BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS; November 19th, 2025 — ExpressVPN, a leading consumer privacy and security company, today launches its new Qt-based desktop app for Linux with macOS entering beta and Windows coming soon. Built on the Qt cross-platform framework, these next-generation apps introduce key updates, including a speed test tool, Dedicated IP support, a redesigned interface on Linux, and split tunneling, CLI control, and additional enhancements for macOS.
Not to be confused with the Catalyst-based Mac app that's downloadable from Apple's App Store, the Qt macOS app is a separate, advanced-user version available exclusively from the ExpressVPN website. It adds features unavailable on the App Store due to Apple's policies, such as split tunneling, offering the most comprehensive version of ExpressVPN possible.
Cross-platform consistency
Qt is a cross-platform software framework that enables ExpressVPN to streamline development across operating systems. This approach helps the company deliver new features faster while keeping the experience consistent across platforms.
Both the Qt Linux and macOS versions share a unified design language. The interface includes a modern card-based dashboard, light and dark modes, support for 17 languages, favorites for quick access to preferred server locations, an interactive map with an accessible IP refresh icon to swap IP addresses, and simplified navigation through a slide-in panel for settings and help resources.
"Moving to Qt represents a shift in how we build and deliver desktop experiences," said Shay Peretz, Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN. "Instead of developing features separately for each platform, we're able to create a unified experience that lets us deliver highly requested updates, like split tunneling and CLI control, more quickly, while maintaining the performance and security ExpressVPN is known for."
Linux: New tools for power users
Optimizing connection settings in Linux is easier with the new speed test feature. By measuring performance twice—once through the internet service provider (ISP) and again when connected to ExpressVPN—users get a clear, side-by-side view of download and upload speeds. Combined with server and protocol details, it provides a straightforward way to understand VPN impact on performance and troubleshoot common issues.
Linux users also now have Dedicated IP support. They can unlock and manage Dedicated IP addresses directly from the app, with a clear status indicator when a dedicated connection is active.
The app also adds post-quantum WireGuard as a third protocol option alongside Lightway and OpenVPN, built to protect against future cryptographic threats. Lightway remains the default, with WireGuard and OpenVPN providing additional options for different network scenarios.
For administrators and power users, the release introduces improved headless installation with reduced system dependencies, making ExpressVPN simpler to deploy on servers, containers, and minimal Linux environments.
This Qt-based app is now the default ExpressVPN experience for Linux, replacing the previous CLI-only version, which will be deprecated in January 2026. It’s available today from the ExpressVPN website for systems running distributions equivalent to Debian 11 (Bullseye) or newer, including Ubuntu 24.04+, Fedora 35+, and RHEL/CentOS 9+.
Mac heralds the most-requested feature
The Qt Mac beta introduces split tunneling for macOS 11 and above, one of the most requested features among Mac users. This capability enables selective traffic routing, allowing users to decide which applications use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet. It supports local resources like printers and file shares while keeping sensitive activity protected.
The Qt-based macOS app also adds WireGuard support alongside Lightway and OpenVPN, bringing three modern protocols to the desktop. Network automation enables rule-based connections depending on network conditions, while the enhanced kill switch, Network Lock, can remain active even when the VPN is disconnected to help prevent accidental data exposure.
ExpressVPN is also introducing expressvpnctl, a full command-line interface for macOS that gives power users and developers terminal-level control. It supports automation, scripting, and advanced configuration through CLI commands.
The beta Qt macOS app is available exclusively from the ExpressVPN website via the beta channel for users on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer, due to Qt 6.5 framework requirements.
Windows will enter early development
The Qt-based Windows app will enter beta in the coming weeks, bringing the same unified design and cross-platform framework to Windows 10 and 11 users.
Alongside clearer navigation and performance improvements, it supports a built-in speed test to measure your connection in real-time, an Advanced Network Lock that protects your traffic, and network automation to give you more control over how ExpressVPN synchronizes with your daily life.
This beta release represents the foundation, with additional capabilities planned as development continues.
About ExpressVPN
Since 2009, ExpressVPN has empowered millions of users to take control of their internet experience. The company's award-winning consumer VPN service is backed by its open-source VPN protocol, Lightway, delivering user privacy in just a few clicks. ExpressVPN's Keys password manager, Aircove router range, and Identity Defender tools make digital privacy and security easy and accessible for all. ExpressVPN's products have been extensively vetted by third-party experts, including PwC, Cure53, KPMG, and others.
Registered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN has been part of Kape Technologies since 2021. To learn more about ExpressVPN’s industry-leading privacy and security solutions, visit www.expressvpn.com.
Contact
Please reach out to the ExpressVPN press team for additional information:
press@expressvpn.com
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