2026 Status Update: Clash for Windows (CFW) was archived by its original developer in late 2023. As of 2026, Clash Meta (Mihomo) has become the dominant Clash core, and Clash Verge Rev is the most actively maintained GUI client for Windows and macOS. This guide explains the full current landscape and what you should be using today.
The Clash ecosystem has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years. The tools that many users relied on in 2022-2023 — particularly the original "Clash for Windows" GUI — are no longer actively maintained. Meanwhile, a new generation of Clash clients has emerged with significantly better performance, more protocols, and stronger detection resistance.
This guide clears up the confusion by explaining what Clash Meta (Mihomo) is, how it differs from the original Clash core, and which GUI client you should use on each platform in 2026. If you're still using old Clash software, this is your definitive upgrade guide.
Understanding the Clash Ecosystem: A Brief History
Original Clash (2019–2023)
ArchivedThe original Clash proxy tool written in Go by Dreamacro. Supported VMESS, Shadowsocks, and basic Trojan. Had a Restful API for GUI control. The project was archived by its author in November 2023. No longer receives updates or security patches.
Clash for Windows (CFW) (2020–2023)
ArchivedA popular GUI wrapper for the original Clash core, built with Electron by Fndroid. Had a polished interface, profile management, and a built-in Clash dashboard. Also archived in November 2023 following the original Clash core's retirement. No active development since.
Clash Meta / Mihomo (2022–present)
Active ✅A community fork of the original Clash core, now maintained as an independent project called "Mihomo." Adds VLESS, Reality, Hysteria2, TUIC, and many other modern protocols. Significantly improved performance and detection resistance. Receives regular updates and is the de facto standard in 2026.
Clash Verge Rev (2023–present)
Recommended ✅A community revival of the "Clash Verge" GUI client, built with Tauri (Rust + WebView). Uses Clash Meta as its core. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Significantly lighter than Electron-based CFW, better maintained, and supports all modern features. The recommended replacement for Clash for Windows.
Head-to-Head: Clash Meta vs Classic Clash
| Feature | Classic Clash | Clash Meta (Mihomo) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Development | ❌ Archived | ✅ Regular updates |
| VMESS Protocol | ✅ | ✅ Enhanced |
| VLESS Protocol | ❌ | ✅ Full support |
| Reality Transport | ❌ | ✅ |
| Trojan | ⚡ Basic | ✅ Full features |
| Hysteria2 | ❌ | ✅ |
| TUIC v5 | ❌ | ✅ |
| TUN Mode | ⚡ Limited | ✅ Improved |
| DNS fake-ip Mode | ✅ | ✅ Enhanced |
| PROCESS-NAME Rules | ❌ | ✅ |
| AND/OR/NOT Rule Logic | ❌ | ✅ |
| Proxy Providers | ⚡ Basic | ✅ Enhanced |
| Security Updates | ❌ None | ✅ Regular |
GUI Clients in 2026: The Complete Map
The "client" you see when using Clash is actually a GUI wrapper around the core engine. In 2026, multiple GUI clients are available — all running the Clash Meta core, but with different interfaces and feature sets. Here's the complete picture:
Clash Verge Rev
RECOMMENDEDThe most actively maintained GUI client. Built with Tauri (Rust framework), making it significantly faster and lighter than Electron-based alternatives. Only ~20MB installed vs CFW's ~200MB. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Excellent UI with full profile management, subscription auto-update, and integrated dashboard.
ClashMeta for Android
ACTIVEThe official Android GUI for Clash Meta. Clean Material Design interface, full TUN mode support, subscription management, and node selection. Supports all protocols including Hysteria2 and TUIC. Available as APK from GitHub.
ClashX Pro (macOS)
MAINTAINEDA lightweight macOS menu bar app. Good for users who want minimal interface — just a tray icon for quick access. Supports both original Clash core and Clash Meta core. Popular for its simplicity but has fewer features than Clash Verge Rev.
Stash (iOS / macOS)
ACTIVEPremium iOS and macOS app with excellent design and full Clash config support. Available on the App Store. Paid one-time purchase (~$3.99 iOS, $19.99 Mac). Uses its own Clash-compatible engine, regularly updated. The top choice for iOS users needing full Clash functionality.
