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NordVPN VS OpenVPN

Compare NordVPN VS OpenVPN and see what are their differences

NordVPN logo NordVPN

NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN
  • NordVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-12-12
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

NordVPN features and specs

  • Strong Encryption
    NordVPN uses next-generation encryption protocols like AES-256, ensuring that user data is well-protected.
  • No-Logs Policy
    NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity and data are not stored or monitored by the service.
  • Large Server Network
    NordVPN offers a vast network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, providing users with a wide range of options for optimal speeds and access.
  • Streaming and P2P Friendly
    The service is optimized for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted experiences.
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Features
    NordVPN includes advanced features like Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN for enhanced security.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to connect to a server and adjust settings.
  • 24/7 Customer Support
    NordVPN offers around-the-clock customer support through live chat and email to help resolve any issues promptly.

Possible disadvantages of NordVPN

  • Variable Speeds
    Some users may experience inconsistent internet speeds depending on server load and their geographic location.
  • Cost
    NordVPN is relatively expensive compared to some other VPN services, especially if not purchased during a promotional period.
  • Complex Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, some advanced settings may be confusing for less tech-savvy users.
  • Occasional Connection Drops
    There have been instances where users experience unexpected connection drops, requiring them to reconnect to a server.
  • Limited Simultaneous Connections
    The service allows a maximum of six simultaneous device connections, which may be restrictive for users with multiple devices.

OpenVPN features and specs

  • Security
    OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
  • Flexibility
    OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
  • Performance
    OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
  • Cost
    As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
  • Resource Intensive
    OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Client Software
    The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Experience
    Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
  • Support
    While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

NordVPN videos

NordVPN Review 2019 - BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - NordVPN Review 2020! 🔥 WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU....
  • Review - NordVPN review: Best VPN? | Nordvpn 2020

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to setup OpenVPN on Windows | macOS | Android | iOS - Smart DNS Proxy

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NordVPN and OpenVPN)
VPN
49 49%
51% 51
Security & Privacy
48 48%
52% 52
Cloud VPN
41 41%
59% 59
Virtual Private Network (VPN)

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare NordVPN and OpenVPN

NordVPN Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
NordVPN is a top choice for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers in multiple countries. With simultaneous connections and a user-friendly interface, NordVPN is perfect for streaming music on various devices.
NordVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
NordVPN offers vital tools like the kill switch, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and stringent no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte. While features like dedicated IP addresses and private data removal tools come at an additional cost, protection against malware and phishing, as well as ad and tracker blockers are included for no extra charge. We found NordVPN speeds steady,...
Source: bestreviews.net
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN alternative that comes with a paid version and a free tier with 10GB bandwidth per month. This software cannot assure the fast performance of NordVPN and others,but has many advantages too.
NordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?
In DepthNordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?By NordLayer, 20 Oct 20226 min readWhat is NordLayer?What is NordLayer used for?Try our Control PanelWhat is NordVPN?What is NordVPN used for?Is NordLayer the same as NordVPN?Main differences between NordLayer and NordVPNSummaryShare articleRelated ArticlesMinimizing external risks: a step-by-step guide to third-party...
Source: nordlayer.com
10 Best FREE Anti Tracking Software In 2023 [TOP SELECTIVE]
NordVPN is the best service provider in the field of VPN, as it keeps your location and IP private, making it untraceable and secure for a user. Nord provides its support and services to its users, keeping their data privacy intact and search results.

OpenVPN Reviews

The top 10 alternatives to OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides virtual private network (VPN) services. It allows the creation of secure network connections over the internet, using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. OpenVPN is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls, providing users with the ability to securely...
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
OpenVPN is a virtual private network system used to create trusted end-to-end connection configuration and remote access services. As with any other VPN service, OpenVPN also has its own drawbacks. For instance, its inability to bypass particular proxy servers and complexities in user journeys lead to less user-friendliness. Therefore, we will be discussing a few...
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In most cases, OpenVPN or WireGuard will be your best bet. PPTP is a protocol we don’t recommend using because of its relatively low-level encryption. However, you could try this protocol when privacy and security are not your highest priorities, such as for unblocking streams. If OpenVPN is not supported or does not work well for whatever reason, you could consider using...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
OpenVPN was first released in May 2001. Although the PPTP protocol had been around for five years already at this point, OpenVPN became popular because it offered stronger encryption without too much of a drop in speed. Over the years, vulnerabilities were patched and new clients were developed that brought OpenVPN support to a greater range of devices. This previously...
9 Best NordVPN Alternatives You Must Use In 2022
The next alternative to NordVPN on our list is OpenVPN. OpenVPN allows you to establish a point-to-point secure connection between your device and the Internet. It is a flexible VPN solution that can cater to business needs as well.
Source: wethegeek.com

Social recommendations and mentions

NordVPN might be a bit more popular than OpenVPN. We know about 46 links to it since March 2021 and only 40 links to OpenVPN. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

NordVPN mentions (46)

  • CONSPIRACY THEORY
    Ad : Do you want to surf the internet while being secure and private ? That is why I recommend NordVPN. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • A guide to exploiting, by C3rillion.
    If you want to be extra safe, get Nord VPN, as it is a good free and paid option for Roblox cheating. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to watch rapids games in colorado?
    NordVPN + ESPN+ is the most consistent option from my experience and at $12-19/month combined it's reasonably affordable. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • NordVPN adaware?
    Go to nordvpn.com and log in to your account. If I remember correctly you can disable ads and other unwanted notifications from there. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Any Martial Law Tips and Trick for the Modern World?
    We use NordVPN. Nag pay kami to protect six devices for two years less than 4k Php. There's Proton too, they have free versions pero na feel ko reduction ng speed sa free version so we decided to pay nalang for Nord. Source: almost 3 years ago
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OpenVPN mentions (40)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2023)
    OpenVPN is hiring! https://openvpn.net/ C++ Developer in the United States. Full-time| Fully remote| Flexible work schedules Link to look at vacancy details and apply:. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Are there any work arounds for the Netflix new "household" system?
    How you connect to your modem will depend on the device you are using, but for windows laptops as an example you download the OpenVPN program and input your modem details there, much like you would any other vpn service. I think there would be some guides on youtube. https://openvpn.net/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use PFSense to control incoming user connections (without a vpn?)
    I just started playing with CloudConnexa for remotely managing my second pFSense. Really nice and is free for up to 3 concurrent users. https://openvpn.net. Can also self-host OpenVPN access server with a free 2 concurrent license. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is the 7spotlight Markle family interview airing now? Is anyone watching and can provide comment? 👀📺
    If anyone is being blocked check out free OpenVPN. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is it possible for a sysadmin to block only some packets from a VPN connection ?
    I too haven't used the client-nat directive in some years (I currently implement 1:1 NAT with pfsense to access my network because I'm too lazy to change the networks subnet from the default) so I decided to retest and it does appear that OpenVPN Connect clients do not properly support the client-nat directive but the traditional OpenVPN server/clients still do. I've just tested this on OpenVPN 2.6.3 Server,... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing NordVPN and OpenVPN, you can also consider the following products

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN is the worlds fastest VPN service.

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel