OpenVPN
Open-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.
Technical Details
Creator
James Yonan
Release Year
2001
Speed
moderate
Security
strong
Strengths
- Industry-standard security
- Highly configurable
- Difficult to block
- Available on all platforms
Weaknesses
- Slower than WireGuard due to userspace operation
- Complex configuration
- Larger attack surface than minimal protocols
- Can be CPU-intensive at high throughput
Platform Support
Providers Supporting OpenVPN(7)
CyberGhost
Romania-based VPN with 11,690+ servers in 100 countries, dedicated streaming profiles, and strong privacy protections outside 14 Eyes.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN with TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure, custom Lightway protocol built in Rust, and 105 country locations.
NordVPN
9,400+ servers in 224 locations worldwide. NordLynx protocol, post-quantum encryption, and independently verified no-logs policy.
Private Internet Access
Proven no-logs VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, port forwarding, MACE ad-blocker, and a massive 10 Gbps server network.
Proton VPN
Swiss-based VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core architecture, open-source apps, and independently audited no-logs policy.
Surfshark
Feature-packed VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, RAM-only servers, CleanWeb ad blocking, and patented Everlink technology.
Windscribe
Generous free tier with 10 GB/month, unlimited simultaneous connections, unique R.O.B.E.R.T. custom DNS blocking, and IPv6 support.