Quick Comparison
| Feature | YouTube Vanced | ReVanced |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Discontinued (2022) | Active community project |
| Distribution model | Pre-modified APK | Patch-based via Manager |
| Updates | No new releases | Regular patch updates |
| Android support | Depends on old builds | Depends on supported app versions |
| Root required | No (non-root version available) | No (non-root supported) |
| MicroG / GmsCore | Vanced MicroG (outdated) | GmsCore (updated) |
| SponsorBlock | Built-in | Available as patch |
| Music app | YouTube Music Vanced | ReVanced Music patches |
| Official source | No longer available | GitHub repositories |
| Safety | No security updates | Community-maintained |
Project Status
YouTube Vanced was permanently discontinued in March 2022 after the development team received legal pressure. No official updates, patches, or new versions have been released since then.
ReVanced is an active community project that continues to develop and release updates. It operates through public GitHub repositories and has an active contributor community.
App Model
This is the most important difference to understand:
- Vanced distributed a complete modified APK that users installed directly. The app was pre-configured with all modifications built in.
- ReVanced uses a Manager application that patches a base app (like YouTube) with user-selected modifications. The user downloads the base app and applies patches to create a customized version.
This means ReVanced is more flexible but requires an extra step compared to the old Vanced model.
Updates and Compatibility
Vanced stopped receiving updates in 2022, which means it cannot adapt to YouTube's evolving backend. ReVanced's patch-based model allows it to update patches independently of the base app, providing better long-term compatibility.
Features
Both projects targeted similar user needs, but the implementation differs:
- Ad blocking: Both offer ad removal, but ReVanced implements it as configurable patches
- Background playback: Available in both, with ReVanced offering it as a toggleable patch
- SponsorBlock: Both integrate SponsorBlock for skipping sponsored segments
- Theme customization: Both offer dark/AMOLED themes
- Playback controls: Both allow codec and resolution overrides
Safety and Source Trust
Since Vanced is discontinued, any APK claiming to be a new Vanced version should be treated with suspicion. ReVanced's source code is publicly available on GitHub, providing transparency that discontinued Vanced APKs from unknown sources cannot offer.
Which One Should You Research Today?
For most users, ReVanced is the more practical option to research because it is actively maintained. However, users should always:
- Verify sources against official repositories
- Understand the patching model before proceeding
- Consider alternatives like NewPipe or LibreTube
- Review the safety checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ReVanced is a separate community project that uses a patching model, unlike Vanced which distributed a prebuilt modified APK.
No. ReVanced is developed by a different group of contributors. It is a separate open-source project.
Some old installations may still partially work, but the app receives no updates and will continue to degrade over time.
ReVanced's source code is public on GitHub, providing transparency. Old Vanced APKs from unknown sources have no such verification.
No. Both Vanced and ReVanced support non-root installations. ReVanced uses GmsCore instead of the old Vanced MicroG.