How to install Firefly on Ubuntu?

Download the .deb installer or single-file version from the README's download section for Ubuntu 64-bit, then install via package manager or run the executable directly for portable use.

Firefly vs Lantern: which is better for bypassing censorship?

Firefly builds on Lantern's technology but adds multi-platform support and community chat rooms; however, Lantern might offer more mature features, so choice depends on specific needs like device compatibility or support preferences.

Is Firefly safe to use on public Wi-Fi?

It uses tun2socks for proxy routing, which can enhance security, but the README doesn't specify encryption standards, so it may not provide full VPN-level protection against all threats.

Can Firefly be used on Android without rooting?

Yes, the Android APK supports versions 4.0.3 and above without root, as listed in the download section, making it accessible for most devices.

How does Firefly compare to other VPNs like ExpressVPN?

Firefly is a free, community-driven proxy focused on bypassing censorship, while commercial VPNs often offer stronger encryption, no-logs policies, and dedicated servers, but at a cost.

How to troubleshoot connection issues in Firefly?

Join the Gitter chat rooms mentioned in the README for user support, as the community can provide tips based on shared experiences, and ensure you're using the latest version for bug fixes.

Firefly

BSD-2-ClauseGo0.9.8

A proxy software designed to circumvent internet censorship and bypass the Great Firewall.

GitHub

4.8k stars862 forks0 contributors

What is Firefly?

Firefly is a proxy software designed to help users bypass internet censorship and circumvent the Great Firewall. It provides secure connections to access restricted content and services by routing traffic through proxy servers. The tool is built to offer reliable access to the open internet in regions with heavy network restrictions.

Target Audience

Users in censored regions who need to access blocked websites and services, including journalists, researchers, and everyday internet users seeking unrestricted access.

Value Proposition

Firefly offers a free, multi-platform solution with dedicated community support, making it accessible for users across different devices without requiring technical expertise. It builds upon proven technologies like Lantern and tun2socks to provide a stable circumvention tool.

Overview

A proxy software to help circumventing the Great Firewall.

Use Cases

Best For

Bypassing geo-restrictions on websites and streaming services
Accessing blocked social media and news platforms in censored regions

Related Projects

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

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Securing internet connections on public Wi-Fi networks

Researchers needing uncensored access to global information sources

Android and iOS users looking for lightweight circumvention apps

Windows and macOS users wanting portable proxy solutions

Not Ideal For

Users requiring high anonymity for sensitive activities, as it lacks detailed privacy policies or no-logs guarantees
Organizations needing enterprise-grade support or SLAs, since it relies on community chat rooms for assistance
Projects demanding custom proxy configurations or advanced networking features, given its focus on simplicity and ease of use
Users in jurisdictions where circumvention tools are strictly illegal, due to potential legal risks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Multi-Platform Accessibility

Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS with both installers and portable versions, as detailed in the download section, ensuring broad device compatibility.

Active Community Support

Offers dedicated Gitter chat rooms for Chinese and global users, providing real-time help and experience sharing, as highlighted in the README.

Regular Development Updates

Maintains active versioning with specific updates like android 0.1.1 and desktop 0.9.8, indicating ongoing maintenance and reliability.

VPN Integration

Uses tun2socks to route traffic through secure proxy connections, enhancing bypass capabilities as mentioned in the credits and features.

Cons

Limited Advanced Features

The README lacks details on encryption, logging, or advanced settings, suggesting it's designed for basic use rather than customizable or secure deployments.

Language and Regional Focus

Primarily targets Chinese users with Chinese sections in the README, potentially limiting documentation and support for non-Chinese speakers.

Dependency on External Projects

Credits lantern and tun2socks, making it reliant on third-party technologies that could introduce stability or security risks if those projects change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Home

Tor

trojan

An unidentifiable mechanism that helps you bypass GFW.

Stars19,681

Forks3,041

Last commit1 year ago

Lantern

Open-source VPN for speed, privacy, and censorship circumvention. Free to download on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Make a fortune quietly

Stars8,451

Forks985

Last commit2 days ago

MTProxy

MTProxy is a lightweight proxy server implementing Telegram's MTProto protocol, designed to bypass internet censorship and allow users in restricted regions to connect to Telegram. It acts as an intermediary between Telegram clients and servers, encrypting traffic to avoid detection by network filters. ## Key Features - **Censorship Circumvention** — Routes Telegram traffic through a proxy to bypass regional blocks and network restrictions. - **MTProto Protocol Support** — Implements Telegram's native MTProto protocol for secure and efficient communication. - **Random Packet Padding** — Adds random padding to packets to evade ISP detection based on packet size analysis. - **Multi-Secret Support** — Allows configuration of multiple secrets for different user groups or access control. - **Statistics Monitoring** — Provides a local port for accessing proxy statistics and performance metrics. - **Systemd Integration** — Includes example configuration for running as a managed service on Linux systems. ## Philosophy MTProxy focuses on simplicity and reliability, providing a minimal, self-contained proxy solution that is easy to deploy and maintain while effectively bypassing censorship mechanisms.

Stars6,712

Forks1,094

Last commit5 months ago