OpenVPN almost always comes up as a dependable VPN connection. This open-source protocol earned that reputation through two decades of real-world use, community review, and steady updates. Read this blog to learn why you should choose OpenVPN in Symlex VPN.
Why OpenVPN stands out
OpenVPN is not the newest protocol on the market, but it remains one of the most trusted. Here is what sets it apart.
- Anyone can review the code, so security researchers worldwide constantly check it for weaknesses.
- It works over both TCP and UDP, so you can choose reliability or speed depending on what you need.
- It runs on almost any device or operating system, from phones to routers.
- More than 20 years of active use and public testing.
- It scales from a single laptop to networks with thousands of users.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is both a protocol and software that builds a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. James Yonan created it in 2001, and an active open-source community still maintains it today.
It has a few core parts working together.
- The protocol itself, which sets the rules for the connection.
- Server software that runs on the VPN provider’s end.
- A client app that connects your phone, laptop, or router.
- Configuration files that store your connection settings.
How OpenVPN works
Getting connected happens in a few quick steps.
- Your device reaches out to the OpenVPN server using either TCP or UDP.
- The server verifies you through certificates, keys, or a password.
- Once it verifies you, an encrypted tunnel forms between your device and the server.
- From there, all your internet traffic travels through that tunnel.
Security features that matter
OpenVPN’s reputation comes down to how it handles encryption and authentication.
| Encryption | Authentication |
| The same encryption standard used by many banks and governments | Pre-shared keys for simple setups |
| ChaCha20-Poly1305 as a faster alternative on some devices | Certificate-based login for businesses |
| TLS, the same technology that secures your connection to shopping and banking sites | Username and password for everyday users |
| – | Optional multi-factor authentication for extra protection |
It also supports perfect forward secrecy, which generates a new encryption key for every session, along with built-in protection against DNS and WebRTC leaks that could otherwise expose your real IP address.
TCP vs UDP: choosing your protocol
- UDP mode is faster and works well for gaming, streaming, and video calls, though it is slightly less reliable on shaky connections.
- TCP mode is more reliable and better at getting through strict firewalls, though it can feel a bit slower for everyday browsing.
If you care most about speed, UDP is usually the better pick. If you are on a restrictive or unstable network, TCP tends to hold the connection more reliably. With Symlex VPN, your connection is automatically set to the best use case.
Where people actually use it
Remote work
Employees connect securely to company networks from home or while traveling, without exposing internal files or logins to the open internet.
Public wifi protection
It encrypts your traffic so others on the same coffee shop or airport network cannot see what you are doing, which matters most when you are checking email or logging into an account.
Accessing content while traveling
Many people use a VPN to keep browsing the way they normally would when they are outside their home country, since some websites and services behave differently based on location. Results can vary by provider and destination, so it is worth checking a service’s coverage before you rely on it.
Everyday privacy
Even on a home network, routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel keeps your internet provider and other third parties from building a detailed picture of your browsing habits.
How secure is OpenVPN in 2026?
Security Research Labs published an independent audit of OpenVPN 2.7 in March 2026, and the project regularly receives patches through standard channels like Ubuntu’s security updates whenever new issues are discovered.
The important habit is keeping your OpenVPN client and server software updated, since most real-world risk comes from running outdated versions rather than from a flaw in the protocol itself.
No encryption standard can be called permanently unbreakable, but AES standards are currently considered highly resistant to brute force attacks with existing computing power, which is why it remains the default choice for OpenVPN connections.
Performance and battery life
- Expect to keep around 80 to 90 percent of your normal speed on UDP mode, and somewhat less on TCP, usually in the 60 to 75 percent range.
- Distance to the server matters too. Nearby servers add only a small amount of latency, while distant ones add more.
- On mobile devices, OpenVPN tends to use more battery than newer, lighter protocols, so switching to UDP and picking a nearby server can help.
Setting up an OpenVPN server
If you want to run your own OpenVPN server instead of using a commercial VPN app, the general process looks like this.
- Install the OpenVPN software on your server or router.
- Generate certificates and keys for authentication.
- Create a configuration file with your preferred settings.
- Import that configuration into the client app on each device you want connected.
Many routers, including popular ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys models, support OpenVPN directly or through custom firmware like DD-WRT, which lets you protect every device on your network at once without installing anything individually.
Choosing the right setup
1. Beginners are usually better off with a ready-made commercial VPN service, since it avoids manual configuration and handles server maintenance. Symlex VPN is a good fit for using OpenVPN inside the app.
2. Privacy-focused users who want full control often prefer a self-hosted OpenVPN server, accepting a bit more setup work in exchange for full ownership of their data.
3. Frequent travelers benefit from apps with auto-reconnect and easy server switching, so the connection recovers automatically after a dropped signal.
4. Small businesses can look at OpenVPN Access Server for a handful of users, while larger teams typically need a managed, cloud-based deployment with centralized user controls.
5. Whichever route you choose, look for clear documentation, transparent pricing, and a provider that explains its security practices in plain language rather than vague marketing claims.
Limitations worth knowing
OpenVPN is not perfect for everyone. It is generally slower than newer protocols like WireGuard, and setup can take some technical know-how if you are not using a commercial app. It also uses more battery on mobile devices and adds a small amount of extra data overhead, typically around 5 to 15 percent, because of encryption headers.
Quick decision guide
Choose OpenVPN if you want proven security, broad device compatibility, and open-source transparency. Consider a different protocol if raw speed or the simplest possible setup matters more to you than OpenVPN’s track record.
The bottom line
OpenVPN has earned its reputation over more than two decades, and that reputation is still backed by active development, regular audits, and a large open-source community that keeps it honest.
It may not be the fastest option on the market, but for people who want a proven, well-tested, and widely compatible VPN protocol, it remains one of the safest and most flexible choices available in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
OpenVPN is widely regarded as one of the more secure VPN protocols available. Like any software, it depends on staying updated and using a trustworthy provider.
The protocol itself is open source and free. You will still need a VPN provider or your own server to actually connect to.
Your provider can typically tell that you are using a VPN, but it cannot see the content of your traffic. Running OpenVPN over TCP port 443 makes it harder to distinguish from regular secure web traffic.
VPNs are legal in most countries. A small number of countries restrict or limit VPN use, so check local regulations before you travel or connect.
OpenVPN as a protocol does not log your activity. Whether logs are kept depends entirely on your VPN provider’s own policy, so look for one with a clearly published, independently verified logging policy.
Yes. OpenVPN encrypts your connection, but it does not protect you from malware, phishing, or other local threats, so antivirus software is still worth having.