What Is OpenVPN and Should You Use It — How to Guide 2023
Beware though as torrenting is not allowed in some countries and torrenting copyrighted material is punishable by law. My team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting. Stay safe and always double-check the material you are about to download.
OpenVPN Review 2023 – Keep This in Mind Before Buying
OpenVPN is one of the fastest, most secure protocols. It provides secure online access from point-to-point and is completely free of charge. Thanks to its open-source nature, and the fact that it’s free, OpenVPN has attracted a lot of attention. The balance between security, functionality, and reliability, topped off with its unrivalled ability to bypass firewalls has propelled it to become the industry standard.
While manual configuration of OpenVPN is technically complex, nowadays you can also connect to the protocol easily using a VPN. Subscribing to a top-tier VPN provider that includes the protocol as standard will save you the trouble of configuring and maintaining everything yourself.
I decided to take Open VPN for a spin, and find out whether it performs as well as people say.
Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings
- Strong unblocking capabilities. OpenVPN is really effective at bypassing geo-blocks. But your results will depend on the servers you use. See which platforms I unblocked in my tests.
- Superfast speeds. The protocol offers 2 versions, one that favors speed, the other safety. If you use reliable servers, you should have great speeds. My speed test results were excellent.
- No official server network. The service does not offer a server network of its own. You need to use either your own or a third-party’s servers. Find out which servers I used with OpenVPN.
- Robust security features. OpenVPN supports 256-bit encryption, making it one of the safest options out there. See how the right servers can keep you safe.
- No-logs. OpenVPN collects minimal data, but your privacy depends on the servers/service provider you use. OpenVPN does not claim responsibility for what happens to your data when using third-party servers.
- Works in China.This is one of the very few protocols that can bypass the Great Chinese Firewall and allow access to anything from mainland China.
- Excellent compatibility. You can install OpenVPN on all major platforms – there are native apps for every OS.
OpenVPN Features — 2023 Update
6.0
| 💸 Price | 0 USD/month |
| 📆 Money Back Guarantee | 30 Days |
| 📝 Does VPN keep logs? | No |
| 🖥 Number of servers | 36+ |
| 💻 Number of devices per license | 10 |
| 🛡 Kill switch | Yes |
| 🗺 Based in country | United States |
| 🛠 Support | Ticketing system |
| 📥 Supports torrenting | Yes |
Streaming — Does Not Unblock Any Platforms on Its Own
OpenVPN can bypass geo-restrictions and give you access to any streaming platforms, but only when it’s combined with reliable servers. Since OpenVPN only provides a client, it won’t be able to access anything by itself. You need to either use your own or third-party servers.
Another option is using the OpenVPN community free servers. But if your goal is to use the VPN for streaming, keep in mind that these servers are not guaranteed to provide you access to geo-blocked content. Plus, no one can vouch for their security, meaning that your identity may be exposed to the apps and websites you access.
To test the protocol, I used ExpressVPN’s manual OpenVPN configuration. With the combination of ExpressVPN’s server network and OpenVPN’s robust security features, I could access various streaming platforms.
I unblocked Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, and more. However, this happened because the VPN I used has good servers. In other situations, I may not have been able to access any platforms.
If you need a reliable way to access geoblocked platforms, then I recommend you take a look at these VPNs that unblock hundreds of streaming services.
Speeds — Fast Speeds when using UDP
OpenVPN provides fast speeds when you use the UDP protocol which prioritizes speed. The other protocol supported by OpenVPN – TCP – prioritizes safety and security, but is significantly slower.
When your goal is to use a speedy and safe connection for streaming, or doing several things simultaneously such as online transactions or sending files, you should go for UDP. When you need an even safer connection, need to bypass strict firewalls, or send sensitive data, and speed is not as important, you should use the TCP protocol.
To test OpenVPN’s speeds, I used ExpressVPN’s servers and the UDP protocol.
First, I tested my base connection. My base speed was 48.42 Mbps download, 2.33 Mbps upload, and an 8 ms ping. After establishing the baseline, I started testing the VPN.
