Comparison

Apps Connect vs XCTL

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Apps Connect

This app provides a one-click connection to various proxy protocols like Shadowsocks, Vmess, and Trojan. It offers a lighter, simpler interface with custom themes and aims for faster, more secure connections.

Highlights
  • One-click connection
  • Supports multiple proxy protocols
  • Lighter and simpler interface
  • Customizable themes
  • Faster connection speeds
  • Secure kernel
Features
Read full description

One Click Connection v2board / SSPANEL / Xboard Support Shadowsocks ShadowsocksR Vmess Vless Trojan Hysteria Socks Hysteria2 AnyTLS Multiple protocols - Lighter to use - Simpler interface - A brand new Glassmorphism / GradientCard style - Custom theme Colors - Faster connection speeds - Better Interaction - A more secure kernel - TUN protocol stack switching - chained proxy - rule/rule set settings - rule resource management - proxy sharing - Based on mihomo

About

XCTL

Features
Read full description

XCTL is the official mobile console for operators who manage their own XCTL deployment. Instead of opening a desktop browser, you can run day-to-day operations and monitoring from your iPhone or iPad. WHO IT’S FOR • Platform administrators with an existing XCTL instance • Teams that need on-the-go visibility into hosts, nodes, and sync jobs • Tenant admins managing users, groups, and business configuration This app is an administration tool only. It does not provide proxy or VPN client functionality. You must have a reachable XCTL console URL and a valid administrator account. OVERVIEW & MONITORING • Dashboard with live platform and host health metrics • Traffic and bandwidth charts to track resource usage over time • Quick visibility into online status, heartbeats, and recent activity NETWORK MANAGEMENT • Logical nodes: create, edit, and bind hosts • Node groups for organizing your infrastructure • Protocol templates and protocol catalog • Config sync queue to track pending and completed pushes HOST OPERATIONS • Server list with status, heartbeat, and connectivity monitoring • Guided provisioning: SSH pre-check, remote install, and configuration • Host groups for batch organization • SSH credentials and certificate management • Online Client upgrades and remote maintenance actions BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Tenants, users, and user groups • Role-based access so each account sees only permitted modules SYSTEM & SECURITY • Audit logs and system events • Platform settings and personal account management • Connect via QR scan or manual URL entry • Switch between multiple saved console endpoints • Light and dark appearance, with system-wide or manual theme • English and Simplified Chinese interface PRIVACY & SECURITY Sign-in credentials are stored in the system secure enclave (Keychain). App preferences remain on your device. The app does not collect personal data unrelated to your Master connection. REQUIREMENTS • A self-hosted or privately operated XCTL Master console • Network access to your Master endpoint • Administrator credentials issued by your platform SUPPORT Official website: https://xctl.cc For account or deployment questions, contact your platform administrator or visit the website above.

Screenshots

Apps Connect4 screens
XCTL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: Apps Connect at #15 against XCTL's unranked. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Apps Connect ships an update monthly, XCTL every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 10 level
Apps Connect versus XCTL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApps ConnectXCTL
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (130 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews60.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings130 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#15 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size148 MB32 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperCITY OF THE SKY NETWORKSmartBuildGo Inc

In-app purchases

None

Apps Connect

No in-app purchases

None

XCTL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Apps Connect free?
Apps Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is XCTL free?
XCTL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Apps Connect or XCTL have ads?
Neither Apps Connect nor XCTL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Apps Connect or XCTL?
Apps Connect ships an update monthly, and XCTL every 2 months. Most recently, Apps Connect was updated on September 29, 2026 and XCTL on September 18, 2026.

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