Shimo app icon vs

Comparison

Shimo vs Tunnelblick

Tunnelblick is a free, open-source OpenVPN client for macOS. Shimo is a paid client that connects to OpenVPN and nearly every other VPN type, with automation, accounting and support built in.

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Verdict

Choose Shimo if you connect to more than OpenVPN, want setup without configuration files, and need connections to start on their own. Tunnelblick is the stronger pick if you only use OpenVPN and want free, open-source software.

Key differences

01

Every VPN in one app

WireGuard, IPsec, SSH and corporate SSL VPNs such as Cisco AnyConnect, Fortinet and GlobalProtect sit next to your OpenVPN profiles, all controlled from the menu bar.

02

No configuration files to edit

Shimo’s two-step wizard creates accounts from a form or an imported file. Passwords, PINs and certificates are stored in the macOS Keychain.

03

Automation, history and support

Triggers connect accounts by Wi-Fi network, location or running apps. Every session is logged and exports to CSV, and the Shimo team answers your support requests.

Pricing

Tunnelblick is free. Shimo is a one-time purchase per user, on all of your Macs, with support and security updates included.

Shimo 6
€39once, per user
  • All features
  • Unlimited support
  • Ongoing security updates
  • Use on all Macs you own
Tunnelblick
Download Free GPL licensed, macOS open source

A Shimo license is valid for the current Shimo version. Tunnelblick is free and open source under the GPL.

Protocol coverage

Tunnelblick is an OpenVPN client. Shimo connects to OpenVPN and eleven more VPN types from the same menu bar app.

Both Supported by Shimo and Tunnelblick
  • OpenVPN
Only in Shimo Not supported by Tunnelblick
  • WireGuard
  • IPsec (IKEv1)
  • Cisco AnyConnect
  • Fortinet SSL VPN
  • Palo Alto GlobalProtect
  • Pulse Secure / Ivanti
  • Juniper Network Connect
  • F5 BIG-IP SSL VPN
  • Array Networks SSL VPN
  • Amnezia
  • SSH with port forwarding

Feature comparison

Feature Shimo 6 Tunnelblick

Licensing

Pricing model One-time license Free, open source
Price €39 Free
Support Unlimited, from the developer Community discussion group

Connections & automation

Simultaneous connections Yes Yes
Automatic connect triggers (Wi-Fi, location, apps) Yes Not listed
Actions on connect Scripts, apps, servers, websites Shell scripts
Chained VPN connections Yes Not listed
Keyboard shortcuts per connection Yes Menu shortcut only

Security

Token two-factor (RSA SecurID, Symantec VIP) Yes OpenVPN challenge / response
Credentials stored in macOS Keychain Yes Yes

Accounting & deployment

Live connection statistics Yes Status window with traffic rates
Connection history with CSV export Yes Not listed
Two-step account wizard Yes Not listed
Import existing configuration files Yes Yes
Deployment packages for admins Yes Auto-install configurations

Platforms

macOS macOS 13 and newer Yes
Native Apple Silicon Yes Yes

Tunnelblick details are taken from tunnelblick.net as of October 2026 and may have changed since. OpenVPN is a registered trademark of OpenVPN Inc.

Which one is right for you?

Choose Shimo if you

  • use WireGuard, IPsec, SSH or a corporate SSL VPN such as Cisco AnyConnect, Fortinet or GlobalProtect
  • prefer a setup wizard to editing configuration files
  • want connections to start automatically by Wi-Fi, location or running app
  • bill clients for connection time, or want direct support from the developer

Choose Tunnelblick if you

  • only ever connect to OpenVPN servers
  • want open-source software you can audit
  • need a VPN client at no cost

Switching from Tunnelblick

Moving your connections takes a few minutes, and you can run both apps side by side during the trial.

  1. 1 Install the trial Download Shimo and run it next to Tunnelblick. The trial has no feature restrictions for 7 days.
  2. 2 Find your configurations Use the original .ovpn files from your provider or admin, or the .ovpn or .conf file inside a Tunnelblick .tblk package.
  3. 3 Import into Shimo Import the files or use the two-step wizard. Passwords, PINs and certificates are stored in the macOS Keychain.
  4. 4 Add triggers Set accounts to connect on untrusted Wi-Fi, at a location, or when an app launches.

Frequently asked questions

Why pay when Tunnelblick is free?

If you only use OpenVPN, Tunnelblick does the job. Shimo is for people who also need WireGuard, IPsec, SSH or corporate SSL VPNs, along with automation, connection history and direct support.

Is Shimo a subscription?

No. A Shimo license is a one-time payment, valid for the current Shimo version, with no subscription and no commitment.

Can I keep using my OpenVPN configurations?

Yes. Shimo imports existing OpenVPN configuration files, so your current servers work without changes.

Do I need a license for each Mac?

No. Licenses are per user, so you can use Shimo on every Mac you own, as long as you are the only one using it.

Can Shimo connect to my company VPN?

Shimo supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec, Cisco AnyConnect, Fortinet, Palo Alto GlobalProtect, Pulse Secure / Ivanti, Juniper, F5 BIG-IP, Array Networks and SSH. Try it with your gateway during the free trial.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes. Email info@shimovpn.com with your requirements and we will send you a quotation.

Try Shimo free for 7 days

No feature restrictions during the trial. If you keep it, you pay once.

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