When it comes to using a VPN and looking for the Best VPN for OpenVPN, it can be a time-consuming task.

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) world is heading towards simplicity. Many providers now offer custom software that allows connection to be made directly via a range of protocols from the likes of PPTP to L2TP and even OpenVPN.

OpenVPN is considered one of the most secure protocols and if you’re like most VPN users, you’ll want to be using it for its benefits.

Whether you want to access Open VPN directly and upload manual configuration files or just want to use a VPN providers’ custom software to connect via OpenVPN, we’ve put together this handy guide to let you know which are the 7 best VPNs for OpenVPN.

Let’s take a look at the options.

Top 7 VPNs for OpenVPN

1. IPVanish

When it comes to speed, IPVanish is one of the fastest and best VPNs for Open VPN.

In our monthly tests using OpenVPN, they consistently appear at the top of the chart and most months, they are one of the top providers based on speed.

Users just like you will love how efficient each VPN server is and how seamless their OpenVPN services are. You don’t need any lengthy installation process, simply select the OpenVPN services in the app and you’re good to go. No need to mess with system settings.

With the OpenVPN protocol being available across their range of custom apps, those wishing to use OpenVPN will be pleased to discover no set-up requirements. For those who want to use OpenVPN directly, configuration files are available and with a simple visual guide, users can be up and running within minutes.

OpenVPN is accessible via Ports 1194 and 443 and available using either TCP or UDP via their custom apps or when directly using OpenVPN.

IPVanish has an extensive number of VPN servers spanning over 75+ different server locations. They are regularly expanding their VPN servers in a bid to rival the size of other provider’s VPN servers.

Having more servers is excellent, so you’ll be able to hop between servers unblocking content at will.

At just US$5.49 per month, they really are the best option for OpenVPN.

IPVanish offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re unhappy with their service at all, you can get your money back!

IPVanish is one of the best OpenVPN VPN services out there. It’s easy to see why IPVanish always scores so highly in reviews. Their service is excellent and their users are mostly always happy.

Our Number 1 choice for OpenVPN

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2. ExpressVPN

In most of our reviews, ExpressVPN is usually near the top, and for good reason.

ExpressVPN is all about simplicity, from a range of apps that have OpenVPN enabled to their extensive guide section. ExpressVPN has a large and detailed set-up guide section on routers, so if you’re after using OpenVPN on a VPN router, then they’re certainly worth a look.

One bonus to the ExpressVPN service is the range of payment options with all the regular ones and some more obscure ones included. So if you want to use Open VPN but from a country that is hard to make online payments, then ExpressVPN could just very well be the solution you need.

ExpressVPN has some of the fastest servers in the world. Plus have VPN servers in over 94 countries (160+ server locations) around the world that all accept OpenVPN connections over either UDP or TCP.

They’re a little more pricey than other providers but if you take a yearly account, it can work out as low as US$6.49 per month. With over 3000+ VPN servers available, you can’t complain about that!

The VPN service also offers a secure socket tunneling protocol (SSTP), Point To Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), L2TP, and Lightway.

Bypassing any geo-restrictions that are in place will be easy. All you have to do is connect to one of the many secure VPN servers on offer.

ExpressVPN have a huge 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test the service over a whole month and if you’re still not happy, you can just get a refund (something not many users will need to use).

All of the above is what makes ExpressVPN one of the best OpenVPN services around.

3. VyprVPN

OpenVPN is offered from VyprVPN on both their custom software for desktops and also on their mobile apps such as their Android one. With the recent introduction of port selection, VyprVPN allows you to make an OpenVPN connection on either port 443 or between 15001 – 20000.

Encryption is offered in either 160-bit or 256-bit variations via their custom desktop software or 256-bit encryption protocol when using their OpenVPN configuration files directly.

VyprVPN have been one of our favourite providers for the longest time and consistently rank highly in our reviews.

Their entire VPN server network is self-run, meaning no 3rd party can gain access to your details. Their VPN servers are robust and reliable making them a favourite choice of ours for using Open VPN.

The VPN services servers are a little slower across the board compared to some other providers, but their speeds are consistent and reliable. They offer 700+ VPN servers on their service and span over 70+ locations around the world.

VyprVPN offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee and has great customer service that will be more than happy to help with any problems you may have.

Just like each VPN provider on this list, VyprVPN is one of the best OpenVPN services around.

4. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs for a reason. They have an extensive server network of over 5,438 VPN servers that cover over 59 countries worldwide. Nord even uses super strong AES 256 bit encryption to help keep your data (internet traffic) secure.

