WireGuard vs OpenVPN, What are the Differences?
All VPN users must know the importance of VPN protocols, without them VPN is worthless, as it provides security, and makes your data private on the internet. We will discuss the two most widely used VPN protocols WireGuard and OpenVPN. Both of these protocols are best in their ways. However, both have different speeds and security; also, both protocols work differently, and their performance varies. Both of the protocols are best. This blog is about WireGuard vs OpenVPN, help you know how WireGuard and OpenVPN differ from each other and how they work individually. Also, which one is more reliable and compatible according to your needs? Let’s see which one wins the battle.
What is a VPN protocol?
VPN protocols are responsible for transferring data to your device and VPN server. They ensure that the data is encrypted during transmission and that it is secure and private. Reliable VPNs provide efficient VPN protocols so users can be confident in their data privacy.
Reasons for using a VPN protocol
- Here are some valid reasons for using a VPN protocol.
- VPN protocols with strong encryption protect your sensitive information.
- It masks your real IP address with the country server you have connected to on your VPN.
- Your ISP cannot see your online activities.
- VPN protocol makes your browsing safe on public Wi-Fi.
- Add an extra protection layer to your VoIP applications, including Zoom.
- Works on multiple operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Linux.
- Access restricted content.
WireGuard
WireGuard is an innovative VPN protocol. WireGuard uses the strong encryption algorithm of ChaCha20. Since it uses fewer lines of code—around 4,000 lines of code—its processing power is fast and efficient. Setting up WireGuard is simple; maintenance and debugging do not take time due to its lightweight design. It is an open-source VPN protocol; anyone can contribute to the code to make it more secure. iProVPN also uses this protocol.
Advantages
- Fast and lightweight.
- Efficient design requires fewer resources.
- Easy configuration as compared to other protocols
Working of WireGuard
The VPN server you are connected to and your device is connected by a secure link created by the WireGuard technology. WireGuard protocol makes an encrypted tunnel to your device and the VPN server you are connected to. No matter, whatever activities you will perform will be encrypted using the ChaCha20 encryption algorithm. WireGuard directly works with the Linux server and does not need to switch to the kernel and userspace.
To learn about VPN protocols in detail, visit our blog: VPN Protocols Explained
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a widely used protocol; it is an open-source protocol, which makes its doors open for further improvement. OpenVPN uses UDP and TCP for transferring data. TCP cares to transfer all the data to the correct destination, while UDP focuses on speed; it sends all the data fast without caring if any of the data packets are missed during the data transmission. The open-source community of OpenVPN is active; any modifications are done for the betterment. It has about 600,000 LOC. Which makes it harder to process, and the debugging process gets a bit slower.
Advantages
- Uses the AES-256-bit algorithm for high security.
- Works against DNS leak protection.
- Flexibility over changing the protocol between UDP and TCP.
Working of OpenVPN
OpenVPN uses the SSL/TLS protocol to establish a connection between your device and the VPN server for user authentication, which makes this process secure. Through OpenVPN, your data is encrypted, and the information you receive from the VPN tunnel is secured and hidden from your internet service provider or online attackers.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN: The Comparison
Both of the protocols are efficient to use, but here is the comparison table, which will allow you to know which one you can use according to your needs.
| WireGuard | OpenVPN | |
| Efficiency | Has fast speed | Has slower speed |
| Encryption Algorithms | ChaCha20 & poly1305 | AES-256, Blowfish, HMAC-SHA |
| Line of code | 4,000 LOC | 600,000 LOC |
| Testability | Less LOC makes it easier to test | Time-consuming testing |
| Transport layer support | UDP | UDP and TCP |
| Interoperability | Not Compatible with too many devices | Compatible on all operating systems and routers. |
| Security | No Security issues | No security issues |
| Privacy | No issues | No issues |
| Configuration difficulty | Less complexity | More complex to set up |
Efficiency
If you want a protocol that is fast, then you should consider WireGuard. Its speed is better than other VPN protocols. Since it uses the ChaCha20 for encryption, it makes the data transmission fast.
Encryption
Encryption is the major element of VPN. WireGuard uses the ChaCha20 for encryption of the data, and Poly1305 is responsible for the verification of data that during the transmission data remains secured from getting changed or manipulated. However, OpenVPN also uses ChaCha20 and Poly1305, but it has more encryption options like Camellia for data verification. Also, it uses HMAC-SHA and Blowfish algorithms. The Blowfish algorithm is obsolete now.
