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Viscosity
Viscosity
4.4
0.0

Graphical user interface for OpenVPN.

4.4
Based on 50 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$14.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

Viscosity overview

Viscosity is a first class VPN client, providing everything you need to establish fast and secure OpenVPN connections on both macOS and Windows. Viscosity caters to both users new to VPNs and experts alike, providing secure and reliable VPN connections. Whether remotely connecting to your workplace network, home network, VPN Service Provider, or other setup, Viscosity ensures it's done with ease and style.

With Viscosity and OpenVPN you can securely connect to your home or company network from a remote location, protect your network traffic when using public or wireless networks, access websites with country restrictions, and tunnel through restrictive firewalls and proxy servers to give your computer full Internet access. Viscosity can connect to any VPN server running OpenVPN, including most popular free and commercial VPN providers. Viscosity allows connections to be completely configured through a GUI, without any need to know how to use the command-line or OpenVPN's configuration file syntax. Advanced users still have full manual control over configuration options if desired.

What’s new in version 1.11

Updated on Feb 22 2024

  • Added: OpenVPN 2.6 Support
  • Added: OpenVPN server version compatibility option in connection editor
  • Improved: Import support for IPv4 routes being specified with a prefix
  • Improved: Full DNS support when using an iOS mobile device tunnel
  • Improved: Increases the maximum allowable height of the Settings window
  • Improved: Detection of additional mismatched client-server cipher settings
  • Improved: Support for additional System Identity certificate types and tokens
  • Updated: OpenVPN updated to version 2.6.9
  • Updated: OpenSSL updated to version 3.0.13
  • Fixed: Resolves issue where Viscosity helper may crash when updating DNS
  • Fixed: Resolves certain proxy commands getting incorrectly flagged as unsafe
  • Fixed: Resolves certain inline PKCS#12 files not importing correctly
  • Fixed: Resolves issue where Full DNS mode may disable on rapid network changes
  • Fixed: Resolves issue where Viscosity may stop responding after sorting an empty folder
  • Fixed: Resolves issue where a web authentication page may remain in memory after close
  • Fixed: Resolves issue when Import from Server profile URL uses a different domain
  • Fixed: Workaround for login bug in CloudConnexa when using Import from Server
  • Fixed: Resolves Authentication Type menu being mislabelled for some localizations
  • Fixed: Various bug fixes and enhancements
  • Removed: OpenVPN 2.5 removed
  • Removed: macOS 10.15 is no longer supported
View older Viscosity updates

Information

License

Shareware

Size

25.5 MB

Downloads

56770

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • macOS 11 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Viscosity. All reviews will be posted soon.

What customer like

Privacy
Performance
Customization

What needs improvements

Support

Viscosity qualities

Value
5.0
Ease of use
5.0
Features
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Customer support
5.0

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

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0.0

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  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Atalantia
Atalantia
Feb 6 2022
1.10.1
4.0
Feb 6 2022
4.0
Version: 1.10.1
Now its good. I have 1.9.4 on 10.13.6 and it works as it should work.
iMac Apps
iMac Apps
May 19 2020
1.8.5
5.0
May 19 2020
5.0
Version: 1.8.5
The best VPN app you can get!
Macs-Pain
Macs-Pain
May 24 2019
1.7.15
0.5
May 24 2019
0.5
Version: 1.7.15
Newest version is always crashing. Not usable...
Atalantia
Atalantia
Mar 25 2019
1.7.14
4.0
Mar 25 2019
4.0
Version: 1.7.14
Doesn't configure the DNS Addresses for the VPN provider. It stays with the same given by the normal internet provider. Some services work, some not. Shimo works on that issue.
anonymous-giraffe
anonymous-giraffe
Jan 19 2019
1.7.13
5.0
Jan 19 2019
5.0
Version: 1.7.13
Best VPN tool ever seen. Using it also on Windows. Pro: You can double connections if e.g. the company profile only using company addresses but you want to be VPN'd on all ports.
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Jan 17 2019
1.7.13
0.0
Jan 17 2019
0.0
Version: 1.7.13
Developer is a LIAR.

It’s been more than 4 years since they said "we are currently working on adding a feature to Viscosity to easily block traffic leaks from occurring."

Instead they’re worried about trivial things like "compatibility with menu bar managers" and "main menu automatic resizing and positioning"

No kill switch = NO WAY should anyone use this dangerous app!

Users are putting their security and privacy at risk and may end up receiving a copyright infringement notice if the connection is dropped while downloading.

