In the world of YouTube modded apps and alternative clients, YouTube Vanced, ReVanced, and NewPipe are three of the most discussed names. All of them became popular because they offer features that many users want—such as fewer interruptions, background playback, and extra customization—features that are either limited or not included in the standard YouTube experience.

However, these three apps are not built for the same type of user. One focuses on legacy features and familiarity, another focuses on active development and patch-based upgrades, while the third prioritizes privacy and lightweight performance. To help you choose the right one, this guide compares them based on features, usability, performance, privacy, and long-term reliability.

---

YouTube Vanced: The Legacy Option

YouTube Vanced was once the most popular modified YouTube app. It provided a premium-like experience and changed how users viewed YouTube on Android. Features included:

• Ad-free streaming

• Background playback

• Picture-in-picture mode (PiP)

• Dark themes (including true black mode)

• SponsorBlock integration (skip sponsored segments)

• Swipe controls for brightness and volume

• Built-in customization settings

The Main Problem With Vanced

The biggest issue today is that Vanced is discontinued due to legal reasons. Since it no longer receives updates, it may work temporarily for some users, but it is slowly losing compatibility as YouTube updates its systems and APIs. In simple terms: the app is frozen in time, while YouTube keeps evolving.

So if you want stability and future compatibility, Vanced is no longer the best choice.

---

ReVanced: The Modern Replacement With Active Updates

ReVanced is widely viewed as the successor to Vanced, but technically it works differently. Instead of being one pre-built app, it uses a patch-based system. That means it can modify the official YouTube app by applying selected patches based on your preference.

Why ReVanced is Popular

ReVanced includes everything people liked in Vanced, while also improving control and compatibility:

• Regular updates and active development

• No root required (root option also exists)

• Supports Google login using MicroG (for non-root users)

• Custom patches (enable only what you want)

• Compatible with Shorts and Community tab

• Strong customization features

• SponsorBlock support (with more control)

• Better long-term stability compared to outdated apps

If you want a modern, feature-rich setup and the closest experience to a premium YouTube app, ReVanced is usually the first recommendation.

---

NewPipe: Lightweight and Privacy Focused

NewPipe is not the same kind of app as the other two. It is an open-source YouTube client that does not use Google services. That means it’s a better choice for people who want to reduce tracking and use YouTube more privately.

Key Strengths of NewPipe

• No Google account needed

• Open-source and privacy friendly

• Lightweight and fast even on weak phones

• Supports background playback and pop-up mode

• Can download videos and audio

• Supports multiple platforms (like SoundCloud and PeerTube)

Limitations to Know

NewPipe is missing several YouTube-native features, such as:

• No Google account sync

• Limited comments interaction

• Subscriptions don’t sync automatically like a normal account

• Some features can feel “basic” compared to modded YouTube apps

• SponsorBlock may require extra setup (not as integrated as ReVanced)

So NewPipe is excellent for privacy and performance, but it’s not for users who want a fully-featured YouTube experience with login and complete UI features.

---

3 Comparisons (Detailed)

Below are three important comparisons that make it easier to decide quickly.

---

Comparison 1: Feature Comparison (Who Gives More Features?)

YouTube Vanced

Best features for its time, but no updates anymore.
Great if it still works on your device, but long-term support is weak.

ReVanced

Best overall feature set because it is actively updated and customizable.
You can enable/disable features using patches.

NewPipe

Features focus more on privacy and simplicity.
Less “premium-style” features compared to ReVanced, but more control over privacy.

Winner: ReVanced (most features + long-term updates)

---

Comparison 2: Performance Comparison (Speed, Battery, Device Load)

YouTube Vanced

• Still smooth on many devices

• But may become unstable with time due to incompatibility

ReVanced

• Performance depends on patches and device

• On most modern phones it runs smoothly

• Can feel heavier than NewPipe

NewPipe

• Lightweight and fast

• Best for low-end devices

• Lower battery usage in many cases

• No heavy Google background services

Winner: NewPipe (best lightweight performance)

---

Comparison 3: Privacy & Account Comparison (Tracking vs Convenience)

YouTube Vanced

• Requires MicroG for login

• Not privacy-first

• Similar data exposure as YouTube

ReVanced

• Login possible through MicroG (non-root)

• More customizable than Vanced

• Still basically a modified YouTube experience

NewPipe

• No Google login needed

• No Google services dependency

• Strong privacy advantage

• Great for users who don’t want tracking

Winner: NewPipe (best privacy option)

---

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose ReVanced if:

• You want the best feature set

• You want updates and future compatibility

• You like customization and premium-style features

• You want the closest replacement for Vanced

Choose NewPipe if:

• You want maximum privacy

• You don’t want Google login

• You want a lightweight app

• You have a low-end device

Choose YouTube Vanced if:

• You already have it installed and it still works

• You don’t want to change anything now

• You understand it may stop working anytime

---

Conclusion

For most users today, ReVanced is the best option because it combines modern support, full premium-style features, and strong customization. It’s the closest experience to the classic Vanced app but with ongoing development and updates.

That said, NewPipe is the best choice for privacy-first users who want a clean experience without Google dependency. And while YouTube Vanced was legendary in its time, it is now a legacy app that is gradually becoming outdated.

Choose based on what matters most to you: features, privacy, or familiarity.