

⚡ Kort oordeel:
- Prijzen: OpenVPN starts free, with paid plans from $7/month. SafeShell VPN starts at $5.99/month on its 1 Week plan.
- Het meest geschikt voor: OpenVPN for toegang op afstand and self-hosted private networks. SafeShell VPN for streaming, gaming, and simple privacy.
- Belangrijkste verschil: OpenVPN is an open source protocol you configure. SafeShell is a ready-made app with App Mode.
- Onze keuze: OpenVPN for most users who care about security and control. It’s free to start and its code is public.

OpenVPN and SafeShell VPN both promise secure connections.
Maar het zijn niet dezelfde producten.
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol and a set of bedrijf hulpmiddelen.
SafeShell VPN is a consumer app built for streaming and everyday online privacy.
One gives you control over every setting.
The other gives you one-tap convenience.
Overzicht
This OpenVPN vs SafeShell VPN comparison covers security, speed, streaming, pricing, and ease of use.
We hebben de documentatie, prijspagina's en gebruikersrecensies van beide tools bekeken.
Onze schrijvers hebben ook persoonlijk met elk van hen kennisgemaakt.
Die observaties staan beschreven in de onderstaande secties 'Wat ons team heeft opgemerkt'.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits the way you work.
Wat is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open source tunneling protocol and a family of VPN software.
James Yonan created it in 2001.
It builds a secure tunnel between a VPN client and a VPN server.
Creating VPN tunnels like this is the core job of any virtual private network.
Secure Sockets Layer and TLS encryption protect the gegevens traffic inside that tunnel.
The OpenVPN company, OpenVPN Inc., was once known as OpenVPN Technologies.
It sells Access Server for self-hosting and CloudConnexa as a managed service.
The free OpenVPN Community Edition is still open to anyone.
Many VPN providers, like ExpressVPN and Surfhaai, also run the OpenVPN protocol inside their apps.

Here’s a short video on how OpenVPN works in practice.

🏆 Winner: OpenVPN
Build your own private network with code anyone can check. Start free and scale to full remote access for your team.
OpenVPN-prijzen
Here’s what OpenVPN software costs in 2026. The plans stay simple.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0 | Personal use, testing, and small setups |
| Groei | $7/maand | Small teams that need more connections |
| Onderneming | Aangepast | Grote bedrijven met geavanceerde beveiligingsbehoeften |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Gratis proefperiode: No trial is needed. The Free plan lets you test everything before paying.
Geld-terug-garantie: OpenVPN doesn’t advertise one. Read the terms before you upgrade.
📌 Opmerking: The Community Edition and OpenVPN Connect app are free. Paid plans add more connections and admin controls.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Self-hosting is free, but your server isn’t. You pay for the cloud machine or hardware yourself.
Belangrijkste voordelen van OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth a close look:
- Code openen: Anyone can inspect the source. Community review leads to fast fixes and steady improvements.
- Flexible encryption: Pick AES, Blowfish, or other encryption ciphers. You also choose key lengths.
- Speed or stability: OpenVPN UDP is quicker for daily use. OpenVPN TCP is steadier on shaky networks.
- Firewall friendly: It slips through firewalls and NAT gateways. That makes it useful on locked-down office Wi-Fi.
- Wide support: It runs on all major operating systems. Even router firmware like Tomato and systems like Solaris can use it.
- Perfecte voorwaartse geheimhouding: Each session gets fresh keys. One breach won’t expose all your past traffic.
- Weegschalen met jou mee: It handles one remote worker or full site-to-site links. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6.

