⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: OpenVPN starts free, with paid plans from $7/month. PrivadoVPN runs from $1.11/month to $10.99/month.
- Best for: OpenVPN for remote access and custom setups. PrivadoVPN for private browsing and streaming.
- Key difference: OpenVPN is a protocol and business platform. PrivadoVPN is a ready-made app that uses OpenVPN inside.
- Our pick: OpenVPN for most security-minded users. Open code and zero trust tools give you more control.
OpenVPN and PrivadoVPN both protect your data traffic.
But they are not the same kind of product.
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol with a business platform around it.
PrivadoVPN is a VPN service you install and switch on.
In fact, PrivadoVPN runs the OpenVPN protocol inside its own apps.
So the real question is simple: do you want control or convenience?
Overview
This OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN comparison covers security, speed, streaming, setup, and pricing.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and user reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you’ll know which virtual private network setup fits you.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open-source tunneling protocol that builds a secure tunnel for your data.
It launched in 2001 and is still a top pick among VPN users in 2026.
It belongs to the SSL VPN family, built on Secure Sockets Layer and TLS.
The OpenVPN company, once called OpenVPN Technologies, also sells tools for businesses.
Those include OpenVPN Access Server and a hosted cloud service.
Most VPN providers, like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, offer it in their apps.
🏆 Winner: OpenVPN
Security you can inspect line by line. Start free, then add remote access tools as your team grows.
OpenVPN Pricing
Here’s what OpenVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Home labs and small tests |
| Growth | $7/month | Small teams that need remote access |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large firms with compliance needs |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: The Free plan works as a no-cost trial. You can also self-host the free OpenVPN Community Edition.
Money-back guarantee: OpenVPN doesn’t advertise a standard refund window. Test on the Free plan before you upgrade.
📌 Note: The OpenVPN software itself is free to download. You pay for managed hosting, extra connections, and support.
⚠️ Warning: G2 reviews flag high costs for self-hosting at scale. Count your users before you pick a plan.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth considering:
- Open Code You Can Check: Anyone can inspect the code for flaws. A global developer community reviews it and ships fixes fast.
- Strong Encryption Options: You can pick encryption ciphers and key lengths. That lets you match protection to your sensitive data.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: Each session gets fresh encryption keys. One stolen key can’t unlock your past traffic.
- Firewall Friendly: It slips through firewalls and NAT gateways well. OpenVPN connections can even run over port 443, like normal HTTPS.
- Works Almost Anywhere: It supports both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. It also runs on rare operating systems like Tomato and Solaris.
- Grows With You: It scales from one remote worker to complex site-to-site links. Plugins, scripts, and third-party apps add even more.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OpenVPN and set up a connection with its client app. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Open-source code gets constant community review
- Free Community Edition for self-hosted setups
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Switch between TCP and UDP for reliability or speed
❌ Cons
- Manual setup can feel complex for beginners
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard
- Mobile setup is less friendly than desktop
What is PrivadoVPN?
PrivadoVPN is a VPN service run by Privado Networks AG in Switzerland.
Swiss consumer privacy laws are strong, which backs up its zero-log promise.
It hides your real IP address and encrypts your web traffic.
Apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and Android TV.
PrivadoVPN’s free version gives you 10GB of data every 30 days.
Here’s the PrivadoVPN key data: about 330 servers and 10 simultaneous connections.
PrivadoVPN
A Swiss VPN with a real free plan. Cheap long-term deals make it easy on your wallet.
PrivadoVPN Pricing
Here’s what PrivadoVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.11/month | Long-term users who want the lowest rate |
| 12 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.33/month | A one-year commitment at low cost |
| 1 Month Plan | $10.99/month | Short trips or a quick test |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: There’s no classic trial. The free plan works as a test run, with one device and 12 servers.
Money-back guarantee: Every paid plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
📌 Note: Paid plans unlock unlimited data and 10 devices. You can pay by card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
⚠️ Warning: Intro rates renew higher. Some review sites list the one-year deal at $2.50/month, renewing at $4.99. They list the two-year deal at $1.99/month, renewing at $3.99. Confirm the final price at checkout.
Key Benefits of PrivadoVPN
Here’s what makes PrivadoVPN worth considering:
- A Real Free Plan: You get 10GB every 30 days without paying. It often lands on lists of the best free VPNs.
