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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows 10+ / macOS 13.7+ / Linux | Android 5.0+ | Android 5.0+ |
| Bundled core | Xray, sing-box (switchable and extensible) | Xray | v2fly(v2ray-core) |
| Supported protocols | VMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS / Hysteria2 / WireGuard | VMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS / Hysteria2 / WireGuard | VMess / VLESS / Trojan / Shadowsocks / SOCKS, and more |
| REALITY support | Supported | Supported | Depends on the v2fly core version |
| Subscription management | Groups and automatic updates | Supported, with automatic updates | Supported, with automatic updates |
| QR code import | Supported (scan screen) | Supported (camera / photo library) | Supported (camera / photo library) |
| Batch real-connection speed tests | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Per-app proxy | — (routing rules can be used instead) | Supported | Supported |
| TUN / VPN mode | TUN mode | System VPN | System VPN |
| Project relationship | Independent desktop client | Mainstream Android edition | A branch sharing the v2rayNG codebase |
| Open-source license | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Best for | All desktop users | Most Android users | Android 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.