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OpenVPN VS Orbot

Compare OpenVPN VS Orbot and see what are their differences

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Orbot logo Orbot

Orbot is an open source ...
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19
  • Orbot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-26

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.

Orbot features and specs

  • Anonymity
    Orbot uses Tor to encrypt internet traffic and route it through multiple servers, making it difficult to trace the user's location and internet usage.
  • Open Source
    Orbot is open-source software, allowing users to examine its source code for security and privacy, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Privacy Protection
    By routing traffic through the Tor network, Orbot protects users from surveillance and tracking, enhancing online privacy.
  • Bypass Censorship
    Orbot enables users to access websites that may be blocked or restricted in their country, bypassing censorship and content filters.
  • Free to Use
    Orbot is available for free, allowing anyone to enhance their privacy and security without financial barriers.

Possible disadvantages of Orbot

  • Reduced Speed
    Since Orbot routes traffic through multiple nodes in the Tor network, internet speeds can be significantly slower compared to a direct connection.
  • Complex Setup
    For users unfamiliar with Tor or VPNs, setting up and configuring Orbot can be more complex than using standard internet applications.
  • App Compatibility
    Not all apps are compatible with Orbot, and some may require additional configuration to route their traffic through the Tor network.
  • Battery Drain
    Running Orbot can consume more battery power than regular browsing due to the additional processes involved in routing traffic through the Tor network.
  • Legal and Policy Issues
    In some regions, using Tor and similar anonymizing tools can attract legal scrutiny or violate terms of service agreements, potentially leading to restrictions or even penalties.

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

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

Orbot videos

Orbot Proxy [ App Review ] - How To Use TOR On Android

More videos:

  • Review - Anonymity using the Tor Network (OrBot and OrFox on Android)
  • Review - App Review: Orbot for Android

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenVPN and Orbot)
VPN
89 89%
11% 11
Security & Privacy
90 90%
10% 10
Cloud VPN
91 91%
9% 9
Security
68 68%
32% 32

User comments

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Reviews

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

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

Orbot Reviews

Best Tor Browser Alternative for Risk-Free Web Surfing
Orbot is a freely licensed open-source application developed for the Android platform. It functions as a Tor gateway, enabling users to connect to the Tor network and enjoy improved privacy and security.
10 Best Free Android VPN Apps For Your Smartphone In 2021
Orbot offers a local proxy within the Tor network, and it has the ability to encrypt all TCP traffic from your Android device if you give it the necessary permissions. Apart from that, Orbot also provides an option to activate the VPN mode to hide your location.
Source: techlog360.com
8 Similar Apps like Psiphon that are Actually Better
Orbot is probably the best VPN/proxy app that is known to exist for Android. Yes, it isn’t available for iOS, so if you encounter app at the App Store, that should be considered deceptive. Orbot may not give you the fastest speed when connected to the proxy but it surely the most secure VPN app that utilizes Tor network for the internal communication.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenVPN seems to be a lot more popular than Orbot. While we know about 40 links to OpenVPN, we've tracked only 1 mention of Orbot. 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.

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: about 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

Orbot mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenVPN and Orbot, 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.

Tor Browser - Tor is free software for enabling anonymous communication.

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

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

Onion.ly - Access the Tor and I2p networking without leaving your favorite browser.

NordVPN - NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.