OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs IKEv2 vs L2TP: Choosing a VPN Protocol

When setting up a VPN connection, you will come across a choice of protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec. These names are rarely explained, yet the choice has a real effect on speed, stability, and ease of use.

This article explains the differences in plain language, then gives practical recommendations.

What is a VPN protocol?

A VPN protocol is the set of rules that determines how your data is wrapped, encrypted, and sent to the VPN server. Think of it as choosing a type of envelope and how to seal it: the contents are the same, but the delivery differs. Some are faster, some hold up better under interference, and some are easier to set up.

WireGuard

The newest of the four. Its codebase is much smaller than the others, and that is not just about elegance: less code means fewer places for security flaws to hide, and it is easier to audit thoroughly.

In everyday use, WireGuard usually feels the fastest and is also the quickest to reconnect after a dropped connection. It generally uses less battery on mobile devices too.

Best for: almost everyone, especially on phones.

OpenVPN

The protocol with the longest track record of widespread use and the most audits. Because of its age, it is supported everywhere: almost every operating system, router, and network device can use it.

OpenVPN can run over either TCP or UDP. The UDP version is faster; the TCP version is slower but holds up better on poor networks because it retransmits lost packets.

The downside is that OpenVPN is more computationally demanding than WireGuard. On weak hardware such as cheap routers, the difference is noticeable.

Best for: devices or routers that do not support WireGuard yet. See the OpenVPN Tutorial for a guide.

IKEv2/IPSec

Its main strength is handling network changes. IKEv2 is designed to stay connected when a device switches from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa: the VPN connection does not drop, it just changes path.

That is why IKEv2 is often the best choice for a phone on the move. It is also built into iOS and Windows, with no extra app needed.

Best for: phones that frequently switch between WiFi and mobile data.

L2TP/IPSec

An older protocol that is still widely used for one practical reason: it is built into almost every operating system and router, including older devices. There is nothing to install.

In terms of speed, L2TP/IPSec lags behind WireGuard and OpenVPN because data is wrapped in two layers. But for configuring a router or a device that has no other option, it gets the job done.

Best for: routers and older devices that do not support modern protocols. See the Mikrotik configuration for an example.

What about PPTP?

You may still find PPTP in the settings menu of older devices. Do not use it. Its encryption was broken long ago and no longer offers meaningful protection. It is fast, but only because practically nothing is being secured.

Summary

Protocol

Speed

Best for

WireGuard

Fastest

General use, phones

OpenVPN

Fast

Broad compatibility, routers

IKEv2/IPSec

Fast

Phones that often switch networks

L2TP/IPSec

Moderate

Older devices, routers with no other option

PPTP

• Do not use

So which one should you choose?

For most people: use WireGuard if it is available, and OpenVPN if it is not. If you use an iPhone and often switch between WiFi and mobile data, IKEv2 is worth trying. Keep L2TP/IPSec as a last resort for devices that genuinely have no other option.

If in doubt, our app's default settings already pick the most suitable protocol for your device. See the feature information page for the list of protocols we support.

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