They have some excellent security features such as a built-in kill switch, a double hop IP address change, dedicated IP addresses, and a wide selection of VPN protocols.

NordVPN allows you to connect to the OpenVPN service over TCP and UDP through port 443 (TCP) and 1194 (UDP).

• OpenVPN TCP connections – Port 443
• OpenVPN UDP connections -– Port 1194

OpenVPN TCP is more reliable than UDP but is slower, so it’s better suited for web browsing. However, OpenVPN UDP is fantastic for online streaming and downloading content.

NordVPN also supports other protocols such as IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard (which it usually defaults to when you download the NordVPN app).

Their OpenVPN service is available on most operating system providers.

They work incredibly well with Netflix and BBC iPlayer, plus other online streaming services. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and they have great customer service.

NordVPN is a top VPN provider with a very strict zero log privacy policy. They are great for using an open-source VPN protocol such as the Open VPN protocol.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is one of the most user-friendly VPNs on the market. They have an excellent app that you can download on most of the popular devices around such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and others.

CyberGhost VPN has one of the largest numbers of VPN servers globally, a staggering 6,600+ VPN servers. The VPN servers are located in over 90 locations across the world.

They pride themselves on how well they work with online streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, etc. You’ll have no trouble unblocking new content.

When it comes to VPN protocols, CyberGhost VPN has three that you can use:

1. OpenVPN
2. IKEv2
3. WireGuard

Their OpenVPN option is available on a wide range of devices such as Windows, Android, Linux, and their Fire TV app.

This OpenVPN service provides you with 256-bit encryption and will certainly help you keep your online information safe.

Cyberghost also offers one of the industries longest money-back guarantees, a massive 45 days. They also have great 24/7 customer support with live chat.

CyberGhost is a great VPN provider that is one of the best OpenVPN services around.

6. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is one of my personal favourite VPN services, mainly as they are incredibly reliable, very cheap (less than a few dollars a month), and they work very well unblocking Netflix regions from all around the world.

They have 3,200+ VPN servers located worldwide. Each of the VPN servers offers the fastest speeds perfect for streaming video from an online streaming service.

When it comes to using OpenVPN with Surfshark VPN, you’ll find that it’s available on most of the common devices you’ll be using, such as macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Fire TV and Linux applications.

The VPN client also offers IKE version 2, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. Each protocol works on different devices and best suited for varying situations that you might find yourself in.

The Surfshark VPN app is straightforward to navigate and is extremely user-friendly. If you ever get stuck, they offer 24/7 live chat customer support that will be more than happy to help you out.

In the unlikely event you’re unhappy with their VPN service, the VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can try their VPN service risk-free.

7. VPN.ac

VPN.ac prides itself on its security. Not only does it not outsource anything to third party companies, but they are also operated by security professionals who know a thing or two about running a VPN service.

Their VPN client software for windows supports OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) on several different ports.

VPN.ac also offer security protocols IKE version 2, WireGuard (in beta), and L2TP. Each protocol is available on the most popular operating systems that are used on your smartphones, tablets, desktop computer, or laptop.

This VPN provider offers great security features like a double-hop VPN (double IP address change), DNS leak protection, and AES 256-bit encryption.

VPN.ac has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your data and online activity is kept with you and only you. They even use shared IP addresses so that your online activity can’t be pinpointed to one IP address.

While they are one of the best VPNs for OpenVPN, they only offer a 7-day money-back guarantee which is very short when compared to other VPN providers.

All of the above makes VPN.ac one of the best OpenVPN services around.

Benefits of using OpenVPN

OpenVPN is considered one of the best VPN protocols to use these days from an ease of use point of view and a security aspect.

Some of its advantages include:-

• Based on Open Source Software. This allows OpenVPN to be scrutinised by security experts and the security community, reducing the chance of back doors being installed. Experienced users can compile the software themselves to be extra secure.
• Makes use of the OpenSSL library for encryption allowing a range of cryptographic algorithms to be used like Blowfish, AES, 3DES & RC5.
• Unlike protocols such as PPTP, there are currently no major vulnerabilities. With it being open source and constantly updated it is considered extremely safe when using top encryption methods to protect the data channel.
• Can be used either via UDP or TCP and when using UDP speeds should be better or comparable to L2TP/IPSec.
• Available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS & DD-WRT, plus others.

Custom apps vs OpenVPN direct

Choosing between a provider’s custom software that allows OpenVPN access or using OpenVPN direct is an individual choice.

