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sshuttle VS OpenConnect

Compare sshuttle VS OpenConnect and see what are their differences

sshuttle

sshuttle: where transparent proxy meets VPN meets ssh

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
OpenConnect

VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
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Which is more popular?

Based on our record, sshuttle seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 29 times since March 2021.

social mentions
29 vs 0
VPN popularity
87% vs 13%
alternatives listed
173 vs 43

Base details

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

sshuttle
OpenConnect
Website github.com infradead.org
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in
VPN Security Cloud VPN SSH +1
VPN Security & Privacy Cloud VPN Automation +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

sshuttle 5 features
OpenConnect 5 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

sshuttle
OpenConnect

Overall verdict

  • sshuttle is generally considered a good and reliable tool for securely tunneling traffic. It is suitable for users who need an easy way to bypass firewalls and access remote networks securely without the complexity of traditional VPNs.

Why this product is good

  • sshuttle is a popular tool because it combines the simplicity of SSH tunneling with the transparency of a VPN, allowing users to forward traffic easily over an SSH connection. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to overcome restrictive firewalls and provide secure access to resources without needing root privileges (on the client side) or requiring a VPN setup on the server.

Recommended for

  • Developers and system administrators who need to access office or remote networks securely.
  • Users who need to bypass firewalls or restrictive network conditions.
  • People seeking a simpler alternative to VPNs, especially when working with SSH-accessible servers.
  • Individuals who require a temporary or lightweight solution for secure network access.

No analysis of OpenConnect yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

sshuttle 3 videos + Add
OpenConnect 1 video + Add

Hak5 1224.1, SShuttle and Linux Talk

More videos

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

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
sshuttle
OpenConnect
87% 87%
VPN
13% 13%
70% 70%
Cloud VPN
30% 30%
84% 84%
Security & Privacy
16% 16%
100% 100%
Tool
0% 0%

User comments

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

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

sshuttle 29 mentions
OpenConnect 0 mentions

View more

Tracking OpenConnect since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to sshuttle and OpenConnect

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

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