Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use Hysteria: setup, modes and what to expect

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Hysteria is open-source proxy software that routes your internet traffic through a server you control, so you can reach sites or services that are blocked or unreliable on your network. This guide explains what Hysteria does, which modes it offers, how to get the source code, and where it is and isn't a good fit. By the end you will know whether you need to run your own server and client, and what the setup involves.

HysteriaHyNetworks/hysteria · ★ 22.8k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Read the official docs. Open the project homepage to find the current setup guide for your platform.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/HyNetworks/hysteria to get the source code.
  3. 3Choose a mode. Decide between SOCKS5, HTTP Proxy, TCP/UDP Forwarding, Linux TProxy or TUN based on the apps you need to route.
  4. 4Set up a server you control. Hysteria routes traffic through your own server, so you need one running before a client can connect.
  5. 5Configure authentication. If you run a server for others, use the custom authentication and access control options described in the README.
  6. 6Test your connection. Confirm that your chosen application reaches the destination through the proxy before relying on it.

What does Hysteria do?

Hysteria sends your traffic through a proxy server that you run yourself. Your device connects to that server, and the server forwards requests to the destination. The README describes it as a proxy built on a customized QUIC protocol, which it says is designed for unreliable and lossy connections.

The README also says the protocol masquerades as standard HTTP/3 traffic. It does not claim this guarantees a bypass of all censorship, and detection is not described as impossible.

  • Routes traffic through a server you control
  • Built on a customized QUIC protocol aimed at lossy networks
  • Traffic is described as masquerading as standard HTTP/3

Which modes does Hysteria support?

The README lists several modes: SOCKS5, HTTP Proxy, TCP/UDP Forwarding, Linux TProxy and TUN. Each mode determines how your applications hand traffic to Hysteria. Pick the one that matches the app or system you want to route.

  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP Proxy
  • TCP/UDP Forwarding
  • Linux TProxy
  • TUN

How do you get the Hysteria source code?

The README's install command clones the repository with git. Hysteria is distributed as download-app style software, and the README notes builds for major platforms and architectures. Check the project's official documentation at the homepage for the current setup steps for your platform.

Clone the repository with the command below. The project is licensed under MIT and written in Go.

git clone https://github.com/HyNetworks/hysteria

What does the server side need for operators?

The README says Hysteria supports custom authentication, traffic statistics and access control, which operators can use to integrate it into their infrastructure. Running a server means you are responsible for hosting it and for the configuration files that control it.

Read the official documentation for configuration details. This directory page does not list the exact file names or options, so confirm them there before you deploy.

  • Custom authentication
  • Traffic statistics
  • Access control

Who should and shouldn't use Hysteria?

Hysteria suits people on networks with heavy packet loss who want a faster proxy connection, and developers who want to build their own client apps from the published specifications. It is not a managed VPN: you must run your own server and client.

Beginners who are not comfortable editing configuration files or using a terminal will find it hard going. If you need a no-setup service, choose a managed VPN instead.

  • Good fit: heavy packet loss, SOCKS5 or HTTP proxy needs, self-hosted operators, app developers
  • Poor fit: people wanting a fully managed VPN, guaranteed censorship bypass, or no terminal use

How does Hysteria compare with similar projects?

Projects often compared with Hysteria include Xray-core, sing-box, V2Ray and Shadowsocks. This guide does not benchmark them, and the source gives no performance comparison. Compare features, supported modes and your own network conditions before choosing.

What people use it for

  • Reaching blocked or unreliable websites from a network with heavy packet loss
  • Running a SOCKS5 or HTTP proxy for local applications
  • Operating a proxy server with custom authentication and traffic statistics
  • Building a custom client app using the published Hysteria specifications

Frequently asked questions

Is Hysteria free?

Hysteria is released under the MIT licence, which the project lists on its repository. The licence is free and open source. You still need your own server to run it.

What are the requirements for Hysteria?

The source does not list prerequisites. You will need a server you control and a client that can run the modes you want. Check the official documentation for platform details.

Does Hysteria guarantee it bypasses censorship?

No. The README makes no guarantee of bypassing all censorship, and it does not describe detection as impossible. It says the traffic masquerades as HTTP/3, which makes blocking harder.

What is the difference between SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy mode in Hysteria?

Both are listed as supported modes in the README. Each determines how your applications send traffic to Hysteria. Choose the one your application supports.

What are alternatives to Hysteria?

Comparable projects named in the directory are Xray-core, sing-box, V2Ray and Shadowsocks. Each has its own feature set, so compare supported modes and setup effort.

Why won't Hysteria connect on my network?

The source does not include a troubleshooting section. Check that your server is running, that your client settings match it, and consult the official documentation and the project's discussions page for help.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

Hysteria suits technically comfortable users on lossy networks, operators who want a self-hosted proxy with authentication and statistics, and developers building clients. If you want a managed VPN with no configuration or a guaranteed bypass, pick a different tool.

Install options & downloads