Software Alternatives & Startups

SoftEther VS OpenConnect

Compare SoftEther VS OpenConnect and see what are their differences

SoftEther

SoftEther VPN ("SoftEther" means "Software Ethernet") is one of the world's most powerful and easy-to-use multi-protocol VPN software. It runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD and Solaris.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
OpenConnect

VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SoftEther seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 2 times since March 2021.

social mentions
2 vs 0
Security & Privacy popularity
81% vs 19%
alternatives listed
169 vs 43

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SoftEther
OpenConnect
Website softether.org infradead.org
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SoftEther 5 features
OpenConnect 5 features
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    SoftEther VPN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD, and Solaris, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.
  • Multi-Protocol Support
    It supports multiple VPN protocols such as SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Microsoft SSTP, offering users various options for connectivity depending on their needs and configurations.
  • High Performance
    Optimized for fast network throughput, SoftEther VPN can handle high-speed internet connections efficiently, which is ideal for transferring large volumes of data.
  • Free and Open Source
    As a free and open-source software, SoftEther VPN allows users to access and modify the source code, fostering customization and transparency.
  • Strong Security Features
    It provides robust security features including AES encryption and RSA certificate authentication, ensuring secure data transmission over the network.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Setup for Beginners
    Although powerful, SoftEther VPN may have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with network configurations, potentially causing difficulty in initial setup.
  • Limited Native Client Support
    While SoftEther VPN supports a range of protocols, it lacks native clients across all platforms, which may require third-party software for full functionality.
  • Dependency on System Resources
    Running SoftEther VPN, especially on detailed configurations, may require significant system resources, which could impact performance on lower-end devices.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project, support primarily comes from community forums, which might result in slower response times for troubleshooting critical issues.
  • Open Source
    OpenConnect is an open-source project, which means it is free to use, distribute, and modify. Users can inspect the source code for security vulnerabilities and customize it to fit their needs.
  • Compatibility
    OpenConnect is compatible with multiple VPN protocols, including Cisco's AnyConnect SSL VPN, Juniper's Network Connect, and Pulse Secure. This makes it a versatile tool for connecting to various network systems.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    It runs on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, allowing users to connect to VPNs from different devices and environments.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project, OpenConnect benefits from contributions and support from a global community of developers and users who add features, fix bugs, and assist with troubleshooting.
  • Security
    OpenConnect offers strong security features, including support for DTLS and SSL/TLS protocols, providing encrypted and secure connections.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Setup
    For users unfamiliar with command-line interfaces and VPN configuration, setting up OpenConnect can be complex and challenging.
  • Limited GUI Support
    OpenConnect primarily operates via the command line and lacks a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI), which might be a disadvantage for users who prefer graphical tools.
  • Documentation Variability
    While there's documentation available, users might find inconsistencies or gaps due to the decentralized nature of contributions, making troubleshooting less straightforward.
  • Feature Parity
    In certain cases, OpenConnect may lack some features present in the proprietary VPN clients it aims to replace, potentially limiting functionality for some advanced configurations.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SoftEther 2 videos + Add
OpenConnect 1 video + Add

SoftEther VPN short review and testing (2018) FREE!

More videos

  • - SoftEther VPN Server Review and Tutorial

How to Use TorGuard's Stealth VPN (Openconnect vs OpenVPN Stunnel)

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SoftEther
OpenConnect
81% 81%
19% 19%
72% 72%
28% 28%
80% 80%
VPN
20% 20%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using SoftEther and OpenConnect. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

SoftEther no reviews yet
OpenConnect no reviews yet

We have no reviews of OpenConnect yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SoftEther 2 mentions
OpenConnect 0 mentions
  • Best VPN hardware device for small size team?
    You can try softether.org, you just need to set it up on a computer in the office that is always running. Source: about 3 years ago
  • I need help.
    I recommend SoftEther. simple, fast and doesn't take much space, the download site is softether.org Ghost clients are the clients that have amazing bypasses for huge servers such as mineplex and hypixel, most free ghost clients are... Source: over 4 years ago

Tracking OpenConnect since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to SoftEther and OpenConnect

When comparing SoftEther and OpenConnect, you can also consider the following products.