

⚡ Verdict rapide :
- Tarification : OpenVPN has a $0 Free plan and a $7/month Growth plan. Malwarebytes starts at $44.99/yr.
- Idéal pour : OpenVPN suits IT teams and self-hosters. Malwarebytes VPN suits home users who want antivirus plus a VPN.
- Différence principale : OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol and platform. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a ready-made app built on WireGuard.
- Notre choix : OpenVPN (4.3/5). It costs nothing to start, and anyone can audit its code.

OpenVPN and Malwarebytes VPN both promise a secure tunnel for your données trafic.
But they aren’t the same kind of product.
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol you can run on your own server.
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a ready-made app from a well-known antivirus brand.
One gives you control. The other gives you convenience.
This guide shows which trade-off fits you.
Aperçu
This OpenVPN vs Malwarebytes VPN comparison covers pricing, encryption, speed, privacy, and ease of use.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and published user reviews for both tools.
Nos rédacteurs ont également passé du temps à manipuler chaque plante.
Ces observations figurent dans les sections « Ce que notre équipe a remarqué » ci-dessous.
Qu'est-ce qu'OpenVPN ?
OpenVPN is an open source tunneling protocol created in 2001.
It builds a secure tunnel between a VPN client and a VPN server.
It uses Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Sécurité (SSL/TLS) to set up that tunnel.
The OpenVPN company, once called OpenVPN Technologies, sells entreprise products like Access Server.
Home users can grab the free OpenVPN Community Edition instead.
OpenVPN is one protocol that most VPN providers also ship inside their own apps.
OpenVPN works by wrapping data packets inside extra encrypted layers.
It offers better security than most VPN protocols, including older ones like PPTP.
Security guides often place it on lists of the safest VPN protocols.

Here’s a quick video walkthrough of what the platform does.

🏆 Winner: OpenVPN
Own your VPN server and your encryption keys. Audit every line of code. Start free and scale when your team grows.
Tarification d'OpenVPN
Ce sont les entreprise plans for OpenVPN’s hosted products in 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0 | Small teams testing a few connections |
| Croissance | 7 $/mois | Growing teams adding remote users |
| Entreprise | Coutume | Large networks with compliance needs |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Essai gratuit : The Free plan works as an open-ended trial. You can test real VPN connections before paying.
Garantie de remboursement : There’s no formal refund window. Plans are pay-as-you-go, so you can cancel anytime.
📌 Note: The Community Edition sits outside these plans. It’s the free OpenVPN software you host yourself. The OpenVPN Connect client software is free too.
⚠️ Avertissement: Check how the Growth plan counts connections. Your bill rises as you add remote users.
Principaux avantages d'OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth a look:
- Code ouvert : Anyone can inspect the open source OpenVPN protocol. A global developer community spots and patches flaws fast.
- TCP or UDP: OpenVPN TCP delivers every packet in order. OpenVPN UDP skips that check to gain speed.
- Your Choice of Ciphers: Pick encryption ciphers like AES or Blowfish and set key lengths. The OpenSSL library supports many encryption algorithms.
- Secret parfait en amont : One leaked key can’t unlock every past session. That limits the damage from a breach.
- Firewall Friendly: It slips through firewalls and NAT gateways that block other VPN protocols. That makes it hard for an internet service provider to stop.
- Runs Almost Anywhere: Windows, macOS, Linux, Androïde, and iOS all work. So do Tomato routers and even Solaris.

Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
Notre écrivain signed up for OpenVPN and set up a working OpenVPN server from scratch. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:

Avantages et inconvénients d'OpenVPN
✅ Avantages
- Open source code anyone can audit
- Free Community Edition for self-hosting
- Supports both TCP and UDP transport
- Works on routers and lesser-known operating systems
❌ Inconvénients
- Plus lent que les protocoles plus récents comme WireGuard
- Manual configuration can be complex
- Less polished on mobile appareils than desktop
Qu'est-ce que Malwarebytes VPN ?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a consumer VPN service from antivirus software maker Malwarebytes.
The brand began as an anti malware solution, then added privacy tools.
The VPN runs on the WireGuard protocol for quicker connections.
It offers 470+ worldwide servers across 45+ countries.
That server network comes from a partnership with VPN Mullvad.
It’s built for people who want one app, one tap, and no setup.

This video shows the app and its settings in action.

