Top OpenConnect Alternatives for Secure VPN Connections
OpenConnect is a powerful open-source VPN client, widely recognized for its compatibility with Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client and its role as an open-source substitute for Cisco's official Linux client. It boasts features like IPv4 and IPv6 support, proxy connections, various authentication methods, and Cisco Secure Desktop support. However, depending on your specific needs, platform, or desired features, you might be looking for an OpenConnect alternative that better suits your setup. This guide explores some of the best alternatives available.
Discovering the Best OpenConnect Alternatives
Whether you're seeking a more lightweight solution, broader platform support, or specific security features, there's an OpenConnect alternative out there for you. Let's dive into some of the top contenders.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a full-featured, open-source SSL VPN solution that offers extensive configurations for remote access, site-to-site VPNs, and Wi-Fi security. It's an excellent OpenConnect alternative due to its broad platform support, including Free, Open Source, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Self-Hosted, and Cloudron, and features like Cisco AnyConnect compatibility, strong security focus, and encrypted VPN capabilities.
WireGuard
WireGuard stands out as an extremely simple yet fast and modern VPN utilizing state-of-the-art cryptography. As an open-source solution available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, and BSD, it's a compelling OpenConnect alternative for those prioritizing speed, simplicity, and modern encryption for their VPN needs.
Tunnelblick
Tunnelblick is a free, open-source graphic user interface specifically for OpenVPN on OS X and macOS. It provides easy control over OpenVPN client and/or server connections. If you're an Apple user looking for a straightforward way to manage OpenVPN, making it a specialized OpenConnect alternative for macOS users, this is an excellent choice.
sshuttle
sshuttle is a unique open-source tool that combines transparent proxying with VPN functionality, all over SSH. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, and Linux, it's a lightweight and innovative OpenConnect alternative perfect for users needing a simple, effective VPN solution that leverages SSH tunnels.
OpenConnect GUI
If you appreciate the OpenConnect backend but prefer a graphical interface, OpenConnect GUI is your ideal OpenConnect alternative. This free, open-source GUI client for the OpenConnect VPN is available for Mac and Windows, offering a user-friendly way to manage your Cisco AnyConnect compatible VPN connections with a lightweight design.
Cisco AnyConnect
As the official VPN software that OpenConnect aims to be compatible with, Cisco AnyConnect itself is a direct, commercial OpenConnect alternative. It allows employees to securely work from anywhere with internet access and is available across various platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone, iPad, and Kindle Fire, offering robust VPN features.
Shimo
Shimo is a commercial VPN client for Mac that supports a wide range of VPN protocols, including CiscoVPN, OpenVPN, and IPSec. For Mac users seeking a comprehensive and feature-rich OpenConnect alternative that can handle various VPN connections with automatic connection capabilities, Shimo is a strong contender.
OpenVPN Finder
OpenVPN Finder is a free and open-source tool that displays an up-to-date list of free OpenVPN config files provided by VPN Gate (University of Tsukuba). While not a VPN client itself, it serves as a valuable resource for Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS users who rely on OpenVPN configurations, acting as a complementary OpenConnect alternative in terms of finding VPN resources.
VPNC Front End
VPNC Front End provides a graphical interface for VPNC, a command-line VPN client designed for Cisco VPN hardware. Available for Windows (including 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008), this free and open-source tool is a solid OpenConnect alternative for Windows users who prefer a GUI to manage their Cisco VPN tunnels.
Ultimately, the best OpenConnect alternative depends on your specific operating system, desired features, and comfort with open-source versus commercial solutions. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your secure VPN connection needs.