Wat ons team opmerkte
Ons schrijver signed up for OpenVPN and spent time with its apps and dashboard. Here’s what stood out:

Voordelen en nadelen van OpenVPN
✅ Voordelen
- Free Community Edition with open source code
- Werkt op Windows, macOS en Linux. Androiden iOS
- Choice of TCP or UDP for reliability or speed
- Passes through most firewalls and NAT gateways
❌ Nadelen
- Handmatige configuratie is complex voor beginners.
- Langzamer dan nieuwere protocollen zoals WireGuard.
- No built-in server network for streaming
Wat is SafeShell VPN?
SafeShell VPN is a consumer VPN app for streaming, gaming, and privacy.
The App Store lists its developer as GearUP Portal Pte. Ltd.
It hides your IP address and shields your online activities from hackers and surveillance.
Its signature App Mode connects different apps to different countries at once.
Its App Store title calls it a fast secure VPN.
The listing claims SafeShell revolutionizes VPN use with a personalized connection experience.
It also promises a new level of online freedom.
Het werkt op iOS. iPad, Mac, Windows, Android, Apple TV, and Android TV.
It even has an app for Apple Vision Pro.

This review video walks through the app from sign-up to streaming.

SafeShell VPN
Watch Netflix in one region and YouTube in another at the same time. Try it free for 3 days.
SafeShell VPN-prijzen
SafeShell sells short and long plans. Here’s how they compare.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $5,99/maand | Reis, a sports event, or a quick test |
| 3 maanden | $24,99/maand | Streaming a full show season |
| 1 jaar | $59,99/maand | Daily users who want the lowest long-term cost |
Pricing verified September 2026.
💡 Price check: Some listings show $3.99 per week, $9.99 per month, and $49.99 per year. Confirm the exact price and billing period at checkout.

Gratis proefperiode: Yes. New users who haven’t subscribed before get a 3-day free trial period. Use it to discover whether App Mode works with your apps.
Geld-terug-garantie: A 7-day money back guarantee covers your first subscription purchase.
📌 Opmerking: You can pay by credit card, PayPal, Google Play, Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Plans auto-renew. Cancel at least 24 hours before expiry, or you’ll be charged again.
Belangrijkste voordelen van SafeShell VPN
Here’s where SafeShell earns its place:
- App-modus: Send Facebook through one country and Prime Video through another. Each app gets its own region.
- Globale modus: One tap routes all traffic through a single location. It’s the easy default for browsing.
- Big network: SafeShell lists 70+ regional server locations. It says you can reach 100+ locations without getting blocked.
- Subtitle translation: Translate subtitles into 30+ languages. Original and translated lines show side by side.
- No speed limits: You get unlimited, high speed access on a secure global network. There’s no data cap.
- Zero logs: SafeShell says it stores no activity or connection logs. That backs its online privacy promise.

Wat ons team opmerkte
Our writer signed up for SafeShell and spent time exploring its apps. Here’s what stood out:

SafeShell VPN: Voordelen en nadelen
✅ Voordelen
- De app-modus verbindt verschillende apps met verschillende regio's.
- Ondertiteling in meer dan 30 talen
- Apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro
- User friendly design that beginners can navigate fast
❌ Nadelen
- Only a 7-day refund window
- Trustpilot reviews mention refund and support issues
- App Store rating (3.9/5) trails its Trustpilot score (4.6/5)
Functievergelijking
These two tools overlap less than you might think. OpenVPN protects private networks, while SafeShell VPN focuses on streaming and personal privacy. Let’s compare them across nine features plus pricing.
| Functie | OpenVPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $0 | $5,99/maand |
| Gratis plan | ✅ | ❌ (3-day trial) |
| Open Source Code | ✅ | ❌ |
| Zelf hosten | ✅ | ❌ |
| Per-App Region Routing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Streamingfuncties | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ondertitelvertaling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Spelmodus | ❌ | ✅ |
| Site-to-site netwerken | ✅ | ❌ |
| DNS or Ad Filtering | ✅ | ✅ |
| Het beste voor | IT teams and tech-savvy users | Streamers, gamers, beginners |
1. Beveiliging en versleuteling
OpenVPN: OpenVPN uses a custom security protocol that runs key exchange over SSL/TLS. The OpenSSL library supplies its encryption algorithms. A hash message authentication code checks that no packet was changed in transit. It verifies users with certificates, pre-shared keys, or usernames and passwords.

