Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a great way to improve digital privacy and security. They transmit your data to remote servers via a secure communication channel. The guideline that supports this communication is called the VPN protocol.
There are many VPN protocols available. Some are new, while others have been under constant development over many years. Understanding the various options available can help you choose the best protocol for your device.
If you aren’t yet familiar with VPNs, it’s best to read our VPN beginner’s guide first.
VPN protocols are the most vital ingredient in a VPN. These protocols include instructions that guide how your device communicates with VPN servers. The most fundamental function areas are encryption and authentication.
Because of its instrumental role, the best VPN protocol must be fast and secure. It also must be compatible with as many commonly-used devices as possible. Several types of VPN protocols are available today, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
For those who may have heard of it and wondered, “What is WireGuard?” the news is exciting. WireGuard is the latest and, allegedly, the best VPN protocol of the new millennium. It aims to replace other protocols by being faster, simpler, and more secure. WireGuard is also supposed to be easier to audit than OpenVPN, potentially decreasing vulnerability.
While this sounds fantastic, WireGuard is also extremely new. It was considered an experimental protocol until 2020 before the first stable version was released. Since then, it has gained rapid adoption among many top-tier VPN providers, in part or whole.
For example, brands like Surfshark adopt WireGuard “as is,” while NordVPN modified it and uses the amended version as NordLynx.
WireGuard is new and not completely accepted in the VPN community. However, its stunning performance and stability make it a top choice for almost any modern device – desktop or mobile.
Pros
Cons
OpenVPN is a robust and highly flexible protocol that emerged in the early 2000s. James Yonan created the protocol in response to a need for a more secure and stable way to connect. It’s available to the public as an open-source development.
OpenVPN uses all the encryption, authentication, and certification features the OpenSSL library provides to create a secure private network connection. All devices connected over the secured connection pass traffic through the same encrypted tunnel.
This VPN protocol uses a custom version of SSL v3/TLS v1 for security. The SSL layer protects against tampering or message forgery during transport and ensures that all data passed between a client and server remains confidential.
OpenVPN is for those who want the best speed and stability on powerful devices. However, this is only true if you prefer a more mature protocol than WireGuard. If not, WireGuard is a much better choice.
Pros
Cons
IKEv2 is well-supported by mobile devices, and it’s also faster than other protocols. A large reason for this is less operational overhead compared to many other protocols. Before the introduction of WireGuard, IKEv2 was the most vital VPN protocol for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile-format devices.
Another strong reason for the popularity of IKEv2 is its relatively high level of security. It uses Diffie-Hellman key exchange and AES-256 encryption. However, this security is only valid if both ends of the VPN tunnel remain secure.
The most obvious use case for IKEv2 is for mobile formats. However, it also works well for lightweight desktop environments like slower laptops or Chromebooks. Where possible you can consider WireGuard as an alternative.
Pros
Cons
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a Microsoft-developed protocol that uses SSL to establish a secure, encrypted connection from your computer to the VPN server. Your traffic will be safe even on an unprotected network, such as free WiFi at an airport or coffee shop.
While SSTP is one of the most secure protocols, it does have its downsides. As with other older protocols like PPTP and L2TP/IPsec, it doesn’t support IPv6 address space or Universal Plug-and-Play.
If a mature security system is your priority, then SSTP is ideal. The good old “tried and true” model remains secure, albeit somewhat unwieldy.
Pros
Cons
L2TP/IPSec combines Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec). L2TP acts as the tunneling protocol, while IPSec helps manage the security of the communication.
L2TP uses UDP ports 1701 or 500 for tunnel protection by default, but these ports are changeable if required. IPSec offers end-to-end encryption by encrypting each packet before sending it across your network or connecting it with another device.
This combination also shows its age but can be applicable in specific scenarios. One example is mobile users who cannot adapt to other options due to a fixed environment.
Pros
Cons
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, or PPTP, is one of the oldest VPN protocols. Developed by a consortium of technology companies, including Microsoft, PPTP first emerged in the late 1990s.
PPTP works by establishing a connection from your device to a VPN server via TCP port 1723. The VPN then uses that connection to maintain a “tunnel” for data transmission.
While this seems straightforward, the years have not been kind to PPTP. Decades of research scrutiny have revealed many security loopholes in PPTP. However, these shortcomings do come with unique benefits, such as the capability of supporting older, less secure systems.
PPTP is outdated and has glaring security flaws. It’s best to avoid this protocol unless you have an ancient device that won’t support anything else.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to choosing the best VPN protocol, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These elements can heavily influence your choice;
VPN protocols are, as you might expect, there to do one thing: protect your data. But they aren’t created equal, and from a technical standpoint, each protocol has its pros and cons. Because of that, the best protocol for VPN will largely depend on your main concerns.
If you’re looking for some level of privacy and security at blazing-fast speeds, then WireGuard is an excellent choice. For those with more security concerns than speed, OpenVPN has proven its mettle over the years.
Timothy Shim is a former tech journalist who has turned his experience towards his business as a writer, editor and content strategist. Today, he helps businesses craft compelling messages and advises on SEO, content marketing, and social media strategy.