- Room for Many Devices: Paid plans cover 10 simultaneous connections. That’s above the typical VPN limit.
- Modern Protocols: It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Everything runs through AES-256 encryption.
- Owned Hardware: Most locations run on physical servers Privado owns. No virtual servers pad the location list.
- Clear Privacy Rules: It claims a strict no logs policy for browsing history, IP addresses, and DNS queries. Servers also use disk encryption.
- New 2026 Tools: PhantomMode keeps system-level privacy during brief disconnects. Privado Sentry adds optional antivirus scanning.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for PrivadoVPN and used both the free and paid apps. Our full PrivadoVPN review goes deeper, but here’s what stood out:
PrivadoVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 10GB of data every 30 days
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
- Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video
- Based in Switzerland with a zero-log policy
❌ Cons
- No third-party audit of its logging claims
- Small server network of about 330 servers
- No kill switch on iOS and no split tunneling on macOS
Feature Comparison
Here’s a close look at OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN across nine features, plus pricing. Not all virtual private networks work the same way. OpenVPN is a protocol and platform, while PrivadoVPN is a finished app.
| Feature | OpenVPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 (paid from $7/month) | $1.11/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ✅ (10GB) |
| Open-Source Code | ✅ | ❌ |
| TCP & UDP Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Remote Access to Company Networks | ✅ | ❌ |
| Zero Trust Access | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming Unblocking | ❌ | ✅ |
| SOCKS5 Proxy | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For | Businesses and hands-on builders | Everyday privacy and streaming |
1. Security Protocols & Encryption
OpenVPN: It uses a custom security protocol built on SSL/TLS for key exchange. The OpenSSL library supplies AES, Blowfish, and other encryption algorithms. A hash message authentication code (HMAC) checks each packet for tampering.
For authentication OpenVPN checks digital certificates, user credentials, or both. Certificates come from a public key infrastructure you control. The TLS auth option adds an HMAC firewall that drops unsigned packets early.
PrivadoVPN: It wraps traffic in AES-256 encryption. You get multiple security protocols in one app: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2. You can’t tweak its encryption protocols, but the defaults are sound.
2. Remote Access & Private Networks
OpenVPN: Creating VPN tunnels for teams is where OpenVPN shines. The OpenVPN Access Server gives remote staff safe entry to private networks. Admins run OpenVPN servers on Linux or in the cloud, then hand out client profiles.
PrivadoVPN: It isn’t built for company networks. It routes you through its own VPN servers to reach the public web privately. You can’t reach office files or printers through it.
3. Device Support & Setup
OpenVPN: To install OpenVPN, grab client software like OpenVPN Connect or the OpenVPN GUI. Then import a .ovpn configuration file, which is plain text and easy to edit. It even secures IoT gadgets like cameras and sensors.
Still, manual configuration takes time. Mobile devices feel clunkier than desktops here. That’s why many guides suggest an OpenVPN compatible service with presets.
PrivadoVPN: Setup takes a minute. Download the Windows app, Android app, or iOS app, sign in, and tap connect. The PrivadoVPN app looks the same on every platform.
These native apps have a few quirks. The Windows window can’t be resized, and there’s no map view for picking servers. Some platforms also connect slowly.
4. Speed: TCP vs UDP
OpenVPN: OpenVPN UDP (user datagram protocol) is the faster mode. It doesn’t wait for lost packets, so streams and calls feel snappier. OpenVPN TCP (transmission control protocol) confirms every packet in order, which is steadier but slower.
Most people should start with the UDP protocol. Just know the whole protocol trails newer rivals like WireGuard on raw speed.
PrivadoVPN: Third-party speed tests vary a lot. On WireGuard, download speeds hit 830-880 Mbps, and nearby servers lost only 8-15%. Long-distance links lost 10-25%.
Other tests were harsher. They found a 48% average speed loss and 83% higher latency. One test saw upload speeds drop 58.6% and downloads fall 71.6%.
💡 Pro Tip: Among PrivadoVPN’s tunneling protocols, WireGuard is fastest. Switch to OpenVPN TCP only when a network blocks you.
5. Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection
OpenVPN: The protocol has no kill switch of its own. That depends on the VPN client you use. On its cloud platform, the OpenVPN company adds DNS security and content filtering against malicious websites.