Lack of a kill switch led me to purchase a VPN service whose app DOES have one. Now if I could just remember to always start it before opening my torrent client.
Retired Under Attack
Retired Under Attack
Dec 30 2018
1.7.12
0.0
Dec 30 2018
0.0
Version: 1.7.12
The price is wrong, here is $ 9 but when I go buy it tells me $ 14. We call this misinformation. The user environment has changed from the older version. I do not know if this makes its operation more complicated, but I can not rate it with speculation.
anonymous-giraffe
anonymous-giraffe
Apr 10 2018
1.7.8
5.0
Apr 10 2018
5.0
Version: 1.7.8
Most of us knowing Tunnelblick, yes. I use Viscosity because it is much more smoothy and very low cost. Only a green or red bubble nothing more. Great!
aarongoldstein
aarongoldstein
Feb 13 2018
1.7.7
5.0
Feb 13 2018
5.0
Version: 1.7.7
very useful and easy to use app
Mindplay
Mindplay
Jan 9 2018
1.7.6
5.0
Jan 9 2018
5.0
Version: 1.7.6
Working pretty well to me :)
Samadams
Samadams
Oct 20 2017
1.7.5
0.0
Oct 20 2017
0.0
Version: 1.7.5
What's going on with sparklabs.com? The site has been down for over 2 weeks. Have they gone out of business? I've recommended to several people in the past week that they buy Viscosity. But now the app can't even be downloaded to try out, let alone to purchase.
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Sep 15 2017
1.7.4
0.0
Sep 15 2017
0.0
Version: 1.7.4
STILL NO GD KILL SWITCH!!!

Went to be last night with torrents downloading, woke up to find Visocity yellow and "authenticating" while downloads were proceeding at nearly 1 MBps.

Now more than THREE YEARS since SparkLabs said "We are currently working on adding a feature to Viscosity to easily block traffic leaks from occurring."

I believe the spark has died!


Still no way to disconnect from multiple VPNs at once - you must click each connection individually.
I often add up to five or more before one connects, then I must click each of the others to disable, and that takes two clicks for each because the menu closes each time you click one.

Stupid annoyance that should have been fixed LONG AGO like the critical traffic leak!

NO STARS FOR YOU! ½ only. Come back one year!
Macs-Pain
Macs-Pain
Jun 6 2017
1.7.1
0.5
Jun 6 2017
0.5
Version: 1.7.1
Does no longer reconnect after a disconnect. Please fix.
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Nov 17 2016
1.6.7
0.0
Nov 17 2016
0.0
Version: 1.6.7
Oh look:
Another update with "bug fixes and enhancements."

BUT STILL NO KILL SWITCH!
This is a vital component of a VPN app!
Without it a user's privacy (and maybe their freedom) is at risk.

It’s been more than 2 years since the dev said "We are currently working on adding a feature to Viscosity to easily block traffic leaks from occurring."

PROVE IT ALREADY!
Why is Viscosity the only VPN app without one?
This app shouldn’t even be sold until the security leaks have been addressed!

Atalantia
Atalantia
Nov 1 2016
1.6.6
4.0
Nov 1 2016
4.0
Version: 1.6.6
This app does not even start under 10.9 Everything else works except this program. So it is simply useless.
Mcr
Mcr
Sep 13 2016
1.6.6
4.5
Sep 13 2016
4.5
Version: 1.6.6
To second the comments by @BigJohnson, I posted a comment on THIS macupdate page several months ago, outlining numerous security issues, missing features, and unfullfilled promises by the developer, and that comment has now disappeared from this macupdate forum. Which begs the question, did Sparklabs as the developer have the ability to remove a post on MacUpdate, or did MacUpdate assist them?

My observations were spot on, but apparently Sparklabs can't handle users exchanging thoughts and relaying their experiences on a open, PUBLIC forum for all to read.

I WAS a user of Viscosity but got tired waiting on promises to fix holes and upgrade features.
1) implementing KIll switch fucntion requires user to manually input scriptiing code...seriously, in this day an age to require the user to type in scripting commands for critical feature? This has to be done manually for EVERY connection definition you may have. As a user of PrivateInternetAccess, there are literally dozens of servers available.
https://www.sparklabs.com/support/kb/article/preventing-network-and-dns-traffic-leaks/

2) on top of that, the scripts provided to implement kill switch protection, IS FLAWED. I personally watched while during a download, I lost the VPN connection and my download continued on an unprotected connection.

3) Developer admits on their site that the licensing code in their Mac version has been hacked by pirates for years, and promised to implement cross-platform licensing. That's been YEARS since that has been on the website and not fixed, meaning if you want Mac and Windows you have to buy separate licenses, and since pirates know now to hack the activiation, legit users are paying for others to use the app.
https://www.sparklabs.com/support/kb/article/can-i-use-my-viscosity-for-mac-license-on-windows/
Seriously, if you are going to admit on your own site that your app has been hacked, and you don't do anything about it for YEARS, what confidence is that supposed to engender from end users?

