PPTP VPN
Wondering if PPTP is the right VPN protocol for you? Learn what PPTP is, how it works, and the strengths and weaknesses it brings to the table.
What is PPTP?
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is one of the earliest protocols used to establish VPN connections, offering features such as authentication and data encryption. Though it was widely used in the 1990s, PPTP is now considered outdated due to major security flaws that make it vulnerable to certain attacks like bit-flipping.
How Does PPTP Work?
PPTP creates a tunnel between two points, encapsulating data packets in an IP envelope for secure transmission. Once connected, it handles both data flow and control messages that manage the VPN session. This simple tunneling process, foundational for early VPNs, has been enhanced in newer protocols for improved security and efficiency.
How to Set Up PPTP VPN
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Subscribe to PureVPN
Get a PureVPN plan that suits your needs by visiting our order page (all our plans are backed by a 31-day refund guarantee).
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Configure PPTP Manually
Open your device’s built-in VPN settings and enter the required information (server address, username, password, etc).
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Establish a Connection
Once done, simply save the VPN profile and connect to start sending your traffic through a PPTP tunnel!
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Pros and Cons of PPTP
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Ease of Setup: PPTP is straightforward to set up without needing specialized software, as it is natively supported by most operating systems.
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Poor Security: PPTP is vulnerable to several types of attacks and uses weak encryption standards, making it an insecure option for sensitive data transmission.
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Speed: Due to its minimal encryption overhead, PPTP generally offers faster connection speeds compared to other VPN protocols with stronger encryption.
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Firewall Limitations: Since PPTP does not use standardized VPN port numbers, it is prone to being blocked by firewalls, which can result in connection problems.
PPTP protocol comparison
Let’s take a quick look at how PPTP 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 |
Other VPN Protocols
PureVPN offers you the highest-quality security protocols so you can enjoy strong online privacy with confidence
WireGuard
A newer, lightweight VPN protocol known for high-speed performance and strong encryption.
Read more →IKEv2/IPSec
This protocol offers strong security, high speeds, and stability, especially for mobile VPN connections.
Read more →OpenVPN
This protocol highly configurable and secure, widely used for its strong encryption and flexibility.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
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Who invented PPTP?
PPTP was developed by Microsoft in collaboration with other technology companies, primarily for creating VPN over dial-up networks.
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Does PPTP have encryption?
Yes, PPTP includes encryption using the Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) protocol and MPPE, but its encryption strength is considered weak compared to modern standards.
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Why use a PPTP VPN?
Yes, PPTP includes encryption using the Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) protocol and MPPE, but its encryption strength is considered weak compared to modern standards.
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Is PPTP the fastest protocol?
PPTP can be faster than more heavily encrypted protocols due to its basic encryption, but this speed comes at the expense of security.
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Does PureVPN support PPTP?
PureVPN only supports PPTP connections through manual configuration, meaning there is no option to use PPTP within our apps.