Reality, Hysteria2 or WireGuard: where should you start?
A practical choice based on UDP restrictions, active filtering and network quality.
The short answer
On actively filtered networks, Reality or a TLS-based fallback is usually a more realistic starting point. Where UDP is genuinely stable, Hysteria2 and TUIC can feel better for calls, games and video. WireGuard is fast and simple on more open networks, but does not provide built-in camouflage.
Why there is no permanent winner
Research from 2024 and 2025 shows that censorship systems can fingerprint OpenVPN, inspect QUIC and identify some obfuscated proxies. A protocol name is therefore not a guarantee: transport details, TLS behavior, carrier policy and time of day all matter.
GoFree uses switchable routes instead of claiming one universal best protocol. Recommendations should be updated from live measurements and real carrier feedback.
A practical test order
Iran and similarly difficult networks: Reality first, then TLS-based XHTTP, gRPC or WebSocket, followed by ShadowTLS. Try Hysteria2 or TUIC only where UDP is available.
Türkiye: WireGuard or Hysteria2 for speed, plus a TLS fallback for temporary restrictions. UAE: stability and legal compliance come first; for permitted use, WireGuard or a low-latency route may fit.
Egypt benefits from HTTPS-compatible routes and quick switching. In Afghanistan, disruption tolerance, low data use and simple setup matter more than benchmark speed.