Tired of OpenVPN’s slow speeds and clunky interface? You’re not alone!
Many users find OpenVPN a bit dated. Luckily, many faster, more secure, and user-friendly VPNs are available.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 15 OpenVPN alternatives that can boost your online security and privacy without sacrificing speed.
Whether you’re a casual browser or a hardcore streamer, we’ve got you covered.
What is the Best OpenVPN Alternative?
It’s time to ditch the old and embrace the new. We’ve tested many VPNs to find the fastest, most secure, and most straightforward.
Ready to see which ones came out on top? Let’s dive into our list of the 15 best OpenVPN alternatives!
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is like the Swiss Army knife of VPNs. It’s got tons of features, strong security, and it’s super easy to use.
Plus, it’s great for streaming. What’s not to love? They even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Our Take
NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users. The value is there but is more expensive than some alternatives.
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
- Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Complete: $14.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Plus: $13.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Basic: $12.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
Pros
Cons
2. Surfshark
Need to protect all your devices? Surfshark has you covered. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is awesome for families.
It’s also fast and affordable. Plus, their customer support is top-notch.
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices. However, its speeds can be inconsistent and might not be the best choice for accessing geo-restricted content.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
- Surfshark Starter: $15.45/month
- Surfshark One: $17.95/month
- Surfshark One+: $20.65/month
Pros
Cons
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its blazing-fast speeds. Perfect for streaming and downloading.
It’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Top-notch security and privacy. They have servers in a whopping 94 countries!
Our Take
ExpressVPN is popular because it’s fast, reliable, and secure. It’s a great all-around VPN, but it’s a little expensive compared to some others.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Huge server network: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $12.95/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month (+3 months FREE)
- 2 Years plan: $4.99/month (+4 months FREE)
Pros
Cons
4. Proton VPN
If privacy is your top priority, check out Proton VPN. It’s based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
They also have a free version, which is pretty cool. Their Secure Core feature routes your traffic through multiple servers for extra protection.
Our Take
Proton VPN is popular because it’s a solid choice for privacy-focused users. The free version is a great perk, and the paid plans offer good value. However, it may not be the fastest VPN and is not ideal for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: €9.99/month
- 1-year plan: €4.49/month
- 2-year plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
5. FastestVPN
The name says it all. FastestVPN is focused on speed. Great for streaming and downloading.
They also offer a good value for the price. They have a NAT firewall for added security.
Our Take
FastestVPN is popular because it delivers on its promise of fast speeds. It’s a good option for performance-critical tasks like gaming and torrenting. However, it can have connectivity issues, and its privacy features aren’t the strongest.
Key Benefits
- Fast speeds: Fully optimized for performance.
- P2P optimized servers: Good for torrenting.
- Affordable pricing: Offers competitive plans.
- 15-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $5/month
- 1-year plan: $0.83/month
- Lifetime plan: $40/month
Pros
Cons
6. Aura VPN
Aura is a newer player in the VPN game. Their VPN is bundled with their other security products.
Decent features and good value. They offer a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Our Take
Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN. However, it’s a newer provider with a smaller server network.
Key Benefits
- Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
- Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.
Pricing
- Kids: $10/month
- Individual: $12/month
- Couple: $22/month
- Family: $32/month
Pros
Cons
7. PureVPN
PureVPN is a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN. They have a huge network of servers and some decent features.
It’s not the fastest, but it gets the job done. Plus, they offer a 31-day money-back guarantee. Sources and related content
Our Take
PureVPN is known for its many features and extensive server network. Its privacy policy has improved, but its speeds can be inconsistent, and its customer support has mixed reviews.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Max: $19.95/month
- Plus: $15.95/month
- Standard: $12.95/month
Pros
Cons
8. Mullvad VPN
Mullvad is all about privacy. No email address required to sign up!
It’s a bit more technical than some other VPNs, but it’s super secure. They accept Bitcoin for truly anonymous payments.
