Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

sshuttle VS OpenConnect

Compare sshuttle VS OpenConnect and see what are their differences

sshuttle logo sshuttle

sshuttle: where transparent proxy meets VPN meets ssh

OpenConnect logo OpenConnect

VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN
  • sshuttle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04
  • OpenConnect Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

sshuttle features and specs

  • Simplicity
    sshuttle is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration. It leverages SSH, a tool that many are already familiar with.
  • No Root Access Required
    sshuttle can be used without root access on the client side, making it accessible in environments where administrative privileges are restricted.
  • Cross-Platform
    sshuttle works on multiple operating systems including Linux and macOS, providing flexibility in different environments.
  • Compatibility
    As it operates at the IP level, sshuttle can work with any program and command-line tools that interact over TCP/IP without requiring any changes.
  • Security
    Utilizes SSH's encryption mechanisms, ensuring data is securely tunneled between the client and the server.

Possible disadvantages of sshuttle

  • Performance
    While convenient, sshuttle may not perform as well as more specialized VPN solutions, especially under heavy network load.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to dedicated VPN software, sshuttle lacks advanced features such as traffic shaping, advanced logging, and fine-grained access controls.
  • No UDP Support
    sshuttle primarily supports TCP, and has limited support for UDP, which may be a drawback for applications that rely heavily on UDP.
  • Dependency on SSH Servers
    Requires a functional SSH server at the remote end, which may not always be feasible or permitted in all network configurations.
  • Complex Networks
    Handling complex network environments may get tricky. More sophisticated routing configurations or VPN setups can better manage such cases.

OpenConnect features and specs

  • 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 of OpenConnect

  • 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.

sshuttle videos

Hak5 1224.1, SShuttle and Linux Talk

More videos:

  • Review - Hak5 1224.2, SShuttle and Linux Talk
  • Review - Hak5 1224.3, SShuttle and Linux Talk

OpenConnect videos

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to sshuttle and OpenConnect)
VPN
71 71%
29% 29
Security & Privacy
66 66%
34% 34
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud VPN
51 51%
49% 49

User comments

Share your experience with using sshuttle and OpenConnect. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, sshuttle seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 27 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.

sshuttle mentions (27)

View more

OpenConnect mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenConnect yet. Tracking of OpenConnect recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

Mozilla VPN - A VPN from the trusted pioneer in internet privacy.

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

Advanced Onion Router - Team Elite - Our work - Advanced Onion Router

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Outline by Alphabet - Control and build your own VPN 🛠️

Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client - Get much more than industry-leading VPN client connectivity. Cisco AnyConnect protects your enterprise resources through a single agent. See how.