OpenVPN Protocol Powered by IPVanish

Maximize your privacy and security with OpenVPN, offering flexible connections for speed or stability while protecting your data.

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What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is a secure, open-source VPN protocol that provides encryption and reliable connections. It supports both UDP and TCP protocols, allowing users to choose the best configuration for their specific setup. OpenVPN utilizes AES encryption and other advanced security tools to protect personal data while browsing or streaming.

In addition to its longstanding security, OpenVPN is highly configurable. It allows users to fine-tune settings for optimal speed or reliability, depending on the circumstances. OpenVPN can also circumvent firewalls and internet blocks, making it a popular choice for users in censored or network-restricted areas.

OpenVPN Protocol Benefits

OpenVPN is a versatile and powerful VPN protocol that offers robust security, adaptable connection options, and obfuscation features to bypass censorship.

Advanced Encryption

OpenVPN uses the latest encryption algorithms, such as AES, to ensure your data remains confidential and protect your connection from hackers and surveillance.

Flexible Connections

Both UDP and TCP OpenVPN connections are supported, allowing you to prioritize either speed or stability based on your specific needs and network conditions.

Bypass Restrictions

By bypassing firewalls and network blocks, OpenVPN is the ideal protocol for individuals in countries with heavy censorship or strict network controls.

Disguise Traffic

OpenVPN Scramble enables you to mask VPN traffic as regular HTTPS internet traffic, helping you avoid detection and bypass VPN blocks in restricted areas.

How to Set Up OpenVPN Protocol

Select the IPVanish subscription plan that best fits your needs, then fill in the necessary details to complete account creation.

Download the IPVanish VPN app

OpenVPN is the most compatible VPN protocol, working seamlessly across nearly all device types and generations.

Set up an OpenVPN connection

Windows

Launch the IPVanish app, go to Settings, and select the Protocols tab. Choose OpenVPN before activating your VPN connection.

Android

Open the IPVanish app, tap the Settings icon in the navigation menu at the bottom of your screen, and select VPN Protocol. Before activating your VPN connection, choose OpenVPN.

Mac

Open IPVanish on your Mac, click the Settings icon on the left, then navigate to the Protocol tab. Select OpenVPN before initiating your VPN connection.

iOS

Open the IPVanish app, tap the Settings icon in the navigation menu at the bottom of your screen. Select Protocol and choose OpenVPN from the list before establishing a connection.

Fire TV

Launch IPVanish on your Fire TV device, and tap the Settings gear icon in the lower-right corner. Scroll to VPN Protocol and choose OpenVPN prior to starting your VPN connection.

Apple TV

Launch IPVanish on your Apple TV, then open Settings. Select VPN Protocol, choose OpenVPN, and return to the main screen to connect.

Configure OpenVPN

OpenVPN offers multiple configuration options to match different needs, whether you’re prioritizing speed, reliability, or bypassing network restrictions. Choose between TCP or UDP, then enhance your connection with High-Speed Mode for improved performance or Scramble to help disguise VPN traffic on restrictive networks.

Which OpenVPN configuration is right for you?

Configuration	Best for	Key Benefit
OpenVPN over TCP	Browsing, banking, file downloads	Reliable, stable connections
OpenVPN over UDP	Streaming, gaming, video calls	Faster speeds and lower latency
OpenVPN over TCP + High-Speed Mode (DCO)	Everyday use with added performance	Stability with improved throughput
OpenVPN over UDP + High-Speed Mode (DCO)	Performance-intensive activities	Fastest OpenVPN experience
OpenVPN over TCP with Scramble	Restrictive networks	Stability with traffic obfuscation
OpenVPN over UDP with Scramble	Streaming and gaming on restrictive networks	Speed with traffic obfuscation

OpenVPN over TCP
OpenVPN over TCP prioritizes connection stability by using error correction and packet retransmission to ensure data arrives reliably. It’s a great choice for everyday browsing, secure transactions, file downloads, and other activities where consistency matters more than raw speed.
Best for: Browsing, online banking, remote work, and downloading files.

OpenVPN over UDP
OpenVPN over UDP minimizes processing overhead by skipping packet retransmission, resulting in faster speeds and lower latency than TCP. It’s ideal for real-time activities where occasional packet loss is less noticeable than delays.
Best for: Streaming, online gaming, video calls, and VoIP.

OpenVPN over TCP + Scramble
This configuration combines TCP with Scramble, an obfuscation feature that helps disguise VPN traffic from networks that block or restrict VPN use. It maintains TCP’s reliable performance while helping you connect on restrictive networks.
Best for: Secure browsing, downloading files, and accessing the internet on networks that restrict VPN traffic.