On most servers, I got download speeds of around 40 Mbps which is great. You can expect a drop of 10-20% when you connect to a VPN, so I was happy with this result of a 17% decrease. European servers, which are closer to me, gave me a ping under 100 ms. This is great as a ping speed of under 150 ms coupled with fast Mbps allows you to successfully game online and download large files. However, my ping skyrocketed to 245 ms when I connected to an Australian server.
Note that my results may be because ExpressVPN has a network of superfast servers. If you are using the OpenVPN client with another provider, you might get different results.
Even distant servers gave me good speeds
While OpenVPN is one of the most secure protocols, it is not the fastest – WireGuard is much faster. This is because OpenVPN uses a very high level of security and advanced unblocking technologies which make it one of the few protocols capable of bypassing strong firewalls and censorship.
I recommend you take a look at these superfast VPNs that provide fast and reliable connections. This way, you’ll be able to connect them using the OpenVPN client and browse, stream, and download without interruptions.
Are OpenVPN’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? Depends
The OpenVPN protocol, when combined with the servers of a top-tier VPN, can give you blazing-fast speeds and low enough ping for smooth, lag-free gaming.
The servers I tested provided me with great speeds and log latency on most locations. However, not all servers and VPN providers will offer you the same performance. Check out these VPNs offering the best gaming connections.
Server Network — No Official Servers
OpenVPN does not have a server network you can use. You need to use either your own servers, the third-party servers maintained by the OpenVPN community, or you can connect to another VPN’s servers using the OpenVPN app.
The servers provided by the OpenVPN community are generally free, but these are not official servers released by the company itself. There’s no guarantee of the safety or privacy the servers provide.
There are many other alternatives for finding reliable servers if you know where to look. But if you find it difficult to get free servers that can bypass censorship or allow you to torrent safely, I recommend you use a VPN subscription. For example, getting an ExpressVPN subscription will provide access to a wide network of safe and reliable servers.
Security — One of the Safest Protocols
OpenVPN is one of the safest protocols. It supports multiple encryption levels, such as AES, Camelia, Blowfish, CAST-128, and more.
As a standard, it works on 256-bit OpenSSL encryption — an implementation of the industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption, which is virtually unbreakable. Moreover, it uses authentication certificates and provides IPv6 support.
To secure the transfer of information between devices, OpenVPN also uses SSL (secure sockets layer) and TLS (transport layer security) encryption protocols. This is the same technology that’s used to protect HTTPS websites.
When using OpenVPN to bypass geo-blocks or firewalls, your online traffic looks like regular web traffic, making VPN detection much harder. The SSL/TLS technology offers additional benefits to OpenVPN, such as allowing it to confirm the server you’re connecting to is safe, verifying data hasn’t been modified, and allowing it to create and share new encryption keys to protect the data in the session. Moreover, OpenVPN uses OpenSSL to support almost all encryption algorithms, hash functions, and public-key cryptography technology.
This means that when you are using OpenVPN, your data is secured and you are completely protected from possible cyber attacks.
For actual data transfer, OpenVPN uses UDP (User Data Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
The TCP protocol checks the data carefully to ensure the transferred data is received accurately. UDP, on the other hand, is a lot faster because it sends the data immediately before performing any checks. This can make it less reliable.
Usually, UDP is the default OpenVPN protocol, but if the connection becomes unstable, it automatically switches to TCP. This ensures you keep using a secure, stable connection.
Kill switch and Auto-connect
In addition to the protocol choices, OpenVPN has a built-in kill switch that turns off the internet completely in case the connection is failing. This means that even if your VPN malfunctions, you will be protected from data leaks.
There’s also the auto-connect option that turns OpenVPN on together with your device. This is convenient if you want to be protected at all times, (for example, if you’re using a public network) and don’t want to worry about protection each time you open your laptop or switch on your phone.
