VPN Protocols
Every VPN protocol balances speed, security, and compatibility differently. Browse which providers support each protocol and learn what makes each one unique.
IKEv2/IPsec
Protocol developed by Microsoft and Cisco, known for stability when switching networks (Wi-Fi to mobile). Often paired with IPsec for encryption.
Strengths
- Excellent mobile stability
- Fast reconnection
- Good speeds
- Windows and iOS native support
L2TP/IPsec
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol paired with IPsec for encryption. Older but widely compatible. Generally slower than modern alternatives due to double encapsulation.
Strengths
- Wide compatibility
- Built into most OSes
- Stable
OpenVPN
Open sourceOpen-source VPN protocol widely considered the industry standard for security. Uses SSL/TLS for key exchange and can run on any port, making it difficult to block.
Strengths
- Industry-standard security
- Highly configurable
- Difficult to block
- Available on all platforms
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol developed by Microsoft. Uses SSL/TLS over port 443, making it very difficult to block as traffic appears as standard HTTPS.
Strengths
- Hard to block
- Uses port 443
- Good Windows support
WireGuard
Open sourceModern, high-performance VPN protocol built into the Linux kernel. Uses state-of-the-art cryptography (Curve25519, BLAKE2, ChaCha20-Poly1305) and establishes connections in milliseconds.
Strengths
- Exceptional speed
- Minimal codebase (4k lines)
- Built-in kernel support
- Instant connection
Why Protocol Choice Matters
The VPN protocol determines your connection speed, security level, and ability to bypass restrictions. WireGuard offers exceptional speed, OpenVPN provides proven security, and older protocols may be needed for legacy device compatibility.