SafeShell VPN: SafeShell encrypts your data with its own ShellGuard protocol. It wraps VPN traffic in QUIC technology, so it looks like normal web traffic. That helps it slip past strict censorship. DNS Leak Protection keeps your lookups hidden from your internet service provider.

⚠️ Waarschuwing: Anyone can audit OpenVPN’s public code. ShellGuard is SafeShell’s own design, so you rely on the company’s claims.
So is OpenVPN safe? Yes, when configured correctly. The open source OpenVPN protocol beats older encryption protocols like PPTP on security.
It also offers more settings than most VPN protocols. Other VPN protocols often lock you into fixed options. That flexibility keeps IT teams loyal to it over newer tunneling protocols.
2. Remote Access & VPN Servers
OpenVPN: OpenVPN was built for remote access to private networks. Companies run OpenVPN Access Server so staff can reach internal tools from home. One server farm can handle thousands of VPN clients at once. There’s no public list of OpenVPN servers. That’s the key point beginners miss. You host your own OpenVPN server or use an OpenVPN compatible service.

SafeShell VPN: SafeShell runs its own VPN servers across 70+ regions to cut latency. Its Super Servers aim for stable speeds across different VPN locations. You can hop between multiple locations in seconds. You can’t reach an office network with it. It’s built for public internet access, not company networks.

3. Streaming
OpenVPN: OpenVPN has no streaming servers or unblocking tools. It encrypts the connection, but your server decides your location. Watching Netflix abroad needs a provider with streaming-ready locations.
SafeShell VPN: Streaming is SafeShell’s main focus. Its servers target Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and other streaming services. Trustpilot reviews often mention fast, smooth playback.

✅ Bonus: SafeShell’s subtitle feature shows original and translated lines together. That makes for a comfortable viewing experience with foreign videos. Here’s how it looks.

4. App Mode vs Site-to-Site Routing
OpenVPN: OpenVPN routes whole networks, not single apps. Site-to-site setups link two offices into one private network. Admins can customize every route, but it takes manual configuration.

SafeShell VPN: App Mode lets you connect to multiple regions simultaneously, one per app. For example, Facebook can use a local IP while Netflix uses a US one. Several reviewers single out this feature as the reason they chose SafeShell.

5. Device Support & Ease of Use
OpenVPN: The OpenVPN client, OpenVPN Connect, is free client software that imports .ovpn config files. Windows users can also run OpenVPN GUI. It even secures IoT gadgets. Setup on mobile apparaten feels clunkier than on desktop.

SafeShell VPN: SafeShell covers phones, computers, and TVs with one account. Multi device support lets one subscription protect several screens. There are no config files. You tap connect and go.

6. IPv6 & Network Flexibility
OpenVPN: OpenVPN tunnels through NAT gateways and stateful firewalls without special rules. Public key infrastructure manages its certificates and encryption keys. An optional HMAC firewall, also called TLS auth, drops unsigned packets vroeg.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell supports IPv6 connections. That keeps your real address hidden on modern networks. You don’t need to touch any settings for it.

7. Ad Blocking & DNS Filtering
OpenVPN: OpenVPN’s cloud plans include DNS security and content filtering. Admins can block risky websites for a whole team. It’s a policy tool, not a personal ad blocker.
SafeShell VPN: SafeNet AdBlock stops ads while you browse. It’s aimed at home users who want cleaner pages and fewer pop-ups.

8. Gaming & Speed
OpenVPN: The UDP protocol, or user datagram protocol, is faster because it skips delivery checks. Transmission control protocol mode confirms every packet, so it’s slower but more reliable. Either way, OpenVPN trails WireGuard on raw speed.
SafeShell VPN: Game Mode picks better routes to game servers for lower ping. The goal is quick responses, not the fastest download speed. That’s what matters most in online gaming.

9. Business & Cloud App Security
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a bedrijf tool at heart. It can lock down access to SaaS apps and enforce zero trust rules per user. It scales from one worker to large site-to-site setups.