Performance: Clash Meta vs Classic Clash
Beyond features, Clash Meta outperforms classic Clash in actual throughput and latency. Here are benchmark results from our 2026 testing using VPN07 servers:
Classic Clash Core
Clash Meta (Mihomo)
📊 Performance Summary
Clash Meta delivers 20% higher throughput, 60% faster rule processing, and 38% lower memory usage compared to the classic Clash core. The performance improvements come from a rewritten connection handling pipeline, optimized DNS resolution, and better utilization of modern CPU features. On 1000Mbps networks like VPN07's server backbone, Clash Meta can fully saturate the connection while classic Clash leaves performance on the table.
Unique Features in Clash Meta Not in Classic Clash
🔮 Reality Transport
The most advanced traffic obfuscation available. Borrows TLS certificates from real high-traffic websites, making proxy traffic completely indistinguishable from legitimate HTTPS traffic. Only available in Clash Meta.
⚡ Hysteria2 / TUIC
QUIC-based protocols designed for poor network conditions. On 10% packet loss networks, Hysteria2 delivers 3x better speeds than TCP protocols. Critical for mobile users on cellular networks.
🔍 PROCESS-NAME Rules
Route traffic by application process name. Send your browser through VPN while keeping your coding tools on direct connection. Enables true per-application routing without VPN split tunneling configuration.
🔗 Proxy Providers
Import node lists from external URLs (not just full configs). This allows combining nodes from multiple VPN subscriptions into a single Clash setup with unified rule sets — powerful for power users with multiple accounts.
🧠 Script Engine
Clash Meta includes a Python-like scripting engine for writing complex routing logic that can't be expressed as simple rules. Check request headers, route based on time of day, implement custom load balancing — the possibilities are nearly unlimited.
🚀 XTLS / Vision Flow
An advanced VLESS flow control mechanism that eliminates redundant encryption layers for TLS traffic passing through TLS tunnels. Can significantly improve throughput for HTTPS content — sometimes reaching wire speed.
Which Client Should You Use? The 2026 Decision Guide
💻 Windows Users
Use: Clash Verge Rev — It's the direct spiritual successor to Clash for Windows, built on modern tech (Tauri/Rust), lighter, faster, and actively maintained. If you're still on CFW, migrate now — it accepts the same subscription URLs and config files.
🍎 macOS Users
Recommended: Clash Verge Rev — Best feature parity with Windows version, TUN mode works well. Alternative: ClashX Pro for users who prefer a minimal menu bar app with quick access without a full window UI.
📱 Android Users
Use: ClashMeta for Android — Full Clash Meta features on mobile, including TUN mode for system-wide proxy. Download from GitHub releases. Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" to install the APK.
📱 iPhone / iPad Users
Use: Stash — Best iOS Clash client with full YAML config support, Reality protocol, and regular updates. One-time purchase from App Store. Alternative: Shadowrocket if you already own it and it supports your subscription format.
🐧 Linux Users
Use: Clash Verge Rev — Available as AppImage, deb, or RPM. Works well on most distributions. Alternative: Run Clash Meta as a headless service and use the web dashboard (Yacd or MetaCubeX) for management.
Migrating from Clash for Windows to Clash Verge Rev
If you're currently on Clash for Windows (CFW), migration to Clash Verge Rev is simple and takes less than 5 minutes:
Step 1: Export your subscriptions from CFW
In CFW, go to Profiles, right-click your VPN07 subscription, and copy the subscription URL. You can also export your custom rules file if you have one.
Step 2: Download and install Clash Verge Rev
Download the latest installer from the official Clash Verge Rev GitHub releases. Install it — it's only ~20MB and doesn't require admin rights for the installer itself.
Step 3: Import your VPN07 subscription
In Clash Verge Rev → Profiles → paste your VPN07 subscription URL and click Download. Your nodes will import immediately. Enable the profile, select Auto-Best proxy group, and enable System Proxy.
Step 4: Uninstall Clash for Windows
Once you've confirmed Clash Verge Rev is working correctly, uninstall CFW. Having both running simultaneously can cause port conflicts. Since CFW receives no security updates, removing it is also a security improvement.
