Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.
You want security, speed, and ease of use, right?
Two big names often come up: ProtonVPN vs OpenVPN.
But which one is the real champion for you?
This comparison dives deep, looking at everything from their features and pricing to their performance and security.
Overview
We put ProtonVPN and OpenVPN through rigorous testing, evaluating speed, security, server network, user experience, and pricing.
This hands-on comparison will give you the insights you need to choose the best VPN for your needs.
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Want granular control over your VPN? Explore OpenVPN’s powerful features with their free trial!
Pricing: A free plan is available. Plan Starts at $11/month
Key Features:
- Highly configurable
- Strong encryption
- Widely compatible
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version.
Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €4.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
- Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
- Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
- A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is OpenVPN?
Okay, now let’s talk about OpenVPN. It’s a bit different from NordVPN.
See, OpenVPN is open-source. This means the code is available for anyone to look at and tinker with.
That makes it super flexible! But it also means you’ll need to get your hands a bit dirty with setup and configuration.
OpenVPN is known for its strong security; businesses and tech-savvy folks often use it.
Also, explore our favorite OpenVPN alternatives…
Ready to experience a VPN that prioritizes both speed and security? Head over to OpenVPN’s official website to explore their plans and download the app.
Key Benefits
- Super flexible: You have total control over how it works. It’s like a custom-built VPN!
- Highly secure: It uses strong encryption protocols like AES-256. Your data is safe!
- Widely compatible: Works on almost any device you can think of. Phones, computers, routers… you name it!
- Large community: Tons of people use and support it. Help is always available!
Pricing
This is where it gets interesting. OpenVPN itself is free! But you’ll usually need to pay for a VPN provider that uses OpenVPN.
Here’s an example of pricing from a popular provider:
- Free: Instant access to all features. No card is required; use it free forever.
- Growth: $11/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s break down the key features of ProtonVPN and OpenVPN to see how they stack up, making sure to cover all the important aspects of these popular VPN services:
1. VPN Protocol Options
Proton VPN: Offers both WireGuard and OpenVPN, giving you flexibility. You can create a VPN connection using either protocol within their VPN app.
OpenVPN: Primarily uses the OpenVPN protocol, known for being a secure and battle-tested VPN protocol. It offers both TCP and UDP options. OpenVPN Access Server allows you to set up your own VPN server. Remember, OpenVPN is a VPN protocol, while ProtonVPN is a VPN service.
2. Server Network and Speed
Proton VPN: Provides a high-speed Swiss VPN network with servers in numerous locations, including Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy. ProtonVPN vs ProtonVPN speed tests often reveal impressive results.
OpenVPN: The server network and speed depend on the VPN provider you choose to use with OpenVPN. For example, NordVPN vs ProtonVPN speed comparisons often show that both are quite fast.
3. Security and Privacy
Proton VPN: ProtonVPN is a leading VPN globally, known for its strong security and privacy features. It’s an audited no-logs VPN, meaning they don’t keep records of your online activity. They offer a secure VPN protocol with strong encryption, double VPN connections, and Proton VPN’s “undetectable” technology to bypass VPN blocks.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a secure VPN protocol when configured correctly. However, whether or not your connection is no-logs depends on the VPN provider you use. OpenVPN encryption is robust and trusted by many in the VPN community.
4. Platform Compatibility
Proton VPN: Offers user-friendly VPN apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Setting up a VPN connection is simple with their apps.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is highly versatile and can be used on many devices, including those running Linux. However, it often requires a bit more technical know-how to set up and configure. You’ll need to use a VPN client and potentially configure VPN configurations yourself.
5. Customization
Proton VPN: Provides a good balance of pre-configured settings and customization options, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced VPN users.
OpenVPN: Offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to fine-tune your VPN connection. However, this requires more technical knowledge and understanding of VPN protocols.
6. Ease of Use
Proton VPN: Their VPN app is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to connect to a VPN server and utilize features like double VPN.
OpenVPN: While powerful, OpenVPN can be more complex to set up and use, especially for those unfamiliar with VPN configurations.
7. Advanced Features
Proton VPN: Offers features like Secure Core servers, double VPN connections, and “undetectable” technology to bypass censorship. Proton VPN has now developed these features to provide enhanced security and privacy.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN itself is a protocol, but when combined with the right VPN provider, you can access advanced features like double VPN, port forwarding, and obfuscation.