IP and DNS Leaks
OpenVPN has excellent IP and DNS leak protection. But the protocol you use is not the only factor that keeps your data safe. You also need a reliable server network that successfully changes your IP address to the desired location and tunnels your data through without any leaks.
In my tests, I used ExpressVPN’s servers. In combination with OpenVPN’s safe data transfer protocols, my personal data was protected.
OpenVPN kept my personal data and locations safe
When the VPN fails to assign you a new IP address correctly, your IP address may leak. If that happens, the websites you visit may see your real IP address and your location. Similar to an IP leak, when a DNS leak happens, your browsing history gets exposed. So it’s important to use a VPN that protects this information.
Privacy — Depends on the Servers You Use
OpenVPN itself does not collect any data, and you can use it only with an email address — no personal info or payment details are required.
But, depending on the servers you connect to, they may collect data, so be very careful. OpenVPN does not claim responsibility for what happens to your data when you are using third-party servers. And it has no authority over server owners and what they can do with the data.
If you use the servers of a top-tier VPN such as ExpressVPN, you can rest assured your privacy won’t be compromised.
Torrenting — Allowed, But Use With Caution
OpenVPN has air-tight security and solid speeds when you use UDP, but whether you should use it for torrenting depends on the servers you connect to.
While you may be able to find free servers that allow torrenting, my recommendation would be to get a reliable VPN provider. They usually have wide networks and a no-logs policy. Some of them even have dedicated torrenting servers.
Beware though as torrenting is not allowed in some countries and torrenting copyrighted material is punishable by law. My team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting. Stay safe and always double-check the material you are about to download.
Does OpenVPN Work in China? Yes
OpenVPN is one of the few protocols that work from inside China’s mainland and can bypass the Great Firewall. In fact, most VPNs that use OpenVPN recommend you use the TCP protocol when you want to bypass geoblocks in China.
But a VPN’s ability to work in China also depends on the servers you use and encryption protocols. Reliable VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, have vast server networks and top-of-the-line security which allows you to access anything you want, even if you are in China.
Simultaneous Device Connections — Unlimited
OpenVPN can be set up on an unlimited number of devices. Be warned that manual configuration can be time-consuming and inconvenient for many inexperienced users. Instead, I recommend you use a VPN provider that comes with OpenVPN manually configured.
If you choose to use the protocol through a VPN provider, it may have limits on how many devices you can connect under one subscription. Always check that what is offered in your plan is a good match for you.
Installation & Apps
5.6
Device Compatibility — Can be Used on Almost Any Device
OpenVPN has excellent device compatibility and offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems. You can set up OpenVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
While this may not seem like much, remember OpenVPN is just a protocol, not a VPN provider. But many VPNs that use OpenVPN offer browser extensions, and support for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices including router connection. This allows you to use the VPN on most non-supported devices, such as smart TVs and games consoles.
Set-Up & Installation — Not Great For Beginners
There are 3 options for setting up OpenVPN — manually using your own devices or servers, manually with a VPN subscription, and automatically.
Each one of these setup options comes with its own benefits and downsides. So make sure to understand what each setup involves, and whether it’s the right one for you. Complete manual setup is aimed at tech-savvy networking professionals or SMBs. When you opt to use a provider, both manual and automatic setup are far more convenient. Particularly for VPN users with little or no experience at all.
Manual Set Up Without a VPN Subscription
The manual setup without a VPN subscription is the most difficult option. I wouldn’t recommend it to beginners as this setup requires a lot of technical know-how, experience in networking, and dedication of significant time and effort. It’s mainly aimed at professionals.
In the manual setup instructions, you are warned that you’ll need a lot of technical knowledge
To summarize, the process involves several steps such as installing the application, configuring servers, generating IP addresses for various devices linked to the network, implementing authentication procedures, and other related tasks.
Setting up OpenVPN manually is a lengthy technical process
Manual Set up With a VPN Subscription
Setting up OpenVPN with a VPN subscription is much simpler. Usually, your VPN provider will have detailed setup instructions for how to use OpenVPN with the service. But it still requires going through a few more steps compared to automatic setup.
