VPN Protocols Explained: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 & More

Introduction: What Are VPN Protocols?

VPN protocols are sets of rules and processes that determine how data travels between your device and a VPN server. The protocol you use affects your VPN's speed, security, and reliability.

Think of protocols as different routes to the same destination - some are faster, others are more secure, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Overview of Major VPN Protocols

Here are the main VPN protocols you'll encounter:

1. OpenVPN - Industry standard for security and reliability
2. WireGuard - Modern, fast protocol with strong security
3. IKEv2/IPSec - Excellent for mobile devices
4. L2TP/IPSec - Legacy protocol, moderate security
5. PPTP - Outdated and insecure (avoid)
6. Proprietary Protocols - Custom solutions from VPN providers

New to VPNs? Start with our beginner's guide.

OpenVPN: The Industry Standard

Overview

OpenVPN is the most popular and trusted VPN protocol. It's been battle-tested for over 20 years and is considered the gold standard for VPN security.

Technical Details

• Encryption: AES-256 (military-grade)
• Ports: TCP 443 (reliable) or UDP 1194 (fast)
• Open Source: Yes (auditable by security researchers)
• Speed: Good (moderate CPU usage)

How OpenVPN Works

OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS for key exchange and authentication. It can run on both TCP (reliable but slower) and UDP (faster but less reliable) protocols.

Pros

• Extremely secure with AES-256 encryption
• Highly configurable
• Bypasses most firewalls (especially on port 443)
• Open-source and transparent
• Works on all major platforms
• Can use both TCP and UDP

Cons

• Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard
• More CPU-intensive
• Complex configuration (though VPN apps handle this)

Best Use Cases

• Maximum security needs
• Bypassing strict firewalls
• Torrenting (TCP port 443)
• When speed isn't critical

VPNs Using OpenVPN

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark
• ProtonVPN
• Private Internet Access

WireGuard: The Modern Speed Demon

Overview

WireGuard is a relatively new protocol (released in 2020) that's quickly becoming the new standard. It offers significantly faster speeds than OpenVPN while maintaining strong security.

Technical Details

• Encryption: ChaCha20 (modern, efficient cipher)
• Code Size: ~4,000 lines (vs OpenVPN's 100,000+)
• Open Source: Yes
• Speed: Excellent (minimal CPU usage)

How WireGuard Works

WireGuard uses modern cryptography primitives and runs in the Linux kernel for optimal performance. Its lean codebase is easier to audit and has fewer vulnerabilities.

Pros

• Extremely fast (2-5x faster than OpenVPN)
• Strong, modern encryption
• Low battery consumption (great for mobile)
• Simple, auditable code
• Quick connection times
• Better at handling network changes (WiFi to mobile data)

Cons

• Newer protocol (less time to be tested in the wild)
• Some privacy concerns with static IP assignment (addressed by VPN implementations)
• Not natively supported on all platforms yet

Best Use Cases

• Streaming (Netflix, Hulu)
• Gaming (low latency)
• Mobile devices (battery efficiency)
• General browsing (fast speeds)

VPNs Using WireGuard

• NordVPN (NordLynx - custom WireGuard implementation)
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost
• Private Internet Access

IKEv2/IPSec: The Mobile Champion

Overview

Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) paired with IPSec is a protocol designed by Microsoft and Cisco. It's especially popular for mobile VPN connections.

Technical Details

• Encryption: AES-256, 3DES
• Ports: UDP 500 and 4500
• Open Source: Partially (implementations vary)
• Speed: Very Good

How IKEv2/IPSec Works

IKEv2 handles authentication and key exchange, while IPSec encrypts the data. The protocol establishes a secure association between devices.

Pros

• Excellent for mobile devices
• Fast reconnection when switching networks
• Strong security
• Good speeds
• Stable connections
• Native support on iOS, macOS, Windows
• Low latency

Cons

• Blocked by some firewalls more easily than OpenVPN
• Limited configuration options
• Not as widely audited as OpenVPN
• Closed-source implementations (Windows, iOS)

Best Use Cases

• Mobile VPN usage (iPhone, Android)
• Switching between WiFi and mobile data
• When you need quick reconnection
• BlackBerry devices (native support)

VPNs Using IKEv2

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost

Proprietary Protocols: Custom Solutions

Some VPN providers develop their own protocols based on existing technologies.

NordLynx (NordVPN)

NordVPN's custom implementation of WireGuard that addresses privacy concerns through a double NAT system.

Benefits:

• WireGuard speed with enhanced privacy
• No static IP assignment
• Combines speed and security

Lightway (ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol built from scratch for speed and security.

