What Is OpenVPN? How It Works & Should You Use It in 2024
Reading time: 14 min
Updated on November 29, 2024
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![Justyn Newman]()
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol, a set of rules that secure your internet connection when you use a VPN. While a VPN is the service that gives you online privacy, the OpenVPN protocol is the technology that makes this possible. It creates a safe “tunnel” between your device and the internet, keeping your information hidden from anyone trying to look in.
In simple terms, OpenVPN is the “how” behind a VPN. It guides your data safely from one point to another. Instead of just sending data out into the open, it wraps it in protective layers — a process called encryption. OpenVPN is not the only protocol, but it’s one of the best and most widely used. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Summary: What Is OpenVPN?
Whenever you connect to a VPN, OpenVPN scrambles your data in a way that makes it unreadable during transit. Therefore, even if someone were to intercept that information, they’d be unable to access it. It uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which locks your data with a complex code that only you have.
OpenVPN is open-source, which means its code is available to the public. This lets developers around the world test and improve it. Additionally, it’s pretty adaptable, as it can run on almost any device and lets you adjust the connection to your needs with 2 subprotocols — UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
OpenVPN TCP
When OpenVPN uses TCP, it sets up a steady, connection-oriented link between your device and the VPN server. Before sending any data, OpenVPN establishes a secure connection with each packet getting a confirmation from the other end. If a packet gets lost, TCP resends it to keep everything in order.
This reliability makes TCP ideal for web browsing, emailing, or file transfers where data accuracy matters. But the extra steps can add some delay, slowing down your connection a bit. TCP is also good for getting past restrictive networks and firewalls, as it can blend in with regular HTTPS traffic, making it less likely to get blocked.
OpenVPN UDP
When OpenVPN uses UDP, it skips the formal connection setup and sends data packets directly without waiting for confirmation from the receiver. This makes UDP faster with less delay, as it doesn’t need to check if each packet arrives safely or in order.
Because of this, UDP is great for real-time activities like streaming, gaming, or video calls where speed is important. But without those extra checks, you might occasionally lose packets or see slight disruptions. Some networks may block UDP traffic, so if you run into issues, switching to TCP can help keep your connection steady.
What Is OpenVPN Used For?
OpenVPN is used in many ways to boost security and privacy across different settings. Here are some of them:
- Secure remote access — OpenVPN lets employees connect safely to their company’s network from anywhere. This way, sensitive data stays protected, even when accessed over public Wi-Fi or remote connections.
- Site-to-site networking — For companies with multiple locations, OpenVPN creates encrypted links between offices. This setup keeps communication secure, allowing teams to share data across sites as if they’re in the same network.
- Internet privacy and security — Many people use OpenVPN to protect their online activity from snooping. It encrypts internet traffic, making it hard for anyone to monitor your browsing or intercept personal information.
- Secure IoT communications — OpenVPN also secures data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, making sure information sent from smart devices stays private and protected from tampering.
How Does OpenVPN Work?
OpenVPN works by creating a secure, private path, or “tunnel,” between your device and a VPN server to keep your data safe as it travels over the internet — this is what makes a VPN work. Here’s a look at how it does this:
Step 1: Authentication
When you connect, OpenVPN first confirms both your identity and the server’s, making sure both sides are trusted. This can involve pre-shared keys, digital certificates, or a simple username and password. The initial step ensures you’re connecting to a genuine server, not an imposter.
Step 2: Tunnel Setup
Once authenticated, OpenVPN sets up an encrypted tunnel using SSL/TLS, a protocol commonly used to secure sites (like HTTPS). This tunnel keeps your data private and shields it from anyone trying to eavesdrop.
Step 3: Data Encryption
Inside this tunnel, OpenVPN encrypts your data with powerful encryption (like AES-256), transforming it into unreadable code. So, even if someone were to intercept your data, they’d only see scrambled information they can’t decipher without the decryption key.
Step 4: Data Transmission
With an encryption set, your data moves securely between your device and the VPN server. OpenVPN can use either UDP (faster, good for streaming) or TCP (slightly slower but more reliable for stable browsing) to send your data.