It also protects SaaS traffic after login, keeping sensitive data inside the tunnel.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell has no admin dashboard or team controls. It’s a personal VPN for you and your own devices.
10. Prijsbepaling en kosten
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Plan | OpenVPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | Gratis: $0 | ❌ (3-day free trial) |
| Invoer | Growth: $7/month | 1 Week: $5.99/month |
| Middellange termijn | — | 3 Months: $24.99/month |
| Topklasse | Zakelijk: Aangepast | 1 Year: $59.99/month |
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is the cheaper path if you can handle setup. The Free plan and Community Edition cost nothing. Growth adds room for small teams.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell has no free plan, only a trial. The 1 Week plan suits a short trip. Check the billing period at checkout before choosing a long plan.
Verschillende scenario's
| Als u het nodig heeft... | Kiezen | Waarom |
|---|---|---|
| Krap budget | OpenVPN | Free plan and free Community Edition |
| Company remote access | OpenVPN | Access Server and zero trust rules |
| Full control over servers | OpenVPN | Self-host and tune every setting |
| Netflix and Prime Video | SafeShell VPN | Streaming servers plus App Mode |
| Online gamen | SafeShell VPN | Game Mode lowers ping |
| Foreign-language shows | SafeShell VPN | Ondertiteling in meer dan 30 talen |
| Beginnersvriendelijke installatie | SafeShell VPN | One tap, no config files |
💰 Jouw budget
OpenVPN’s free options cost nothing but your time. SafeShell needs a paid subscription once the 3-day trial ends.
🔌 Uw apparaten
SafeShell has ready apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision headsets. OpenVPN reaches routers, Linux servers, and IoT gear.
📝 Jouw hoofddoel
Need to reach work files from home? Pick OpenVPN. Want to stream a home-country channel, game, or watch shows with friends abroad? Pick SafeShell.
🎓 Jouw ervaringsniveau
Casual VPN users will find SafeShell far easier. OpenVPN rewards people who are comfortable with config files and servers.
🆓 Gratis proefversies en demo's
Try OpenVPN’s Free plan on one device first. The best way to experience SafeShell is its trial. Cancel before it ends if you’re unsure.
🛟 Ondersteuningsopties
OpenVPN has deep documentation and a large community. SafeShell reviews mention slow refund replies, so contact support early.
🔒 Privacy and Logs
SafeShell promises a zero-logs policy. With self-hosted OpenVPN, you decide what gets logged.
Overstaphandleiding
Gebruik je al een van deze tools? Dit is wat er verandert als je overstapt.
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to SafeShell VPN?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- App Mode to use multiple regions at once
- Streaming servers, Game Mode, and subtitle translation
- One-tap apps for TVs and Apple Vision Pro
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Open source code you can audit
- Self-hosting and site-to-site networking
- Een gratis abonnement zonder tijdslimiet.
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Save any .ovpn profiles you may need later.
- Download SafeShell VPN from your app store and sign up.
- Pick Global Mode or App Mode, then connect.
🔄 Switching from SafeShell VPN to OpenVPN?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Full control over servers, routes, and encryption
- A free plan and free Community Edition
- Business tools like zero trust and DNS filtering
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Per-app region routing with App Mode
- Subtitle translation and Game Mode
- Ready-made streaming servers
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Cancel SafeShell at least 24 hours before renewal.
- Install OpenVPN Connect from openvpn.net or your app store.
- Import a .ovpn file from your OpenVPN Access Server or provider, then connect.
Wat onze recensie niet behandelde
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t benchmark speeds across countries or check every streaming library. OpenVPN Enterprise and its custom pricing weren’t part of this review. Features and prices reflect September 2026 and may change.
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 🔐 Beveiliging & Versleuteling | OpenVPN |
| 🏢 Toegang op afstand | OpenVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 🔀 Per-App Routing | SafeShell VPN |
| 👶 Device Support & Ease of Use | SafeShell VPN |
| 🌐 Network Flexibility | OpenVPN |
