If you use VPN regularly, you may have heard about WireGuard and OpenVPN in some way or another. You may even find yourself deciding which of these remote protocols to use to protect your online activity.
So, which one should you use? Well, both of them offer different functionality and are better suited for different situations. I am here to help you make an informed decision with the help of this guide on WireGuard vs OpenVPN.
This comparison breaks it all down, including speed, encryption, security, privacy, compatibility, and audits of both protocols.
What is WireGuard?

WireGuard is a relatively new VPN protocol designed to be faster and more efficient than older protocols like IPsec and OpenVPN. It was originally developed for Linux but now works with all major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and BSD.
The streamlined design with less code allows it to process more data quickly and safely, which makes internet connections faster. However, it also has a few limitations. It does not hide that you are using a VPN service and does not offer a dynamic IP address on its own.
Fortunately, these limitations can be easily addressed using an advanced VPN service like Surfshark or NordVPN.
What is OpenVPN?

I told you that WireGuard is known for its fast performance and simple code. OpenVPN on the other hand, stands out for its strong security. It offers a community edition with open-source code. This transparency makes the software more reliable and secure since the community can easily identify and fix any issues.
It even provides a cloud solution for businesses to improve security and reduce cyber threats. Thanks to its extensive testing across different platforms and situations, OpenVPN has proven to be highly reliable.
With advanced features like end-to-end encryption and a built-in kill switch, OpenVPN offers top-tier protection. While it may not be as lightweight as WireGUard, it makes up for it with its strength and security.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN: A Detailed Comparison
What remote VPN type is best: OpenVPN or WireGuard? Now that you know a bit about these protocols, it’s important to see the head-to-head comparison. Choosing the right protocol is important for ensuring your VPN is secure, fast, and reliable.
So, let’s compare Open VPN vs WireGuard on different aspects:
Encryption
WireGuard | |
Encryption | It uses ChaCha20 (a modern, secure, and fast encryption method) |
Authentication | It relies on Poly1305 (a highly secure and widely trusted authentication system) |
OpenVPN | |
Encryption | It supports multiple methods, including AES, Blowfish, Camelia, and ChaCha20 |
Authentication | It supports Poly1305 |
Encryption is what makes VPN protocols effective for securing data. WireGuard uses a single and secure encryption, i.e. ChaCha20, which makes it straightforward and highly secure.
While OpenVPN allows users to choose their encryption level. This flexibility means that you can prioritize either fast performance or strong security. It depends on your device or server’s capability. Currently, you can choose from six different ciphers. AES-128-CBC is the weakest and AES-256-GCM is the strongest among them.
Overall, both remote VPN protocols are secure and use advanced technology to protect your data. One focuses on simplicity and efficiency, while the other offers more flexibility and customization.
Speed and Efficiency
WireGuard is designed for speed, much like a sleek and modern sports car built for performance. While OpenVPN has been refined over the years to prioritize versatility and wide compatibility.
While WireGuard is faster in ideal conditions, the difference in speed is not usually a game-changer for everyday users. Factors like a weak local network or being far from the VPN server will slow down your connection no matter which VPN protocol you use.
Auditability
The auditability of a protocol is a crucial factor when comparing OpenVPN vs WireGuard. WireGuard is simpler and has less code, making it easier to review and fix any issue. Although OpenVPN is more complex, it benefits from community oversight and in-built safety measures. Essentially, there is not much difference in terms of auditability. Both have different ways to quickly identify and fix issues.
Compatibility
For most users, compatibility is not a major concern. Popular VPNs like NordVPN support both protocols across various devices, which allows you to switch between them (if required).
You can also set up your own VPN server on a router to protect all your devices at once. Developers or programmers may need to dive deeper into specific compatibility needs. However, for everyday browsing, both protocols work seamlessly on most devices.
Security
A VPN protocol’s security depends on how well it protects data during transmission and keeps users’ identities anonymous. Most experts consider OpenVPN extremely secure. It has been around for years with no known vulnerabilities and has gone through multiple audits by independent experts worldwide.
WireGuard is also highly secure. It uses advanced encryption and a streamlined codebase, making it easier to audit. Additionally, if a security flaw is ever discovered, it ensures that all systems are updated. This protects the connections of compromised hosts.
User-friendliness and Setup
WireGuard is easier and quicker to set up than OpenVPN because it is designed to be lightweight and simple. It has fewer settings, which makes it ideal for users looking for a hassle-free experience.
On the other hand, OpenVPN offers a vast range of options. It supports many encryption methods available through the OpenSSL library. This flexibility allows customization as per unique needs, but it can also overwhelm less tech-savvy users.
For most users, this complexity is not a major concern. Almost every good VPN app can handle protocol selection automatically and provide support for both remote VPN protocols.
So, these are the major differences between WireGuard and OpenVPN. Both of them are good for different situations. In the end, it depends on your specific requirements.
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Pros and Cons
Before you make a decision, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both protocols. So, let’s take a quick look at their pros and cons:
OpenVPN
WireGuard
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which Protocol is Better for You?
This brings us to the bigger question, ‘ WireGuard vs OpenVPN: Which is better?’. Both are great VPN protocols, each with its strengths.
OpenVPN has been around for a long time and is well-known for reliability and compatibility with various systems. WireGuard, on the other hand, is a newer solution designed for efficiency and speed. Both protocols are equally secure in terms of encryption.
There is no clear winner. So, decide whether you need fast and efficient performance or a well-tested and widely compatible solution. I hope this comparison will provide you with crucial insights to make a wise decision.
Does WireGuard protect my privacy on public networks?
Yes, it can effectively protect your identity and activity on public networks by using strong encryption methods.
Can WireGuard replace OpenVPN?
As of today, it can replace OpenVPN for the casual VPN user only. However, it is still not certain if it will become widely acceptable or not.
Is WireGuard the fastest VPN protocol?
Yes, it is the fastest one right now in the market. Furthermore, it does not compromise security for increased speeds.
Is WireGuard free?
Yes, it is a free communication protocol that governs the communication between VPN servers and your device.
Is WireGuard better than OpenVPN?
Both are secure and reliable for most users. However, one can prefer one as per their specific requirements.