Our Take
Mullvad VPN is known because it’s an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. It’s secure, anonymous, and open-source. However, it can be more challenging and lacks some of the features other VPNs offer.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
9. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is super user-friendly. It’s got a cute bear theme and a simple interface. Good for beginners.
They have a Vigilant Mode that protects your data if your connection drops.
Our Take
TunnelBear is popular because it’s a user-friendly VPN with strong security. However, it has limited features, and the free version is very restrictive.
Key Benefits
- User friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Independent security audits: Transparent and trustworthy.
Pricing
- Free: Limited data and features.
- Unlimited: $3.33/month
- Teams: $5.75/month
The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
10. Private Internet Access
PIA has been around forever. They’re known for their strong commitment to privacy.
Tons of servers and features. A solid choice. They offer a 10-Gbps network, which is super fast.
Our Take
Private Internet Access is popular because it offers a good balance of security, features, and price. It’s a solid choice for general VPN use but can be slow and isn’t the best for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
- Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $11.95/month
- 1-year plan: $3.33/month
- 3-years + 4 months free: $1.98/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
11. McAfee VPN
McAfee is a well-known name in the security world. Their VPN is a decent option if you’re already using their other products.
It’s easy to use and offers good protection. It’s often bundled with their antivirus software, so you can get a good deal.
Our Take
McAfee VPN is a decent option if you’re looking for an essential VPN at a reasonable price. It’s not the most feature-rich VPN, but it does the job. If you need a VPN for streaming or torrenting, you might want to consider a different option.
Key Benefits
- Familiar name: McAfee is a well-known and trusted security company.
- Unlimited bandwidth: Download and stream as much as you want.
- Works on multiple devices: Protect up to 5 devices simultaneously.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Gives you time to test it out risk-free.
Pricing
McAfee VPN has two main plans:
- VPN: $39.99 per year
- Essential: $39.99 per year
- Advanced: $89.99 per year
Both plans come with the same features. You get a better deal if you choose the longer plan.
Pros
Cons
12. VyprVPN
VyprVPN owns and operates its own server network. This gives them more control over security and privacy.
A solid choice for those who value independence. They have a proprietary Chameleon protocol to bypass censorship.
Our Take
VyprVPN is a solid choice. It scores high on security and privacy. However, it’s a bit expensive compared to some competitors. The speeds are good but not the best. Overall, it is a reliable option, especially if you need a VPN for China.
Key Benefits
- Proprietary Chameleon protocol: bypass VPN blocking.
- Independently audited: Ensures your privacy.
- 700+ servers in 70+ locations: Plenty of choices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
VyprVPN has a simple pricing structure:
- 1 month: $10/month.
- 12 months: $5/month.
- 24 month: $3/month.
Pros
Cons
13. AdGuard VPN
Ever wished for a VPN that really understands your need for privacy? That’s AdGuard VPN.
They take your online security seriously. No logs, strong encryption, and even a built-in ad blocker. Pretty neat, right?
Our Take
AdGuard VPN gets a high rating for its strong privacy features and ad blocking capabilities. The speeds are excellent, and the apps are user-friendly. However, the smaller server network and higher price tag keep it from getting a perfect score.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Strong encryption: Keeps your data safe and secure.
- Ad blocking: Say goodbye to annoying ads.
- Wide device compatibility: Works on all your devices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 2-Year Plan: $2.99/month.
- 1 Year Plan: $3.99/month
- 1 Month: $11.99/month
The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
14. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a great all-rounder. Good speeds, strong security, and a user-friendly interface.
They also have specialized servers for streaming and torrenting. They have a massive network of over 9,000 servers worldwide.
Our Take
CyberGhost VPN is popular because it has an extensive server network and is suitable for streaming. However, it can be expensive, and there have been some privacy concerns.
Key Benefits
- Large server network: Over 9,700 servers in 91 countries.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Good for streaming: Unblocks many popular streaming services.
- Dedicated servers for torrenting: Optimized for P2P traffic.
