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WireGuard vs OpenVPN: which should you run?

If you are standing up your own VPN, the first decision is the protocol. For most people today, the answer is WireGuard — but OpenVPN still has a place.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a compact, modern protocol built into the Linux kernel. It is typically faster, uses less battery on phones, and is far simpler to configure — a peer is basically a public key plus an endpoint.

  • Faster and lower latency in most tests

  • Kinder to phone battery

  • Small, auditable codebase

  • Simple key-based peer configuration

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is older, battle-tested and extremely compatible, including on networks that block UDP. It has more configuration options and a wider set of enterprise integrations.

  • Works over TCP where UDP is blocked

  • Mature tooling and enterprise integrations

  • More options, more complexity

Which should you pick?

Run WireGuard by default and keep an OpenVPN profile for networks that fight UDP. Our VPN hosting generates both, with QR codes you can scan straight into the mobile app.

Security habits that matter more than the protocol

  • Use strong keys and rotate them

  • Set data caps and revoke unused peers

  • Document your no-log policy

  • Test for DNS leaks after you connect

Once you are connected, verify your public IP and DNS behaviour with a leak test — that tells you more about your real privacy than any protocol debate.

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