Start using OpenVPN in 3 quick steps
It’s quick and convenient for you to use OpenVPN with PureVPN so you can get the best online privacy
Step 1
Subscribe to PureVPN and download our app on your device.
Step 2
Log in and choose “OpenVPN” from the list of protocols in your settings.
Step 3
Tap “Connect” and enjoy using your private online connection.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is the standard security technology for creating secure, remote device to device and network-to-network connections.
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OpenVPN is different than other privacy protocols because it uses SSL/TLS to encrypt and verify data.
SSL/TLS is used to protect emails, data transfers, financial transactions, and more.
This makes OpenVPN one of the fastest and most compatible security protocols available for VPNs. -
Unlike other protocols, OpenVPN works on iOS and Android devices. It can also access many communications ports, and works with most operating systems used on all types of devices.
OpenVPN offers powerful encryption standards and is great at getting past location barriers and VPN blockers.
For developers and network managers: OpenVPN gives you the option to configure it using UDP or TCP and supports 256-bit encryption. -
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol. This means it is improved by generous developers around the world, and can be customized for your network needs.
The OpenVPN open-source community quickly fixes any potential security issues.
People who use OpenVPN are encouraged to report any bugs they encounter.
This conversation helps developers to improve the source code and release regular updates.
Reliable privacy and security for your whole family
Your PureVPN account can protect up to 10 of your devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and more
Why is OpenVPN important?
Inside a VPN, OpenVPN is the technology that creates a private tunnel – or connection – between the VPN server and your VPN client.
All traffic going through OpenVPN is protected with encryption so your data is safe from outside trackers like hackers and internet service providers.
How does OpenVPN work?
First, OpenVPN encrypts data packets before they leave your device.
Once the OpenVPN server receives them, a secret key is used to decrypt the data packets so they only make sense to the right destination.
The decrypted data packets are transmitted to the correct web server.
Then, that server sends the data you requested back to the OpenVPN server where it is re-encrypted.
Finally, the data packet is sent back to your device running the OpenVPN client, which decrypts it so you receive your website or online content in privacy.
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What are data packets?
Devices communicate with each other online by sending data packets from one device to another.
These data packets contain the IP address of both devices.
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What is encryption?
Encryption is the process of mixing up data so that only allowed devices or people can understand it.
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What is UDP?
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a method of transferring data across networks that keeps sending out data regardless of whether it reaches the right place.
UDP doesn’t check for errors before sending data, leaving that responsibility to the receiving device. This means UDP is faster than TCP, but less reliable.
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What is TCP?
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) ensures data is sent in the order it’s supposed to arrive. TCP also checks for errors, meaning that the sending and receiving devices communicate.
This means TCP uses more bandwidth than UDP. So, while TCP is a slower protocol than UDP, it is more reliable.
The best VPN protocols
PureVPN offers you the highest-quality security protocols so you can enjoy strong online privacy with confidence
OpenVPN protocol comparison
Let’s take a quick look at how OpenVPN compares to other VPN protocols
| VPN Protocol | Speed | Encryption | Streaming | Stability | P2P | Available in PureVPN app |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | |
| IPSec/IKEv2 | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | |
| WireGuard* | Very Fast | Very Fast | Very Fast | Very Fast | Very Fast | |
| SSTP | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
| L2TP/IPSec | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
| PPTP | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast |