Colitu VPN
Protocols

VPN app with VLESS Reality and Hysteria2 built in

Why generic clients need you to bring your own server, what an app with built-in VLESS Reality and Hysteria2 servers changes, and how to set one up in a minute.

Written by: COLITU LIMITEDPublished: 3 min read

VLESS Reality and Hysteria2 are the protocols people turn to when WireGuard and OpenVPN stop working on their network. Most apps that speak them are generic clients, though: they connect well, but only to a server you bring yourself.

What is the difference between a client and a VPN service?

Clients such as v2rayNG, NekoBox, Hiddify or Shadowrocket are tools. You give them a configuration (a vless:// link or a subscription URL) and they connect to that server. Someone still has to rent the server, install Xray or Hysteria on it, keep certificates and keys up to date and replace the address when it is blocked.

A VPN service ships the app and the servers together. You sign in, and the app receives its configuration from the service. When a server or protocol changes, the app is updated without you editing anything.

Do I need my own server for VLESS Reality?

Not with an app that has servers built in. With a generic client you need a VPS, a domain or a Reality target, Xray-core and some maintenance. That is a good option if you want full control. If you just want the connection to work, a service that runs the servers is simpler.

Why use VLESS Reality or Hysteria2 instead of WireGuard?

WireGuard and OpenVPN are fast and well audited, but their packets are easy to recognise, so networks that filter VPNs block them first.

  • VLESS Reality looks like an ordinary TLS 1.3 connection to a well-known website. There is no certificate of our own for a filter to spot.
  • Hysteria2 runs over QUIC (UDP) and stays fast on lossy mobile and long-distance links.

VLESS vs Shadowsocks and Hysteria2 vs WireGuard compare them in detail.

Which protocol should I pick?

Usually none: let the app decide. Colitu's Adaptive Connect tries the protocol that last worked on your current network first. If it is blocked or slow, the app moves on in the background to Hysteria2, VLESS Reality, VLESS XHTTP, Trojan or Shadowsocks 2022. You can still pin one protocol in the settings.

How do I set up Colitu?

  1. Download the app for your device from the download page: Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux or the browser extension.
  2. Create an account with your e-mail address. The free plan needs no card.
  3. Tap Connect. The app picks a server and a protocol.

There are no vless:// links to copy and no subscription to import. If you also use a generic client, you can keep it for your own servers; the two do not conflict as long as only one VPN runs at a time.

Can I export Colitu's servers to another client?

The account area has a manual configuration page for compatible clients. The Colitu apps are still recommended, because they switch protocols automatically and include the kill switch, split tunnelling and Colitu Shield.