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StrongSwan.org VS OpenVPN

Compare StrongSwan.org VS OpenVPN and see what are their differences

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StrongSwan.org logo StrongSwan.org

strongSwan is an Open Source IPsec-based VPN solution for Linux and other UNIX based operating systems implementing both the IKEv1 and IKEv2 key exchange protocols.

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN
  • StrongSwan.org Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

StrongSwan.org features and specs

  • Open Source
    StrongSwan is open source, which means it is free to use and its source code is available for review, offering transparency and community-driven development.
  • Security
    It provides strong encryption standards and supports a variety of key exchange protocols, ensuring secure VPN connections.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    StrongSwan is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android, increasing its versatility.
  • IKEv2 Support
    Supports IKEv2, a key exchange protocol that is noted for its efficiency and ability to maintain VPN connections even when switching networks.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Provides comprehensive documentation and a rich set of configuration examples, which is helpful for users during setup and troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of StrongSwan.org

  • Complex Configuration
    The configuration can be complex and intimidating for beginners, especially for those not familiar with networking and VPN concepts.
  • Limited GUI Options
    Mostly configuration and management are done through command-line interfaces, which may not be user-friendly for some users.
  • Performance Overhead
    The strong encryption and feature set can introduce performance overhead, potentially impacting resource-constrained environments.
  • Community Support
    While active, the community around StrongSwan may not be as large as some other open-source projects, potentially impacting the speed of obtaining support.

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.

Analysis of OpenVPN

Overall verdict

  • OpenVPN is generally regarded as a good option for both personal and enterprise-level VPN needs. Its strong encryption, adaptability, and community support make it a preferred choice for those who need secure and reliable virtual private network services.

Why this product is good

  • OpenVPN is considered a reliable and secure VPN solution due to its strong encryption standards, open-source nature, and flexibility. It supports a variety of operating systems and devices, and can be configured to meet different security requirements. Its open-source nature allows the community to inspect, modify, and enhance the code, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement. Additionally, it offers robust support for different authentication methods and network configurations.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking enhanced online privacy and security.
  • Businesses looking for a scalable and secure VPN solution.
  • IT professionals who require customizable and flexible VPN configurations.
  • Users who prefer open-source software with an active development community.

StrongSwan.org videos

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OpenVPN videos

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OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to StrongSwan.org and OpenVPN)

StrongSwan.org

OpenVPN

VPN
3 3%
VPN
97% 97
Cloud VPN
4 4%
Cloud VPN
96% 96
Security & Privacy
3 3%
Security & Privacy
97% 97
VPN Software
100 100%
VPN Software
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

StrongSwan.org Reviews

Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
StrongSwan is a simple product of Libreswan and OpenSwan. It has excellent encryption standards as a VPN alternative, which helps create even large-scale and complex VPN networks easier.
Source: cloudinfrastructureservices.co.uk
6 open source tools for making your own VPN
You might have come across a few different VPN tools with “Swan” in the name. FreeS/WAN, OpenSwan, LibreSwan, and strongSwan are all forks of the same project, and the lattermost is my personal favorite. Server-side, strongSwan runs on Linux 2.6, 3.x, and 4x kernels, Android, FreeBSD, macOS, iOS, and Windows.
Source: opensource.com

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...
Source: www.twingate.com
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...
Source: cloudinfrastructureservices.co.uk
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...
Source: www.comparitech.com
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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenVPN seems to be a lot more popular than StrongSwan.org. While we know about 40 links to OpenVPN, we've tracked only 2 mentions of StrongSwan.org. 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.

StrongSwan.org mentions (2)

  • AWS Windows Active Directory Quick Start
    StrongSwan on Linux works well. You can combine it with FRR to do dynamic routing if you need. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • IT Pro Tuesday #163 - Azure Tutorial, VPN Solution, Project Mindmapping & More
    StrongSwan is a multiplatform IPsec solution that offers encryption and authentication for servers and clients to facilitate secure communications with remote networks. Implements both the IKEv1 and IKEv2 key exchange protocols, with fully tested support of IPv6 IPsec tunnel and transport connections. Kindly suggested by red_babun. Source: about 4 years ago

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 / about 2 years 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: over 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: over 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: over 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: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing StrongSwan.org and OpenVPN, you can also consider the following products

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

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

Radmin VPN - Radmin VPN allows you to securely connect computers, located behind firewalls. Download it Free.

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

libreswan - Libreswan is a free software implementation of the most widely supported and standardized VPN protocol using "IPsec" and the Internet Key Exchange ("IKE").

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

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