (Windows / macOS / Linux), while v2rayNG is for Android phones. Both are graphical V2Ray clients with the same purpose.

Which is better: v2flyNG or v2rayNG?

Neither is universally better. They share a codebase and interface, so you can install both and test them. Use the one with better node availability and speed on your network.

Can I install multiple clients on one device?

Yes. On Android, v2rayNG and v2flyNG do not conflict, but only one can use the system VPN at a time. On desktop, v2rayN is generally all you need.