How to Set Up OpenVPN on My Device
- Get a VPN with OpenVPN — I recommend ExpressVPN because it has the OpenVPN protocol pre-configured and it’s the fastest VPN you can get.
- Select OpenVPN as your protocol — Go to your VPN’s settings and under protocol selection, choose OpenVPN (TCP or UDP) as your protocol.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's protocol list, showing OpenVPN UDP and TCP options]()
- Connect to a server — Pick a server from the list or let the VPN find one for you automatically, and hit the connect button.
Manual Method
If your VPN doesn’t have the OpenVPN protocol or your device doesn’t support it, you can use OpenVPN manually. Although it’s a bit tedious, the manual approach gives you greater control over connection settings. Here’s what you have to do:
- Download OpenVPN client — First, head to the OpenVPN website and download the client for your device’s operating system.
- Install the client — Run the installer and follow the prompts. You’ll need admin rights on your device, so make sure you have the necessary permissions.
- Obtain configuration files — Go to your VPN provider’s website and download the “.ovpn” configuration files. These files hold the server details and connection settings. Many VPNs provide them in the support or setup sections.
- Import configuration files — Open the OpenVPN client and look for an option to import files. Select your “.ovpn” files to load the server settings into the client.
- Enter credentials — When prompted, input your VPN username and password. Some VPNs may ask for additional security details, like certificates, which you can get from your provider.
- Connect to the VPN — Once everything’s set up, click ‘Connect.’ The client will create a secure connection to the VPN server using the imported configuration settings.
Manual setup works well for devices or operating systems that don’t support VPN apps. However, remember that you might need to update the configurations occasionally if your provider changes server details.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
OpenVPN vs. Other Protocols
OpenVPN vs. WireGuard
WireGuard is a newer VPN protocol known for its simplicity and speed. It has a much smaller codebase of around 4,000 lines than OpenVPN’s 100,000+ lines. This streamlined design makes WireGuard faster, less power-hungry, and more efficient in data transfers.
However, WireGuard’s simplicity limits its configurability compared to OpenVPN. OpenVPN offers extensive customization options, supporting various encryption methods and network configurations. This makes OpenVPN more adaptable to complex network setups, while WireGuard focuses more on speed and efficiency.
OpenVPN vs. IKEv2
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is known for speed and stability, especially on mobile devices. It quickly re-establishes connections when switching between WiFi and mobile networks, making it ideal for users on the go. OpenVPN, while versatile, may not handle network changes as seamlessly as IKEv2.
On the other hand, OpenVPN offers greater platform support and more configurability for advanced security settings. IKEv2’s fixed ports make it easier to block with firewalls, whereas OpenVPN’s ability to operate on any port using UDP or TCP helps it bypass network restrictions more effectively.
OpenVPN vs. Older VPN Protocols
Older VPN protocols, like those listed below, have their strengths but also come with serious drawbacks. In general, you’ll be better off using OpenVPN as it’s a better all-around choice in terms of security and performance.
- PPTP — is known for its speed and simple setup. PPTP is one of the easiest protocols to configure. However, it has serious security flaws, so it’s not ideal if you need a fully secure connection.
- L2TP/IPSec — on its own doesn’t encrypt data, so it’s usually paired with IPSec for added security. While more secure than PPTP, it tends to be slower due to double encapsulation and can be blocked by firewalls.
- SSTP — is designed for Windows and works well with SSL/TLS encryption, which helps it bypass some firewalls. Its main drawback is its closed-source nature, which limits visibility and public security testing.
- IPSec — is a suite of protocols that secures IP communications by authenticating and encrypting each packet. While it offers strong security, its complex setup can lead to errors, and it’s sometimes blocked by firewalls.
OpenVPN vs Proprietary Protocols
Some VPNs use proprietary protocols designed to optimize speed and security on their platforms. Two popular examples are Lightway by ExpressVPN and NordLynx by NordVPN. While OpenVPN is a widely trusted, open-source protocol, these proprietary options have unique features.
Lightway
Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol. It uses wolfSSL, which allows it to operate with a much smaller codebase. This makes it super fast and less power-hungry on your battery. The simpler design also helps you quickly reconnect if you’re switching networks often, like moving from WiFi to cellular data.
