Top OpenVPN Alternatives for Secure and Flexible VPN Connections
OpenVPN has long been a go-to solution for secure and customizable VPN connections. As a full-featured open-source SSL VPN, it's celebrated for its flexibility in supporting remote access, site-to-site VPNs, Wi-Fi security, and even enterprise-scale solutions. Its focus on simplicity to enhance security makes it a compelling choice for SMEs and larger organizations alike. However, the diverse needs of users and businesses mean that a single solution rarely fits all. Whether you're seeking a simpler setup, enhanced performance, specific privacy features, or a different pricing model, exploring an OpenVPN alternative can lead to a better fit for your specific requirements.
Top OpenVPN Alternatives
If you're looking to explore options beyond OpenVPN, you're in luck. The market offers a robust selection of VPN solutions, each with its own strengths. From open-source powerhouses to user-friendly commercial services, here are some of the best alternatives that can provide secure and reliable network access.
SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN is a powerful and easy-to-use multi-protocol VPN software that serves as an excellent OpenVPN alternative. It is free and open-source, available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. Key features include AES256 encryption, configurable settings, L2TP support, compatibility with OpenVPN, and virtual LAN capabilities, making it highly versatile for various networking needs.
LogMeIn Hamachi
LogMeIn Hamachi is a hosted virtual private network service designed for creating and managing virtual networks on demand. It offers a free personal tier and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This OpenVPN alternative boasts features like Peer-To-Peer connectivity, virtual LAN, AES256 encryption, encrypted VPN, and LAN tunneling, making it a strong choice for quick and easy virtual network setups.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a security-focused VPN developed by the CERN scientists behind ProtonMail, prioritizing internet freedom without surveillance. Available on Freemium, paid, and open-source tiers for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, it's an excellent OpenVPN alternative for privacy-conscious users. It features strong anonymity, encrypted VPN, strict no-logs policy, and robust privacy protection.
WireGuard
WireGuard is a modern, fast, and extremely simple VPN solution that leverages state-of-the-art cryptography, aiming to be leaner and more efficient than IPSec. As a free and open-source OpenVPN alternative available on Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, and BSD, its primary feature is its highly efficient encrypted VPN, making it ideal for performance-oriented users.
Psiphon
Psiphon is an open-source tool dedicated to providing an open and accessible internet, offering a standalone version for free download. This Freemium OpenVPN alternative is available on Windows, Android, and iPhone, and specializes in anti-censorship, helping users bypass internet restrictions and hide their IP addresses for greater online freedom.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a comprehensive solution combining a desktop application and browser extension to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content, and safeguard your privacy. This Freemium OpenVPN alternative runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and various browser extensions. It excels in hiding your IP, blocking ads, bypassing censorship, and preventing DNS leaks.
ZeroTier
ZeroTier creates virtual Ethernet networks that function universally, serving as a flexible VPN alternative for gaming, virtual offices, or simple LAN tunneling. It's available on Free Personal, paid, and open-source tiers for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and BSD. Its strengths lie in encrypted VPN, peer-to-peer networking, and software-defined networks with no port forwarding required, making setup simple and efficient.
ZenMate
ZenMate is an intuitive browser plugin offering a VPN solution by encrypting and routing browser traffic securely through its cloud. This Commercial OpenVPN alternative is available for Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and various browser extensions. It focuses on bypassing firewalls, encrypted connections, end-to-end encryption, and robust security and privacy features for anonymous surfing.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a widely recognized software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc., facilitating secure connections to a virtual private network (VPN). This Freemium OpenVPN alternative is accessible across Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and more. It primarily features access to blocked content and enables anonymous surfing, making it a popular choice for general users.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a VPN service committed to ensuring privacy for online activity, identity, and location. As a Commercial and Open Source OpenVPN alternative, it operates on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and supports WireGuard. Its core features include strong AES256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, Bitcoin payment support for anonymity, and comprehensive privacy protection, making it a top choice for security-conscious users.
Ultimately, the best OpenVPN alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, whether that's enhanced privacy, ease of use, multi-protocol support, or specific platform compatibility. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect VPN solution that aligns with your security and connectivity requirements.