There were many other flaws I mentioned in my initial post, won't bother repeating it all here as i wouldn't be surprised if I come back in a few weeks and this post is no longer here...
Timmyb
Timmyb
Sep 6 2016
1.6.5
0.0
Sep 6 2016
0.0
Version: 1.6.5
How is using one of the third party standalone apps such as Viscosity better than using the built-in VPN connections from the macOS Network settings?
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Aug 27 2016
1.6.5
0.0
Aug 27 2016
0.0
Version: 1.6.5
BE MINDFUL WHAT YOU POST HERE!

After posting some critical comments below, I've been banned from the Sparklabs forums.
I never actually received a "banned" notice and my account is still active, but my posts never appear anymore, whereas I had no trouble posting before. Tried to contact the developer but the contact page doesn't work right. So I created a 2nd account and tried to post my question there, but it never showed up either - evidently the dev. is as thin-skinned as Trump (or should I say Drumpf. Google it!).

After you post you get this message, "This message has been submitted successfully, but it will need to be approved by a moderator before it is publicly viewable. You will be notified when your post has been approved." Obviously mine are no longer being approved.

Because of the critical security leaks that were never fixed, as well as other missing features, and the dev. being a vindictive A-HOLE (had no qualms taking my money for his buggy app, though!), I'm giving it the lowest possible rating. There's no way it deserves the 5-star ratings it received with the problems it has!
With the existing leaks it's too easy to receive a warning from an ISP.
TCalhau
TCalhau
Feb 17 2016
1.5.11
4.5
Feb 17 2016
4.5
Version: 1.5.11
The new version of Viscosity 1.6 has just been released! =D
Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Jan 30 2016
1.5.11
3.0
Jan 30 2016
3.0
Version: 1.5.11
I started on Tunnelblick. Then I started using Viscosity. I LOVE VISCOSITY. I love how Viscosity makes it so easy to connect to my VPN. Viscosity is excellent software.

However, I have since abandoned Viscosity and Tunnelblick because of one SERIOUS SECURITY AND FATAL FLAW that leaves you completely exposed and unprotected.

The problem is that if your ISP changes your IP address - and they do periodically unless you pay more for a fixed IP address - or if your VPN server goes down, then both Viscosity and Tunnelblick lose their connection to your VPN.

After they have lost their connection to your VPN, Viscosity and Tunnelblick immediately expose your IP address to the wild. Any internet activity your apps are doing do loses its VPN encryption and protection. Anyone can now monitor your activity, obtain information you are sending and know your IP address.

For example, if you set Mail to send email at a certain time, yet the VPN connection is lost, your email is now sent unencrypted by Viscosity and Tunnelblick. This is horrific.

This security flaw is completely fatal and can be disastrous.

This means you cannot leave your computer actively using the VPN while you go somewhere else or sleep. You are limited to using the VPN only while at the computer. If you are in a hostile country, where your internet activity is being monitored, your privacy is completely lost and your internet activity is completely exposed along with your IP address if the VPN server connection is lost by Viscosity and Tunnelblick.

This security flaw can be partially mitigated by writing an AppleScript that will automatically quit specific apps you are using when the VPN connection is lost. But you have to manually install it with every server connection - a pain. And you have to continually update it with the apps you use with internet connections. It isn't enough if you have other apps active which you did not add to your script which can expose your IP address by interacting with the internet. Some apps may refuse to quit if they are active. And it still leaves you exposed from the time the VPN connection is lost and the app is quit.

I now use my own VPN provider's Custom VPN Client. It protects against disconnect exposure by performing what they call a NETWORK LOCK.

A NETWORK LOCK means ALL ROUTER AND INTERNET ACTIVITY IS SENT ENCRYPTED AND ONLY TO THE VPN'S IP ADDRESS, NOWHERE ELSE. AND IT STAYS ENCRYPTED EVEN IF THE VPN CONNECTION IS LOST. This includes all activity within your own local network. This means every app and background app's activity is encrypted. You don't have to worry about background apps exposing you. You will not be able to connect even to your local computers and printers unless you specify their IP addresses as OK to connect to.

With a NETWORK LOCK, even if the VPN connection is lost, all router and internet activity REMAINS ENCRYPTED and is still sent to the VPN's IP ADDRESS - nowhere else. Since the VPN's server cannot accept that data, it remains encrypted and becomes lost.

Your network and internet activity remains encrypted and protected at all times. No one can snoop and find what information your are sending or what website you connect to. Your privacy remains protected even if your VPN connection is lost.

