VPN protocols are key technologies that determine the security, speed, and stability of VPN connections. Here's a comparison of major VPN protocols:
OpenVPN
Advantages:
- Open source and thoroughly audited, high security
- Supports multiple encryption algorithms (AES-256, ChaCha20, etc.)
- Excellent cross-platform compatibility
- Highly configurable, can bypass firewalls
Disadvantages:
- Slower connection establishment
- Relatively complex configuration
- Requires third-party clients
Best for: Enterprise environments requiring maximum security
WireGuard
Advantages:
- Minimal codebase (~4000 lines), easy to audit
- Fast connection establishment, excellent performance
- Modern encryption algorithms (ChaCha20, Poly1305)
- Supports roaming, maintains connection during network switches
Disadvantages:
- Relatively new, long-term security not fully verified
- Doesn't support dynamic IP assignment by default
- Limited support on some platforms
Best for: Mobile devices, environments requiring fast network switching
IPsec/IKEv2
Advantages:
- Native support, integrated into operating systems
- Stable connection, suitable for mobile devices
- Strong NAT traversal capability
- Fast reconnection
Disadvantages:
- Complex configuration
- May be blocked by certain firewalls
- Limited encryption algorithm choices
Best for: Corporate network access, mobile work
L2TP/IPsec
Advantages:
- Excellent compatibility, supported on almost all devices
- Dual-layer encryption (L2TP + IPsec)
Disadvantages:
- Slower speed (multiple encapsulation layers)
- Easily detected and blocked by firewalls
Best for: Legacy device compatibility requirements
SSTP
Advantages:
- Uses HTTPS port (443), difficult to block
- Native Windows support
Disadvantages:
- Windows-only
- Relies on Microsoft's SSL implementation
- Relatively slow
Best for: Windows environments, bypassing strict firewalls
Selection Recommendations
Choose based on use case:
- Maximum Security: OpenVPN or WireGuard
- Best Performance: WireGuard
- Mobile Devices: IKEv2 or WireGuard
- Enterprise: IPsec/IKEv2
- Bypassing Blocks: OpenVPN (obfuscated) or SSTP