Using OpenVPN with a VPN subscription looks similar regardless of which provider you choose. You need to download and install the right app for your OS, get the .ovpn server file(s), then upload them to the app.
For example, when I was testing OpenVPN with ExpressVPN’s server, setting it up was easy. ExpressVPN offers a detailed guide on its site. But if you haven’t had experience setting up a VPN with OpenVPN manually, it may seem intimidating.
Setting up OpenVPN manually with ExpressVPN is easier than it looks
First, ExpressVPN allows you to choose and download the servers you want to use. After downloading the .ovpn files for all the servers you intend to use, you need to choose the device for which you are setting up OpenVPN. After the app is installed, configure (add) the servers. Lastly, you need to set up DNS leak protection.
Right-clicking the OpenVPN GUI in the system tray will allow you to connect or disconnect easily
Once you go through all these steps, right-click the OpenVPN GUI from the system tray. Hover over the desired server location, and in the menu that opens click “Connect”. To end your connection, repeat the steps, and choose “Disconnect”.
Automatic Set Up
This is the easiest way to use OpenVPN – simply download the app for your OS, install it, and log in. Before establishing a connection, check which protocol is selected. Most VPNs that offer OpenVPN have it as default, though. If it isn’t, select OpenVPN UDP or OpenVPN TCP, pick a server location, and click connect. Voila! You are using OpenVPN!
What Is OpenVPN and Should You Use It — How to Guide 2023
OpenVPN is one of the most popular VPN protocols on the market due to its wide range of benefits. Not only is it one of the safest protocols you can use because of the way it encrypts your sensitive online data, but it’s also generally fast and gets around tough firewalls. However, learning how to configure the open-source protocol can be challenging if you’re new to the software.
Luckily, it can be a smooth task. You can easily operate this protocol by using a VPN with OpenVPN installed and ready for use. Not all VPNs offer the protocol, though. I tested 30+ VPNs and found the best ones that use OpenVPN.
I recommend using ExpressVPN for OpenVPN. It comes with the protocol pre-configured along with its other security protocol options. It also provides incredible speeds, is very reliable, and keeps your information secure and private. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
Short in Time? Here Are the Best VPNs That Use OpenVPN in 2023
- ExpressVPN — My top pic is ExpressVPN because OpenVPN comes pre-installed, and using the protocol won’t noticeably slow you down. Plus, you can confidently try it since it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost — An easy-to-use VPN that makes using OpenVPN straightforward, but monthly plans are expensive.
- Private Internet Access — Customize features depending on your VPN needs, speed vs. security. But based in the US, part of the 5 Eyes Alliance.
What Is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is the gold standard in VPN protocols. Developed in 2001, it’s open-source, meaning anyone can access and modify its code. This has created a community of VPN protocol programmers and users who constantly test, update, and improve the protocol.
Like any VPN, OpenVPN sends your online data through secured virtual tunnels, like secret passageways. Different protocols do this in other, unique, and extremely complicated manners. Making it so no one can get to your sensitive and private info.
These tunnels encapsulate your information by wrapping it in layers of additional data. Then the protocol encrypts the data and translates it into a special code that only your intended destination can decipher.
There are 2 versions of the protocol: OpenVPN Community Edition and OpenVPN Access Server. The “Community Edition” is free and has all the basic tools to use the internet securely. The “Access Server” version comes for a price with advanced features so you can fine-tune the protocol to its highest abilities.
Because manually configuring the protocol is very complex, I recommend subscribing to a trusted VPN provider. Premium VPNs, like ExpressVPN, already have the protocol preconfigured. Unless you are experienced in manual configuration, working with OpenVPN can be very time-consuming and complicated. Even though premium VPNs come with a small monthly fee, it’s worth knowing that OpenVPN is set up correctly.
How Does OpenVPN Work?