Since Viscosity and Tunnelblick do not provide something like a NETWORK LOCK, they don't perform the primary reason for using a VPN - protecting your privacy. And this can be disastrous. Unfortunately, as nice and capable they are - particularly to connect to multiple VPN services - the flaw noted above is fatal to their use.

If Viscosity can do a network lock, it is not well documented. I wish the author of Viscosity includes an obvious NETWORK LOCK FUNCTION so I can recommend Viscosity again.
iMac Apps
iMac Apps
Jul 28 2023
1.10.7
5.0
Jul 28 2023
5.0
Version: 1.10.7
Atalantia
Atalantia
Jan 31 2022
1.10.1
4.0
Jan 31 2022
4.0
Version: 1.10.1
winonafonda
winonafonda
Nov 12 2020
5.0
Nov 12 2020
5.0
Version: null
iMacWare
iMacWare
Dec 22 2019
1.0
Dec 22 2019
1.0
Version: null
Macs-Pain
Macs-Pain
May 24 2019
0.5
May 24 2019
0.5
Version: null
anonymous-giraffe
anonymous-giraffe
Jan 19 2019
5.0
Jan 19 2019
5.0
Version: null
makareim
makareim
Jan 15 2019
5.0
Jan 15 2019
5.0
Version: null
nomorebugs
nomorebugs
Jul 25 2018
5.0
Jul 25 2018
5.0
Version: null
aarongoldstein
aarongoldstein
Feb 13 2018
5.0
Feb 13 2018
5.0
Version: null
Mindplay
Mindplay
Jan 9 2018
5.0
Jan 9 2018
5.0
Version: null
Freenergy
Freenergy
Apr 4 2016
4.5
Apr 4 2016
4.5
Version: null
TCalhau
TCalhau
Feb 17 2016
4.5
Feb 17 2016
4.5
Version: null
Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Jan 30 2016
3.0
Jan 30 2016
3.0
Version: null
lemonb3519
lemonb3519
Jul 8 2015
1.0
Jul 8 2015
1.0
Version: null
iMiNiMaL
iMiNiMaL
Apr 20 2015
5.0
Apr 20 2015
5.0
Version: null
Mcr
Mcr
Jan 23 2015
4.5
Jan 23 2015
4.5
Version: null
thauk
thauk
Sep 11 2014
2.0
Sep 11 2014
2.0
Version: null
Raven-
Raven-
Jun 14 2014
4.0
Jun 14 2014
4.0
Version: null
Ervins Strauhmanis
Ervins Strauhmanis
Jun 14 2014
5.0
Jun 14 2014
5.0
Version: null
MichaelHaeusler
MichaelHaeusler
Jun 5 2014
2.5
Jun 5 2014
2.5
Version: null
Phantasm
Phantasm
Jun 4 2014
5.0
Jun 4 2014
5.0
Version: null
anonymous-bandicoot-3081
Apr 15 2014
5.0
Version: null
PRjohnson
PRjohnson
Nov 5 2013
5.0
Nov 5 2013
5.0
Version: null
iTruth
iTruth
Sep 28 2013
5.0
Sep 28 2013
5.0
Version: null
Barry5p
Barry5p
Jul 5 2013
5.0
Jul 5 2013
5.0
Version: null
paulsrandall
paulsrandall
Jul 4 2013
3.5
Jul 4 2013
3.5
Version: null
Dubois-Cl
Dubois-Cl
May 17 2013
5.0
May 17 2013
5.0
Version: null
jackout
jackout
Feb 16 2013
5.0
Feb 16 2013
5.0
Version: null
Teg-Bains
Teg-Bains
Jan 23 2013
5.0
Jan 23 2013
5.0
Version: null
Unit-22
Unit-22
Jul 7 2012
5.0
Jul 7 2012
5.0
Version: null
Pirx
Pirx
Dec 17 2011
5.0
Dec 17 2011
5.0
Version: null
slpr
slpr
Nov 29 2011
4.5
Nov 29 2011
4.5
Version: null
Macnerd1984
Macnerd1984
Nov 28 2011
1.0
Nov 28 2011
1.0
Version: null
NanoG6
NanoG6
Nov 21 2011
5.0
Nov 21 2011
5.0
Version: null
Cubix
Cubix
Nov 8 2011
5.0
Nov 8 2011
5.0
Version: null
StrictlyBagel
StrictlyBagel
Sep 7 2011
5.0
Sep 7 2011
5.0
Version: null
AI-s
AI-s
Aug 2 2011
5.0
Aug 2 2011
5.0
Version: null
Pmcarrion
Pmcarrion
Jun 27 2011
5.0
Jun 27 2011
5.0
Version: null
jimmyb
jimmyb
Jun 24 2011
5.0
Jun 24 2011
5.0
Version: null
bulljit
bulljit
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Version: null
$14.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now
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