The Best WireGuard Alternatives for Secure & Private VPN Tunnels
WireGuard has revolutionized the VPN landscape with its modern, fast, and secure tunneling protocol. However, as excellent as WireGuard is, users often seek alternatives for various reasons, including specific feature requirements, platform compatibility, or a preference for different licensing models. This post explores top alternatives to WireGuard for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more, helping you find the perfect VPN solution to meet your needs.
Top WireGuard Alternatives
While WireGuard offers a streamlined and efficient experience, a diverse market of VPN software exists, each with unique strengths. Here are some of the best alternatives that provide robust security, privacy, and performance for your online activities.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a long-standing, full-featured, and open-source SSL VPN solution. It's highly configurable and supports a wide range of setups, from remote access to site-to-site VPNs, making it a powerful WireGuard alternative. Available on Free, Open Source, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, Self-Hosted, and Cloudron, OpenVPN prioritizes security with features like AES256 encryption, Linux support, and extensive VPN capabilities.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN offers a highly secure and encrypted virtual private network experience, developed by the same team behind ProtonMail. It's a strong WireGuard alternative for users prioritizing privacy and anonymity, featuring a strict 'No Logs' policy and robust encryption. ProtonVPN is available as Freemium, $, $ $, Open Source on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and F-Droid, with features like Encrypted VPN, Privacy focused, and Surf Anonymously.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a powerful VPN client that protects all your online activity, including browsing, Skype, email, and P2P. It offers a "Stealth Mode" to bypass government firewalls, making it a versatile WireGuard alternative for bypassing censorship. Available as Freemium, $, $ $ on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox, Windscribe features include Hide your IP, Block ads, and Tracker blocker.
SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN is a world-class multi-protocol VPN software known for its power and ease of use. It serves as an excellent WireGuard alternative, supporting various protocols including its original SSL-VPN to penetrate firewalls. It's Free and Open Source, running on Windows, Linux, Mac, and FreeBSD, and boasts features like AES256 encryption, L2TP, and OpenVPN compatibility.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN app that encrypts and tunnels your Internet connection, allowing easy access to geo-restricted content and bypassing blocked websites. Its simplicity makes it a great WireGuard alternative for those seeking an intuitive experience. Available as Freemium, $, $ $ on Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and as Software as a Service (SaaS), TunnelBear features include Apps that Bypass Censorship and Fast motion.
ZenMate
ZenMate is a browser plugin offering a VPN solution, encrypting browser traffic and providing geo-switching options to access blocked content. Its focus on browser-based security and privacy makes it a convenient WireGuard alternative for casual users. It's Commercial, $, $ $ and available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Vivaldi Browser, Chrome, Maxthon, Yandex.Browser, Opera, Chromium, and Firefox, with features like Browser extension, Bypass Firewall, and Encrypted Connection.
Mullvad
Mullvad is an ethical VPN provider known for its strong privacy stance, accepting no personal information for accounts and keeping no logs. While they were early adopters of WireGuard, they also offer OpenVPN, making them a comprehensive WireGuard alternative for privacy-focused users. Mullvad is Commercial, $, $ $, Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, Qubes OS, OpenWrt, Tomato, IPFire, pfSense, OpenVPN, and DD-WRT. Features include Anonymity, Bitcoin support, and a focus on Privacy Protected.
ZeroTier
ZeroTier creates virtual Ethernet networks that work everywhere, serving as a powerful WireGuard alternative for building VPNs, gaming networks, or virtual office LANs. It's Free Personal, $, $ $, and Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and BSD. Key features include Encrypted VPN, P2P Network, Mesh network, and Zero configuration, making it incredibly versatile for network management.
Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is a secure socks5 proxy designed to protect Internet traffic, offering super-fast performance and flexible encryption. It's an excellent WireGuard alternative, especially for users in regions with strict internet censorship, thanks to its anti-censorship features. It's Free and Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, with features like Split Proxy and Bypass Firewall.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a widely recognized VPN application that allows users to connect to a virtual private network. It's a solid WireGuard alternative for general VPN use, providing access to blocked content and ensuring anonymous surfing. Available as Freemium, $, $ $ on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Chrome, and Kindle Fire, Hotspot Shield offers features like Access blocked content and Surf Anonymously.
The VPN market offers a rich tapestry of options beyond WireGuard, each tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize open-source transparency, robust privacy features, ease of use, or multi-platform compatibility, the alternatives listed above provide excellent choices for securing your online presence. Explore these options to find the best fit for your specific requirements and enjoy a more secure and private internet experience.