OpenVPN over UDP + Scramble
This option pairs UDP’s faster performance with Scramble’s traffic obfuscation, helping you maintain speed while reducing the likelihood that VPN traffic is detected or blocked. It’s a good choice for users who need performance in restrictive environments.
Best for: Streaming, gaming, and video calls on networks that limit or block VPN connections.

OpenVPN over TCP + High-Speed Mode (DCO)
This configuration combines TCP’s dependable connection with High-Speed Mode, IPVanish’s implementation of OpenVPN Data Channel Offload (DCO). By reducing processing overhead within Windows, it delivers improved throughput and responsiveness while preserving TCP’s reliable data delivery.
Best for: Everyday browsing, remote work, file transfers, and users who want greater performance without sacrificing stability.

OpenVPN over UDP + High-Speed Mode (DCO)
For users who want the fastest OpenVPN experience, this configuration combines UDP’s low-latency performance with High-Speed Mode (OpenVPN DCO). Together, they reduce processing overhead and maximize throughput, making this the best choice for demanding online activities.
Best for: Streaming, gaming, large downloads, cloud backups, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.

OpenVPN vs WireGuard®: Which VPN Protocol is Best?

OpenVPN and WireGuard® are two popular VPN protocols that impact security, speed, and compatibility.

OpenVPN is known for its flexibility, strong encryption, and widespread support. It operates over TCP and UDP, making it adaptable to different network conditions. However, its complex codebase and higher processing requirements may result in slower speeds on some devices.
WireGuard® is a lightweight, modern VPN protocol with a streamlined codebase, delivering faster speeds and more straightforward implementation. While highly efficient, WireGuard lacks OpenVPN’s built-in obfuscation, customization options, and the security scrutiny of broader adoption.

For an in-depth comparison, explore our WireGuard vs OpenVPN guide to determine which option best fits your security, speed, and privacy needs.

All VPN plans include:

Advanced encryption

Shared IP addresses

Unmetered device connections

Verified no-logs

Multiple connection protocols

No data transfer caps

Proxy web server

24/7 customer support

Servers in 150+ regions

Secure access to media

Advanced encryption

Shared IP addresses

Unmetered device connections

Verified no-logs

Multiple connection protocols

No data transfer caps

Proxy web server

24/7 customer support

Servers in 150+ regions

Secure access to media

OpenVPN Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between VPN and OpenVPN?

A VPN is a technology that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. OpenVPN is a specific type of VPN protocol that helps create a secure tunnel for your data. It’s one of the most widely used and trusted VPN protocols due to its strong encryption and flexibility.

How secure is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN has long been considered the gold standard of VPN protocols due to its open-source nature, meaning security experts worldwide can audit and improve it. It uses AES-256-bit encryption, the same advanced level of security trusted by governments and cybersecurity professionals. OpenVPN is also highly compatible, working on almost any device, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more. Its ability to run on both UDP and TCP allows for a balance of speed and reliability, making it a top choice for secure online connections.

Is OpenVPN good for torrenting?

Yes, OpenVPN is one of the best protocols for torrenting because it provides strong encryption and IP masking, ensuring that your activity remains private. Many VPN services recommend OpenVPN for P2P file sharing since it offers a good balance of speed and security, especially when using UDP mode.

Is OpenVPN better than WireGuard®?

OpenVPN and WireGuard each have their strengths. OpenVPN is more established, open-source, and compatible with nearly every device and operating system. It is also highly configurable, allowing for advanced customization security settings. WireGuard, on the other hand, is the newest development in VPN protocols, designed to be faster and more lightweight. Still, it lacks some of OpenVPN’s long-standing security features and device flexibility. If obfuscation and broad compatibility are your priorities, OpenVPN remains the preferred choice.

Can OpenVPN be blocked?

Yes, OpenVPN can sometimes be blocked by network administrators, firewalls, or restrictive governments that actively try to detect and disrupt VPN traffic. However, many VPN providers offer obfuscation techniques, such as OpenVPN Scramble, which disguises OpenVPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic to bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspection.

What is OpenVPN Scramble?

OpenVPN Scramble is an obfuscation method designed to help OpenVPN bypass strict VPN blocks. It modifies OpenVPN traffic patterns to make it harder for firewalls and deep packet inspection (DPI) systems to detect and block it. This feature is especially useful in countries with heavy internet censorship or on networks that aggressively restrict VPN usage.

What are the advantages of using OpenVPN over other protocols?

• Gold Standard of Security: OpenVPN has been trusted for over two decades.
• Open Source: Regularly audited for vulnerabilities, making it a trusted choice.
• Broad Compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
• Bypasses Restrictions: Supports obfuscation to evade VPN blocks.
• Highly Configurable: Works with both UDP and TCP for speed or reliability.