clash-verge-rev/clash-verge-rev

The problem

Running a rule-based proxy on a desktop usually means editing YAML configs, restarting a core daemon, and figuring out separately how to get system traffic into it. Clash Verge Rev bundles the mihomo (Clash.Meta) core with a Tauri-based desktop UI so profile switching, rule and node editing, system proxy, and TUN mode happen from one window instead of a terminal and a text editor.

What's different

The usual path is either the original Clash for Windows-style package or a bare core plus hand-written config. This project's distinguishing points are a built-in mihomo core with the option to swap in an Alpha kernel, profile management with Merge and Script enhancement files plus YAML syntax hints, and a visual editor for nodes and rules. It also keeps config and logs local and offers WebDAV backup/sync, which most minimal GUI wrappers leave out. The trade-off is that it is a management layer, not a new proxy engine: its behaviour and limitations mostly track whatever mihomo does.

Who it's for

Desktop users on Windows, macOS 11+, or Linux (x64/arm64) who already have their own proxy subscriptions and want a friendly front end with TUN support. It suits people who care about theme customization, CSS injection, and keeping profiles in sync across machines. It is not for you if you want a server-side proxy, a zero-config VPN, or an officially supported product with a commercial support contract — and you should check local law and your provider's terms before using any proxy tool.

Cost of adoption

You download a release package for your platform; there is no store distribution mentioned, so macOS users should expect the usual unsigned-app friction. The README's install section is mostly a link to the releases page and docs, and it is thin on troubleshooting — the FAQ lives on an external docs site. Development requires Tauri prerequisites plus pnpm, and there are separate dev, service, and sidecar workflows to understand. It is GPL-3.0, which matters if you plan to fork or redistribute. The README also carries third-party promotional links for proxy and customer-service services, which says something about how the project is funded; treat those as ads, not endorsements.

Verdict

The project has been around since late 2023 and has accumulated a very large star count (about 153k) with an active fork base, so it is established rather than a flash spike. Momentum still looks healthy: it gained roughly 7,400 stars in the last month on the Rust monthly board. The main caveats are a GUI wrapper's dependency on upstream mihomo behaviour, GPL-3.0 licensing, and promotional content in the README. If you already run mihomo and want a desktop control panel, it is a reasonable default; if you need something supported commercially or legally unambiguous in your jurisdiction, look elsewhere.