VPN Malwarebytes
Antivirus and a WireGuard VPN under one login. Flip one switch to hide your IP address. Try it risk-free for 60 days.
Tarification de Malwarebytes VPN
Malwarebytes sells its VPN inside yearly security plans. Here’s the 2026 lineup.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 44,99 $/an | Antivirus-only buyers |
| Plus | 59,99 $/an | Antivirus plus Privacy VPN |
| Total | 159,99 $/an | Device security, VPN, and identity protection |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Essai gratuit : Yes. The Privacy VPN comes with a 7-day trial period.
Garantie de remboursement : 60 days on the Privacy VPN.
📌 Note: VPN pricing scales by simultaneous connections, from one device up to five. Every tier gets all the same features. You can pay by PayPal or card, but not crypto.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list the standalone VPN at $39.99/yr for one device. Three devices run $49.99/yr, and five run $59.99/yr. Confirm at checkout. Malwarebytes offers no discounts, and VAT can add up to 20% in some countries.
Principaux avantages du VPN Malwarebytes
Here are the important features that make Malwarebytes VPN useful:
- WireGuard par défaut : Every connection uses WireGuard. You never have to pick a protocol.
- Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence : If the VPN drops, all network traffic stops. Your real IP never leaks.
- Règles de connexion : This split tunneling tool lets certain apps or IP addresses skip the VPN. Banking apps are a common use.
- MultiHop : Route traffic through two servers in different countries. It’s an extra layer, not the same server twice.
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux : Malwarebytes says it doesn’t track, store, or share network data. That covers DNS requests and bandwidth usage.
- DNS privé : It runs its own DNS servers that don’t track your traffic.
- Assistance utile : Help is easily accessible through a support ticket or chat. Published reviews praise the quick replies.

Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
Our writer created a Malwarebytes account and used the VPN for everyday browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Malwarebytes VPN
✅ Avantages
- Simple one-tap apps for beginners
- WireGuard protocol on every connection
- Kill switch and split tunneling included
- Garantie de remboursement de 60 jours
❌ Inconvénients
- No third party audits of its no-logs policy
- Struggles with HuluDisney+ et BBC iPlayer
- No Linux, router, or gaming console apps
- US base inside the Five Eyes alliance
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Here’s how both tools compare across nine features, plus pricing. Keep one thing in mind. You’re comparing a protocol platform with a consumer app.
| Fonctionnalité | OpenVPN | VPN Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 0 $ (Forfait gratuit) | 44,99 $/an |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ | ❌ |
| Open Source Code | ✅ | ❌ |
| Protocoles | OpenVPN TCP & UDP | WireGuard uniquement |
| Serveur auto-hébergé | ✅ | ❌ |
| Réseautage de site à site | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bundled Antivirus | ❌ | ✅ |
| Protection de l'identité | ❌ | ✅ (Total plan) |
| Prise en charge de Linux | ✅ | ❌ |
| Idéal pour | IT teams and self-hosters | Home users who want simplicity |
1. Core Purpose & Remote Access
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is built for remote access into private networks. The OpenVPN Access Server gives admins one web panel to manage VPN users. Staff can reach office files from anywhere through one encrypted path.

VPN Malwarebytes : The Privacy VPN protects one person’s browsing, not a company network. It masks your IP address and hides your online activities. You can’t host your own server with it.

2. Protocols & Encryption
OpenVPN : OpenVPN builds its encryption protocols on SSL/TLS and the OpenSSL library. The TCP transmission control protocol mode favors reliable delivery. The UDP user datagram protocol mode favors speed.
TLS auth adds an HMAC firewall to each session. It uses a hash message authentication code to reject forged packets. That’s what keeps OpenVPN safe on hostile networks.
VPN Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes uses only WireGuard and advertises AES-256 encryption. You can’t swap protocols or tune the settings. It may also store an anonymized public key to set up each connection.
⚠️ Avertissement: OpenVPN is only as secure as your setup. Weak encryption keys or sloppy config can expose sensitive data.
3. Vitesse et performance
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is slower than newer tunneling protocols like WireGuard. Its extra encryption layers add overhead. Choosing the UDP protocol speeds up most OpenVPN connections.
VPN Malwarebytes : WireGuard should make it quick, but published speed tests tell a mixed story. One test measured a 34% drop on nearby Malwarebytes servers and 62% on distant ones. Gamers also mention high ping, so it’s not the fastest VPN.
💡 Conseil de pro : Using a VPN always costs some speed, as with most VPNs. Run OpenVPN on UDP by default. Switch to TCP only when a network blocks UDP.
4. Access Control & Browsing Protection
OpenVPN : Zero trust rules check every user and device before granting access. A public key infrastructure issues certificates for each person. The authentication OpenVPN uses also accepts usernames and passwords.

VPN Malwarebytes : Browser Guard is a free extension that blocks scam sites and trackers. It works alongside the VPN for extra online privacy.