Code Testability
WireGuard and OpenVPN are open source; any skilled person can contribute to the code for security enhancement and improvement. WireGuard is easy to audit as a line of code is less and does not consume time, while OpenVPN consumes a lot of time in auditing.
Transport layer support
WireGuard supports only UDP, which results in no speed issue. With no TCP in WireGuard, it hurts highly restricted places. In addition to it, OpenVPN uses both TCP and UDP, which makes OpenVPN more flexible to multiple networks.
Interoperability
WireGuard works well on Linux and is a bit less compatible with different operating systems. However, OpenVPN is compatible with all operating systems and is helpful when you connect it to your router; this will secure all the devices connected to that router.
Security
Both of these protocols provide you with the best privacy on your VPN. It depends on which VPN service you are using. VPNs like iProVPN provide you with both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols to give you unmatchable privacy.
Configuration
Connecting to the VPN protocol on your device is simple; just open the VPN app and go to settings. From there, you can select your preferred protocol. However, if you want to set up a VPN manually, then WireGuard, as compared to OpenVPN, is easy to configure; OpenVPN is tough to set up. Moreover, you should have basic knowledge of VPN while setting up any of the protocols.
How are WireGuard and OpenVPN similar?
WireGuard is an advanced and new VPN protocol in the VPN industry. However, OpenVPN has been in use for a long time. Let’s check out the similarities among them.
Code access to anyone
Both WireGuard and OpenVPN are open source; skilled developers can enhance the code by making it more secure. This creates a community and allows people to contribute to making the VPN protocol more efficient.
Compatibility
These protocols are compatible with various devices, including Windows, Android, and iOS. This way users can connect both protocols on any device and operating system.
Strong Encryption
WireGuard and OpenVPN both use high-end advanced encryption methods with highly secure encryption algorithms.
Reliability
Both of these protocols are highly trustworthy by VPN providers, as both transmit data securely with fast connectivity.
Configuration
WireGuard and OpenVPN allow you to customize the configuration while setting up the protocol. User can set the protocol according to their level of needs.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN—Which is Recommended?
Both protocols have their benefits, as all reliable VPNs, like iProVPN, consider these protocols to provide the best privacy and security to users.
Why is WireGuardtter than OpenVPN?
Faster Speed
WireGuard is lightweight with fewer lines of code, so its speed is much faster as it requires less processing speed.
Little data overhead
On encrypting the data, the VPN sends some extra data, which makes your connection slow. WireGuard has less data overhead, which makes it faster.
Multiple connections
WireGuard helps to connect VPNs quickly to your phones.
Kernel performance
WireGuard works directly on the Linux kernel, which makes it run efficiently.
Why is OpenVPNtter than WireGuard?
Security
If security is a priority, then OpenVPN is the best choice to use.
Customization
OpenVPN allows you to do a lot of customizations because it supports several encryption and verification methods.
UDP & TCP
OpenVPN supports UDP and TCP, which makes it best on different networks.
Data anonymity
Connecting to OpenVPN allows you to bypass all the restrictions on the websites. Moreover, it bypasses all the firewalls.
Conclusion
WireGuard vs OpenVPN: By comparing both of these protocols, we got to know that both are best in their places. If you want more security, then OpenVPN is there, and if speed is your concern, then WireGuardis there for you to fulfill your needs. However, configuring OpenVPN is hard, as there is some customization you have to make; WireGuard’s configuration is easy. In addition, WireGuard is a more advanced and recent protocol with a smaller code base. OpenVPN has a huge codebase of 600,000. Selecting the right protocol depends on your needs and goals for work; ensure you are clear about it, and then you can easily connect to any of the VPN protocols. iProVPN uses both protocols to give users enhanced security and the right to users to connect to any protocol according to their needs.
FAQs
- Does iProVPN use WireGuard or OpenVPN?
iProVPN uses both of these protocols and also gives you the choice of selecting a protocol from settings according to your choice.
- Which is more customizable? WireGuard or OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is more customizable, supports UDP and TCP, and has more encryption options.
- Why is WireGuard more lightweight than OpenVPN?
WireGuard is weighted because it has a small codebase as compared to OpenVPN.
- Which VPN protocol is easier to configure?
WireGuard is easier to configure as it has fewer settings, while OpenVPN has more complex settings.
- Which other VPN protocols does iProVPN use?
Other than WireGuard and OpenVPN, iProVPN uses the IKEv2 protocol, which works well on mobile phones. It instantly connects you to Wi-Fi to mobile phone data and vice versa.
- Which VPN protocol is best to use at home?
OpenVPN would be a reliable choice as it provides more security and is compatible with several devices.
