Apps Connect vs XCTL
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- One-click connection
- Supports multiple proxy protocols
- Lighter and simpler interface
- Customizable themes
- Faster connection speeds
- Secure kernel
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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
XCTL
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Apps Connect ships an update monthly, XCTL every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Apps Connect | XCTL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (130 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 60.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 130 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | #15 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 148 MB | 32 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | CITY OF THE SKY NETWORK | SmartBuildGo Inc |
In-app purchases
Apps Connect
No in-app purchases
XCTL
No in-app purchases









