VPN Protocols Explained
Understanding VPN protocols and choosing the right one for your needs
VPN protocols determine how your data is transmitted between your device and the VPN server. Each protocol offers different benefits in terms of security, speed, and compatibility.
Modern VPN Protocols
WireGuard®
The newest and most efficient VPN protocol, offering excellent speed and security.
Pros
- Extremely fast performance
- Modern encryption
- Lightweight code
- Low battery impact
Best For
- Mobile devices
- Gaming
- Streaming
- General use
IKEv2/IPSec
A stable and secure protocol, particularly good at handling network changes.
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Fast reconnection
- Strong security
- Native support
Best For
- Mobile devices
- Switching networks
- iOS devices
- Corporate use
OpenVPN
The most versatile and widely-supported VPN protocol.
Pros
- Highly secure
- Very configurable
- Open source
- Widely supported
Best For
- Desktop use
- Bypassing censorship
- Privacy-focused users
- Advanced users
Legacy Protocols
PPTP
Oldest VPN protocol with known security vulnerabilities. Only use if absolutely necessary for legacy system compatibility.
L2TP/IPSec
More secure than PPTP but slower than modern protocols. Consider using IKEv2 instead.
Choosing the Right Protocol
Use Case Recommendations
Mobile Users
WireGuard® or IKEv2 for best battery life and connection stability
Streaming & Gaming
WireGuard® for fastest speeds and lowest latency
Privacy-Focused
OpenVPN for maximum security and configurability
Protocol Selection Tips
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Start with WireGuard® for most use cases
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Test different protocols to find the best performance for your network
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Consider your device's native protocol support
Protocol Security Comparison
| Protocol | Security | Speed | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard® | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| IKEv2 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| OpenVPN | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| L2TP/IPSec | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| PPTP | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |