Project V laid the foundation for V2Ray. V2Fly continues its community maintenance, while Xray has developed along a separate core path from the shared foundation. The client provides the interface; the core runs the configuration.
Shared origins do not mean full compatibility
V2Ray brings inbound and outbound connections, routing and transport together in one configuration system. Graphical clients turn these configurations into menus you can use. V2Fly and Xray retain many of the same concepts, so documentation often uses familiar field names and outbound tags. A shared foundation helps explain the configuration, but does not mean every parameter can be copied directly between cores.
When choosing a core, start with the protocol and transport combination provided by the server, then check whether the client can preserve all required fields. A feature supported by one core may use a different name, default value or implementation in another. See the protocol reference for scenario-based details on REALITY, transport options and subscription compatibility.
Three clients, each a different configuration entry point
v2rayN targets desktop systems and manages subscription groups, routing and system proxy settings, with configuration workflows for different cores. v2rayNG targets Android, uses the Xray core and connects app traffic through the system VPN interface. v2flyNG also targets Android and offers the V2Fly core as an alternative. Choose based on your operating system and protocol requirements, not just the product name.
All three clients are available as open-source projects. Clients, cores and bundled components may use different open-source licenses; review each license before using, redistributing or modifying them. Open source describes how code and licensing are made available; it does not replace everyday checks of download sources, configuration content or system permissions.
Subscriptions, clients and rules update separately
Updating a subscription usually changes available profiles and related parameters; it does not upgrade the client. A client update may change the interface, fix import issues or update core integration. Updating rule resources affects domain and address categories. Track these separately so you can identify which update changed connection behavior.
For long-term use, keep a verified configuration baseline. After an update, check subscription profiles, the selected profile and routing mode, then review the startup logs. If you need to roll back, restore the layer you just changed first. Treating “update subscription” as a universal fix is unlikely to resolve port conflicts, permission restrictions or app access issues.
V2Ray Navigator organizes downloads and setup steps
V2Ray Navigator organizes download links, setup guides and protocol background for three clients. It is an independent navigation and reference site, not the official website of these clients. The guides focus on common graphical workflows; check installation requirements, menu names and available features against the client you use.
No single protocol choice suits every device. VMess, VLESS, Trojan and Shadowsocks use different parameter structures; REALITY is a security-layer technology and should not be treated as a replacement at the same level as a proxy protocol. Import the exact combination provided by the server first, then consider resource use, Android background policies and maintenance costs. This usually produces a more reliable setup than choosing based on a name alone.