| Updated: January 13, 2025
We may earn affiliate commissions for the recommended products. Learn more.
OpenVPN is a widely trusted VPN protocol known for its strong encryption and secure data transfer. Used in most VPNs, it creates a private tunnel for data to pass safely between devices, shielding it from prying eyes.
OpenVPN is open-source, allowing experts to review and improve its security, making it ideal for businesses needing secure connections for remote access or site-to-site networking. OpenVPN uses AES-256 encryption to hide your data.
With options to switch between TCP for added security and UDP for faster speed, OpenVPN adapts to both sensitive tasks and casual browsing needs. While it can impact speed, it’s a top choice for privacy and data protection when handling critical information.
Read this article to find out more about this VPN protocol, its pros and cons and who should be using it.
OpenVPN is one of the most popular VPN protocols and is widely used in modern VPNs. The protocol creates a secure tunnel through which user traffic and data can pass safely. For your information, OpenVPN is also referred to as the OpenVPN software (VPN client) and OpenVPN company, which has its own VPN and offers business solutions like remote servers and secure cloud services.
This article will talk about the OpenVPN protocol, which is offered by major commercial VPNs. I have discussed everything related to this VPN protocol and the qualities that made it so popular. I have also highlighted the pros and cons of using OpenVPN and if you need one.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol widely integrated into modern VPNs. The main idea behind OpenVPN is to create a secure tunnel through which encrypted data is passed from one point to another.
The protocol is widely used where point-to-point secure connectivity is needed. It allows secure communication between two devices by verifying both parties through user names, passwords, secret keys, etc.
In short, it is the basic functionality of a VPN and was first introduced as OpenVPN protocol.
OpenVPN is best used to create a secure tunnel between two or more devices. Your data can securely pass through the encrypted tunnel and will reach its destination after verification. The process of OpenVPN includes the creation of a VPN tunnel, data encryption, and device verification.
OpenVPN works on both TCP and UDP traffic and uses different authentication methods and encryptions to create a secure connection. The customizations offered by the VPN protocol make it the top choice for VPN clients to integrate into their systems.
Here is the breakdown of how OpenVPN works:
OpenVPN employs multiple authentication methods to confirm the identities of both the VPN client and server. Typically, this involves a mix of user credentials, digital certificates, and a public key infrastructure (PKI).
After the identity of the VPN client and server is confirmed, the OpenVPN protocol creates a secure tunnel between them, making encrypted data transfer possible. This tunnel is created using the OpenVPN SSL/TSL and other security protocols. The SSL/TSL is essential for exchanging security keys and passwords between two devices.
OpenVPN adds extra layers to data packets, including routing details, source and destination info, and security features like encryption. It’s flexible, allowing various cryptographic algorithms and key lengths to keep data passing through the VPN tunnel private, shielding it from third parties such as governments, employers, and your ISP.
OpenVPN encrypts your data via secure tunneling and sends it to the VPN server. The VPN server forwards it to its destination, which cannot backtrack the IP address of the source.
For example, you are using the OpenVPN protocol with your VPN client and have opened Facebook.com in your browser. Your request will be sent through a secure tunnel to the VPN server before further escalating to Facebook.com.
Facebook.com cannot possibly know the IP address that originated the request because your traffic is passed through a VPN server and encrypted tunnel.
The OpenVPN protocol has multiple uses, but its basic function is to establish a secure connection between a user and a server, which is also the basic functionality of a VPN. Here are some uses of OpenVPN.
The basic application of the OpenVPN protocol is to establish a secure VPN connection between the user and the web/server. The protocol creates a secure tunnel between devices and networks for secure data transmission.
OpenVPN uses the cryptographic algorithms to create a tunnel for secure data transfer. This functionality is best when transferring or exchanging sensitive data over the internet and can be used to secure VoIP, browse privately, access public Wi-Fi, and securely communicate with IoT devices.
The secure VPN tunnel and data encryption make OpenVPN ideal for a secure remote connection to sensitive data. Governments, universities, and corporations can use this protocol to access their sensitive data remotely.
Companies can create a secure site-to-site VPN using the OpenVPN protocol. This will help them share company resources with remote offices and employees.
OpenVPN is considered one of the safest VPN protocols in 2025 and is widely used by VPN providers and privacy enthusiasts. The protocol uses SSL/TLS to ensure the security of data that passes through the encrypted tunnel and has access to the infamous OpenSSL library.
It is an open-source protocol, which means that anyone in the OpenVPN community can access the code and find bugs and mistakes. However, this makes it vulnerable because hackers might gain access and exploit a bug to their advantage.
