Best Viscosity Alternatives in 2026
The top Viscosity alternatives are AWS Client VPN, Check Point Endpoint Security VPN and NetBird: 15 vpn client our editors would look at instead of Viscosity, in our ranking order.
Viscosity: A paid desktop client for configuring and monitoring OpenVPN connections. Where it falls short: supports OpenVPN only, rather than a range of VPN protocols.
Switching from Viscosity? For most vpn client buyers the best Viscosity alternative is AWS Client VPN, built for organizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks. On a budget, ExpressVPN starts at $2.99/mo. NetBird has a free plan, which Viscosity does not.
Why People Look for a Viscosity Alternative
- Supports OpenVPN only, rather than a range of VPN protocols
- Limited to macOS and Windows desktop use
- No time-unlimited free plan; the trial lasts 30 days
- No free plan — 5 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAWS Client VPN9.1
Organizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks
Visit AWS Client VPN - Lowest priceExpressVPN8.1
Paid plans from $2.99/mo
Visit ExpressVPN - Best free optionNetBird8.8
Has a free plan (Viscosity has none)
Visit NetBird
All 15 Viscosity Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forOrganizations accessing AWS and on-premises networks
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.4
Strong AWS-native remote-access VPN; usage-based charges require cost monitoring.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit AWS Client VPN -
Best forOrganizations standardizing on Check Point gateways
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.4
A managed IPsec client for corporate access, with Windows-focused endpoint controls.
- Split tunneling
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Check Point -
Best forTeams wanting identity-based private network access
- Better than Viscosity:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.4
An open-source WireGuard network with identity controls, cloud hosting, and self-hosting.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit NetBird -
Best forTeams connecting private networks across clouds
- Better than Viscosity:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.4
Encrypted private networking with subnet routing, access controls, and a free Personal plan.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Tailscale -
Best forEnterprises managing VPN and endpoint security
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.4
Combines VPN and ZTNA with endpoint protection and centralized management.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit FortiClient -
Best forIndividuals wanting a capable free VPN
- Better than Viscosity:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.4
A free VPN with unlimited data, plus paid plans for streaming and P2P.
- Kill switch
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Proton VPN -
Best forUsers prioritizing a large server network and extras
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.4
A feature-rich paid VPN with broad platform support and extras across higher-tier plans.
- Kill switch
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit NordVPN -
Best forBudget-conscious users with many devices
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.4
A feature-rich VPN with broad platform support and low annual pricing.
- Kill switch
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forUsers wanting global coverage and audited privacy
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.4
A paid VPN with audited no-logs privacy and servers in 113 countries.
- Kill switch
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit ExpressVPN -
Best forHouseholds needing VPN coverage for many devices
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.4
A multi-device VPN with streaming, torrent support and optional privacy tools.
- Kill switch
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Surfshark -
Best forUsers seeking a free, configurable VPN
- Better than Viscosity:
- Free plan
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.4
Windscribe pairs configurable VPN connections with blocking tools and unlimited device connections.
- Kill switch
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Windscribe -
Best forPrivacy-focused users who value anonymous accounts
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.4
A privacy-oriented VPN with anonymous accounts, core safeguards and a flat €5 monthly price.
- Kill switch
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Mullvad VPN -
Best forUsers seeking streaming and torrent-optimized servers
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 6.4
A broad-device VPN for streaming and downloads, with up to seven simultaneous connections.
- Kill switch
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit CyberGhost -
Best forNew VPN users wanting a free entry point
- Better than Viscosity:
- Free plan
- Editor score 7.6 vs 6.4
A VPN with a 2 GB free tier, broad client coverage, and advanced connection controls.
- Kill switch
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit TunnelBear -
Best forPrivacy-minded users wanting open-source VPN clients
- Better than Viscosity:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 6.4
An open-source VPN client focused on privacy, with multi-hop routing and obfuscation.
- Kill switch
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit IVPN
Viscosity Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Viscosity?
AWS Client VPN: #1 in our Vpn Client ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. Strong AWS-native remote-access VPN; usage-based charges require cost monitoring.
Is there a free alternative to Viscosity?
Yes. NetBird, Tailscale, Proton VPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Viscosity?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, ExpressVPN starts lowest, at $2.99/mo.
Why do people look for Viscosity alternatives?
Supports OpenVPN only, rather than a range of VPN protocols; Limited to macOS and Windows desktop use; No time-unlimited free plan; the trial lasts 30 days.
How do I switch from Viscosity?
Export your data from Viscosity (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Viscosity.
How to Switch from Viscosity
- Export your data from Viscosity (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Viscosity.
Viscosity vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Kill switch | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Viscosity | No | 6.4 | ||
| 1 | AWS Client VPN | No | $0.10/unit usage-based | 9.1 | |
| 2 | Check Point Endpoint Security VPN | No | 8.9 | ||
| 3 | NetBird | Yes | €6/user/mo | 8.8 | |
| 4 | Tailscale | Yes | $8/user/mo | 8.7 | |
| 5 | FortiClient | No | 8.5 | ||
| 6 | Proton VPN | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 7 | NordVPN | No | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 8 | Private Internet Access | No | $3.99/mo | Yes | 8.2 |
| 9 | ExpressVPN | No | $2.99/mo | Yes | 8.1 |
| 10 | Surfshark | No | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 11 | Windscribe | Yes | $69/yr | Yes | 7.9 |
| 12 | Mullvad VPN | No | €5/mo | Yes | 7.8 |
| 13 | CyberGhost VPN | No | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 14 | TunnelBear | Yes | $3.33/mo | Yes | 7.6 |
| 15 | IVPN | No | $60/yr | Yes | 7.5 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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