ExpressVPN simply launched its new QT-based MacOS app, bringing a great deal of new options to customers.
ExpressVPN says the brand new app is “redesigned with a cleaner format, improved navigation, and new options” in its replace notes. From what I’ve seen, it may very well be among the many largest updates the supplier drops this 12 months.
Cut up tunnelling
At the moment, you may solely select which apps do not use the VPN connection. That is the commonest methodology utilized by the finest VPNs on Mac. Nonetheless, IPVanish provides the choice to pick solely the apps to make use of the VPN as a substitute.
Cut up tunnelling allows you to proceed utilizing apps that block or battle with VPNs as traditional by routing them exterior of the VPN tunnel. This might embrace banking websites, streaming providers, or Android Auto.
Put up-quantum WireGuard
We not too long ago retested ExpressVPN’s conventional WireGuard protocol as a part of our ExpressVPN overview. Whereas it is nowhere close to as speedy as Lightway Turbo, 694 Mbps is greater than quick sufficient for most individuals, and notably spectacular with post-quantum encryption.
WireGuard/quickest VPN protocol
Obtain speeds to our VPN check lab when linked to the closest server
WireGuard/Quickest protocol pace
| Product | Worth (Mbps) |
|---|---|
| Surfshark | 1615 |
| NordVPN | 1256 |
| ExpressVPN (Lightway Turbo) | 1479 |
| ExpressVPN (WireGuard) | 694 |
| Proton VPN | 1521 |
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Community automation
Community automation might sound minimal, however should you’re after stress-free safety on MacOS, it is a must-use. With the most recent model of the app, you may “set guidelines that mechanically join or disconnect the VPN based mostly on the networks you be part of.”
So, should you do not want the VPN when linked to your house WiFi, you may set it disconnected as soon as your linked to that community. Alternatively, should you’re cautious of public Wi-Fi connections, then you may set ExpressVPN to auto-connect.
Whereas that is undoubtedly extra helpful for cell customers, we might advocate setting it up as quickly as your app is put in on a Mac, too.
Superior kill swap
The corporate’s newest replace to its MacOS kill swap guarantees to guard your information even when you’re switching servers or reconnecting. Because the replace notes clarify, “the web kill swap can now stay lively even whereas reconnecting, blocking all non-VPN site visitors throughout transitions.”
Which means that any background exercise going down over the web in your machine is paused should you’re switching servers or being reconnected after an surprising disconnect. This ensures no private information is left unprotected within the transient window the place your VPN connection drops as you turn servers.
We retested ExpressVPN’s killswitch in late 2025 and genuinely have been impressed with the outcomes and with these added functionalities, Mac customers shall be even higher protected.
Darkish mode
It isn’t revolutionary, however it’s what I am most excited for. Darkish mode brings a brand new, glossy look to ExpressVPN on MacOS. It guarantees to “scale back visible pressure and enhance visibility in low-light setting,” in line with its launch notes.
Like many, I am unable to consider an app that I take advantage of in ‘Mild Mode’ anymore. Final summer time, ExpressVPN’s cell app made the swap and now it is obtainable on Mac, too. The redesign switches ExpressVPN’s clear white search for a grey-ish black look that provides the app the same really feel to suppliers similar to Proton VPN — and I find it irresistible.
Switching is so simple as a fast toggle choice within the settings menu, so it is easy to make the swap.
What else is new?
If a few of these developments sound acquainted, that is as a result of a few of it was launched in beta in late 2025. That mentioned, this replace has much more to supply than only a new look and a few modest function enhancements.
Additionally included within the newest replace is:
- Command-line management (expressvpnctl): A instrument which lets you management ExpressVPN from the terminal, in addition to automate duties and run scripted operations
- Devoted IP: Though you continue to must activate it by way of your cell machine, your devoted IP now works inside the MacOS app
- Improved language assist: There at the moment are 17 supported languages in-app.
- Redesigned navigation: Offering simpler entry to widespread actions, together with:
- Sensible Location – connecting to the advisable finest server
- Latest Location – reconnect to the final server used
- Protocol choice – now accessible by way of the principle display
- Server map view
- Favorites: As much as 10 server areas might be marked as favorites for faster entry
- New notifications: together with useful messaging round new options and settings
ExpressVPN already ranks among the many finest VPNs for Mac. Whereas it isn’t fairly rivaling top-seed NordVPN, with these updates, the hole is continuous to shut. For now, NordVPN stays a superior selection should you stream on Mac otherwise you’re after an expansion of extra options similar to password administration, information breach alerts, and risk safety.
What’s your favourite new addition to Mac? Depart a remark for an opportunity to be included in our Mac VPN content material.