Ultimately, the best choice between ProtonVPN and OpenVPN depends on your individual needs and priorities.
If you prioritize ease of use and a pre-configured, secure VPN solution, ProtonVPN is a strong contender.
If you need more flexibility, customization, and have the technical skills to configure your VPN connection, OpenVPN might be the better choice.
Factors like the specific VPN server network, the implementation of WireGuard, and whether the VPN provider supports WireGuard should all be considered when making your decision.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t store your browsing activity. This is crucial for privacy.
- Kill switch: This feature cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
- DNS leak protection: Prevents your DNS requests from being exposed to your ISP.
- Server locations: Based on your needs (e.g., accessing content from specific countries), consider where you need servers.
- Customer support: A responsive team can be invaluable if you encounter issues.
- Free trial or money-back guarantee: You can test the VPN risk-free before committing.
- Independent audits: Look for VPNs that undergo third-party audits to verify their security and privacy claims.
Final Verdict
In the battle of ProtonVPN vs OpenVPN, ProtonVPN emerges as our top pick for most users.
Its combination of strong security, a user-friendly VPN app, a wide range of VPN protocols (including WireGuard and OpenVPN), and a high-speed server network makes it a compelling choice.
ProtonVPN’s “undetectable” technology and double VPN features further enhance its security and ability to bypass VPN blocks.
While OpenVPN remains a powerful and versatile VPN protocol, its complexity and reliance on third-party providers for server infrastructure and features like a no-logs policy make it less appealing for the average user.
We’ve rigorously tested both options, comparing features, speed (NordVPN vs ProtonVPN speed tests included), security, and ease of use.
Our analysis, along with numerous ProtonVPN reviews and comparisons (like NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison), points to ProtonVPN as the more practical and accessible solution for most people seeking a secure and private online experience.
Whether you’re looking for the best VPN protocol for streaming, torrenting, or simply browsing the web securely, ProtonVPN delivers.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
More of OpenVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to OpenVPN, so how does OpenVPN stack up directly against them?
- OpenVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers its fast and secure NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) as a strong alternative to OpenVPN, often providing better speeds.
- OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN features its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and reliability. This protocol competes with OpenVPN’s balance of security and compatibility.
- OpenVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN supports WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec alongside OpenVPN, giving users faster and potentially more stable options.
- OpenVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark includes WireGuard, known for its speed, as a modern alternative to OpenVPN, alongside IKEv2.
- OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN supports the fast and secure WireGuard protocol as a key alternative to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN primarily uses its protocol, often prioritizing speed and efficiency over the more established OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield may rely on OpenVPN as a primary secure protocol option.
- OpenVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports WireGuard and IKEv2, offering faster and potentially more stable alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes WireGuard and IKEv2, providing users with quicker alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN may use OpenVPN as one of its core security protocols.
- OpenVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost supports WireGuard and IKEv2, providing faster connection options compared to OpenVPN in many scenarios.
- OpenVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN may offer OpenVPN as a standard security protocol.
- OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA supports WireGuard and IKEv2, often delivering better speeds than OpenVPN while maintaining strong security.
- OpenVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium utilizes the WireGuard protocol for its decentralized network, focusing on speed and security over OpenVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN faster than OpenVPN?
ProtonVPN generally offers faster speeds due to its optimized server network and use of the WireGuard protocol. However, OpenVPN can also be fast depending on the VPN provider and server you choose. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN speed tests often show comparable results.
Can I use OpenVPN with ProtonVPN?
Yes, ProtonVPN offers the OpenVPN protocol as an option within its apps. This gives you the flexibility to choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard, depending on your needs.
What are the advantages of OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is a secure and battle-tested VPN protocol that’s widely trusted. It’s highly customizable, allowing for advanced configurations. OpenVPN also benefits from strong community support and is used by many leading VPN services.
How does ProtonVPN’s “undetectable” technology work?
ProtonVPN’s “undetectable” technology disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for websites and firewalls to detect and block your VPN connection. This is particularly useful in countries with strict internet censorship.
Which is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or OpenVPN?
Both can work well for streaming, but ProtonVPN often has the edge due to its generally faster speeds and ability to bypass VPN blocks on streaming platforms. However, the effectiveness can depend on the specific streaming service and the server you choose.