NordLynx
NordLynx is NordVPN’s take on the WireGuard protocol. Its code is lightweight, which means it connects faster than OpenVPN, giving you better performance, especially on slower networks. To address privacy, NordVPN added a double NAT (Network Address Translation) system that keeps your IP address hidden without storing personal data on the server.
Pros and Cons of OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a widely used VPN protocol known for its robust security and flexibility. However, like any technology, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong security — Uses up to 256-bit encryption for secure connections | Complex setup — Manual configuration can be challenging for beginners |
| Compatibility — Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android | Performance overhead — The encryption process can slow down speeds compared to proprietary protocols |
| Bypass restrictions — Can operate on any port using TCP or UDP and bypass network or firewall restrictions | Resource intensive — Requires more CPU resources compared to newer, more efficient protocols like WireGuard |
| Open source — Publicly available code allows community audits and constant improvement | Potential for detection — Can be detected via deep packet inspection in strict censorship countries like China |
When Should I Use OpenVPN?
OpenVPN works best in situations where you want security and flexibility over raw speed. Here’s when you might want to choose OpenVPN over other VPN protocols:
- Using public WiFi — If you’re on public WiFi at a cafe or airport, OpenVPN’s encryption and mature codebase help shield your data from hackers. Other protocols use 256-bit encryption too, but OpenVPN’s track record and reliability make it a safer choice.
- Bypassing censorship — In places with mild censorship, OpenVPN can disguise itself as regular HTTPS traffic using TCP port 443 to bypass network firewalls and restrictions. However, in heavily restricted regions like China, OpenVPN alone won’t work — you’ll need a VPN with obfuscation.
- Remote access for work — Many companies rely on OpenVPN for remote access to internal networks because it supports various authentication methods. It’s also customizable, so IT teams can tweak it to meet the security needs of the organization.
- Setting up your own VPN server — If you want to build a personal VPN server, OpenVPN is ideal. Its open-source nature and detailed documentation allow you to set up a customized, secure connection where you control your own data.
Best VPNs in 2024 That Use OpenVPN Protocol
- ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN you can get. Although I often use its proprietary Lightway protocol, it delivers blazing-fast speeds on OpenVPN as well. It’s one of the top VPNs in 2024 with no trade-offs between performance and security.
- CyberGhost — Special optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. However, it only supports OpenVPN on Windows, Android, Linux, and smart TVs. On iOS and macOS, you’ll need a third-party OpenVPN app like Tunnelblick.
- Private Internet Access — Has an enormous network with over 35,000 global servers. PIA has OpenVPN on all its apps and lets you reduce encryption to 128-bit in case you need an extra speed boost without compromising security.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs About OpenVPN
Is OpenVPN safe?
Is OpenVPN free?
What devices can I use OpenVPN on?
OpenVPN supports all the popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Here’s an easy 3-step guide on how to use OpenVPN with a VPN. On incompatible devices, you can set it up manually using a third-party OpenVPN client. Here are some other platforms OpenVPN works with:
| Desktop OS | Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD |
| Mobile OS | Windows Mobile 6.5 and earlier, Maemo |
| Routers | DD-WRT, OpenWRT, pfSense, Tomato firmware, ASUSWRT-Merlin |
| Other devices | QNX, Solaris, ChromeOS, Synology NAS devices, Raspberry Pi |
What’s the difference between a VPN and OpenVPN?
Is OpenVPN better than other protocols?
What is OpenVPN Access Server?
Stay Safe Online With the Top VPNs That Use OpenVPN
OpenVPN strikes a solid balance between security, flexibility, and performance, making it a great choice if you’re serious about online privacy. Its open-source design means experts are always testing and improving it, so you know it’s built to last. OpenVPN’s adaptability also lets it handle everything from securing public WiFi to supporting business-level remote access.
That said, newer protocols like WireGuard can be faster if speed is your main priority. But remember, even the best protocol can’t protect you if you’re using a low-quality VPN. Choosing a reputable VPN is just as important as picking the right protocol to make sure you’re genuinely safe and private online.
Summary — Best VPNs to Use OpenVPN Protocol
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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