Want to know which is the best VPN protocol ? Here is a guide with the best VPN network security protocols: OpenVPN, Wireguard, PPT, SSTP and many others.
When using technology, one is led to think that this works very easily, this is due to the fact that the developers of a particular product or device design them so that they are as usable as possible by everyone. Although the simplicity of use is evident, in many cases there is a much more complicated process at the base, essential for everything to work in the best way and to guarantee safety.
You have surely heard the word protocol in the IT and technological fields . The term security protocol is usually used, which identifies a very important tool for preventing cyber attacks , whether they are related to a PC, an operating system or a smartphone.
Even more in detail, several VPN protocols are being developed in recent years , but what are they? A well-chosen VPN protocol can make the difference in the daily use of your Virtual Private Network , let’s see why.
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Index
- What are the best VPN network security protocols: OpenVPN, Wireguard, PPT, IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP/IPsec
- Open VPN
- IKEv2/IPSec
- WireGuard
- PPTP extension
- SSTP extension
- L2TP/IPsec
- Which protocol to use for VPN
What are the best VPN network security protocols: OpenVPN, Wireguard, PPT, IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP/IPsec
Maybe you’ve heard of security protocols, related to your network card or Windows 11 , but you’ve never wondered what they are. Today we will cover specifically those for the VPN. When the expression VPN protocol is used , it identifies that set of rules that have the ability to define authentication , authorization , encryption , tracing methods and traffic detection . Depending on the protocol you choose, you will be able to obtain better performances in each of these characteristics.
The best VPNs with a quality protocol for encryption will have greater security when browsing unreliable websites , while those with a protocol for tracking methods will make you virtually invisible on the web. But which ones to choose?
Open VPN
Among the most used open-source security protocols is OpenVPN , which mainly exploits the encryption and verification processes on TLS methodologies. Although it is a free solution and present in most VPNs distributed without purchase costs, it has excellent protection for your web browsing . Its potential is based above all on AES-256-GCM encryption , therefore, it will be particularly difficult to circumvent even for the most incidental cyber threats. The only flaw is the configuration , which unfortunately requires a little effort and a few minutes. The open-source nature is very worthwhile for the cost, much less to set everything up right on your PC or smartphone.
Generally speaking, it’s the ideal solution if you’re looking for speed, but not all the reliability in the world. NordVPN should certainly be mentioned among the best VPNs that support OpenVPN .
IKEv2/IPSec
The IKEv2/IPSec protocol is used above all by those who want to obtain very high speeds in all conditions of use . If your VPN has this security technology it will certainly be among the fastest, even if it does not excel in terms of encryption. It is currently among the most present solutions in operating systems , since it is very simple to use.
However, we point out an obvious difficulty in implementing the protocol within a server system, this is due to the fact that the traffic is routed directly via UDP port 500 . This condition makes blocking very simple, therefore, it could present conflicts with the RAM memory of this type of system.
Definitely not the best technology to rely on, but if you don’t want to experience incompatibility problems with your Windows operating system, then it’s the right choice to make. Being developed by Microsoft , VPNs with this security protocol are particularly facilitated .
WireGuard
One of the latest security protocols that is increasingly in demand is definitely WireGuard . The huge demand is given above all by its lightness , which makes it usable on all devices. Its strong point is stability , in fact, owners of a VPN who watch streaming content need a stable connection that can eliminate loading. The WireGuard is great for that function, even if it has some huge pain points.
The real weak point lies in its inability to anonymize users , which will in any case expose you to possible geolocations . However, if you need a VPN protocol to watch streaming movies or play video games, then it could be the fastest and most practical solution. Currently the VPNs that implement this protocol are paid, you will hardly find a free Virtual Private Network with this security system . Do we recommend it? Absolutely, but only if you don’t want anonymity at all costs, as there are far better alternatives. Among the best VPNs that support WireGuard we can mention Surfshark VPN , CyberGhost VPN and IPVanish.
PPTP extension
When you use the Point to Point Tunneling protocol (PPTP) you are exploiting a particularly dated technology, but with great efficiency. In fact, although it is a protocol developed in 1999, it is also widely used in the most modern VPNs.
It is no coincidence that both paid and free VPNs use this security protocol, it is suitable for all online activities, but it is perfect for video streaming and for bypassing geoblocks. We do not recommend using it for more complex operations, perhaps on unreliable websites, it has vulnerabilities. In some cases you could also collide with the firewalls of the operating systems , having to commit yourself and not a little to restore correct functioning. Unfortunately, 128-bit encryption is outdated and takes its toll when it comes to encrypting more important information. Compatibility with almost all devices, including routers, however, make it accessible to everyone.
SSTP extension
When it comes to security protocols, it is impossible not to mention SSTP , a clear evolution of the more dated PPTP. Developed by Microsoft and already present in Windows Vista, the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is also available on systems other than those designed by Microsoft. Its peculiarities are mainly based on speed and practicality of use , but it is also very secure, since there are practically zero vulnerabilities . The technology on which this protocol is based is SSL v3 so it is extremely functional for server systems and to free you from firewalls.
The only flaw is to be found in the very implementation of the protocol by Microsoft, relying on a technology so rooted in operating systems may not be appropriate. It is usually not recommended for those who carry out international espionage , but we are sure that you have no related intentions.
If you are looking for a good secure VPN protocol for streaming and for activities where sharing of sensitive data is not required, then SSTP is for you.
L2TP/IPsec
Acronym of Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol this technology allows you to create a tunnel for your VPN , but using the other IPSec protocol to encrypt the data. Double activation allows you to encrypt data in 256 bit and implement the VPN on most devices. However, we anticipate that it is not that simple to use, in addition to being a somewhat outdated standard, it presents obvious difficulties in overcoming firewalls and some web providers that limit the functions of VPNs.
In its favor, however, there is an exceptional speed that is effective for streaming on the web. However, streaming reliability collides with system resources that are not really for everyone, although compatibility is almost unlimited, you will need high-performance devices . We generally do not recommend this, as it is an old protocol.
Which protocol to use for VPN
An ideal VPN protocol doesn’t exist, we could recommend a PPTP protocol , or one that allows you to do what you want, but in reality, the solution is to be found in the VPN that has the greatest versatility.
Currently, there are few VPNs that offer quality security protocols, often using open-source solutions or limiting protection to specific paid features. Analyzing the Virtual Private Networks available, the one with a better protection-cost ratio is NordVPN . This is based on the OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols , which guarantee reliability and security . This platform is already configured, you just have to choose the server to connect to and surf the web. For more info visit the official website below.