OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP remote access VPNs compared (2024)

OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP remote access VPNs compared (1)

In the digital age, where remote work has become the norm, businesses are increasingly reliant on virtual private networks (VPNs) to ensure secure access to their networks. Remote access VPN create a protected connection over the internet, allowing employees to work from anywhere without compromising sensitive company data. However, selecting the right VPN protocol can be a daunting task for businesses, as it impacts the security, speed, and reliability of remote connections.

Among the leading remote access VPN protocols are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. OpenVPN is widely appreciated for its strong encryption and compatibility with various platforms, which makes it a solid choice for businesses prioritizing security and ease of use. It’s a protocol that has stood the test of time, offering a dependable way to protect data as it travels across the internet.

WireGuard, on the other hand, is a newer entrant that has quickly gained attention for its high-speed performance and modern cryptographic techniques. It’s designed to be simpler and more efficient than its predecessors, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses that require fast and reliable connections for their remote workforce. However, WireGuard’s simplicity can also pose challenges for businesses that prefer to manage their own VPN servers, as it may require more technical expertise to configure and maintain.

Remote Access VPNs compared

L2TP/IPsec is another option that is often pre-installed on many devices, making it a convenient choice for quick setup. Despite this ease of installation, it’s generally considered less secure than OpenVPN and WireGuard, and it has been known to encounter issues with firewalls and routers, which can lead to unreliable connections. Check out the fantastic comparison guide created by networking and storage specialist SpaceRex.

L2TP/IPsec is another option that is often pre-installed on many devices, making it a convenient choice for quick setup. Despite this ease of installation, it’s generally considered less secure than OpenVPN and WireGuard, and it has been known to encounter issues with firewalls and routers, which can lead to unreliable connections.

Security and Encryption

Businesses also need to decide between self-hosted VPNs and managed VPN services. A self-hosted VPN gives a company complete control over its data and network resources, which is a significant advantage for those who handle sensitive information. On the flip side, managed VPN services offer the convenience of having a third-party provider handle the setup and maintenance of the VPN. This can be a great relief for businesses without the technical resources to manage their own VPN infrastructure. Managed services, like those using WireGuard, can offer a seamless experience with minimal effort required from the business itself.

Encryption is a cornerstone of any VPN service, ensuring that data remains secure as it travels between the remote user and the company network. This is essential for protecting confidential business information from cyber threats. VPNs encrypt remote desktop interactions and file transfers, creating a secure tunnel for data to pass through.

Authentication is another critical aspect of VPNs. Different protocols offer different methods of verifying user identities. OpenVPN, for example, typically uses a username and password system, which can be convenient for businesses with many users. WireGuard uses unique pre-shared keys for each device, which can offer a higher level of security but may be more complex to set up initially. The management and troubleshooting of these protocols also vary, with OpenVPN generally providing a more user-friendly interface for debugging than WireGuard.

The VPN industry is not static, and future developments are expected to further refine these protocols. Improvements in client interfaces are anticipated, particularly for WireGuard, which could make it more accessible to those without technical expertise. These advancements will likely affect the balance between user-friendliness, performance, and management complexity, making VPNs even more integral to business operations.

OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP

When comparing OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec, it’s essential to consider various factors such as security, performance, compatibility, and ease of use. These elements play a critical role in determining the most suitable VPN protocol for specific needs, whether it’s for individual privacy, remote work, or securing an organization’s data.

Security

  • OpenVPN is renowned for its high security. It uses robust encryption standards, including AES-256, and supports a variety of cryptographic algorithms. OpenVPN’s security is well-tested and trusted in the industry.
  • WireGuard offers a modern approach to VPN security, using state-of-the-art cryptographic primitives. It aims to be simpler and more efficient, which can lead to fewer security vulnerabilities. However, being newer, its long-term robustness is less proven compared to OpenVPN.
  • L2TP/IPsec generally provides good security but has been criticized for potential vulnerabilities, especially when the IPsec implementation is poor. It’s also worth noting that IPsec’s complexity can introduce security flaws.

Performance

  • WireGuard is designed for high performance and efficiency. It offers faster connections and throughput compared to OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec, due to its lean codebase and modern cryptographic techniques.
  • OpenVPN can offer solid performance but might be slower than WireGuard, especially on networks with high latency or packet loss. Its performance highly depends on the configuration and the encryption algorithms used.
  • L2TP/IPsec may provide decent performance, but it can be slower and less efficient than the other two protocols due to the double encapsulation of data packets.

Compatibility and Ease of Use

  • OpenVPN is highly compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. It has strong support from the community and is available on almost all platforms. However, setting up OpenVPN can be complex for novices.
  • WireGuard is designed to be simple to configure and use, with minimal setup required. Its compatibility is growing rapidly, but it’s not as universally supported as OpenVPN yet.
  • L2TP/IPsec is natively supported by most operating systems, which can make it easier to set up without installing additional software. However, this convenience might not compensate for its potential security and performance downsides.

Use Cases

  • Remote Work: For organizations prioritizing security and compatibility across various devices, OpenVPN is a strong choice. Its robust security features and extensive platform support make it suitable for securely connecting remote employees.
  • Personal Use and Speed: WireGuard is an excellent option for individuals seeking a balance between security and performance. Its ease of setup and high-speed capabilities make it ideal for personal VPN use.
  • Legacy Systems and Simple Setup: L2TP/IPsec may be considered in scenarios where compatibility with legacy systems is critical, or minimal setup effort is desired. However, it’s generally recommended to use more secure and efficient protocols if possible.

