Using a VPN regularly, I’ve always had this nagging question in the back of my mind: is my VPN actually working right now? Sure, the app says it’s connected, but what if DNS queries are leaking to my ISP, or my IPv6 address is exposed? I recently came across VPN Peek, a Mac menu bar app that puts these concerns to rest.
VPN Peek is a lightweight utility from indie developer Anh Phong that lives in your menu bar and continuously monitors your VPN connection status. The app doesn’t provide VPN service itself. Rather, it works alongside any VPN provider you’re already using to verify everything is functioning as it should. At a glance, you can see your current public IP address, geographic location, and whether your connection has any privacy vulnerabilities.
The real value comes from the leak detection features. VPN Peek automatically checks for DNS leaks, which occur when your DNS queries bypass the VPN tunnel and go directly to your ISP’s servers. It also identifies IPv6 leaks, where your IPv6 address might be exposed even while your IPv4 traffic routes through the VPN. These are surprisingly common issues that many users never realize are happening.
Working with the app on my Mac, I appreciate how it handles notifications. When your VPN disconnects or a leak is detected, you get an immediate alert. This has saved me several times when my VPN dropped without me noticing. The app also auto-refreshes when you switch networks or VPN servers, keeping the status information current.
The interface follows native macOS design guidelines and feels right at home on the system. You can customize the menu bar display format and choose between different icon styles. Clicking the menu bar icon shows your full connection details, and there’s a one-click option to copy your IP address to the clipboard. The app weighs in at just 4.4 MB and runs entirely on your device.
VPN Peek costs $3.99 as a one-time purchase, supports Family Sharing for up to six family members, and requires macOS 14 or later. The developer has been transparent about privacy: the app queries third-party geolocation services to display your location, but no data is collected, stored, or shared. Everything processes locally on your Mac.
For privacy-conscious users or anyone working remotely with sensitive information, VPN Peek provides reassurance that your VPN is doing its job properly. It’s a simple tool that solves a specific problem without unnecessary complexity.
