A VPN protocol is a technology or set of rules that defines how data is transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server. Each protocol has different strengths in terms of security, speed, and stability, and choosing the right protocol can depend on individual priorities e.g., higher security or better speed.
Which VPN Protocol is the Right One?
The choice of VPN protocol largely depends on the specific needs of the user and the use case. For some applications, prioritizing security is essential, especially when handling sensitive data or ensuring privacy, making protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard a good choice. In other situations, speed may be more critical, such as for streaming or online gaming, where protocols like IKEv2 or WireGuard offer faster performance with minimal latency. Additionally, some use cases, like mobile browsing or switching between networks, might benefit from protocols that offer a balance of security and stability, such as IKEv2. Ultimately, each protocol has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on whether the priority is security, speed, stability, or a combination of these factors.
The Most Recommended VPN Protocols
WireGuard®
The WireGuard protocol stands out due to its simple code and low CPU usage. This makes it easy to integrate into both software and hardware while offering high speeds. Its open-source nature ensures strong security.
Speed
Security
Stability
SoftEther
The open-source SoftEther protocol is known for being a very fast and stable VPN protocol. It provides a high level of security, but unfortunately, it is currently supported by only a few VPN providers. VPN provides a more secure and versatile internet experience, particularly when privacy, security, and unrestricted access to online content are priorities.
Speed
Security
Stability
OpenVPN
The open-source VPN protocol OpenVPN has been continuously developed for over 20 years. As a result, it is widely used and is directly supported by many routers. While it offers high security, it comes at the cost of speed and CPU usage.
Speed
Security
Stability
IKEv2
The Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) protocol provides a secure and fast connection, making it particularly well-suited for mobile devices that frequently switch between networks. However, its fixed port usage can lead to potential blocking by firewalls. IKEv2 is natively integrated into Windows, iOS, and macOS.
Speed
Security
Stability
No Longer Recommended
Although these protocols are no longer recommended for general use, they may still have valid applications in certain use cases.
SSTP
SSTP is a VPN protocol developed by Microsoft that uses SSL/TLS to encrypt traffic. It provides strong security and is particularly well-suited for Windows-based systems, as it integrates seamlessly into the Windows infrastructure. SSTP is difficult for firewalls to block because it uses the HTTPS protocol (Port 443), making it especially useful in networks with strict firewalls. However, it is less flexible on other platforms.
Speed
Security
Stability
L2TP/IPsec
L2TP combined with IPsec offers higher security than PPTP, as it encapsulates data twice. This results in stronger encryption and better protection of the data. L2TP/IPsec is a good protocol that provides both security and stability, but it is generally slower than other VPN protocols due to the double encapsulation. It can also be blocked by firewalls, as it uses UDP port 500 by default.
Speed
Security
Stability
PPTP
PPTP is one of the oldest VPN protocols, developed by Microsoft. It is easy to configure and offers high speed due to minimal overhead. However, it has significant security flaws and is considered insecure today, as it can be easily cracked by attackers.
Speed
Security
Stability
The choice of the right VPN protocol depends on specific requirements such as speed, security, platform compatibility, or stability.