Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Viscosity VS sshuttle

Compare Viscosity VS sshuttle and see what are their differences

Viscosity logo Viscosity

Viscosity is a VPN client for Mac OS X and Windows.

sshuttle logo sshuttle

sshuttle: where transparent proxy meets VPN meets ssh
  • Viscosity Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-05
  • sshuttle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04

Viscosity features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Viscosity offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to set up and manage their VPN connections without the need for advanced technical knowledge.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The software is available for both Windows and macOS, providing consistent user experience and functionality across different operating systems.
  • Advanced Configuration Options
    Viscosity allows advanced users to customize their VPN configurations extensively, supporting various protocols and enabling detailed network customization.
  • Robust Security Features
    It includes strong encryption standards and security protocols, making it a reliable choice for ensuring secure and private internet connections.
  • Integration with macOS and Windows Systems
    The software integrates well with the operating systems, providing features like keychain support on macOS for secure password management.

Possible disadvantages of Viscosity

  • Cost
    Viscosity is a paid software, which might not be ideal for users seeking a free VPN client solution.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Beginners
    While it offers advanced configuration options, beginners may find it difficult to navigate these settings without prior VPN experience.
  • Limited to OpenVPN Protocol
    Viscosity primarily supports the OpenVPN protocol, which may not be sufficient for users who require access to a broader range of VPN protocols.
  • Lack of Built-In Servers
    Viscosity does not provide its own VPN servers, requiring users to rely on third-party VPN service providers for the actual server connections.

sshuttle features and specs

  • Simplicity
    sshuttle is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration. It leverages SSH, a tool that many are already familiar with.
  • No Root Access Required
    sshuttle can be used without root access on the client side, making it accessible in environments where administrative privileges are restricted.
  • Cross-Platform
    sshuttle works on multiple operating systems including Linux and macOS, providing flexibility in different environments.
  • Compatibility
    As it operates at the IP level, sshuttle can work with any program and command-line tools that interact over TCP/IP without requiring any changes.
  • Security
    Utilizes SSH's encryption mechanisms, ensuring data is securely tunneled between the client and the server.

Possible disadvantages of sshuttle

  • Performance
    While convenient, sshuttle may not perform as well as more specialized VPN solutions, especially under heavy network load.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to dedicated VPN software, sshuttle lacks advanced features such as traffic shaping, advanced logging, and fine-grained access controls.
  • No UDP Support
    sshuttle primarily supports TCP, and has limited support for UDP, which may be a drawback for applications that rely heavily on UDP.
  • Dependency on SSH Servers
    Requires a functional SSH server at the remote end, which may not always be feasible or permitted in all network configurations.
  • Complex Networks
    Handling complex network environments may get tricky. More sophisticated routing configurations or VPN setups can better manage such cases.

Analysis of sshuttle

Overall verdict

  • sshuttle is generally considered a good and reliable tool for securely tunneling traffic. It is suitable for users who need an easy way to bypass firewalls and access remote networks securely without the complexity of traditional VPNs.

Why this product is good

  • sshuttle is a popular tool because it combines the simplicity of SSH tunneling with the transparency of a VPN, allowing users to forward traffic easily over an SSH connection. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to overcome restrictive firewalls and provide secure access to resources without needing root privileges (on the client side) or requiring a VPN setup on the server.

Recommended for

  • Developers and system administrators who need to access office or remote networks securely.
  • Users who need to bypass firewalls or restrictive network conditions.
  • People seeking a simpler alternative to VPNs, especially when working with SSH-accessible servers.
  • Individuals who require a temporary or lightweight solution for secure network access.

Viscosity videos

Review - Viscosity VPN Client for Mac and Windows

More videos:

  • Review - Viscosity: White Nectar review!
  • Review - Goss' Garage: Oil Viscosity

sshuttle videos

Hak5 1224.1, SShuttle and Linux Talk

More videos:

  • Review - Hak5 1224.2, SShuttle and Linux Talk
  • Review - Hak5 1224.3, SShuttle and Linux Talk

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Viscosity and sshuttle)
VPN
33 33%
67% 67
Security & Privacy
38 38%
62% 62
Cloud VPN
55 55%
45% 45
Tool
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, sshuttle seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 27 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Viscosity mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Viscosity yet. Tracking of Viscosity recommendations started around Mar 2021.

sshuttle mentions (27)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Viscosity and sshuttle, you can also consider the following products

Tunnelblick - free software for OpenVPN on OS X and macOS

Mozilla VPN - A VPN from the trusted pioneer in internet privacy.

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Advanced Onion Router - Team Elite - Our work - Advanced Onion Router

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

Outline by Alphabet - Control and build your own VPN 🛠️