PrivadoVPN: Its kill switch feature cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. That keeps your IP address and DNS requests from slipping out. DNS leak protection also guards against DNS leaks.
⚠️ Warning: iPhone users get no VPN kill switch in PrivadoVPN. If the tunnel drops, your originating IP address can show.
6. Split Tunneling & Routing
OpenVPN: Routing lives in server rules. Admins can send only company traffic through the tunnel. Site-to-site networking joins whole offices into one private network.
PrivadoVPN: The Windows app offers split tunneling called SmartRoute. You choose which apps skip the VPN. iPhone and Mac users miss out, though.
7. Streaming & Server Network
OpenVPN: It has no streaming servers of its own. Results depend on the provider you pair it with. For Netflix libraries abroad, you’ll need a consumer service.
PrivadoVPN: It unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, even on the free plan. It fails with Netflix Australia, Canada, and Japan, plus Disney Plus. Ultra HD plays without buffering on supported streaming services.
The catch is PrivadoVPN’s server network size. Sources put its server locations at 46 to 49 countries. That’s thin next to more extensive server networks averaging 1,600 servers.
8. Zero Trust, SaaS & Proxy Access
OpenVPN: Its cloud platform can enforce zero trust access. Each user reaches only the apps and networks they need. Nothing else on the network is visible to them.
It can also lock SaaS apps so only approved VPN clients can sign in.
PrivadoVPN: Paid plans include a SOCKS5 proxy. It swaps your IP for torrent clients without full encryption. That makes P2P downloads faster, but less private.
9. Malware Protection & Extras
OpenVPN: It adds SaaS protection at the network level. Risky domains get blocked for every connected device. There’s no antivirus app for your personal laptop, though.
PrivadoVPN: Privado Sentry adds malware protection with cloud scanning and threat quarantine. Its settings menu also has an auto connect option to automatically connect at startup. It still lacks multi-hop, dedicated IPs, port forwarding, and an ad blocker.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Type | OpenVPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free: $0 | Free version (10GB every 30 days) |
| Monthly / Starter | Growth: $7/month | 1 Month Plan: $10.99/month |
| 12-Month | ❌ | 12 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free: $1.33/month |
| 24-Month | ❌ | 24 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free: $1.11/month |
| Enterprise | Enterprise: Custom | ❌ |
OpenVPN: You pay nothing if you self-host the Community Edition. The Growth plan suits small teams that want managed hosting. Enterprise pricing depends on your seats and support needs.
PrivadoVPN: It rewards long commitments. The two-year plan costs about a tenth of the monthly rate. The free service is a solid test drive before you pay.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | PrivadoVPN | Very low two-year rate |
| Remote access to office files | OpenVPN | Access Server and site-to-site tunnels |
| Streaming Netflix and BBC | PrivadoVPN | Unblocks major US and UK platforms |
| Full control of encryption | OpenVPN | Open code and editable config files |
| Beginner-friendly setup | PrivadoVPN | One-tap apps on every platform |
| No data cap for free | OpenVPN | Self-hosted Community Edition |
💰 Your Budget
PrivadoVPN’s long plans cost less than a coffee each month. OpenVPN is free if you host it, but your time and server bill count too.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Running Linux servers, routers, or IoT gear? OpenVPN fits right in, while PrivadoVPN sticks to phones, computers, and TVs.
📺 What You’ll Use It For
For streaming and public Wi-Fi, PrivadoVPN’s streaming capabilities win. For work logins and secure connections to office tools, OpenVPN is the answer.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should start with PrivadoVPN’s mobile apps. If you enjoy config files and terminal commands, OpenVPN rewards the effort.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Both have free options, so try before you pay. Free users on PrivadoVPN get 12 free servers, while OpenVPN’s Free plan covers small setups.
🛟 Support Options
PrivadoVPN’s customer support uses live chat and email, though chat isn’t 24/7. OpenVPN leans on docs, forums, and paid business support.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to PrivadoVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- One-tap VPN apps with zero setup work
- Access to US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- A built-in kill switch and SOCKS5 proxy
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Remote access to your office network
- Open code and full control of encryption settings
- Zero trust rules and site-to-site links
📋 How to switch:
- Back up your .ovpn profiles and routing rules.
- Create a PrivadoVPN account and pick a plan.