| 🚫 Ad & DNS Filtering | Stropdas |
| 🎮 Gaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 💼 Business Security | OpenVPN |
| 💰 Prijzen | OpenVPN |
| 🏆 Algemene winnaar | OpenVPN |
🏆 WINNER: OPENVPN
OpenVPN wins 5 out of 10 categories, with one tie.
Het meest geschikt voor: Remote access, self-hosted private networks, and security-first users on a budget
Both products fall under virtual private networks, but they solve different problems. There’s no single best VPN for everyone. OpenVPN is an open source toolkit for secure connections you control. SafeShell is a polished app for streaming, gaming, and casual privacy.
SafeShell is the better pick if you mostly watch, play, and travel. App Mode and subtitle translation have no equal in OpenVPN.
For security, cost, and control, OpenVPN comes out ahead. OpenVPN is one protocol most VPN providers still offer beside WireGuard. Its code is public, it starts free, and it grows with your needs.
Meer over OpenVPN vergeleken
OpenVPN is a protocol, so these matchups pit it against full VPN services. Many of them run OpenVPN connections inside their own apps.
OpenVPN versus NordVPN
OpenVPN wint op de volgende punten: Self-hosting with no subscription, full ownership of servers and keys, and site-to-site links between offices.
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Thousands of ready-made servers, its faster NordLynx protocol, and one-click apps with Threat Protection extras.
OpenVPN wint op de volgende punten: Public code you can audit, zero trust access for teams, and running on routers or Linux boxes you own.
ExpressVPN wint op de volgende punten: Its Lightway protocol for quick reconnects, streaming-ready servers worldwide, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
OpenVPN wint op de volgende punten: Access Server for company networks, DNS filtering policies for teams, and protection for IoT and SaaS traffic.
Proton VPN wint op: A free consumer plan with no data cap, Secure Core multi-hop servers, and polished apps for everyday users.
OpenVPN vs Surfshark
OpenVPN wint op de volgende punten: Private tunnels into your own network, custom routes and cipher choices, and a free Community Edition.
Surfshark wint op: Unlimited simultaneous devices, the CleanWeb ad blocker, and simple apps with the OpenVPN protocol built in.
Meer informatie over SafeShell VPN vergeleken
Here’s how SafeShell VPN holds up against other consumer VPN services:
SafeShell VPN wint op de volgende punten: Per-app regions with App Mode, subtitle translation in 30+ languages, and a weekly plan for short needs.
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: A 30-day refund window, independent audits of its no-logs policy, and Meshnet for linking your own devices.
SafeShell VPN wint op de volgende punten: Game Mode for lower ping, an Apple Vision Pro app, and App Mode for mixing regions.
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: A true free plan, open-source apps, and Secure Core routing through extra servers.
SafeShell VPN versus CyberGhost
SafeShell VPN wint op de volgende punten: App Mode, built-in subtitle translation, and short weekly billing.
CyberGhost wint op: A 45-day refund on longer plans, streaming servers labeled by service, and an easy switch to OpenVPN in its apps.
SafeShell VPN versus Privé internettoegang
SafeShell VPN wint op de volgende punten: A cleaner design for beginners, App Mode, and apps for TVs and headsets.
Private Internet Access scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Unlimited simultaneous connections, a choice of OpenVPN encryption levels, and open-source apps.
Veelgestelde vragen
Is OpenVPN gratis?
Yes. The Community Edition and the Connect app cost nothing. Paid business plans start at $7/month for teams that need more connections.
Is het veilig om OpenVPN te gebruiken?
Yes, when it’s set up well. It uses SSL/TLS, strong encryption ciphers, and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Lists of the safest VPN protocols almost always include it.
Is OpenVPN beter dan NordVPN?
They’re different things. The first is a protocol. NordVPN is a VPN provider that offers it in its apps. Choose it for ready servers, or self-host for control.
Verbergt OpenVPN mijn IP-adres?
Yes. Websites see your VPN server’s IP instead of your real one. Your internet provider also can’t read the traffic inside the tunnel.
Wat zijn de nadelen van OpenVPN?
Setup has a learning curve, and mobile apps feel less polished. It also offers no ready-made streaming servers unless you use a provider.