5. Threat Blocking
OpenVPN : CloudConnexa, the hosted version, adds DNS security and content filtering. It filters internet access so users can’t reach known phishing and malware domains.
VPN Malwarebytes : Here Malwarebytes has a clear edge. Paid plans pair the VPN with Premium antivirus that catches ransomware and spyware.
AdwCleaner, a free adware remover, rounds out the Malwarebytes products.

6. Privacy & Logging
OpenVPN : When you run your own OpenVPN servers, you control the logs. No VPN company sits between you and your data. The code is public, so anyone can check it for hidden tracking.
VPN Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes says it doesn’t store IP addresses or bandwidth logs. Many VPNs now publish audit reports, but Malwarebytes hasn’t. Its privacy policy is also vague, and the company is US-based.

Its privacy tools also aim to shrink your digital footprint.

⚠️ Avertissement: Every privacy VPN review we read flags the missing audit. If verified no-logs matters, look at audited VPNs.
7. Devices & Platforms
OpenVPN : OpenVPN runs on almost any operating system, including routers with Tomato firmware. It handles IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. Its VPN clients also run on IoT devices in the field.

VPN Malwarebytes : You get a Windows app, a Mac desktop app, and an iOS app. Android mobile apps are covered too. There’s no Linux, router, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles support. It has no smart DNS feature for TVs either.
💡 Conseil de pro : Stuck on an older Mac with macOS Catalina? Check the minimum system version before you buy.
8. Business Networking
OpenVPN : Site-to-site VPN tunnels link offices so teams share files like they’re in one building. OpenVPN scales from one remote worker to large organizations.

It can also secure access to the SaaS apps your team uses daily.

VPN Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes has no site-to-site or team networking features. It’s a personal privacy tool.
9. Identity Protection
OpenVPN : OpenVPN doesn’t monitor your personal identity. Its SaaS protection guards business app traffic instead.
VPN Malwarebytes : Want Malwarebytes protection beyond the VPN? The Total plan adds identity theft protection.

Dark web monitoring alerts you when your details show up in a leak.

A personal data remover also asks data brokers to delete your info.

