sing-box

🌟 sing-box is an emerging cross-platform proxy software developed in Go, providing modern proxy solutions on iOS platform and representing an excellent example of free and open-source proxy tools.

✨ Product Features

🎯 Core Advantages

  • 🆓 Open Source & Free: Completely open source with free iOS version

  • 🚀 High Performance: Developed in Go language for excellent performance

  • 🌍 Cross-Platform: Unified configuration format for consistent multi-platform experience

  • 🔄 Continuous Updates: Active development team with rapid feature iteration

  • 🛡️ Modern: Adopts latest networking technologies and security standards

🔗 Protocol Support

Protocol Type
Support Status
Feature Description

🔒 Shadowsocks

Full version support, performance optimized

🌟 VMess (V2Ray)

Complete functionality support

⚡ VLESS

Lightweight protocol

🛡️ Trojan

TLS camouflaged traffic

🚀 Hysteria

QUIC high-speed protocol

🌊 TUIC

New QUIC-based protocol

🔐 WireGuard

Modern VPN protocol

🧦 SOCKS5

Universal proxy protocol

🛠️ Feature Highlights

Feature Module
Specific Functions
Advantages

🌐 Network Core

TUN mode, system proxy

Global traffic takeover

📡 DNS Service

Built-in DNS server

Prevent DNS leaks

🎯 Routing System

Flexible rule engine

Precise traffic splitting

📊 Traffic Monitoring

Real-time statistics and analysis

Detailed usage information

🔧 Configuration Management

JSON configuration format

Standardized configuration

🔄 Hot Reload

Dynamic configuration updates

No service restart needed

📱 System Requirements

  • Minimum Version: iOS 15.0 or higher

  • Recommended Version: iOS 16.0 and above

  • Compatible Devices: iPhone / iPad

  • Storage Requirement: About 100MB available space

  • Memory Requirement: 3GB RAM or above recommended


📥 Download & Installation

🏪 App Store Information

🎉 Great News

  • sing-box iOS version is completely free

  • Not available in China mainland App Store

  • Requires non-China mainland Apple ID

  • Excellent value compared to other paid apps

💰 Price Comparison

App
Price
Open Source
Feature Completeness

sing-box

Free

✅ Open Source

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shadowrocket

$2.99

❌ Closed Source

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Quantumult X

$7.99

❌ Closed Source

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surge

$49.99

❌ Closed Source

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🆚 Advantage Comparison

Comparison with other clients:

Feature Comparison
sing-box
Shadowrocket
Quantumult X

🏷️ Price

Free

$2.99

$7.99

🔓 Open Source

🚀 Performance

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚 Ease of Use

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

🔧 Functionality

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔄 Update Frequency

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐


⚠️ Usage Notes

🆓 Free Software Advantages

🎉 Important Notice

  • sing-box iOS version is completely free

  • Based on open source project with transparent and auditable code

  • No need to worry about payment and subscription issues

  • Continuous feature updates with community-driven development

🎯 Target Users

📋 Recommended Users

  • Budget-Conscious: Want free but powerful tools

  • Tech Enthusiasts: Love open source software and follow technology development

  • Privacy-Focused: Prefer transparent and auditable code

  • Performance Seekers: Need high-performance proxy solutions

📚 Technical Support Scope

📋 Service Description

  • Basic Configuration: Configuration import and connection tutorials provided

  • Common Issues: Basic usage questions answered

  • Advanced Configuration: Complex routing and rule configuration not provided

  • JSON Editing: Manual configuration file editing guidance not provided

  • 💡 Learning Resources: Recommend official documentation and community support


🚀 Usage Tutorial

📋 Prerequisites

Before starting, please ensure:

  • ✅ sing-box downloaded and installed from App Store

  • ✅ Valid proxy service configuration available

  • ✅ Basic understanding of JSON configuration format

  • ✅ Device network connection is normal

🛠️ Basic Configuration

🔗 Configuration Import Process

Step 1: Launch Application

Open sing-box and enter the main interface:

Application Main Interface

💡 First launch will require permission setup, please follow the prompts

Step 2: Add Configuration

Click the "+" button to add new configuration:

Add Configuration

Step 3: Import Method

Choose configuration import method (URL, file, or manual):

Import Method

Step 4: Configuration Details

Enter configuration information and save:

Configuration Details

Step 5: Enable Connection

Select configuration and start proxy service:

Enable Connection

🎛️ Advanced Features

🌐 TUN Mode

  • Global Proxy: System-level traffic interception

  • DNS Hijacking: Built-in DNS server prevents leaks

  • Route Table: Custom routing rules for precise control

📊 Traffic Monitoring

  • Real-time Statistics: Live traffic speed and usage monitoring

  • Connection Details: View active connections and protocols

  • Historical Data: Traffic usage history and analytics

🔧 Configuration Management

  • JSON Format: Standard configuration file format

  • Hot Reload: Dynamic configuration updates without restart

  • Profile Switching: Quick switching between multiple configurations


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔧 Configuration Issues

Q: Configuration import failed?

A: Troubleshooting steps:

  • Verify configuration file format is correct JSON

  • Check network connectivity for URL imports

  • Ensure proxy server information is accurate

  • Try manual configuration entry

Q: Connection established but no internet access?

A: Common solutions:

  • Check TUN permission is granted

  • Verify DNS settings are correct

  • Test with different proxy nodes

  • Review routing rules configuration

📱 Performance Issues

Q: High battery consumption?

A: Optimization tips:

  • Disable unnecessary routing rules

  • Use direct connection for local traffic

  • Reduce logging verbosity

  • Close unused features

Q: Slow connection speeds?

A: Performance optimization:

  • Select geographically closer servers

  • Use appropriate encryption methods

  • Check local network quality

  • Optimize routing configuration


📚 Official Resources

🌟 Community Resources

🛠️ Tools & Utilities


💡 Usage Tips

⚡ Performance Optimization

  1. Efficient Routing: Use precise rules to minimize unnecessary processing

  2. DNS Configuration: Use reliable DNS servers for better resolution

  3. Regular Updates: Keep both app and configurations up to date

🛡️ Security Best Practices

  1. Configuration Security: Only use trusted configuration sources

  2. Privacy Protection: Review and understand what data is processed

  3. Update Vigilance: Keep software updated for latest security patches


🎯 Summary & Evaluation

✅ Advantages

  • 🆓 Completely Free: No cost barrier for high-quality proxy tool

  • 🔓 Open Source: Transparent code for security and trust

  • 🚀 High Performance: Go language provides excellent speed and efficiency

  • 🔄 Active Development: Regular updates and feature improvements

❌ Considerations

  • 📚 Learning Curve: JSON configuration may be challenging for beginners

  • 🎨 Interface Simplicity: Less polished UI compared to paid alternatives

  • 📖 Documentation: Community-driven support may vary in quality

  • 🔧 Advanced Features: Some enterprise features may be limited

  • 🆓 Budget Users: Those seeking free but powerful proxy solutions

  • 🔓 Open Source Advocates: Users who prefer transparent and auditable software

  • 🚀 Performance Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize speed and efficiency

  • 🌍 Cross-Platform Users: Those using multiple operating systems


📅 Last Updated: July 10, 2025 | 📦 Applicable Version: sing-box for iOS 1.8.0

Last updated