OpenVPN is more than a VPN client. It’s a standard that brings new techniques for creating secure end-to-end connections. OpenVPN is a popular security protocol that’s being used in many mainstream VPNs. Its advanced features can confuse consumers who don’t want to have to navigate through endless options. You have found the right place if you are looking for an easy-to-use VPN client. We have compiled a list of the 10 best OpenVPN options that are open-source and simple to set up. Let’s get started.
The Best OpenVPN Alternatives
We have listed 10 alternatives to OpenVPN. Most of these VPNs are open-source, just like OpenVPN. Several clients use OpenVPN security protocols, so you get the same protection but with an intuitive interface. We also mentioned VPNs that work on Windows and macOS as well as Linux and mobile platforms such as Android ( see our list of free Android VPNs). We have also included two simple VPNs at the bottom, so you can have an easy experience with VPNs. Let’s get started and let’s explore the list.
1. SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN offers a better alternative to OpenVPN. SoftEther VPN is an open-source multi-platform VPN that supports various security protocols. Simply choose the protocol you prefer and set up a server. This VPN’s unique feature is that was created by a University of Tsukuba student as part of his Master’s thesis. Slowly, VPN was a massive academic project. Students all over the globe hosted servers in order to offer a secure VPN service for everyone.
Another interesting thing about it is that it uses OpenVPN’s security protocol. This means that you can get the same security protection as OpenVPN, but with additional features. SoftEtherVPN also supports SSL, L2TP/IPsec, and Microsoft Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol. SoftEther VPN offers the most comprehensive VPN experience, with as many features as OpenVPN, and as much security as OpenVPN.
Features Open-source. Runs by volunteers. Supports OpenVPN and IPSec. Excellent security protection. Add servers. Personalize security settings
Platform Availability Windows Linux Mac OS X FreeBSD and Solaris
Visit Website HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML5_
2. Pritunl
Pritunl was my second choice because it has a simple user interface. OpenVPN is better, but Pritunl is a good option for beginners who want to set up a VPN server. It’s free, open-source, and available on all major platforms. It doesn’t compromise on the technology it uses. Pritunl is based on OpenVPN’s security protocol. It also allows for some user management. OpenVPN profiles can be imported, URI configurations created and servers added directly. Pritunl, an open-source VPN that is intuitive and has a few core features, is my favorite. If you are looking for something more, Pritunl VPN is the right choice.
Features Open-source, User-friendly interface. Supports OpenVPN. Import OpenVPN profiles. Customize server
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux
Visit Website (Free)
3. Wireguard
Wireguard is a top OpenVPN alternative because it offers both a user-friendly interface as well as advanced security features. It’s an open-source VPN that uses the SSH protocol. Many argue that SSH is less secure than OpenVPN’s custom security protocol. Wireguard uses additional cryptographic services like Curve25519 and Poly1305, SipHash24 to enhance secure data exchange. Wireguard is undoubtedly one of the most secure VPNs. Wireguard is slightly more secure than OpenVPN, as it uses a simple SSL protocol to encrypt data and transmit it. Wireguard is a powerful VPN that easily surpasses OpenVPN in security and features.
Features Open Source, User-friendly Interface, Advanced, Supports SSH protocol. Additional cryptographic services, Higher performance
Platform: Windows and macOS. Linux, Android, iOS, and iOS
Visit Website (Free)
4. Tunnelblick
Tunnelblick is the best OpenVPN alternative to Mac. Tunnelblick is specifically designed for macOS. It works with Sierra, High Sierra, and the most recent macOS Mojave. It’s free and open-source, just like OpenVPN. The best thing about Tunnelblick? It supports OpenVPN as well as Apple’s native security protocol. This will allow you to connect to a VPN seamlessly without consuming too much of your Mac’s resources. You also have a few options such as server configuration, protocol checking, IPv6 tunneling, and many more. Tunnelblick is the best macOS VPN. It’s as secure as OpenVPN.
Highlights: Open Source, Best VPN Client for macOS. Built on OpenVPN protocol. Compatible with Mojave. Server configuration
Platform: macOS
Visit Website (Free)
5. strongSwan
StrongSwan, another popular OpenVPN alternative, is open-source and free. OpenVPN uses its own security protocol, which is a mixture of SSL and TLS protocols. strongSwan uses the most recent IPSec protocol with IKEv1 & IKEv2 to exchange keys. StrongSwan is a good choice for security as it implements different encryption protocols. StrongSwan allows you to add servers and customize security preferences. It also supports virtual IP addresses to prevent tracking. StrongSwan is a cross-platform VPN that offers many advanced features. You should definitely give it a try.