Benefits:

• Faster than OpenVPN
• Less battery drain
• Faster connection times
• Audited by Cure53

Hydra (Hotspot Shield)

A proprietary protocol claiming to be faster than traditional protocols.

Concerns:

• Closed-source (not auditable)
• Less transparent than open protocols

Legacy Protocols to Avoid

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)

Why to avoid:

• Extremely weak encryption (128-bit)
• Known security vulnerabilities (exploitable since 1998)
• Can be cracked in hours
• No protection against modern threats

Only acceptable use: None. Never use PPTP for privacy or security.

L2TP/IPSec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)

Status: Acceptable but outdated

Issues:

• Slower than modern protocols (double encapsulation)
• Easily blocked by firewalls (UDP 500)
• Potential NSA backdoors (unconfirmed)
• More CPU-intensive than necessary

When it's okay: Only if OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 aren't available.

Protocol Comparison Table

Which Protocol Should You Use?

For Maximum Security

Use: OpenVPN (TCP on port 443)

Best for:

• Handling sensitive data
• Bypassing firewalls and censorship
• Torrenting with maximum anonymity
• Privacy-focused browsing

Recommended VPNs: NordVPN, ExpressVPN

For Speed and Streaming

Use: WireGuard or NordLynx

Best for:

• Streaming Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
• 4K/UHD video streaming
• Large file downloads
• Gaming with low latency

Recommended VPNs: NordVPN (NordLynx), Surfshark

For Mobile Devices

Use: IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard

Best for:

• Smartphones and tablets
• Switching between WiFi and mobile data
• Battery efficiency
• Quick reconnection

Recommended VPNs: ExpressVPN, NordVPN

For Bypassing Censorship

Use: OpenVPN (TCP port 443) or obfuscated protocols

Best for:

• China, Iran, Russia (restrictive countries)
• School/work firewalls
• Hotel/public WiFi restrictions

Recommended VPNs: ExpressVPN, NordVPN

For General Use

Use: WireGuard or NordLynx (auto-select)

Best for:

• Daily browsing
• Social media
• Online shopping
• Public WiFi protection

Recommended VPNs: NordVPN, Surfshark

How to Change VPN Protocols

Most VPN apps let you change protocols in settings:

NordVPN

1. Open NordVPN app
2. Go to Settings → Connection
3. Choose between NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN UDP, or OpenVPN TCP

ExpressVPN

1. Open ExpressVPN app
2. Go to Options → Protocol
3. Choose between Automatic, Lightway UDP, Lightway TCP, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2

Surfshark

1. Open Surfshark app
2. Go to Settings → VPN settings → Protocol
3. Choose between Automatic, WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2

Tip: When in doubt, use "Automatic" or the VPN's recommended protocol.

Protocol Performance Tips

Maximize Speed

• Use WireGuard or NordLynx
• Choose UDP over TCP when possible
• Connect to nearby servers
• Close bandwidth-heavy apps

Maximize Security

• Use OpenVPN with AES-256-GCM
• Enable kill switch
• Use DNS leak protection
• Avoid PPTP at all costs

Bypass Firewalls

• Use OpenVPN TCP on port 443
• Enable obfuscation if available
• Try different server locations
• Use Shadowsocks if available

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN protocol is the most secure?

OpenVPN and WireGuard are equally secure when properly implemented. OpenVPN has been audited longer, while WireGuard uses more modern cryptography.

Is WireGuard faster than OpenVPN?

Yes, significantly. WireGuard is typically 2-5x faster than OpenVPN due to its efficient codebase and modern encryption algorithms.

Should I use TCP or UDP?

Use UDP for speed (streaming, gaming). Use TCP for reliability and bypassing firewalls. OpenVPN on TCP port 443 mimics HTTPS traffic.

Can my ISP see what protocol I'm using?

Your ISP can detect you're using a VPN and potentially identify the protocol (especially OpenVPN on port 1194). Use obfuscation or port 443 to make VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS.

Do protocols affect which streaming services work?

Not directly, but WireGuard's faster speeds provide better streaming quality. Streaming services block by IP address, not protocol. Learn about best VPNs for Netflix.

Conclusion

For most users, WireGuard (or custom implementations like NordLynx) offers the best balance of speed and security. If maximum security is crucial, OpenVPN remains unbeatable.

Protocol recommendations:

• Best Overall: WireGuard / NordLynx
• Best Security: OpenVPN (TCP port 443)
• Best Mobile: IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
• Avoid: PPTP (never), L2TP (if alternatives available)

VPNs with best protocol selection:

1. NordVPN - NordLynx, OpenVPN
2. ExpressVPN - Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
3. Surfshark - WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

All modern VPN apps automatically select the best protocol, but it's valuable to understand what's happening under the hood.

Compare VPN protocols and features or view our top VPN recommendations.