10. Tarification et coût
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Étage | OpenVPN | VPN Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | Gratuit : 0 $ | ❌ (Essai de 7 jours seulement) |
| Entrée | Growth: $7/month | Standard: $44.99/yr |
| Milieu | — | Plus: $59.99/yr |
| Haut | Entreprise : Personnalisé | Total: $159.99/yr |
OpenVPN : The OpenVPN free tier costs nothing. Creating VPN tunnels with the Community Edition is free too. You only pay for more connections or managed hosting.
VPN Malwarebytes : There’s no free version of the VPN. You need Plus or Total to get it bundled. That’s fair value only if you also want the antivirus.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Zero budget | OpenVPN | Free plan and free Community Edition |
| Antivirus plus VPN | VPN Malwarebytes | Both come in one plan |
| Your own VPN server | OpenVPN | Full control of logs and keys |
| No setup at all | VPN Malwarebytes | One-tap apps |
| Accès à distance pour les entreprises | OpenVPN | Access Server and site-to-site links |
| Streaming | Ni l'un ni l'autre | Other VPNs unblock more platforms |
💰 Votre budget
OpenVPN free is a real option, not a teaser. Malwarebytes only makes sense if you’d pay for antivirus anyway.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
Running Linux, routers, or IoT gear? OpenVPN handles secure connections for all of them. Malwarebytes covers only Windows devices, Macs, and phones.
📝 Votre cas d'utilisation
Connecting staff to office systems calls for OpenVPN. Hiding your IP on café Wi-Fi is easier with Malwarebytes.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Beginners should start with Malwarebytes or a provider with OpenVPN preconfigured. Admins comfortable with .ovpn files will prefer OpenVPN.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Test OpenVPN on its Free plan with a real project. Use the Malwarebytes 7-day trial to check speeds on your own connection.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Community Edition users rely on forums and docs, while paid OpenVPN tiers get business support. Hit issues downloading Malwarebytes? Its team answers tickets and chats quickly.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici ce qui change si vous en changez.
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- One-tap apps with auto connect and auto launch options
- Antivirus and Browser Guard in the same account
- Protection contre le vol d'identité incluse dans le forfait Total
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Open source code you can audit
- Self-hosting and site-to-site links
- Linux et prise en charge des routeurs
📋 Comment changer :
- Back up your .ovpn files and disconnect the OpenVPN client.
- Create a Malwarebytes account and choose Plus or Total.
- Install the app, approve the VPN pop up window, and turn on the kill switch.
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to OpenVPN?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Full control over ciphers and keys
- Support for Linux, routers, and IoT devices
- A free plan with no yearly bill
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Protection antivirus intégrée
- One-tap setup with zero config
- Dark web and identity monitoring
📋 Comment changer :
- Cancel Malwarebytes within 60 days if you want a refund.
- Install OpenVPN Access Server or pick an OpenVPN compatible service.
- Install OpenVPN Connect or the OpenVPN GUI, then import your profile.
Ce que notre analyse n'a pas couvert
This comparison focused on individuals and small teams. We didn’t test Access Server at enterprise scale or custom Enterprise pricing. We also didn’t check whether any Malwarebytes locations run on virtual servers.
We didn’t test whether you can download torrents smoothly on Malwarebytes. Reports say it struggles with censorship in China, but we couldn’t verify that. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions of both tools.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | OpenVPN |
| 🔐 Protocoles et chiffrement | OpenVPN |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | VPN Malwarebytes |
| 🔌 Devices & Platforms | OpenVPN |
| 🕵️ Privacy Transparency | OpenVPN |
| 🛡️ Threat & Identity Protection | VPN Malwarebytes |
| 🏢 Business Networking | OpenVPN |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | OpenVPN |
🏆 WINNER: OPENVPN
OpenVPN wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Idéal pour : Self-hosted VPNs, business remote access, Linux and router setups
OpenVPN and Malwarebytes VPN solve different problems. OpenVPN is a toolkit for building your own virtual private network. Malwarebytes is a finished app for people who never want to touch a config file.
Is Malwarebytes Privacy VPN safe for everyday browsing? Yes, especially as an add-on to its antivirus.
But how well does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN work for streaming? Not well, and its small network and missing audits hold it back.
OpenVPN is free to start and open to inspection. It runs on nearly every device. If you want control and transparency, OpenVPN is the better choice.
Comparaison d'OpenVPN
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against popular virtual private networks:
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : self-hosted servers, a free tier, and code anyone can read.
NordVPN victoires sur : ready-made apps, a much larger server list, and streaming access.
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : zero cost, site-to-site networking, and full cipher choice.
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : OpenVPN preconfigured out of the box, higher speeds, and a router app.
OpenVPN vs Surfshark
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : owning your logs, IoT support, and business access controls.
Surfshark l'emporte sur : OpenVPN as one tunneling protocol among several, unlimited devices, and ad blocking.
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : self-hosting, custom security protocol setups, and site-to-site links.
ProtonVPN victoires sur : Swiss jurisdiction, a free consumer plan, and no server upkeep.
Comparaison plus poussée de Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN compares with other VPNs:
Malwarebytes VPN contre NordVPN
Malwarebytes VPN l'emporte sur : a simpler app, a bundled antivirus, and fewer settings to learn.
NordVPN l'emporte sur : more servers, dedicated streaming support, and independent audits.
Malwarebytes VPN contre ExpressVPN
Malwarebytes VPN l'emporte sur : a longer 60-day refund window, antivirus bundles, and MultiHop routing.
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : router support, reliable streaming, and a wider server spread.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Surfshark
Malwarebytes VPN l'emporte sur : a trusted anti-malware engine, identity theft tools, and a cleaner interface.
Surfshark l'emporte sur : unlimited devices, Linux apps, and more protocol choices.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Accès Internet privé
Malwarebytes VPN l'emporte sur : WireGuard-only simplicity, fast support replies, and antivirus in the same plan.
Private Internet Access l'emporte sur : choosing your OpenVPN encryption level, open source apps, and more simultaneous connections.
Foire aux questions
OpenVPN est-il gratuit ?
Yes. The Community Edition is free to self-host. The business products also have a $0 Free plan. You only pay $7/month on Growth when you need more connections.
L'utilisation d'OpenVPN est-elle sûre ?
Yes. It uses SSL/TLS, strong ciphers like AES, and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Its open code gets constant review. Just avoid weak keys and sloppy configuration.
Le VPN Malwarebytes est-il efficace ?
It’s decent for basic privacy on public Wi-Fi. But it has a small network, patchy streaming, and no independent audits. It’s best as an add-on to Malwarebytes antivirus.
Est-ce que Malwarebytes VPN enregistre des données ?
The company says no. Its policy excludes DNS requests, IP addresses, and bandwidth logs. No outside firm has audited that claim, though.
Quelle est la différence entre VPN et OpenVPN ?
A VPN is the private tunnel itself. OpenVPN is one protocol, plus software, that builds that tunnel. Many VPN services use it inside their apps.













