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Open-source VPN protocol and software

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Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge
446 reviews tracked·2 press mentions

The Bottom Line

Entry price

From $5/mo (free plan available)

Biggest pro

Industry standard VPN

Biggest con

Complex setup

TL;DR - OpenVPN

  • OpenVPN is an open-source VPN solution for secure remote access
  • It creates encrypted tunnels for private network connectivity
  • Community Edition free, Access Server from $180/year
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.6/5 across review platforms

What is OpenVPN?

Editorial review
OpenVPN creates secure tunnels between networks. An open-source VPN that's been trusted for years - private networking that's proven reliable. The security is established. The flexibility is high. The deployment is understood. Organizations needing VPN infrastructure often deploy OpenVPN for reliable tunneling.

Available on: Web, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Industry standard VPN
  • Self-hostable
  • Good security
  • Open source
  • Wide compatibility

Cons

  • Complex setup
  • Performance vs WireGuard
  • Learning curve
  • Manual management
  • UI dated

Ratings Across the Web

4.6(446 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

VPN protocolSSL/TLSCross-platformAccess ServerCommunityOpen source

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 11, 2026

Community

Free

Self-hosted

  • Open source
  • Self-managed
  • Community support
  • Basic features

Access Server

Free

2 free connections

  • 2 VPN connections
  • Admin portal
  • Cloud deployment
  • Basic support

Cloud

$7/per connection/month

Managed VPN

  • Fully managed
  • Auto-scaling
  • Global regions
  • 24/7 support

Connect

$5/per connection/month

Business VPN

  • Cyber Shield
  • SSO integration
  • Policy management
  • Dedicated support

How OpenVPN's pricing compares

At $5/mo, OpenVPN is mid-range of its 5 direct competitors ($3.39 to $5/mo across the set).

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 11, 2026.

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 446 verified user reviews on G2, SourceForge, Capterra

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Best OpenVPN Alternatives

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OpenVPN FAQ

How does OpenVPN facilitate secure network connections?

OpenVPN creates secure tunnels between networks, ensuring private networking that has proven reliable over decades. It is an open-source VPN protocol and software trusted for establishing secure connections.

Which teams would benefit most from using OpenVPN?

Organizations needing robust VPN infrastructure often deploy OpenVPN for reliable tunneling and secure network access. Its self-hostable nature and good security make it suitable for teams prioritizing control and customization.

How is OpenVPN priced?

OpenVPN is available on a free tier, allowing users to get started without initial cost. For more extensive usage and additional features, paid plans are offered.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider with OpenVPN?

Users should be aware of OpenVPN's complex setup and learning curve, which can require more technical expertise. Additionally, its performance may not match that of alternatives like WireGuard in certain scenarios.

Can OpenVPN be self-hosted for private network infrastructure?

Yes, OpenVPN is designed to be self-hostable, providing organizations with full control over their VPN infrastructure. This allows for customized deployments and management of secure tunnels.

How does OpenVPN compare to WireGuard in terms of performance?

OpenVPN offers established security and wide compatibility, but its performance may not be as optimized as WireGuard in some use cases. Users prioritizing raw speed might find WireGuard to be a faster option.

Does OpenVPN offer broad compatibility across different systems?

Yes, OpenVPN is known for its wide compatibility across various platforms and systems. This flexibility allows it to be deployed in diverse network environments.

Source: openvpn.net

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