ClashX vs ClashX Pro: Complete macOS Comparison (2025)

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Quick Summary

ClashX and ClashX Pro are both free and open-source macOS proxy tools. The main difference is that Pro version offers enhanced TUN mode and more advanced network features. For most users, ClashX (standard version) is sufficient; if you need TUN mode for global proxy or finer network control, choose ClashX Pro.

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Recommendation:

ClashX (Standard): Suitable for daily use, web browsing, development debugging
ClashX Pro: Suitable for global proxy needs, command-line tools, gaming acceleration

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Core Differences

Feature	ClashX	ClashX Pro
Basic Proxy	✅	✅
HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5	✅	✅
Rule Mode	✅	✅
Dashboard Visualization	✅	✅
Enhanced TUN Mode 🌟	❌	✅
True Global Proxy 🌟	❌	✅
CLI Tool Proxy 🌟	Partial Support	✅ Full Support
Open Source & Free	✅	✅
Resource Usage	Lower	Slightly Higher
Use Case	Daily Use	Advanced Needs

🌟 Features unique or enhanced in ClashX Pro

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Detailed Feature Comparison

🔷 ClashX (Standard)

✅

Basic Proxy Features

Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 protocols
Rule-based routing (direct, proxy, reject)
Node latency testing
Auto-update subscription links

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User Interface

Menu bar quick actions
Dashboard visualization panel
Real-time traffic statistics
Dark mode support

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Configuration Management

Multiple config file support
Remote config subscription
Custom rule sets
Flexible policy groups

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Proxy Scope

System proxy (browsers, some apps)
Requires app support for system proxy
CLI tools need manual configuration
Suitable for daily web browsing

🔷 ClashX Pro

✅

Includes All Standard Features

All ClashX standard features
Same interface and configuration
Fully compatible with existing configs
Also free and open source

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Enhanced TUN Mode 🌟

True global proxy
No need for app support
Proxy all network traffic
Full TCP and UDP support

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Perfect CLI Support 🌟

Terminal, iTerm2 no configuration needed
Git, Homebrew auto-proxy
Docker, npm dev tools support
No environment variables needed

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Gaming & Special Apps 🌟

Full game client proxy
Apps without system proxy support
Perfect P2P app support
Lower latency and packet loss

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Which Version Suits You?

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Choose ClashX (Standard) if you:

✅ Mainly browse web pages
✅ Use apps supporting system proxy
✅ Care about resource usage
✅ Don't need to proxy command-line tools
✅ First-time proxy user

Download ClashX →

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Choose ClashX Pro if you:

✅ Need to proxy command-line tools (git, npm, docker)
✅ Use apps that don't support system proxy
✅ Need global proxy
✅ Game acceleration
✅ Advanced user seeking more control

Download ClashX Pro →

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Tip: Both versions can be installed simultaneously, you can switch based on usage scenario. Most users are recommended to try the standard version first, then switch to Pro if encountering proxy issues with command-line tools.

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Performance & Resource Usage

Memory Usage

ClashX: ~80MB
Pro: ~120MB

CPU Usage (Idle)

ClashX: <1%
Pro: <1%

Proxy Latency

Nearly Same
Depends on node

Startup Speed

ClashX: Fast
Pro: Slightly Slower

Summary: ClashX Pro has slightly higher memory usage (30-50MB) due to TUN mode, but this difference is negligible for modern Macs. Proxy performance and latency are nearly identical.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is ClashX Pro a paid version?

A: No! ClashX Pro is completely free and open source like ClashX, with zero ads and zero fees. "Pro" just indicates it provides enhanced TUN mode and professional features.

Q2: Can I install both versions?

A: Yes! Both versions can coexist, but only one can run at a time. They share config files, making switching very convenient.

Q3: Already using ClashX, how to switch to Pro?

A: Simply download and install ClashX Pro, config files will sync automatically. Your previous subscriptions and rules will be preserved, no reconfiguration needed.

Q4: What is TUN mode? Why do I need it?

A: TUN mode takes over all traffic at the network layer, achieving true global proxy. If you use Terminal, Docker, Git, or gaming, TUN mode lets these apps automatically use proxy without manual environment variable configuration.

Q5: Does Pro version consume more battery?

A: Very little difference. In daily use, battery consumption is nearly identical. Only during heavy data transfer might Pro version slightly increase power usage due to TUN mode processing, but the difference is less than 1-2%.

Q6: Which to choose for macOS Sequoia (15.0+)?

A: Both versions perfectly support the latest macOS. If you use the latest system and need a development environment, we recommend going straight to ClashX Pro.

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Quick Selection Process

Are you a software developer? Or need to use command-line tools?

Yes ✅

→ ClashX Pro

Global proxy, perfect dev tool support

No ❌

→ ClashX

Lightweight and fast, meets daily needs

💡 Not sure? Try ClashX first, you can always switch to Pro later

ClashX vs ClashX Pro