Features Open Source, Runs on IPSec protocol and IKEv1 Encryption. Virtual IP address, Customize Servers
Platform: Windows and macOS. Linux, Android, iOS, and iOS
Visit Website (Free)
6. OpenConnect
OpenConnect is a free and open-source VPN client that works with Windows, Linux, and other distributions. It’s also one of the oldest VPN clients that are still being developed. It was originally designed for Linux and used as an alternative to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. However, has been embraced by the community and OpenConnect is now a standard for many VPN clients. It is comparable to OpenVPN in terms of open-source community support. OpenConnect also uses SSL security protocol, which is great. You can also create your own server, encrypt data, import server configurations, and many other features. OpenConnect is a powerful VPN client that you should give a try, especially if you’re a Linux user.
Features: Open Source, Excellent VPN Client for Linux. Built on SSL protocol. Supports encryption. Import server configurations
Platform: Windows, Linux
Visit Website ( No Cost )
7. Tinc VPN
Tinc VPN is a powerful VPN daemon that can compete with OpenVPN. However, it doesn’t have a GUI interface. Tinc VPN is a powerful tool for tunneling your network and making it private if you’re a network administrator. Tinc VPN, like OpenVPN, is open-source and completely free. Tinc VPN uses the latest SPTPS protocol, which is claimed to be more efficient. Tinc VPN also uses the SVPN protocol to encrypt your data and protect your privacy online. You can also configure security settings such as force encryption, open-port testing, and finding vulnerabilities. Tinc VPN is for advanced users who are looking for OpenVPN clients.
Features Privacy protection
Platform: Windows, Linux
Visit Website ( No Cost )
8. Passepartout
Passepartout, a unique VPN on this list, is specifically developed for iOS. It is an open-source app with OpenVPN security protocol as the base. OpenVPN offers a dedicated app for iPhone users but many people find it too complicated and difficult to use. Passepartout, however, is designed to bring the same OpenVPN technology but with a more user-friendly interface and a better design.
OpenVPN allows you to do all of the same things as OpenVPN, but it’s easy. You can add as many VPN servers you like. This app also makes use of iOS features such as Trusted Networks and Siri Shortcuts, which allow you to automate many VPN functions. You can create your own VPN using the OpenVPN protocol. It doesn’t log any of your internet activity, so privacy concerns are not a concern. Passepartout, an OpenVPN alternative to iOS, is what you need.
Highlights: Open Source, Best App for iOS Users, Intuitive Interface, Built on OpenVPN protocol. Customize servers. Supports core iOS features. Privacy protection
Install: iOS ($1.99)
Top VPNs to Enjoy a Stress-Free Experience
We have listed two VPNs that offer their own servers in this section. It doesn’t take much to add or find a server, so it is very convenient. Here are the top VPNs that you should consider.
9. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN can be a great replacement for OpenVPN if you do not want to mess with servers or just need private browsing. ProtonVPN has its own servers, which is a big advantage over OpenVPN. ProtonVPN also offers unlimited data and a free plan. You won’t get the fastest speed and the data is limited to 3 countries.
It is, however, among the most secure and comparable to OpenVPN in terms of security. ProtonVPN’s Switzerland-based headquarters ensures that you are covered by the most stringent privacy laws in the country. It also uses OpenVPN, IKEv2/and IPSec security protocols for data exchange to protect your information. You can also use military-grade AES encryption of 256 bits to ensure your internet activity remains secure. ProtonVPN is an excellent choice if you want to secure your internet activity.
Features: Unlimited data, easy to use, no activity logging. 256-bit encryption. Built on OpenVPN/IPSec protocols. Strong privacy protection
Platform Availability: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
(, Starting at $4/month if billed yearly)
10. TunnelBear
TunnelBear, our last pick on this list, is very similar in security and privacy protection to OpenVPN. You can get a free plan under which your internet activity won’t be tracked and your speed won’t be affected. Free users have a data limit that is 500MB per month. TunnelBear is a great VPN service for casual browsing. Tunnelbear also offers 1GB of additional data for tweets to Tunnelbear. TunnelBear uses OpenVPN protocol for security on all platforms except iOS, where it deploys IPSec protocol. However, the industry-best protocols ensure your security. It also protects your data using 256-bit encryption. TunnelBear is a great OpenVPN alternative if you are looking for a simple VPN experience.
Features: One-click connection, 500MB under the Free Plan, No logging, Speed reduction. Built on OpenVPN technology and IPSec technology. 256-bit encryption
Platform Availability: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Visit the Website (Free, Starting at $4.99/month billed annually)
The Best OpenVPN Alternative to Protect Yourself Online
This was our list with the top 10 OpenVPN alternatives. We tried to include VPNs that are open-source and provide top-notch security. The mentioned VPNs offer many advanced features, including server customization and open port checking. You can choose the right VPN for you based on your preferences. That’s it from our side. We are glad you enjoyed our selection of open-source VPNs. Please comment below to let us know.
