VPN Protocol Comparison and How to Choose the Right One

When talking about VPN (Virtual Private Network), many people may be familiar with its use for changing IP addresses or unlocking blocked websites. However, what really powers the VPN behind the scenes is the protocol, which determines how secure, how fast, and how suitable the VPN is for different types of usage.

VPN protocols come in various types such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SSTP. Each has its own clear advantages, disadvantages, and specific use cases.
🐮 Before we get into protocols, let me first introduce what a VPN is.

What is a VPN and why is it important?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a private connection over the internet by encrypting data, preventing others, hackers, or even internet service providers (ISPs) from intercepting or spying on your online behavior. This increases both security and privacy, and can also be used to bypass restrictions on certain websites — for example, watching Netflix from other countries or accessing region-restricted content. However, the chosen protocol plays a crucial role in the VPN's performance, affecting speed, security, and stability.

What is a VPN protocol?

A VPN protocol is the method a VPN uses to create a secure data transmission tunnel. It impacts speed, security, stability, and the ability to access restricted websites. Therefore, selecting the right protocol is essential to making your VPN work effectively.

🐮 As mentioned earlier, there are several types of VPN protocols, but I’ll focus on three main ones: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

Comparing VPN Protocols

OpenVPN

OpenVPN stands for Open-source Virtual Private Network. It’s the most popular VPN protocol in the world, using SSL/TLS technology — the same standard as HTTPS on regular websites — and can operate on both TCP and UDP ports.

Security in OpenVPN

OpenVPN is considered highly secure. It supports AES-256, RSA, and SHA encryption, which are enterprise-level standards. It also supports multiple authentication methods such as certificates, username/password, and TLS-auth, ensuring maximum security for connections.

Speed in OpenVPN

OpenVPN offers two main modes: UDP and TCP. UDP is faster, making it ideal for streaming or gaming that requires smooth performance. TCP is slightly slower but more stable, making it suitable for downloads and general web browsing.

Pros of OpenVPN

• High security
  
• Supports all systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Cons of OpenVPN

• Relatively slower speed

Who is OpenVPN suitable for?

• Users needing maximum security
  
• People in countries with heavy internet censorship, as it excels at bypassing tough blocks

IKEv2

IKEv2 stands for Internet Key Exchange version 2. It was co-developed by Microsoft and Cisco, and pairs with IPsec to establish an encrypted and secure connection.

The key feature of IKEv2 is Mobility and Multihoming Protocol (MOBIKE), which allows seamless connection even when switching networks, such as from Wi-Fi to 4G, without disconnection.

Security in IKEv2

IKEv2 uses AES-256 encryption along with IPsec authentication, providing security at the same level as OpenVPN. You can be confident your data is well protected.

Speed in IKEv2

IKEv2 is very fast, especially suitable for mobile devices or high-speed networks. It excels in switching networks quickly without needing to reconnect, allowing smooth and continuous usage.

Pros of IKEv2

• Very fast and stable
• Ideal for mobile devices
• Maintains connection when changing IPs or networks (e.g., from Wi-Fi to 4G)

Cons of IKEv2

• Not as effective at bypassing firewalls as OpenVPN
• Incompatible with some systems, such as older Android versions

Who is IKEv2 suitable for?

• Smartphone users
• Frequent travelers needing uninterrupted connectivity
• Those wanting both speed and strong security

WireGuard

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol officially launched in 2019 and fully developed by 2023. It uses 90% fewer lines of code than OpenVPN, making it faster and more secure. It uses new encryption methods like ChaCha20 and Curve25519, which are faster than AES, especially on mobile.

Security in WireGuard

WireGuard has become increasingly popular due to its strong security and speed. It uses modern encryption like ChaCha20, which is secure and fast. Its small codebase makes it easier to audit and update for security, making it ideal for enterprise use — especially when properly configured.

Speed in WireGuard

WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol available. It minimizes latency, meaning data can be transmitted more quickly when loading websites or watching videos. It also outperforms OpenVPN and IKEv2 in real-world usage and connection speed.

Pros of WireGuard

• Fast and lightweight, works well even on low-spec devices like older phones or laptops
• Secure, using modern encryption such as ChaCha20
• Fast handshake process (VPN connection initiates within seconds)

Cons of WireGuard

• May require manual key setup in some cases, which can be inconvenient for non-technical users
• Doesn’t handle dynamic IPs/ports as well as OpenVPN

Who is WireGuard suitable for?

• General users wanting the fastest VPN
• Ideal for streaming, video calls, and mobile usage

Comparison image of download speeds for each protocol

VPN Protocol Comparison Table

Protocol	Security	Speed	Firewall Bypass	Device Compatibility	Best For
OpenVPN	Very High	Slow	Excellent	All platforms	Users who want full features and strong firewall bypass
IKEv2	High	Moderate	Good	All platforms	Users who need both speed and security
WireGuard	High	Fastest	Good	All platforms	Users who prioritize speed, gaming, or video streaming

How to Choose the Right VPN Protocol

• Choose OpenVPN if you need high security and the ability to bypass strict censorship, especially when using the internet in countries with heavy restrictions.
• Choose IKEv2 if you want a balance of speed and security, frequently use mobile devices, travel often, or switch between Wi-Fi and 4G regularly. It’s ideal for users who need a stable and fast connection.
• Choose WireGuard if you want a very fast, easy-to-use, and modern VPN. It’s perfect for gaming, video streaming, or using across multiple devices.

From the article above, Big Brother cow  has selected the 3 most popular VPN protocols—OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard—for you to get to know better. Choosing the right VPN should begin with considering security, followed by your actual usage needs. Once you know what you use a VPN for, the decision will become much easier and clearer.

That said, Big Brother cow recommends BullVPN, a VPN service provider that focuses on security, ease of use, and supports popular protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. It’s suitable for every lifestyle—whether bypassing blocks, streaming, watching movies, gaming, or working online, you can be confident that your data will be safe and fast on every connection.