OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a mature, widely deployed VPN protocol with flexible UDP and TCP transport options. DexterVPN plans OpenVPN support where compatible.
OpenVPN is a long-established open-source VPN protocol that supports both UDP (often faster) and TCP (sometimes better on restrictive networks). Its flexibility and track record make it a common fallback when newer protocols are blocked or unstable.
Strengths of OpenVPN
- Extensive real-world deployment history
- TCP mode can traverse some firewalls that block UDP-based VPNs
- Configurable ciphers when properly implemented by the provider
Trade-offs
OpenVPN can use more CPU and battery than WireGuard on some devices because of its user-space design and larger codebase. For travelers on hotel Wi-Fi, TCP mode remains a practical option when UDP is filtered.
At a glance
| Flexibility | UDP and TCP modes for different network conditions |
|---|---|
| Overhead | Generally higher than WireGuard on equivalent hardware |
| Compatibility | Supported across most desktop and mobile platforms |
Frequently asked questions
- Should I use OpenVPN UDP or TCP?
- Try UDP first for performance. Switch to TCP if connections fail on restrictive networks such as some hotel or airport Wi-Fi.
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