Pricing
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 6 Month: $6.99/month
- 2-Year + 4 months: $2.03/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
15. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds and free version.
The free version has limitations, but it’s a good way to test it out.
They use their own proprietary VPN protocol called Catapult Hydra. And they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
Our Take
Hotspot Shield is a solid choice if speed is your top priority. Its extensive server network is also a big plus. However, it’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Massive server network: Over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries.
- Strong security features: Military-grade encryption and a kill switch.
- 45-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
Hotspot Shield offers a few different plans:
- Free: $0 per month with a limited feature
- Premium Subscription: $6.66 per month
All plans have the same features, so you must decide how long you want to commit.
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
We examined various factors to find the best OpenVPN alternatives for secure remote access.
Here’s how we conducted our research:
- Feature Comparison: We compared each VPN’s features, looking for essential elements like strong encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of server locations. We also looked for advanced features like split tunneling, obfuscation, and dedicated IP addresses that enhance secure access.
- Speed Testing: We conducted speed tests to see how each VPN performed in real-world usage. We considered download and upload speeds, as well as latency. We tested speeds on different servers in various locations to get a comprehensive picture of performance, especially for those needing remote access.
- Security Assessment: We evaluated each VPN’s security protocols and encryption standards to ensure robust protection for secure network and internet access. We looked for support for OpenVPN, WireGuard, and other secure protocols essential for any traditional VPN service provider.
- Privacy Evaluation: We examined each VPN’s privacy policies, paying close attention to their logging practices and data retention policies. We looked for VPNs with strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited. This is crucial for maintaining secure user access and overall network security.
- Usability Testing: We tested the user interface and overall ease of use of each VPN app across different devices. We considered factors like app design, installation process, and connection stability. This is important for users transitioning from traditional network access boxes to a VPN solution.
- Pricing Analysis: We compared the pricing plans and value for money each VPN provider offers. We looked at monthly and yearly subscription costs and any discounts or free trials.
- Customer Support Review: We looked at the customer support options available, including live chat, email support, and knowledge bases. We also considered the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support teams.
- Reputation Check: We researched the reputation of each VPN provider, looking for reviews, user feedback, and independent audits. We considered factors like company history, transparency, and security track record. This is important for building trust network access and ensuring a reliable service.
By carefully considering these factors, we identified the top OpenVPN alternatives that offer the best security, privacy, speed, and usability for various use cases.
Including secure networking and bypassing restrictions with innovative DNS proxy services.
Wrapping Up
That’s a wrap on our exploration of the top OpenVPN alternatives!
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from secure VPN connections and access management to the importance of business network security.
Choosing the right VPN can significantly enhance your online security and privacy.
This is especially true given the rise of secure access service edge (SASE) and the need for safe cloud solutions.
You can find the perfect VPN by considering speed, security features, privacy policies, and ease of use.
And don’t forget the importance of leveraging secure DNS protocols for an extra layer of protection.
We’ve done the heavy lifting with our in-depth research and analysis, so you can confidently choose a VPN from our list and enjoy a safer, more private online experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is secure network access so important these days?
With the rise of remote work and online threats, secure network access is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining privacy. VPNs and other security measures help ensure only authorized users can access your network.
How can I ensure secure internet access on public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, making you vulnerable to hackers. Using a VPN creates a secure internet access point by encrypting your connection and masking your IP address.
What are smart DNS proxy services, and how do they differ from VPNs?
Smart DNS proxy services primarily focus on bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming content. They don’t encrypt your entire connection like VPNs, offering less security but potentially faster speeds for streaming.
How does a VPN leverage secure DNS protocols to enhance my online security?
VPNs that leverage secure DNS protocols prevent DNS leaks, which can expose your browsing history and online activity even when using a VPN. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security.
What is secure access cloud, and why is it important?
Secure access cloud refers to secure access solutions delivered through the cloud. This allows for flexible, scalable, and reliable access to company resources from anywhere, while maintaining strong security measures.