Clash Verge Rev vs CFW: Detailed Feature Comparison
For Windows and macOS users making the migration decision, here's a detailed look at how Clash Verge Rev compares to the old Clash for Windows on specific features:
| Feature | Clash for Windows | Clash Verge Rev |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Stack | Electron (heavy) | Tauri/Rust (light) |
| Installed Size | ~200 MB | ~20 MB |
| Memory Usage (idle) | ~120 MB | ~40 MB |
| Active Maintenance | ❌ Archived 2023 | ✅ Active |
| Security Updates | ❌ None | ✅ Regular |
| Profile/Subscription Import | ✅ | ✅ Enhanced |
| Auto-Update Subscriptions | ✅ | ✅ |
| System Proxy Toggle | ✅ | ✅ |
| TUN Mode | ⚡ Limited | ✅ Full Support |
| Built-in Dashboard | ✅ Yacd | ✅ MetaCubeX |
| Config Editor | ✅ | ✅ With syntax highlight |
| Rule Override UI | ⚡ Basic | ✅ Visual editor |
Frequently Asked Questions about Clash in 2026
Q: Is Clash for Windows safe to keep using?
No — Clash for Windows has received zero security updates since November 2023. The Electron version it uses (and its embedded Chromium runtime) has known unpatched vulnerabilities. We strongly recommend migrating to Clash Verge Rev as soon as possible. The migration takes under 5 minutes.
Q: Can I use my existing CFW config files with Clash Verge Rev?
Yes, with minor caveats. Standard Clash YAML config files are compatible with Clash Meta. However, if your config uses CFW-specific JavaScript preprocessing or CFW's unique "parsers" feature, you'll need to convert those to Clash Meta's equivalent format. VPN07's standard subscription URLs work without any modification.
Q: What is "Mihomo" and is it the same as Clash Meta?
Yes — Mihomo is the new official name for the Clash Meta project, adopted when the team registered it as an independent project separate from the original Clash repository. "Clash Meta" was the community name during development; "Mihomo" is the official project name. The application binary may be called either clash-meta or mihomo depending on the version.
Q: Does VPN07 work with all Clash clients mentioned?
Yes. VPN07 provides a Clash YAML subscription URL that works with Clash Verge Rev, ClashMeta for Android, Stash (iOS), ClashX Pro, and any other Clash-compatible client. The subscription includes nodes configured for VMESS, VLESS, VLESS+Reality, Trojan, and Shadowsocks-2022 — all protocols supported by Clash Meta.
Q: How often does Clash Meta update, and do I need to update?
Clash Meta (Mihomo) releases updates every 2-4 weeks. Minor updates include bug fixes and performance improvements; major updates may add new protocol support. Clash Verge Rev checks for updates automatically. For security and best performance with VPN07's latest server configurations, updating every 1-2 months is recommended.
Security Considerations: Why You Should Upgrade Now
⚠️ Security Risks of Using Archived Clash Clients
Using Clash for Windows in 2026 exposes you to multiple security risks that have no patches available:
- 🔴 Outdated Electron runtime: CFW embeds an old Chromium-based runtime with known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) that no longer receive patches
- 🔴 No supply chain protection: The original repositories are archived — any unofficial "updated" CFW downloads floating online cannot be verified as legitimate
- 🔴 Outdated protocol implementations: VMESS and early Trojan implementations in classic Clash have known weaknesses that have been addressed in Clash Meta
- 🟡 No detection resistance improvements: Classic Clash's traffic patterns are well-documented by network inspection systems. Clash Meta's newer protocols are significantly harder to detect
✅ What Clash Meta Improves
Clash Meta addresses all of these concerns and adds proactive security features:
- ✅ Regular security patches and CVE responses
- ✅ Reality transport — cryptographically secure against active probing attacks
- ✅ Improved TLS certificate validation
- ✅ Verifiable open-source builds with reproducible compilation
- ✅ No bundled browser runtime with its own attack surface
VPN07: Built for Clash Meta
Optimized subscriptions for Clash Verge Rev and all Clash Meta clients
VPN07's Clash subscription is fully optimized for Clash Meta — including VLESS+Reality nodes, Hysteria2 support, and pre-configured proxy groups with intelligent load balancing. With 70+ countries and 1000Mbps bandwidth, VPN07 is the perfect backend VPN for your upgraded Clash Meta setup.
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