Best OpenVPN Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to OpenVPN? In this comparison, we take a closer look at OpenVPN alongside similar software solutions including OpenVPN, WireGuard, Surfshark, Bitdefender VPN, ProtonVPN, iTop VPN, NordVPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, AnyViewer and McAfee Safe Connect.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how OpenVPN, WireGuard, Surfshark, Bitdefender VPN, ProtonVPN, iTop VPN, NordVPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, AnyViewer and McAfee Safe Connect stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Encryption
 OpenVPN
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Uses asymmetric and symmetric encryption algorithms with strong encryption protocols and HMAC-based authentication. |
 WireGuard
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Utilizes modern cryptographic algorithms including Curve25519 elliptic curve and the Noise protocol framework. |
 Surfshark
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Employs AES-256 encryption for strong security. |
 Bitdefender VPN
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Uses military-grade encryption to secure connections. |
 ProtonVPN
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Offers strong encryption protocols and strong encryption standards. |
 iTop VPN
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Employs AES-256 encryption and military-grade encryption standards. |
 NordVPN
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Uses military-grade encryption with multiple VPN protocols for enhanced security. |
 Avast SecureLine VPN
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Employs industry-standard strong encryption methods. |
 AnyViewer
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Utilizes industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption for data security. |
 McAfee Safe Connect
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Uses industry-standard encryption protocols to secure user connections. |
Platforms Supported
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OpenVPN
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Cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, and IoT devices. |
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WireGuard
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Supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android with some limited compatibility on certain systems. |
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Surfshark
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Available on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs and other devices. |
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Bitdefender VPN
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Supports Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. |
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ProtonVPN
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Compatible with most major platforms including Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. |
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iTop VPN
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Available on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. |
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NordVPN
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Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS including browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. |
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Avast SecureLine VPN
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Available on Windows and MacOS computers, Android and iOS mobile devices. |
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AnyViewer
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Supports Windows, Android with client-server architecture for remote desktop management. |
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McAfee Safe Connect
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Available on Windows, iOS and Android platforms supporting multiple devices up to five per subscription. |
User Interface and Configuration
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OpenVPN
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Offers a GUI interface along with a web-based management interface but has a complex setup process requiring technical expertise. |
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WireGuard
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Features simplified configuration with minimal setup focusing on performance but lacks some advanced features. |
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Surfshark
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User-friendly interface with easy configuration and additional features like MultiHop; supports unlimited simultaneous connections. |
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Bitdefender VPN
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User-friendly interface designed for ease of use but with limited server locations impacting user choices. |
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ProtonVPN
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Offers a simple user interface designed for beginners; provides customization options mainly to paid users. |
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iTop VPN
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Easy setup with one-click connect feature designed for all levels of users with an emphasis on stability. |
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NordVPN
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User-friendly app interface providing just a few clicks to connect with access to extensive features and customer support. |
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Avast SecureLine VPN
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Simple one-click connect feature focused on ease of use for all users with a large number of servers available. |
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AnyViewer
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Provides a user-friendly interface with smooth screen sharing and basic remote control features for collaborative use. |
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McAfee Safe Connect
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Features a basic protection interface aimed at providing simple secure connection with limited advanced feature availability. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how OpenVPN stacks up against OpenVPN, WireGuard, Surfshark, Bitdefender VPN, ProtonVPN, iTop VPN, NordVPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, AnyViewer and McAfee Safe Connect in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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OpenVPN
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4.9MB |
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WireGuard
|
|
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Surfshark
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13.8MB |
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Bitdefender VPN
|
|
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ProtonVPN
|
|
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iTop VPN
|
|
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NordVPN
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12.6MB |
|
Avast SecureLine VPN
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21.2MB |
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AnyViewer
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40.2MB |
|
McAfee Safe Connect
|
License
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OpenVPN
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Open Source |
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WireGuard
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Commercial |
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Surfshark
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Freeware |
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Bitdefender VPN
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Commercial |
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ProtonVPN
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Commercial |
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iTop VPN
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Freeware |
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NordVPN
|
Freeware |
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Avast SecureLine VPN
|
Freeware |
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AnyViewer
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Freeware |
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McAfee Safe Connect
|
Commercial |