Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

XX-Net VS Shadowsocks

Compare XX-Net VS Shadowsocks and see what are their differences

XX-Net logo XX-Net

XX-Net is GoAgent with improvements.

Shadowsocks logo Shadowsocks

A fast tunnel proxy that helps you bypass firewalls
  • XX-Net Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21
  • Shadowsocks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-24

XX-Net features and specs

  • Bypass Censorship
    XX-Net enables users to circumvent internet censorship by routing web traffic through encrypted tunnels, accessing restricted sites and content.
  • Free and Open Source
    Being an open-source tool, XX-Net allows users to freely download, use, and modify its code, promoting transparency and community contributions.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The tool is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.
  • Automatic Operation
    XX-Net can automatically switch between available proxies and manage network connections without requiring significant user intervention.

Possible disadvantages of XX-Net

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of XX-Net can be complex and challenging, especially for users without technical expertise.
  • Potential Security Risks
    As an open-source project, there is a risk of vulnerabilities being exploited if the software is not regularly updated or properly secured.
  • Limited Support
    Unlike commercial VPN services, XX-Net may have limited official support, relying mainly on community assistance, which might not be comprehensive.
  • Variable Performance
    The performance of XX-Net can vary based on server availability and network conditions, potentially leading to slow connection speeds at times.

Shadowsocks features and specs

  • Enhanced Privacy
    Shadowsocks encrypts internet traffic, making it difficult for ISPs and other entities to monitor online activities.
  • Bypassing Censorship
    Shadowsocks is effective at bypassing internet censorship, allowing users to access restricted content.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, Shadowsocks is transparent and can be audited by anyone for security vulnerabilities or backdoors.
  • Lightweight and Fast
    The protocol is designed to be lightweight, ensuring faster connection speeds and minimal overhead.
  • Customizable
    Shadowsocks supports various encryption methods, allowing users to choose the level of security they need.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Shadowsocks is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Possible disadvantages of Shadowsocks

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Shadowsocks requires some technical knowledge, which may not be user-friendly for non-technical users.
  • Legal Issues
    In some countries, using Shadowsocks may be considered illegal due to strict internet censorship laws.
  • Not a Comprehensive VPN
    Unlike traditional VPNs, Shadowsocks is primarily a proxy and may not offer additional features such as IP masking or DNS leak protection.
  • Server Dependence
    The effectiveness of Shadowsocks depends on the reliability of the server being used, which may vary.
  • Potential Blockage
    Advanced firewalls and censorship tools can potentially detect and block Shadowsocks traffic.
  • Encryption Weaker Than Some VPNs
    While Shadowsocks offers encryption, it may not be as robust as some of the more secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.

Analysis of Shadowsocks

Overall verdict

  • Shadowsocks is considered a good tool for individuals looking to circumvent censorship and protect their online activities. Its lightweight and fast performance make it a preferable choice for many users who require access to restricted content or secure browsing.

Why this product is good

  • Shadowsocks is a secure socks5 proxy that is designed to protect your internet traffic and bypass internet censorship. It is particularly popular due to its open-source nature, speed, and efficiency in bypassing firewalls. Unlike traditional VPNs, Shadowsocks focuses on providing a secure connection for specific applications rather than redirecting all traffic through a proxy.

Recommended for

    Shadowsocks is highly recommended for tech-savvy users who are comfortable with configuring proxies, individuals living in regions with heavy internet restrictions, and people looking for a more lightweight alternative to VPNs for secure and selective internet access.

XX-Net videos

介绍几款Android上的科学上网APP:Shadowsocks, Xndroid, XX-net, Proxydroid, VPN hotspot

Shadowsocks videos

shadowsocks-libev 开机自启动、多用户配置和BBR加速

More videos:

  • Review - 最新官方原版Shadowsocks服务器搭建和客户端在Windows、Android以及MacOS上的使用

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to XX-Net and Shadowsocks)
VPN
17 17%
83% 83
Cloud VPN
18 18%
82% 82
Security & Privacy
19 19%
81% 81
Security
15 15%
85% 85

User comments

Share your experience with using XX-Net and Shadowsocks. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Shadowsocks seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

XX-Net mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of XX-Net yet. Tracking of XX-Net recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Shadowsocks mentions (10)

  • Proton announces release of a new VPN protocol, "Stealth"
    Is there a good comparison of "undetectable" VPN protocols? Wireguard[0], Shadowsocks[1], VLess[2], VMess[3], Trojan[4], etc. All of them seemed to work for me during my recent trip to China. [0] The article says Wireguard is easy to block, but in my experience GFW lets it through. [1] https://shadowsocks.org [2] https://xtls.github.io/en/development/protocols/vless.html [3]... - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Wireguard blocked
    Maybe with https://shadowsocks.org/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • proton vpn in china
    I am also in China right now and sorry to say that ProtonVPN hasn't worked at all for me.I downloaded four different VPN apps before departing from Europe and only Mullvad had worked since they implement a Shadowsocks bridge on some connections. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How to secure internet on an open Wi-Fi?
    If the changing por trick work you can try shadowsocks or v2ray. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Staying Safe Online - A Resource Collection For Protesters and Activists
    Fellow sub member /u/zenzebeat reports that https://shadowsocks.org/ still works fine albeit slow. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing XX-Net and Shadowsocks, you can also consider the following products

GoAgent - GoAgent is a gae proxy forked from gappproxy/wallproxy.

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

V2Ray - A platform for building proxies to bypass network restrictions.

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Freegate - Freegate is an anti-censorship software for secure and fast Internet access.

Mullvad - Mullvad is a Swedish virtual private network (VPN) provider.