Free alternatives to Surge
5 free programs that can replace Surge, each pairing checked by Radar's AI reviewer or by Radar.
Surge is a paid network utility for Apple devices that lets people control how their traffic is routed, with rules per app or address, proxy support and tools for inspecting connections. Developers, testers and advanced users run it on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Before switching, check platform support first. Some tools in the list below were built for Windows or Android, so confirm that a version exists for your device. Then write down your current setup: rules, proxy groups, DNS settings, scripts and any rewrite or capture features. Each tool has its own configuration format, and some of these features may be missing or work differently. Look at how profiles are stored and updated, and whether you can import from your current one. Test with the apps you care about, keep a backup of your working configuration, and make sure that the way you route traffic is allowed on your network.
The list below shows the other options.
| Program | Ease | You need | Risk signals | Stars | Downloads this week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clash Verge RevSends your internet traffic through proxy servers you supply, with rules deciding which sites go which way. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 3 | 155,367+1,274 in 5 days | 1,677,217 |
| v2rayNA desktop app that sends your internet traffic through proxy servers you add, on Windows, Linux or macOS. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 2 | 119,653+484 in 5 days | 416,602 |
| v2rayNGAn Android app that sends your phone's internet traffic through a proxy server you supply, to reach blocked sites. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step | Nothing extra | Attention · 2 | 65,078+336 in 5 days | 296,901 |
| Shadowsocks for WindowsA small Windows tray app that sends your internet traffic through a Shadowsocks proxy server to get around network blocks. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | .NET, Other tools | Attention · 3 | 59,506— | 21,192 |
| XrayThe engine inside many proxy and VPN apps: a command-line program that routes your traffic through a server you run. | Ease Dterminal, several tools or a specific graphics card · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 2 | 42,525+178 in 5 days | 428,079 |
Frequently asked questions
Which free alternative to Surge is the easiest to install?
Clash Verge Rev has the highest ease rating among the 5 options: B (installer plus one simple step · Windows).
Is there a free alternative to Surge for Windows, Mac and Linux?
Windows: Clash Verge Rev, v2rayN, Shadowsocks for Windows, Xray. macOS: Clash Verge Rev, v2rayN, Xray. Linux: Clash Verge Rev, v2rayN, Xray.
Are the alternatives to Surge really free?
4 of the 5 are completely free; 1 depends on a paid service or key for some features.
How can I tell whether an alternative is trustworthy?
Each card shows the risk signals found, with the evidence. 0 of the 5 have no signal rated attention or high. See also the guide How to find a GitHub project's official repository and avoid fake copies.