The Viscosity Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Viscosity in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Viscosity
The Insider’s Guide
OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows, bought once
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among VPNs, read from Viscosity’s own pages.
Made by SparkLabs Pty Ltd · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Viscosity’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Viscosity’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 9 of the 50 other VPNs we grade
Viscosity is an OpenVPN client for macOS and Windows from SparkLabs. It imports and edits OpenVPN connections through a graphical interface, shows traffic and connection details, and can be scripted. It is a client only, so you bring your own VPN server or provider.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Viscosity, taken from its own pages and our grades.
You import or write OpenVPN configurations and can script connections, so it needs technical know-how.
- 1
Best for a paid OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows
Viscosity is an OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows with a connection editor, traffic stats and scripting, at $16 once.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $16 one-time, per license.
- 3
You can try it first
30-day free trial for Mac and Windows
- 4
It runs on 2 platforms
macOS and Windows.
- 5
Connection editor
Create or edit OpenVPN connections without writing configuration by hand, including multi-factor authentication settings, with advanced commands for experts.
- 6
Full and split DNS
Send every DNS lookup to the VPN's servers, or only lookups for chosen domains.
- 7
Traffic statistics
A menu overview of connections plus a details window with a traffic graph and network and encryption information.
- 8
A 2.0 GPA, above 9 of 50
That is against the other VPNs we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace Viscosity you would be making servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Viscosity at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $16 one-time, per license
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- 30-day free trial for Mac and Windows
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows
- Made by
- SparkLabs Pty Ltd
- Category
- VPNs
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for a paid OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows
Viscosity is an OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows with a connection editor, traffic stats and scripting, at $16 once. It includes no VPN service, supports OpenVPN only, and its license covers free updates for 1.x versions only.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | $16 once is under a year of the category's middle subscription at $5 a month, though you still pay for a VPN service. |
| Free plan and trial | C | 30-day free trial on Mac and Windows; the page does not say whether a card is needed. |
| Features | D | It does a narrow job, an OpenVPN client, and needs a VPN server or provider to be of any use, even with its scripting and split DNS. |
| Ease of use | D | You import or write OpenVPN configurations and can script connections, so it needs technical know-how. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Mac and Windows desktop only, with OpenVPN and AppleScript as its only listed links. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Viscosity is for
- Fits if you use OpenVPN on both a Mac and Windows and want a tidy client
- Works for admins who want scripting and deployment bundles
Who it is not for
- Not for you if you want a VPN service, as it has no servers
- Skip it if you use Linux or a phone, as it runs on Mac and Windows only
- Watch out: a license includes free updates for 1.x versions only, and upgrades are sold separately
- Skip it if OpenVPN is not your protocol, as it supports nothing else
Good to know
Good for
- Mac and Windows users who connect to OpenVPN servers
- Teams that want to ship preconfigured VPN profiles
- Buyers who prefer a single payment over a subscription
Worth knowing
- It is only a client and includes no servers or VPN service.
- Supports OpenVPN, and runs on macOS and Windows only.
- A license includes free updates for 1.x versions only; the store lists upgrades separately.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$16 one-time
To start
Viscosity is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $16 one-time, per license.
Viscosity license
$16
one-time, per license
One-time purchase with no subscription. Includes email support and free updates for all future 1.x versions.
Trying it first
30-day free trial for Mac and Windows
Read from sparklabs.com on Nov 13, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Other savings
Volume discount on multiple licenses
The store says raising the quantity of licenses shows an instant discount at checkout.
Stated on sparklabs.com
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
2
Places it runs: macOS and Windows
OpenVPN client for Mac and Windows, bought once. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, menu bar app, vPN.
It does a narrow job, an OpenVPN client, and needs a VPN server or provider to be of any use, even with its scripting and split DNS.
- Connection editor
- Create or edit OpenVPN connections without writing configuration by hand, including multi-factor authentication settings, with advanced commands for experts.
- Full and split DNS
- Send every DNS lookup to the VPN's servers, or only lookups for chosen domains.
- Traffic statistics
- A menu overview of connections plus a details window with a traffic graph and network and encryption information.
- Scripting and automation
- Control the app with AppleScript or VBScript, and run custom scripts when a connection changes state.
- Obfuscation and simultaneous connections
- Works with an Obfsproxy server to get past networks that block VPNs, and can hold several VPN connections open at once.
- Deployment bundles
- Organizations can bundle the app with preset settings and connections to hand to their users.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
What it works with
- OpenVPN
- AppleScript
Viscosity is made by SparkLabs Pty Ltd.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
9/50
Other VPNs it is graded above
Viscosity's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 9 of the 50 other VPNs we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 43 of 50) and worst on features (D, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 51 VPNs we grade, cut by the letter each got. Viscosity’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 43 of 50
- CFree plan and trialAbove 25 of 50
- DFeaturesAbove 0 of 50
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 50
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 1 of 50
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace Viscosity you would be making servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 36 of the 50 other VPNs grade higher. It costs $16, paid once.
What you could not
- Servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private.
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- A real app for macOS and Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Viscosity’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Tunnelblick, OpenVPN, WireGuard and SoftEther VPN
The 4 tools Viscosity is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.2GPA
Tunnelblick
Free
Free open-source OpenVPN client for macOS.
- Tunnelblick has a free plan. Viscosity does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Viscosity lists a Windows app.
- Viscosity can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
OpenVPN
Free plan · from $7/mo
Open-source VPN protocol plus business VPN products built on it.
- OpenVPN has a free plan. Viscosity does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only OpenVPN lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- Viscosity can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.4GPA
WireGuard
Free
Free, open-source VPN protocol and tunnel software.
- WireGuard has a free plan. Viscosity does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only WireGuard lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- Viscosity can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
SoftEther VPN
Free
Free multi-protocol VPN server and client from a Japanese university.
- SoftEther VPN has a free plan. Viscosity does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SoftEther VPN lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- Viscosity can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Viscosity free?
No, Viscosity is a paid product, but you can try it first. 30-day free trial for Mac and Windows.
How much does Viscosity cost?
Viscosity lists one plan. Viscosity license: $16 one-time, per license.
What platforms does Viscosity work on?
Viscosity is available on macOS and Windows.
Does Viscosity offer any discounts?
Viscosity publicly lists the following: Volume discount on multiple licenses.
Does Viscosity have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Viscosity is listed for macOS and Windows.
Does Viscosity have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Viscosity is listed for macOS and Windows.
Is Viscosity open source?
Viscosity is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
What does Viscosity integrate with?
Viscosity's listing names OpenVPN and AppleScript. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Viscosity?
Viscosity is made by SparkLabs Pty Ltd.
What are the alternatives to Viscosity?
The closest alternatives to Viscosity in our directory are Tunnelblick, OpenVPN, WireGuard and SoftEther VPN.
How does Viscosity compare with other VPNs?
Viscosity's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 9 of the 50 other VPNs we grade, and level with 5.
Could I make my own version of Viscosity?
To replace Viscosity you would be making servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Viscosity’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from SparkLabs's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by SparkLabs Pty Ltd. Prices change, so check sparklabs.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Viscosity, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/viscosity
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Viscosity: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/viscosity
Know someone choosing between VPNs?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/viscosity/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
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- Ultrasurf Insider's GuideFree censorship-circumvention VPN from UltraReach3.2 GPA
- hide.me Insider's GuideMalaysia-based VPN with a no-signup free plan and flat renewal prices3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Viscosity’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Viscosity is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by SparkLabs Pty Ltd. Prices and plans change: check sparklabs.com before you buy.