In that case, hackers won’t be able to find everything that was transferred using the OpenVPN protocol. This is because the OpenVPN protocol includes perfect forward secrecy, which ensures data security in case of a breach.
Additionally, you can switch between the TCP and UDP protocols while using OpenVPN. TCP allows top-notch security, while UDP is used for fast internet speed. OpenVPN uses various other settings and algorithms, so it is important to configure it perfectly.
OpenVPN works on both protocols and allows you to choose between the two. Most VPNs offering OpenVPN also give users the option to choose one according to their needs. Here is a definition of which OpenVPN protocol is best.
Transmission control protocol (TCP) is used when transferring sensitive files. This OpenVPN protocol ensures that data is sent and received encrypted and keeps security over speed.
Unlike TCP, the user datagram protocol (UDP) does not establish a secure connection between the sender and receiver of data. It doesn’t guarantee that data will reach its destination and is fast but less reliable than TCP.
| TCP | UDP |
| Highly reliable | Lower reliability |
| Slow speed | Fast speed |
| Sequential packet delivery | Packets are delivered in a stream |
| Best for static use (file transfer, email, etc) | Best for dynamic use (streaming, gaming, VoIP, etc |
OpenVPN is completely free and available to all. It is an open-source protocol that anyone with high-tech skills can use to modify it for their needs. You can also use the OpenVPN client to establish a secure connection between you and another server.
OpenVPN protocols come along with most VPNs and are considered one of the most secure VPN protocols.
OpenVPN is considered the safest VPN protocol and is widely used by many. However, you should consider the pros and cons of employing the OpenVPN protocol before making it your go-to protocol.
The features of VPN protocols depend on your needs and what you expect from VPN protocols. OpenVPN is far superior to old-school VPN protocols like PPTP and is considered one of the best regarding online security.
The WireGuard protocol has made significant advancements over the years and is now considered superior to OpenVPN, offering faster speeds without compromising security. Another widely used VPN protocol is IKEv2/IPsec, which is particularly well-suited for mobile devices due to its reliability and efficiency.
I prefer using the OpenVPN protocol when transferring sensitive files to a remote site/location.
OpenVPN is a versatile VPN protocol that caters to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re sharing sensitive files online or streaming movies and TV shows on platforms like Netflix, OpenVPN has you covered. Its support for both TCP and UDP makes it an ideal choice for VPN providers to include in their apps.
Additionally, you can manually set up a VPN on Windows using the OpenVPN client software, allowing you to take full advantage of this robust protocol.
The popularity of the OpenVPN protocol is not only because of its secure and fast data transmission. But because it can be configured manually on different devices like Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, etc.
You can manually install the OpenVPN client on your devices and configure it to make your VPN fully functional. Personally, I’ve used the OpenVPN client to create a virtual VPN router on both Windows and Mac, and it worked flawlessly. Additionally, I’ve used it to set up a VPN on Android devices and share the connection with others seamlessly.
You can also download a VPN on your devices and select the OpenVPN protocol to use it and secure your internet traffic.
In conclusion, OpenVPN stands out as one of the best VPN protocols offered by most commercial VPN providers. It has undergone several third-party audits and has been actively maintained and improved by the developer community to address vulnerabilities. ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN as its default protocol, while NordVPN pairs it with some of the fastest VPN servers available.
Overall, I highly recommend OpenVPN for all your online activities, including streaming, unblocking content, and secure data transfer. OpenVPN and WireGuard are the top VPN protocols for bypassing VPN blocks, firewalls, and strict internet regulations. They are especially valuable in countries where VPN usage is restricted or illegal.
The OpenVPN protocol creates a secured tunnel between two users or devices. This tunnel ensures that the data in transit is fully encrypted and received by the end user.
All VPN providers now offer the OpenVPN protocol to their VPN clients. You have to check it in the settings option in their app.
Apart from the VPN providers, you can access the OpenVPN open-source code to create your own VPN. You can connect two computers and ensure files are transferred securely, but both PCs should be on the same network.
Yes, you can, but the hard drive should be connected to the same network.
OpenVPN protocol works perfectly on macOS. If you are using a paid VPN, look for options to enable it in the settings.
If you are trying to connect two computers or two Macs through an OpenVPN secure connection. Read this guide.
Yes it does but the process is tricky and requires tech skills. You have to connect your PC to your PS5 and install the OpenVPN on your PC which will rerout your PS5 traffic through the OpenVPN tunnel.
We prefer installing a VPN on your router and connecting your PS5 via router to change your location.
I have tested several VPNs, and all of them have the OpenVPN protocol in their apps.
However, we recommend getting ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark because they are fast and have been tested by third parties.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
