Guides

WireGuard, AmneziaWG, IKEv2, Hysteria2, VLESS — which protocol when

A practical map of FollowNet protocols on iOS: speed, stability, and what to use when a network fights VPNs.

May 28, 2026 8 min read

Start with Smart Connect

For most people, leave Settings → VPN Protocol on Smart. Smart Connect uses network context and can fall through Hysteria2, VLESS Reality, AmneziaWG, WireGuard, and IKEv2 when a handshake fails or egress looks dead. Switch manually when you already know what a hotel Wi‑Fi or carrier blocks.

WireGuard for everyday speed

WireGuard is the everyday pick for calm Wi‑Fi and cellular: modern crypto, low overhead, strong for browsing and streaming. If Speed Test looks healthy and the tunnel stays up, stay here instead of chasing novelty protocols.

AmneziaWG when WireGuard is blocked

Some networks detect or throttle plain WireGuard. AmneziaWG keeps a WireGuard-like experience with obfuscation. Try it when WireGuard never handshakes on one network but works on LTE.

VLESS Reality on fingerprint-heavy paths

VLESS with REALITY-style camouflage is another option when UDP-heavy tunnels stall or look Connected without usable traffic. Smart Connect may try it on DPI-shaped ISPs; you can also lock it in Settings → Protocol. Confirm with a real page load and Speed Test.

IKEv2 for flaky mobile handoffs

IKEv2 still shines when you bounce between LTE and Wi‑Fi. Not always the fastest, but often the most boringly reliable on iOS mobility. Prefer it for commuting when tunnels flap more than they fail to start — Travel profile uses IKEv2 for that reason.

Hysteria2 on lossy or hostile paths

Hysteria2 helps on lossy, congested, or hostile paths. Use it after WireGuard/AmneziaWG struggle, then confirm with Speed Test. It is a tool for hard networks — not a permanent “faster everywhere” switch.

Manual override and Network Profiles

Pin a working protocol for a known bad location, or use presets: Public Wi‑Fi (WireGuard), Travel (IKEv2), Restricted (Smart + Always). Free and Premium share the same protocol toolkit — Free has weekly traffic, Premium is unlimited. Chrome on desktop is a browser proxy, not these iOS tunnel protocols; on Mac, the FollowNet App Store app runs these same tunnels system-wide.