- Install the app, choose WireGuard or OpenVPN, and connect.
🔄 Switching from PrivadoVPN to OpenVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Your own OpenVPN server with no outside logs to trust
- Safe remote access for your whole team
- Custom ciphers, TLS settings, and routing
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Ready-made streaming servers
- Cheap multi-device consumer plans
- Simple one-tap setup
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel PrivadoVPN within 30 days if you want a refund.
- Set up Access Server or the Community Edition on a server.
- Add the OpenVPN client to each device and import your profile.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t evaluate Enterprise deployments, large site-to-site networks, or long-term uptime on PrivadoVPN’s servers. Speed figures come from third-party tests and change with your location and internet service provider. Everything here reflects September 2026 versions.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Security & Encryption | OpenVPN |
| 🏢 Remote Access | OpenVPN |
| 🔌 Device & OS Support | OpenVPN |
| 🛠️ Customization & Control | OpenVPN |
| 🛡️ Zero Trust & Network Security | OpenVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | PrivadoVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | PrivadoVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | PrivadoVPN |
| 💰 Pricing | PrivadoVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | OpenVPN |
🏆 WINNER: OPENVPN
OpenVPN wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Remote teams, self-hosted VPN setups, and anyone who wants full control
OpenVPN is one tool for builders, and PrivadoVPN is one for everyday users. OpenVPN bends further than most VPN protocols and adds remote access to private networks. Lists of the safest VPN protocols include it, unlike other VPN protocols such as PPTP.
PrivadoVPN is great for cheap, simple online privacy. Its free plan, Netflix access, and 10-device limit are hard to argue with. The missing audit and small network hold it back.
Want to stream and browse with one tap? Pick PrivadoVPN. Want online security you control from end to end? OpenVPN is the better choice.
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against popular VPN services:
OpenVPN vs NordVPN
OpenVPN wins on: self-hosting with no third party, site-to-site office links, and editable config files.
NordVPN wins on: thousands of ready servers, the faster NordLynx protocol, and built-in Threat Protection.
OpenVPN wins on: a free tier, zero trust access rules, and business remote access tools.
ExpressVPN wins on: preconfigured OpenVPN apps, its Lightway protocol, and wide streaming support.
OpenVPN wins on: running your own servers, IoT device support, and custom routing.
Proton VPN wins on: audited no-logs claims, Secure Core multi-hop, and a free plan with unlimited data.
OpenVPN wins on: fully open source code, company network access, and cipher control.
CyberGhost wins on: an easy toggle to switch into OpenVPN, dedicated streaming servers, and simple apps.
More of PrivadoVPN Compared
Here’s how PrivadoVPN compares with other VPN companies:
PrivadoVPN wins on: Netflix on the free tier, a lower long-term price, and an included SOCKS5 proxy.
Proton VPN wins on: independent audits, open-source apps, and no data cap for free users.
PrivadoVPN wins on: a real free plan, cheaper renewals, and a Swiss base.
NordVPN wins on: far more servers, verified no-logs audits, and double VPN.
PrivadoVPN vs Surfshark
PrivadoVPN wins on: a free plan, owned physical hardware, and SOCKS5 access.
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, the CleanWeb ad blocker, and MultiHop routing.
PrivadoVPN vs Private Internet Access
PrivadoVPN wins on: a no-cost plan, Swiss privacy laws, and simpler apps.
Private Internet Access wins on: port forwarding, a choice of encryption levels in OpenVPN mode, and unlimited connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenVPN free?
Yes. The Community Edition is free, open-source software you can host yourself. The business tools also have a Free plan, and the Growth plan costs $7/month.
Is it safe to use OpenVPN?
Yes. It uses SSL/TLS, strong ciphers, and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Its open code gets constant review, and it’s far safer than older options like PPTP.
What is the difference between VPN and OpenVPN?
A VPN is the private tunnel or the service that provides it. OpenVPN is one protocol that builds that tunnel. Many services, including PrivadoVPN, use it inside their apps.
Is PrivadoVPN safe to use?
It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a zero-log policy under Swiss law. The main gap is that no independent audit has verified those logging claims yet.
Is PrivadoVPN completely free?
It has a free version with 10GB every 30 days, one device, and 12 servers. Unlimited data and 10 connections need a paid plan, starting at $1.11/month.
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