Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a high-performance cross-platform secured socks5 proxy. It will help you surf the web privately and securely.



Shadowsocks for PC is not a traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN) but instead operates as a secure socks5 proxy. It is lightweight and offers a more flexible and faster alternative to traditional VPN services, especially in regions where internet censorship is stringent.

The software supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile tool for users seeking to maintain privacy across different devices.

Highlights

Super Fast
Bleeding edge techniques using Asynchronous I/O and Event-driven programming.

Flexible Encryption
Secured with industry level encryption algorithm. Flexible to support custom algorithms.

Mobile Ready
Optimized for mobile devices and wireless networks, without any keep-alive connections.

Cross-Platform
Available on most platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, and OpenWRT.

Open Source
Totally free and open source. A worldwide community devoted to deliver bug-free code and long-term support.

Easy Deployment
Easy deployment with pip, aur, freshports, and many other package management systems.

Key Features

SOCKS5 Proxy Protocol: It uses the SOCKS5 protocol, which provides a secure and efficient method for routing internet traffic. It is particularly useful for bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions.

Encryption Algorithms: The software supports various encryption methods, including AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20, and more, ensuring that users' data is securely transmitted over the internet.

Multi-Platform Support: Shadowsocks is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, allowing users to maintain a consistent browsing experience across devices.

Customizable Configuration: Users can customize the server settings, encryption methods, and other parameters to suit their specific needs, providing a flexible and tailored experience.

Low Latency: Unlike traditional VPNs, this program is designed to offer low latency and high-speed connections, making it ideal for users who require fast and reliable internet access.

Multiple Server Connections: Users can configure multiple servers and switch between them as needed, enhancing their ability to bypass regional restrictions and maintain a stable connection.

Open-Source: Being open-source, it allows users to audit the code for security vulnerabilities and contribute to its development, ensuring transparency and community-driven improvements.

Traffic Obfuscation: It can be configured to obfuscate traffic, making it harder for internet service providers and governments to detect and block the proxy.

User Interface

Server Configuration Panel: This section allows users to add, modify, and delete server configurations. Users can input server address, port, encryption method, and password here.

Connection Status Indicator: A simple indicator shows whether the proxy is currently active, making it easy for users to know if their connection is secure.

Quick Toggle Button: A prominent toggle button lets users quickly enable or disable the proxy, providing instant control over their internet connection.

Advanced Settings: For users who require more control, the advanced settings section offers options for traffic obfuscation, logging, and other technical configurations.

System Tray Integration: On desktop platforms, it integrates into the system tray, allowing users to manage the proxy without cluttering their desktop.

Installation and Setup

• Download: Users can download the appropriate version of Shadowsocks for their platform from the official GitHub repository or FileHorse website.
• Installation: On Windows and macOS, installation is as simple as running the downloaded executable file and following the on-screen instructions. On Linux, users can install this app via package managers like apt or yum. Mobile users can download the app from the respective app stores.
• Server Configuration: Once installed, users need to configure a server. This involves inputting the server IP address, port, encryption method, and password provided by their server provider.
• Connecting: After configuration, users can activate the proxy by toggling the connection switch. Once connected, all internet traffic will be routed through the configured server.
• Testing: Users should verify that their IP address has changed by visiting a website like whatismyip.com to ensure that the proxy is working correctly.

How to Use

Launch the Application: Open the application from the desktop or mobile device.

Choose a Server: Select the desired server from the list of configured servers. Users can add new servers or edit existing ones as needed.

Connect: Toggle the connection switch to enable the proxy. Once connected, all internet traffic will be routed through the selected server.

Browsing the Internet: With this software active, users can browse the internet as usual. The proxy will work in the background, ensuring that all traffic is encrypted and routed through the remote server.

Switching Servers: If a server becomes slow or blocked, users can easily switch to another server by selecting it from the list and reconnecting.

Disconnecting: When users no longer need the proxy, they can simply toggle the connection switch to disconnect and return to their normal internet connection.

FAQ

What is the difference between Shadowsocks and a VPN?
This program is a SOCKS5 proxy, not a VPN. While both tools can be used to bypass censorship and protect privacy, Shadowsocks is generally faster and more lightweight, making it ideal for bypassing censorship in regions with strict internet controls.

Is Shadowsocks legal to use?
The legality of using Shadowsocks depends on the country. In some regions, using proxies or VPNs to bypass government-imposed restrictions is illegal. Users should check local laws before using Shadowsocks.

Can I use Shadowsocks on multiple devices?
Yes, it supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Users can configure the same server on multiple devices.

How secure is Shadowsocks?
It offers strong encryption algorithms and supports traffic obfuscation, making it a secure option for protecting privacy. However, the level of security also depends on how it is configured and the trustworthiness of the server provider.

Does Shadowsocks affect internet speed?
This tool is designed to offer low latency and minimal impact on internet speed. However, the actual speed may vary depending on the server's location, the quality of the server, and the user's original internet connection.

Alternatives

VPN Services (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark): These services offer similar privacy and censorship bypass capabilities with a focus on ease of use and broader server networks.

Tor Browser: Tor is a free and open-source browser that routes traffic through multiple nodes to anonymize users' internet activities. It is highly secure but can be slow due to the multiple relays.

Psiphon: Psiphon is another circumvention tool that provides access to censored content.

Lantern: Lantern is a proxy service designed to bypass censorship, similar to this program.

Outline: Outline, developed by Jigsaw, it is designed for simplicity and ease of deployment but might not have the same level of customization options.

Pricing

Shadowsocks itself is FREE and open-source software, meaning there is no cost to download and use it. However, users will need access to a server to configure the proxy, which may incur costs depending on the service provider.

Self-Hosted Server: Users can set up their own server using cloud services like AWS, DigitalOcean, or Vultr, with prices starting from as low as $5 per month.

Third-Party Providers: Several third-party providers offer pre-configured app servers, with pricing varying based on the location, bandwidth, and speed.

System Requirements

• Windows: Windows 7 or later, 1GB RAM, 50MB disk space.
• macOS: macOS 10.11 or later, 1GB RAM, 50MB disk space.
• Linux: A modern Linux distribution with a 2.6 kernel or later, 1GB RAM, 50MB disk space.
• Android: Android 5.0 or later, 50MB of free storage.
• iOS: iOS 9.0 or later, 50MB of free storage.

PROS

• Lightweight and fast
• Supports multiple platforms
• Customizable encryption settings
• Open-source with community support
• Effective at bypassing censorship

CONS

• Requires manual configuration
• Not as user-friendly as traditional VPNs
• Legal risks in certain regions
• Reliant on server quality and availability
• Lacks some features found in commercial VPNs

Note: Requires .NET Framework.

Also Available: Download Shadowsocks for Mac