Selecting which VPN protocol is best can be tricky. And if you’re new to VPNs, the whole process can be downright confusing.
That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth guide comparing all the major VPN protocols. We’ll go over their pros and cons and which situations they’re best suited for.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better idea of which VPN protocol is right for your needs.
But if you want a quick answer, our top picks would be either OpenVPN or WireGuard – they’re both speedy, secure, and can be used in various situations.
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of VPN protocols and which is best for you.
What is a VPN Protocol?
A VPN protocol is a set of instructions determining how your data will be encrypted and transmitted over the internet. When you connect to a VPN server, your computer or mobile device will follow the instructions laid out by the protocol to establish a secure connection.
There are a few different types of VPN protocols, which we’ll discuss in more detail later. For now, suffice it to say that each has its advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s crucial to choose the right one for your needs.
Why Are VPN Protocols Necessary?
A VPN protocol is essential for setting up a VPN connection. Without it, your data would not be encrypted and could be intercepted by anyone on the same network as you. A VPN protocol also determines which security features will be used and how fast your connection will be.
Choosing the right VPN protocol is essential for ensuring your security and privacy. It’s also important to ensure that your connection is fast enough to stream video or download files without issues.
How to Choose VPN Protocol
When choosing a VPN protocol, there are many factors to consider. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most important factors when choosing a VPN protocol.
1. Encryption
Encryption is crucial when selecting a VPN protocol since it protects your data from prying eyes. Make sure the protocol you pick supports strong encryption; otherwise, your data could be at risk.
256-bit encryption is the strongest available and should be used if possible, but 128-bit encryption is also considered very secure. If your main concern is security, then make sure to choose a protocol that offers 256-bit encryption.
2. Speed
Especially if you’re planning on using your VPN for streaming or downloading, ensure that the protocol you choose offers fast speeds. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to watch a movie only to have it constantly buffer because your connection is too slow.
To ensure that you won’t have any issues with speed, pick a protocol known for being fast, such as WireGuard or L2TP.
3. Compatibility
Although there are many VPN protocols to choose from, not all of them are compatible with all devices. So before you select a protocol, make sure it’s compatible with the device or devices you want to use it with.
That way, you won’t run into any issues setting up your VPN. For example, if you want to use your VPN on your Windows computer, then make sure to choose a protocol that’s compatible with that particular OS, such as OpenVPN or SSTP.
4. Security
One of the main reasons to use a VPN is for security, so it’s important to choose a protocol that delivers in this department. Otherwise, there’s a chance that your data could be intercepted or hacked.
After considering all of these factors, you should better understand which VPN protocol is right for you. So now, let’s take a more detailed look at the most popular protocols and see how they compare.
What are the different VPN protocols?
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the most popular VPN protocols, and for a good reason. It’s known for being fast, reliable, and secure, which makes it an excellent option for most people.
OpenVPN uses 256-bit encryption by default, which is the strongest encryption available. It’s also the most flexible because it’s compatible with many devices and operating systems.
One downside of OpenVPN is that it can be blocked by some firewalls, which is why it’s not always the best option for use in China or other countries with strict internet censorship laws.
WireGuard
WireGuard is a next-generation VPN protocol that offers several advantages over existing protocols like OpenVPN and IPsec. It’s designed to be simpler and more efficient, providing better performance and security.
WireGuard is an excellent option for a more secure and efficient VPN protocol. It’s easy to set up and use and offers better performance and security than existing protocols.
IKEv2
IKEv2 is a VPN protocol that offers many advantages over other protocols, including better security, speed, and reliability. It’s also more efficient, which means it uses less battery power compared to power-hungry protocols like OpenVPN.
IKEv2 is also more stable than other protocols because it can resist network changes, which is vital if you’re using your VPN in a country with strict internet censorship laws (like China).
However, it’s worth mentioning that IKEv2 is that it is built upon ISAKMP, which is more vulnerable to attack than other protocols. Its connections with Microsoft and Cisco also raise slight security concerns.
L2TP/IPSec
L2TP/IPSec is a highly secure VPN protocol perfect for individuals and businesses who value security. Widely compatible with most operating systems and devices, L2TP/IPSec is also relatively easy to configure, which makes it a good choice for businesses who want to set up a VPN with minimal IT support.
However, L2TP/IPSec is not the fastest VPN protocol, so it may not be ideal for businesses that require high speeds. It uses a limited number of ports, which means some firewalls can block it.
If you’re looking for a secure VPN protocol compatible with most devices and operating systems, then L2TP/IPSec is a good choice. However, if you need a fast VPN protocol, then you may want to consider another option.
PPTP
If you’ve ever used a VPN, you’ve likely used PPTP. It’s one of the oldest protocols and is one of the easiest to set up and use. This makes it a good choice for those new to using VPNs.
However, one downside of PPTP is that it’s not as secure as other protocols because it uses a weaker encryption method. Your data could be intercepted or hacked due to this, so it’s worth bearing in mind if security is a major concern for you.
It’s also more susceptible to being blocked by firewalls, which is why it’s not always the best option for use in China or other countries with strict internet censorship laws.
Despite its shortcomings, PPTP is still one of the fastest protocols available and is supported by most platforms, making it a good choice for those who need speed and compatibility over security.
SSTP
SSTP, or Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, is a VPN protocol fully integrated into Windows client components.
It does not require any third-party software for installation, making it applicable across different devices. It provides a well-secured Internet connection and can bypass most firewalls.
SSTP also has stronger forced authentication than IPSec. However, being a proprietary protocol, it is not subject to independent audits as OpenVPN. Additionally, it does not support site-to-site VPN tunnels.
But when considering the reliability of WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN, it may be best to stick with one of those protocols instead.
Concluding Thoughts on Which VPN Protocol is Best
Whether you need a VPN for work or personal use, choosing a VPN protocol is an important decision.
All the protocols discussed in this article have advantages and disadvantages, so taking these into account should help you decide which is best for you.
Generally speaking, WireGuard and OpenVPN are the best options. They are both fast, secure, and easy to use, which is all anyone could ask for when using a VPN.
But if you find neither of these works for your particular circumstances, you can always try one of the other protocols discussed in this article.
FAQs – VPN Protocols
What is the fastest VPN protocol?
WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol available, followed by L2TP and IKEv2. Whichever you use out of the three, you’re likely to experience high speeds compared to slower protocols like SSTP.
What is the most secure VPN protocol?
OpenVPN is the most secure VPN protocol as it uses the strongest encryption methods and is less susceptible to hacking. However, it’s worth noting that all of the protocols discussed in this article are relatively secure and which one you use is ultimately up to personal preference.
What is the most stable VPN protocol?
IKEv2/IPsec is the most stable VPN protocol as it reconnects quickly and is less likely to drop the connection. So if you need a VPN while traveling to strict censorship countries, this is a good option.
What is the easiest VPN protocol to set up?
PPTP is typically the easiest VPN protocol to set up as it is bult into many devices. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not as secure as other options on this list.
What is the most cross-platform compatible VPN protocol?
Most of the VPN protocols on this list are compatible with various platforms, except SSTP, which you can only use on Windows, Android, Ubuntu, and routers.
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