Protecting online privacy is more important than ever in today’s digital world.
You might be wondering how to keep your personal information safe from prying eyes.
Two popular options are NordVPN and OpenVPN, but which one comes out on top for privacy?
We’ll examine both in-depth, comparing their features, security measures, and overall performance to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Stay tuned to discover which option reigns supreme in the battle for online privacy!
NordVPN vs OpenVPN Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both NordVPN and OpenVPN, examining their features, ease of use, security protocols, and overall performance.
This hands-on experience allows us to provide an informed perspective on which VPN is best for privacy in 2025.
Ready for a faster, safer internet experience? NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Unlock the power of customization. OpenVPN lets you tailor your security settings with features. Explore OpenVPN.
Pricing: Free plan is available. Plan Starts at $14/month
Key Features:
- Highly configurable
- Strong encryption
- A wide range of platforms supported
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s a super popular VPN service.
They have apps for every device: phones, computers, and even smart TVs!
NordVPN is known for being easy to use and having a ton of servers all over the world.
This means you can connect to a server in a different country and access content that might be blocked where you are. Pretty cool, right?
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $4.89/month.
- Plus: $3.89/month.
- Complete: $2.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is OpenVPN?
Okay, now let’s talk about OpenVPN. It’s a bit different from NordVPN.
See, OpenVPN is open-source. This means the code is available for anyone to look at and tinker with.
That makes it super flexible! But it also means you’ll need to get your hands a bit dirty with setup and configuration.
OpenVPN is known for its strong security; businesses and tech-savvy folks often use it.
Key Benefits
- Super flexible: You have total control over how it works. It’s like a custom-built VPN!
- Highly secure: It uses strong encryption protocols like AES-256. Your data is safe!
- Widely compatible: Works on almost any device you can think of. Phones, computers, routers… you name it!
- Large community: Tons of people use and support it. Help is always available!
Pricing
This is where it gets interesting. OpenVPN itself is free! But you’ll usually need to pay for a VPN provider that uses OpenVPN.
Here’s an example of pricing from a popular provider:
- Free: Instant access to all features. No card is required; use it free forever.
- Growth: $14/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
Pros
Cons
NordVPN vs OpenVPN Feature Comparison
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and compare NordVPN and OpenVPN head-to-head across some key features.
This will help you see how these two VPNs compare regarding what matters.
VPN Protocol
NordVPN: NordVPN supports various secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and its own proprietary NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. NordLynx offers faster speeds and improved performance compared to traditional OpenVPN.
OpenVPN: As the name suggests, OpenVPN primarily uses the OpenVPN protocol. It’s a highly secure and versatile VPN protocol known for its reliability and strong encryption.
VPN Server Network
NordVPN: NordVPN boasts a massive network of over 5,700 servers in 60 countries. This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable VPN server, no matter where you are.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN, a tunneling protocol and not a full-service VPN provider like NordVPN, doesn’t have a server network. You’ll need to connect to servers provided by a third-party VPN service that utilizes OpenVPN.
VPN Connection Speed
NordVPN: NordVPN is known for its fast connection speeds, especially when using the NordLynx protocol. This makes it an excellent choice for activities like streaming and gaming that require a lot of bandwidth.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN connection speeds can vary depending on factors like the server you’re connecting to and your internet connection. However, OpenVPN generally offers good speeds, especially when using the UDP protocol.
VPN Setup and Ease of Use
NordVPN: NordVPN is incredibly user-friendly. It offers easy-to-use VPN apps for all major platforms, simplifying the VPN setup process. Even if you’re new to VPNs, you’ll have no trouble getting started with NordVPN.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN can be more complex to set up, especially for beginners. It often requires manual configuration and the use of configuration files. This can be a bit daunting for those unfamiliar with VPN setups.
Devices That Don’t Support VPNs
NordVPN: NordVPN provides solutions for devices that don’t directly support VPNs. You can set up NordVPN on your router to protect all devices on your home network, even those that don’t have native VPN support.
OpenVPN: Like NordVPN, you can configure OpenVPN on your router to extend its protection to devices that don’t support VPNs. This requires some technical know-how, but it’s a viable option for securing your entire network.
Streaming Capabilities
NordVPN: NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Its vast server network and fast speeds make it a top choice for streaming enthusiasts.
OpenVPN: While OpenVPN can be used for streaming, it may not be as reliable as NordVPN for bypassing geo-restrictions on some streaming platforms. This is because some streaming services actively block known OpenVPN IP addresses.
Customer Support
NordVPN: NordVPN offers customer support via live chat and email. Their live chat support is generally responsive, allowing you to get help quickly if you encounter any issues.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN, an open-source project, relies primarily on community support forums. While the OpenVPN community is active and helpful, it may not be as readily available as dedicated customer support like NordVPN provides.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Security Features: Look for essential security features like strong encryption (AES-256 is the gold standard), a kill switch (to protect your data if the VPN connection drops), and a strict no-logs policy (to ensure your online activity isn’t tracked).
- Speed and Performance: Consider your needs. If you use the VPN for streaming or gaming, prioritize services known for fast speeds and reliable performance.
- Server Network: A more extensive server network gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a server with optimal performance.
- Ease of Use: Choose a VPN that’s easy to set up and use, especially if you’re a beginner. User-friendly apps and intuitive interfaces can make a big difference.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all the devices you want to use.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support can be helpful if you encounter any issues or have questions about the service.
- Pricing: Compare pricing plans and consider your budget. Remember that longer subscriptions often offer better value.
- Free vs. Paid: While free VPNs exist, they often have limitations and potential privacy concerns. Consider investing in a reputable paid VPN for better security and performance.
- Reviews and Reputation: Read reviews and research to choose a VPN with a strong security, privacy, and reliability reputation.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN is the best? For most people, NordVPN is the better choice.
It’s easy to use, has many servers, and offers blazing-fast speeds. It also has extra features like Threat Protection and a built-in kill switch.
OpenVPN is great but more for tech-savvy users who want to tinker with settings. It can be tricky to set up if you’re not a tech whiz.
We’ve tested a lot of VPNs, and NordVPN consistently ranks among the best.
It’s a premium VPN worth every penny, especially if you value online privacy and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenVPN completely free?
Yes, the OpenVPN protocol itself is entirely free to use. However, you’ll usually need to use it with a VPN client from a VPN provider, which may have a cost.
Do I need an OpenVPN account to use it?
No, you don’t need a separate OpenVPN account. You can use OpenVPN through various VPN providers, including it as one of their supported protocols.
What is OpenVPN Connect?
OpenVPN Connect is the official VPN client software for OpenVPN. It lets you connect easily to a VPN server using the OpenVPN protocol.
What is the difference between TCP and UDP in OpenVPN?
TCP and UDP are two different protocols for sending data over the Internet. TCP is more reliable but slower, while UDP is faster but may sometimes lose data packets. OpenVPN supports both TCP and UDP, so you can choose which one to use based on your needs.
Can I use OpenVPN to access servers on a private network?
Yes, OpenVPN can create a secure VPN tunnel to a private network, allowing you to access resources on that network as if you were physically connected to it. Businesses often use this to allow employees to access company resources securely from remote locations.
