Comparison

PaperPhoneLite vs Clash Meta

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

Head to head
About

PaperPhoneLite

Features
Read full description

PaperPhoneLite is a lightweight private messaging client designed for communicating through compatible PaperPhoneLite servers. It supports one-to-one conversations and group chats, with end-to-end encryption for message content and built-in Tor connectivity for accessing supported onion services. • Send and receive text, images, videos, voice messages, files, emojis, and stickers • Create private conversations and encrypted group chats • Add and manage contacts and groups • Download attachments and save or forward them using the iOS share sheet • Share files and photos from other iOS apps to PaperPhoneLite contacts • Synchronize conversations and access locally cached messages when offline • Configure disappearing messages and clear locally cached content • Verify encrypted conversations by comparing safety numbers • Add an optional shared message password as an additional layer of protection • Protect your account with TOTP two-factor authentication and recovery codes • Review and manage signed-in device sessions • Add and switch between compatible PaperPhoneLite servers • Use the interface in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Russian, or Spanish

About

Clash Meta

This VPN client allows you to connect to your own servers using imported configurations. It offers rule-based split tunneling, multiple protocol support, and easy connection management. Your traffic is securely routed through an encrypted tunnel without the app collecting any data.

Highlights
  • Import configurations from URL, file, or QR code
  • One-switch connect/disconnect
  • Rule-based split tunneling
  • Multiple protocol support (VLESS, VMess, WireGuard, etc.)
  • Server latency testing
  • Custom DNS settings
  • iCloud settings backup
Features
Read full description

Clash Meta is a VPN client for iPhone and iPad. It connects to the servers in a configuration you import from your own provider or network administrator, and sends your traffic to them through an encrypted VPN tunnel built with Apple's Network Extension framework. Clash Meta does not sell, operate or include any servers. You need your own configuration (a Clash / mihomo YAML file or subscription URL) to connect. Features • Import a configuration from a URL, file, clipboard or QR code • Connect and disconnect with one switch, in the app or from a Home Screen widget • Rule-based split tunneling: choose which traffic goes through your servers and which goes direct • Rule, Global and Direct modes • Choose a server and test its latency • Protocols: VLESS, VMess, Trojan, Shadowsocks, Hysteria2, TUIC, WireGuard and more • Custom DNS settings • Back up your settings to iCloud, Files or WebDAV Privacy Clash Meta has no account and does not collect any data. Your configuration stays on your device, and your traffic only goes to the servers you configure.

Screenshots

PaperPhoneLite3 screens
Clash Meta4 screens

Verdict

The call

PaperPhoneLite and Clash Meta are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

PaperPhoneLite ships an update every 5 days, Clash Meta weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
PaperPhoneLite versus Clash Meta: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPaperPhoneLiteClash Meta
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB97 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer易捷 刘Novexura LLC

In-app purchases

None

PaperPhoneLite

No in-app purchases

None

Clash Meta

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PaperPhoneLite free?
PaperPhoneLite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Clash Meta free?
Clash Meta is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PaperPhoneLite or Clash Meta have ads?
Neither PaperPhoneLite nor Clash Meta shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PaperPhoneLite or Clash Meta?
PaperPhoneLite ships an update every 5 days, and Clash Meta weekly. Most recently, PaperPhoneLite was updated on November 6, 2026 and Clash Meta on November 10, 2026.

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