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OpenVPN VS OpenConnect GUI

Compare OpenVPN VS OpenConnect GUI and see what are their differences

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

OpenConnect GUI logo OpenConnect GUI

This is the GUI client for the OpenConnect VPN, an open-source alternative to Cisco AnyConnect.
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19
  • OpenConnect GUI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-05-24

OpenVPN features and specs

  • Security
    OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
  • Flexibility
    OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
  • Performance
    OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
  • Cost
    As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
  • Resource Intensive
    OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Client Software
    The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Experience
    Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
  • Support
    While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

OpenConnect GUI features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    OpenConnect GUI is compatible with major operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
  • Open-Source
    As an open-source application, OpenConnect GUI allows users to access the source code, contribute to its development, and ensure transparency and security.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The GUI provides a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easier for users to configure and manage their VPN connections without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Active Community Support
    The tool benefits from an active community, offering regular updates, improvements, and a wealth of shared knowledge in forums and documentation.
  • Secure Connectivity
    OpenConnect GUI uses secure protocols (e.g., DTLS, SSL) to ensure robust encryption and privacy for users' internet connections.

Possible disadvantages of OpenConnect GUI

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to some commercial VPN solutions, OpenConnect GUI may lack certain advanced features like built-in ad-blocking or automatic server switching.
  • Configuration Complexity
    While the GUI is user-friendly, initial setup may still require technical understanding, particularly for configuring advanced settings and server preferences.
  • Potential Performance Issues
    Depending on server selection and network conditions, users might experience slower speeds or unstable connections.
  • Reliance on NetworkManager
    In some Linux environments, it might require NetworkManager integration, which can complicate the setup process for users not already using this tool.
  • Less Comprehensive Customer Support
    Being an open-source project, OpenConnect GUI lacks the dedicated customer service found with paid VPN services, which might be an issue for some users needing immediate assistance.

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to setup OpenVPN on Windows | macOS | Android | iOS - Smart DNS Proxy

OpenConnect GUI videos

No OpenConnect GUI videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenVPN and OpenConnect GUI)
VPN
96 96%
4% 4
Security & Privacy
96 96%
4% 4
Cloud VPN
96 96%
4% 4
Security
92 92%
8% 8

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare OpenVPN and OpenConnect GUI

OpenVPN Reviews

The top 10 alternatives to OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides virtual private network (VPN) services. It allows the creation of secure network connections over the internet, using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. OpenVPN is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls, providing users with the ability to securely...
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
OpenVPN is a virtual private network system used to create trusted end-to-end connection configuration and remote access services. As with any other VPN service, OpenVPN also has its own drawbacks. For instance, its inability to bypass particular proxy servers and complexities in user journeys lead to less user-friendliness. Therefore, we will be discussing a few...
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In most cases, OpenVPN or WireGuard will be your best bet. PPTP is a protocol we don’t recommend using because of its relatively low-level encryption. However, you could try this protocol when privacy and security are not your highest priorities, such as for unblocking streams. If OpenVPN is not supported or does not work well for whatever reason, you could consider using...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
OpenVPN was first released in May 2001. Although the PPTP protocol had been around for five years already at this point, OpenVPN became popular because it offered stronger encryption without too much of a drop in speed. Over the years, vulnerabilities were patched and new clients were developed that brought OpenVPN support to a greater range of devices. This previously...
9 Best NordVPN Alternatives You Must Use In 2022
The next alternative to NordVPN on our list is OpenVPN. OpenVPN allows you to establish a point-to-point secure connection between your device and the Internet. It is a flexible VPN solution that can cater to business needs as well.
Source: wethegeek.com

OpenConnect GUI Reviews

We have no reviews of OpenConnect GUI yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenVPN should be more popular than OpenConnect GUI. It has been mentiond 40 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenVPN mentions (40)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2023)
    OpenVPN is hiring! https://openvpn.net/ C++ Developer in the United States. Full-time| Fully remote| Flexible work schedules Link to look at vacancy details and apply:. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Are there any work arounds for the Netflix new "household" system?
    How you connect to your modem will depend on the device you are using, but for windows laptops as an example you download the OpenVPN program and input your modem details there, much like you would any other vpn service. I think there would be some guides on youtube. https://openvpn.net/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use PFSense to control incoming user connections (without a vpn?)
    I just started playing with CloudConnexa for remotely managing my second pFSense. Really nice and is free for up to 3 concurrent users. https://openvpn.net. Can also self-host OpenVPN access server with a free 2 concurrent license. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is the 7spotlight Markle family interview airing now? Is anyone watching and can provide comment? 👀📺
    If anyone is being blocked check out free OpenVPN. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is it possible for a sysadmin to block only some packets from a VPN connection ?
    I too haven't used the client-nat directive in some years (I currently implement 1:1 NAT with pfsense to access my network because I'm too lazy to change the networks subnet from the default) so I decided to retest and it does appear that OpenVPN Connect clients do not properly support the client-nat directive but the traditional OpenVPN server/clients still do. I've just tested this on OpenVPN 2.6.3 Server,... Source: about 2 years ago
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OpenConnect GUI mentions (6)

  • Cannot figure out OpenConnect
    I chose to migrate from openvpn to openconnect because I felt like the performance wasn't very good, I have it running per the wiki, created my own user and everything, my phone works great, I have the routing working for LAN and all. However on my laptop, I can successfully connect but not actually browse to anything. Nothing loads from LAN and external Internet sites take a while to load. I'm using the... Source: about 3 years ago
  • When will we get our rpi emails back?
    Nothing against you but don't use this VPN, it downloads spyware called Umbrella in addition to AnyConnect. Use openconnect-gui instead. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Can RPI spy on you if Umbrella is disabled?
    I recommend using openconnect, it works with Cisco VPN and doesn’t download other software. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • VPN Issues
    Here is an alternative vpn you can use. It doesnt have all the tracking shit that cisco has. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • So... CrowdStrike?
    I read it's only if your device is listed on RPI's active directory (might be something else) such as library computers. I was connected to eduroam for four days and haven't seen anything downloaded. In addition, if you need to use the VPN download openconnect instead, as Cisco AnyConnect downloads Umbrella which tracks you even after disconnecting the VPN. Source: almost 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenVPN and OpenConnect GUI, you can also consider the following products

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

OpenConnect - VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

Tunnelblick - free software for OpenVPN on OS X and macOS