OpenVPN is very versatile, so there isn’t one standard way it operates. For instance, the settings can be changed and customized depending on your preference. The same goes for when you use OpenVPN via a VPN provider. OpenVPN works differently based on the settings and configurations.
It’s ever-evolving because of the open-source community that continually updates OpenVPN. This community works to upgrade, enhance, and repair the protocol when needed, which may change how it operates as updates roll out.
OpenVPN sends your data through specific tunnels via 2 different protocols: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its updated form, TLS (Transport Layer Security). SSL/TLS protocols share the keys to encode and decode information sent between devices. This is where your data is encrypted.
There are multiple encryption features that OpenVPN offers. The most common encryption methods are ChaCha and AES 256-bit encryption. These ciphers use keys — the elements that “unlock” encrypted messages, for example, 256 0s and 1s, making them very difficult to decode. A variety of stronger ciphers are supported, such as 3DES (triple data encryption standard), Blowfish, Camellia, CAST-128, or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
It also supports an additional encryption feature called Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) when used with a VPN that offers it. This approach creates a brand new key each time you go online, just in case someone tries to steal your key from one session and use it to decrypt your messages during a different one.
OpenVPN includes TLS-auth, also called HMAC (Hash Message Authentication Code) packet authentication or an HMAC firewall. This extra step helps confirm that only the right users and devices can encrypt and decrypt your data.
2 methods for transmitting data within OpenVPN
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
This protocol controls how your data is sent and ensures everything transmits in the correct order, so there’s no jumbling of information. It does this by way of a corrective mechanism within the protocol. TCP makes for a very reliable way to send information. However, because it processes your data very intently, it can result in slower internet speeds.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
This is usually the default protocol when using OpenVPN via a VPN, mainly because it’s faster. UDP is less reliable than TCP; it doesn’t inspect your data to ensure everything is in place first; it pushes the information along, no questions asked.
OpenVPN also supports IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, which can also be used simultaneously. These are IP protocols that decide how your IP address appears online.
You can also use third-party applications, scripts, and plugins to enhance OpenVPN’s functionality. These all make the protocol even more accommodating and powerful.
Mac, Android, Windows, Linux, and iOS are just a few platforms OpenVPN supports. The list goes on, including lesser-known operating systems like Tomato and Solaris. You can use it for any device you have.
Benefits of OpenVPN
- Excellent at getting around firewalls. OpenVPN’s adaptability to TCP and UDP makes it easier for this protocol to get around firewalls, especially with OpenVPN set to Port TCP 443. This setting makes VPN traffic look just like regular internet activity.
- Highly customizable. This makes OpenVPN more secure and enhances the protocol in other ways. You can decide which encryption procedures, ciphers, network configurations, and other settings work for you. Having more control over your tunneling protocol can improve your VPN experience.
- Regularly updated. While other protocols may become outdated, OpenVPN’s open-source community and driven company leaders ensure that this protocol stays current. Since OpenVPN welcomes third-party plugins and scripts, you can enjoy the protocol’s latest, most innovative add-ons.
- Relatively fast. While OpenVPN isn’t necessarily the fastest VPN tunneling protocol available, it’s still quite swift, especially for the strong encryption it provides. Its speeds can easily keep up with most VPN users’ demands.
- Free to use. OpenVPN offers a free version, so you can use this protocol without paying a cent. The paid version and VPN subscription services that use OpenVPN are typically quite reasonably priced.
- Well-supported by its open-source community. Many tech-savvy programmers, VPN providers, and users who interact with OpenVPN daily routinely note errors and glitches within the protocol and address them. This community is also available to answer any questions about OpenVPN.
Downsides of OpenVPN
- Can be slower than other protocols. Depending on the encryption level used and your particular device’s processing power, OpenVPN might not be as fast as other VPN protocols, like WireGuard. However, you can safely improve your connection speeds using OpenVPN over UDP rather than TCP.
- May be difficult to install and configure. It’s definitely possible for technically proficient users to figure out, but it takes skill, time, and effort to set up. If installed improperly, it may cause security issues or other problems.
- Not built into devices. Some protocols come automatically installed in certain platforms, making them easy to use. OpenVPN does not come with any specific platforms, but you can install a VPN that offers the protocol.
- Cannot run on some servers. Some servers simply do not work with OpenVPN. Fortunately, most do, and if you come across a stubborn server, you may be able to find ways around this, such as using a proxy.
- Doesn’t always run well on mobile devices. Although OpenVPN is versatile enough to operate on all sorts of different platforms, its mobile service and support is not the best. However, VPNs like CyberGhost offer OpenVPN on both Android and iOS.
- Might be blocked. Because OpenVPN is so popular, some servers and systems check for this protocol and block it. Using OpenVPN with a VPN can help you avoid this. For example, ExpressVPN offers OpenVPN among its protocol selections and can get around these blocks most of the time.
Is OpenVPN Safe?
OpenVPN is one of the safest VPN protocols available. When audits of the protocol’s security found (minor) issues, OpenVPN quickly resolved them. OpenVPN is even typically considered safe from spying by the NSA (United States National Security Agency), which has sophisticated methods and a large budget, which is very impressive.
It is not owned and operated by a major corporation as an open-source protocol, making it more trustworthy. When a big company manages a protocol, you have to trust it not to share your information with government agencies or other organizations.
OpenVPN’s open-source community continuously evaluates the protocol’s security, looking for and patching up any problems. Hackers and cybercriminals are always searching for new ways to access victims’ data, but open-source programmers work just as diligently to protect the protocol.
In addition, OpenVPN’s strong encryption is virtually impossible to crack. Its custom SSL/TLS tunneling is safe and reliable, especially when used on TCP. OpenVPN’s PFS encryption option further strengthens this protocol’s already outstanding security.
Using OpenVPN on TCP Port 443 can make it appear to third parties (ISPs, and government agencies) as if you’re not even using a VPN. You can also modify it to suit your security preferences, though doing so may cause slower speeds or require more technical knowledge. OpenVPN offers a list of recommendations to improve security after installation for that very purpose.
Using this protocol via a VPN helps to maximize your online protection by making sure OpenVPN is configured correctly. I recommend using a top-rated VPN, such as ExpressVPN, so you can trust that your data remains private.
Quick Guide: How to Set Up OpenVPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN with OpenVPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as OpenVPN comes pre-configured, and it won’t compromise your speed. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
- Select OpenVPN. Go to settings and select OpenVPN. Then, choose TCP (more secure) or UDP (better speeds).
- Start securely browsing. You can now browse the web, play games, stream videos, and more with confidence that your data is kept private.
How to Set Up OpenVPN Yourself (The Hard Way)
OpenVPN is not easy to manually install and run. Tech-savvy users can do so relatively easily, but there is still room for error in this process, and any mistakes could be difficult to fix. Typically, the only reason you would want to install OpenVPN manually is to use the protocol on an uncommon operating system that doesn’t support common VPNs.
However, using a VPN service, configuring and managing the protocol is your best bet to ensure OpenVPN protects you properly. If you’re insistent on setting up OpenVPN yourself, you need to follow the procedure below.
Note. This is a simplified version of what you need to do to set up OpenVPN by yourself. In its installation guide, OpenVPN provides over 20 steps, many of which require their own sub-steps.
- Install the protocol onto your device by visiting openvpn.net. Download the appropriate version of the software for your operating system.
- Adjust your settings for routing and creating subnets.
- Set up your encryption techniques by creating certificates and keys to be used.
- Test the protocol to make sure it’s connected and configure it to run automatically on your system.
- Add more devices to your OpenVPN network.
- Design and generate rules for these additional devices.
- Set up appropriate authentication for your protocol.
- Decide how to allow OpenVPN to connect to various related services and data.
- Configure protections in case the protocol ever fails.
- Enhance and finalize your OpenVPN settings.
- Begin using the protocol to go online.