Custom software makes the process extremely easy and for desktop systems generally involves  downloading the provider’s software, installing and then connecting to a server of choice. There is no messing around copying configuration files or setting up passwords.

For the beginner, using custom software is ideal and even for those a little more tech-savvy, it removes any effort.

Using OpenVPN with a GUI directly is also a good option and if you like to delve into the workings of things, then copying configuration files is pretty much all that is involved.

Individual config files can be automatically set up to store the password or if you’re a little more safety conscious, you can enter the login and password each time you connect.

Using OpenVPN directly is the preferred method of experts and intermediates. However, the added bonus features like extras of a kill-switch or DNS leak protection are unlikely to be available directly that can otherwise be found in custom software.

Both options are suitable and whatever you feel most comfortable with is the one you should go with.

How to connect with OpenVPN?

To set up OpenVPN and secure your internet connection, follow the steps below.

I’ll be using our number one VPN for OpenVPN, IPVanish as an example:

1. Visit the IPVanish site and click “Subscribe Now”, and select a VPN package that’s suitable, then proceed to the payment.
2. Enter your details in the space provided and click “Subscribe Now” to confirm your purchase.
3. Next, download the IPVanish app from your device’s app store, or via the IPVanish website.
4. Once the installation is complete, log in to the service using your username and password.
5. In settings, you’ll find the option to use the OpenVPN protocol, select this option.
6. Now you can choose one of the servers to connect to and click the Connect button.

You’ll now be able to browse the internet securely using IPVanish and the OpenVPN protocol.

How does OpenVPN compare to Wireguard?

Both OpenVPN and WireGuard are popular VPN protocols, so which one is the best?

WireGuard is the newcomer here and is promising to be faster and more secure than OpenVPN. While the former is true, whether it is more secure than OpenVPN is up for debate.

WireGuard operates on smaller code, so there are fewer areas for hackers to attack and exploit, whereas OpenVPN has a much wider codebase.

OpenVPN has been audited several times and known vulnerabilities have been resolved, which is great news.

It’s worth noting that when it comes to privacy, WireGuard may not be your best choice. You see, the protocol was designed for speed and security, not your privacy.

WireGuard can log your IP address on the VPN server, which is problematic. NordVPN have invented a way around this but not all providers have followed suit.

If privacy is a concern, then it is probably best using OpenVPN for now.

Overall, if security & privacy are your main concerns, you should stick to OpenVPN. OpenVPN has been around a lot longer and has been tested time and time again.

WireGuard is great, but still relatively new and will need to stand the test of time. It was also intended for speed, so it’s geared towards that over privacy.

However, as WireGuard evolves and is updated, it has the potential to overtake OpenVPN and leads the way into the future.

Is there a free VPN that offers OpenVPN?

There might be, but it’s not always certain. Most free VPNs don’t offer any encryption at all (which is a scary thought) and most use random protocols.

You can read more about why free VPNs are a terrible idea in our ‘reasons to avoid free VPNs article‘.

The bottom line is they aren’t a good idea, most are full of dangerous malware, they track your data and sell it to the highest bidder. Not to mention the painfully slow servers.

However, if you really must use a free VPN service, then you should look at PrivadoVPN or ProtonVPN, as they offer a free service that is trustworthy, but it does come with limitations.

ProtonVPNs free service will only offer you a limited speed, so watching Netflix content and other online video services, it probably won’t be up to scratch. PrivadoVPN on the other hand, limits how much data you can transfer.

You are also limited to 3 VPN servers with ProtonVPN and 12 with PrivadoVPN which is a far cry from IPVanish and their 1600+ high-speed VPN servers that cover 75+ regions across the globe.

Both ProtonVPN and PrivadoVPN also limit you to 1 connection at a time, whereas our top VPN provider, IPVanish, offers an unlimited amount of simultaneous connections, so you’ll be able to protect every device you want.

Summary

When it comes to VPN services that use the OpenVPN service, IPVanish comes out on top.

Their VPN service offers extremely fast VPN connections and has a strict no-logging policy, along with unlimited simultaneous connections and an easy to use user interface.

With VPN servers worldwide, you can’t go wrong choosing IPVanish as your VPN provider.

Set yourself up with IPVanish now and you’ll be able to use the best VPN for OpenVPN on the market.

If IPVanish isn’t for you, then you can take a look at the other 6 VPN services in the list above, they all offer money back guarantees, so they’re risk-free.

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