Ever feel like someone’s watching your every move online? (Yeah, it’s creepy.)
Choosing the right VPN can help you take back your privacy.
But with so many options, how do you know which one is best?
In this head-to-head battle, we’re comparing Surfshark VPN vs OpenVPN.
We’ll compare their features, security, and ease of use to help you decide which is best for privacy in 2025.
Let’s get started!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve put both Surfshark VPN and OpenVPN through rigorous testing.
We’ve evaluated their features, speed, security protocols, & overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
Dive deeper into our full review to see if Surfshark VPN is the perfect fit for your needs!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing starts at $15.45/month
Key Features:
- CleanWeb
- Bypasser
- NoBorders mode
Want granular control over your VPN? Explore OpenVPN’s powerful features with their free trial!
Pricing: A free plan is available. Plan Starts at $14/month
Key Features:
- Highly configurable
- Strong encryption
- Widely compatible
What is Surfshark VPN?
Okay, first up is Surfshark VPN. You might have heard of these guys.
They’ve been making waves in the VPN world. Why?
Because they offer a ton of features at a competitive price.
Think of them as the cool, new kid on the block that everybody wants to be friends with.
Unleash the internet’s full potential with Surfshark! Join 3200+ servers in 100 countries and experience true online freedom. Give it a try now!
Key Benefits
- Unlimited connections: Connect all your devices – no limits!
- Global network: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you can always find a good connection.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, keeping your browsing experience squeaky clean.
Pricing
- Starter: $15.45/month.
- One: $17.95/month.
- One+: $29.65/month.
Pros
Cons
What is OpenVPN?
Now, let’s talk about OpenVPN. This one’s a bit different.
It’s not your typical VPN with a fancy app and many servers.
Think of it more like a powerful engine that you can customize to your liking.
It’s super flexible and gives you much control but requires some technical know-how.
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
Feature Comparison
Alright, let’s get down to business!
We’ll compare Surfshark VPN and OpenVPN head-to-head across some key features.
This will help you see which one might better fit your needs.
VPN Protocols
Surfshark VPN and OpenVPN are VPN services that create a secure tunnel to encrypt your online activity.
However, they use different VPN protocols.
Surfshark supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
OpenVPN primarily uses its protocol, which is known for its strong security.
OpenVPN and WireGuard are excellent choices, but WireGuard is often faster than OpenVPN.
VPN Server Network
When you use a VPN, you connect to a VPN server operated by the VPN provider.
This changes your IP address & makes it appear like you’re browsing from a different location.
Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, while OpenVPN allows you to set up your own VPN server or use a third-party provider.
More servers generally mean more options and better speeds.
Security Features
A secure VPN should protect your data with strong encryption and authentication.
Both Surfshark and OpenVPN offer this.
Surfshark also includes a kill switch (which cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops) and Camouflage Mode (which hides the fact that you’re using VPN).
Device Compatibility
You’ll need a VPN client to connect to a VPN service.
Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for computers, phones, and smart TVs.
OpenVPN is more flexible & can be configured on routers, NAS devices, and gaming consoles.
However, setting it up on some devices might require more technical knowledge.
Ease of Use
Surfshark is designed for everyone.
It’s super easy to install and use, even if you’ve never used a VPN.
OpenVPN can be more challenging to set up, especially for beginners.
But it offers many customization options for advanced users.
Privacy Policy
A good VPN provider should have a clear privacy policy that explains how they handle your data.
Surfshark has a strict no logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store your online activity.
OpenVPN doesn’t have a privacy policy since it’s just a protocol.
However, your VPN service with OpenVPN will have its own policy.
Additional Features
Surfshark offers some extra features, such as Surfshark One, which includes antivirus, a private search engine, and an alert system.
OpenVPN, being more focused on the core VPN functionality, doesn’t include these extras.
Think of it this way: Surfshark is like a full-featured car with all the bells and whistles, while OpenVPN is like a powerful engine you can build your car around.
Remember: When you browse the web, a website uses cookies to give us information about you.
A VPN can help protect some of that information, but knowing how websites track you is essential.
Also, virtual private networks can improve your online privacy, but they don’t make you completely anonymous.
Bonus Tech Talk: OpenVPN typically uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) for its VPN connections.
TCP is more reliable, while UDP is often faster. OpenVPN also uses key exchange mechanisms to ensure secure communication between the client and server.
While OpenVPN is very secure, its larger codebase contains more lines of code, which theoretically could mean more potential vulnerabilities.
However, it’s widely used and trusted by many. Different protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard have different use cases.
For example, OpenVPN might be preferred for remote access to a company network, while WireGuard, due to its speed, might be better for streaming or gaming.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Look for VPN providers that use protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. These offer robust security to encrypt your data and keep your online activity private.
- No-logs policy: To protect your privacy, your VPN service should not keep your browsing history or IP address logs.
- Server locations: Consider how many VPN servers they have and where they are. More servers in more countries allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and find faster speeds.
- Speed and performance: A slow VPN can be frustrating. Look for providers offering fast speeds and reliable VPN connections, especially if you stream or download large files.
- Device compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices. Check if they have user-friendly apps for your operating system.
- Ease of use: Choose a VPN that’s easy to set up and use, especially if you’re a beginner. Some VPNs, like Surfshark, offer a more intuitive interface.
- Customer support: Great customer support can be helpful if you encounter issues. Look for providers with responsive support channels like live chat or email.
- Price: VPNs come at different price points. Consider your budget and how long you plan to use the service. Some providers offer discounts for longer subscriptions.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Try before you buy! Look for VPN services that offer free trials or money back guarantees so you can test them out risk-free.
- Independent audits: Some VPN providers undergo audits to verify their security and privacy claims. This can give you extra assurance that they are trustworthy.
Remember, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Consider what you’ll be using it for and choose the one that best fits your requirements.
Final Verdict
So, which one comes out on top? For most people, we recommend Surfshark VPN.
It’s user-friendly, packed with features, and offers excellent value for your money.
Plus, their strong security and no-logs policy ensure your privacy is protected.
However, OpenVPN is a powerful option for tech-savvy users who want more control over their VPN setup.
However, it requires more technical knowledge and might not be as user-friendly.
Ultimately, the best choice fully depends on your individual needs and preferences.
We’ve given you the information; now it’s time to decide!
Trust us: either of these options will allow you to browse more securely and privately in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN unlimited?
Yes! Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously with a single subscription, which is perfect for families or those with many gadgets.
Can I use OpenVPN for free?
Yes, the OpenVPN protocol itself is free and open-source. However, you’ll likely need a VPN provider or set up your server to use it easily. OpenVPN Access Server is a popular option, but it’s not free.
Which is faster, Surfshark or OpenVPN?
Surfshark generally faster speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. OpenVPN can be quick, too, but it depends on your server configuration and network conditions.
Is OpenVPN more secure than Surfshark?
Both offer strong security. OpenVPN is known for its robust and highly configurable protocol, while Surfshark utilizes strong encryption and offers great features, such as a kill switch.
Which VPN is best for streaming?
Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming. It offers fast speeds, a vast server network, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix.