The choice between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec depends on the specific requirements of security, performance, compatibility, and ease of use. WireGuard offers a promising balance of security and performance with ease of configuration, making it an increasingly popular choice. OpenVPN remains a highly trusted and flexible option, particularly for complex organizational needs. L2TP/IPsec, while convenient due to its native support, often falls behind in security and performance compared to its counterparts.

Security should always be the top priority when selecting a VPN protocol. Encryption and authentication are critical to protecting against cyber threats. As VPN technology continues to evolve, businesses will find it easier to balance usability with performance and management needs. The right VPN protocol can empower a remote workforce, safeguard critical data, and provide the flexibility that modern businesses require to thrive in a connected world.

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OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP remote access VPNs compared (2024)

FAQs

OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP remote access VPNs compared? ›

OpenVPN, IKEv2

IKEv2
In computing, Internet Key Exchange (IKE, versioned as IKEv1 and IKEv2) is the protocol used to set up a security association (SA) in the IPsec protocol suite. IKE builds upon the Oakley protocol and ISAKMP.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Internet_Key_Exchange
, and L2TP support AES encryption, considered the gold standard, while WireGuard uses ChaCha20, which is also secure. PPTP uses the least secure encryption standard, MPPE. Is WireGuard better than OpenVPN? WireGuard is newer, but it has already proven better than OpenVPN in terms of speed.

Is L2TP better than OpenVPN? ›

OpenVPN is a stronger and more secure option than L2TP, which is tied to some security concerns and is somewhat outdated. OpenVPN has the benefit of greater speed and security, but users might find L2TP more user-friendly than the more complex OpenVPN.

What is the strongest VPN configuration? ›

What is the most secure VPN protocol? Lightway, IKEv2, L2TP, and OpenVPN are all secure protocols, but the title of the most secure VPN protocol should go to Lightway, which uses wolfSSL, a well-established cryptography library that is FIPS 140-2 validated—which means it has been rigorously vetted by third parties.

Which is better OpenVPN or ipsec VPN or WireGuard VPN? ›

They believe WireGuard is far less power-hungry on mobile devices, quicker to connect, and highly secure. much greater throughput than IPSEC or OpenVPN. Because IPSec is a widely used standard (native clients are available for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS), they believe it to be incredibly beautiful.

Is L2TP obsolete? ›

L2TP and PPTP protocols are largely obsolete. Because they are so insecure, they have become incompatible with a key part of our core mission – to provide our users with industry-leading security.

What is the weakness of L2TP? ›

L2TP is a slow protocol because it encapsulates (hides or restricts the direct access of data) your data twice, which leads to slower transmission speeds. Lack of safety. Designed only to create a tunnel for the data to pass through, L2TP itself doesn't encrypt the transmitted data.

What is the difference between L2TP and OpenVPN? ›

In conclusion, PPTP is fast but less secure, L2TP strikes a balance between security and speed, while OpenVPN offers top-notch security. Your choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If security is paramount, OpenVPN is the way to go. For general usage, L2TP should suffice.

What is the #1 best VPN? ›

The Best VPN Services of 2024
  • NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy.
  • Surfshark - Best VPN for Security.
  • Private Internet Access VPN - Best VPN for Windows.
  • Hotspot Shield - Best VPN for Netflix.
  • Norton Secure VPN - Best VPN With Dynamic IP Addresses.
  • IPVanish - Best Customer Support.
  • ExpressVPN - Best Encryption.
4 days ago

What is the most advanced VPN protocol? ›

IKEv2 – Internet Key Exchange

Based on the IPSec framework, IKEv2 is the most recent and advanced VPN protocol.

What is the number one ranked VPN? ›

If you're looking for the top VPN services on the market, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark lead the way. But each offers different experiences, pricing, and features. Let's take a look at how their security, unblocking performance, speeds, ease of use, and pricing compare.

Which is safer WireGuard or OpenVPN? ›

While WireGuard is generally faster, OpenVPN provides heavier security. The differences between these two protocols are also what make up their defining features. We've taken a closer look at each so you can really understand how they work for you.

Why use OpenVPN over WireGuard? ›

SUMMARY: OpenVPN offers greater freedom when it comes to encryption and security, but WireGuard is easier to audit and has a smaller attack surface. Both protocols are very secure, but less tech-savvy users may prefer to trust the experts at WireGuard, rather than take matters into their own hands.

Is WireGuard faster than L2TP? ›

In terms of speed, WireGuard and PPTP are the fastest, but OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP offer decent speeds as well.

Why is L2TP not secure? ›

Security Concerns: It does NOT provide encryption or confidentiality to traffic passing through it. It relies on other protocols like IPsec for encryption and security.

Can L2TP be hacked? ›

Is L2TP secure? There have been allegations that the NSA compromised L2TP encryption to some level. However, that issue only seems to arise when the communication is secured with a weak pre-shared password. So, in the end, the security depends on how well the VPN provider sets it up.

What is better than L2TP? ›

PPTP is simpler and easier to use, and faster than L2TP. It also comes with lower overheads and greater cost-effectiveness. PPTP does not need Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). It uses 128-bit encryption.

What is the advantage of L2TP? ›

Benefits of L2TP

Reliable Security: With the incorporation of IPsec, L2TP ensures robust security, making it a solid choice for users focused on data protection. Stable Connections: L2TP offers reliable connections, which is crucial for users who require consistent and uninterrupted VPN services.

What is better than OpenVPN? ›

WireGuard's performance advantage over OpenVPN is greater with nearby (low latency) servers in comparison to long-distance (high latency) server locations. To get the fastest VPN speeds, use WireGuard on the closest server to your physical location.

What are the benefits of L2TP? ›

Benefits of L2TP VPN Tunneling Protocol

It prevents data from being altered while moving between the sender and receiver. It also encrypts the authentication process making it more difficult for someone to interfere.

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