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Tunnelblick VS OpenVPN

Compare Tunnelblick VS OpenVPN and see what are their differences

Tunnelblick logo Tunnelblick

free software for OpenVPN on OS X and macOS

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN
  • Tunnelblick Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-29
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

Tunnelblick features and specs

  • Open Source
    Tunnelblick is open-source software, meaning that its source code is publicly accessible for review and modification, which enhances transparency and security as it allows the user community to identify and address vulnerabilities.
  • Free of Charge
    Tunnelblick is available for free, making it an attractive option for users who need a cost-effective solution for VPN management on macOS systems.
  • Easy Installation and Use
    Tunnelblick provides a straightforward installation process and a user-friendly interface, enabling both novices and advanced users to set up and manage their VPN connections easily.
  • macOS Specific
    Designed specifically for macOS, Tunnelblick integrates well with Apple's operating system, providing native look-and-feel and performance optimizations.
  • Supports Multiple Configurations
    Tunnelblick allows for the management of multiple VPN configurations, which is useful for users who need to switch between different VPN services or servers.

Possible disadvantages of Tunnelblick

  • macOS Only
    Tunnelblick is only available for macOS, which limits its use to users who have Apple computers and excludes users of other operating systems like Windows or Linux.
  • Advanced Configuration
    While Tunnelblick is user-friendly for basic use, more complex configurations may require advanced technical knowledge which can be challenging for some users.
  • Requires Separate OpenVPN Setup
    Tunnelblick serves as a GUI client for OpenVPN, which means users must already have OpenVPN configurations or subscriptions set up separately, possibly complicating initial setup for some users.
  • No Built-in VPN Service
    Unlike some other VPN clients, Tunnelblick does not provide its own VPN servers; users must connect to third-party OpenVPN servers, which may require additional subscriptions or fees.
  • Limited Features Compared to Paid Solutions
    Tunnelblick lacks some of the advanced features offered by commercial VPN clients, such as automatic server switching, customer support, and bundled additional security features.

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.

Tunnelblick videos

Tunnelblick 2.0 Review -Boostertest mit Kollegen

More videos:

  • Review - TUNNELBLICK-Review (German)
  • Review - Tunnelblick Review & Gewinnspiel - Pump, Fokus, Energie, Geschmack & Preis

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 Tunnelblick and OpenVPN)
VPN
8 8%
92% 92
Cloud VPN
9 9%
91% 91
Security & Privacy
8 8%
92% 92
Security
6 6%
94% 94

User comments

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Reviews

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

Tunnelblick Reviews

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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

Based on our record, OpenVPN should be more popular than Tunnelblick. It has been mentiond 40 times since March 2021. 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.

Tunnelblick mentions (4)

  • New to OpenVPN, had few questions…
    Https://tunnelblick.net/ and https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.blinkt.openvpn. Source: about 2 years ago
  • MacOS clients can't resolve DNS over VPN
    You need to install TunnelBlick. Then install your VPN config in there, and it will work. https://tunnelblick.net/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What’s a good Free VPN for Mac?
    For home access, site to site. Use https://tunnelblick.net. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Asking about VPN management on mac. L2TP. I have to login to so many clients, is there an easier way to keep track of all of your VPN connections list? Or a way to sync VPN connections list between 2 macs? iCloud backup of them?
    Have you looked at https://tunnelblick.net ? Source: about 4 years ago

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
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What are some alternatives?

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

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

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

Viscosity - Viscosity is a VPN client for Mac OS X and Windows.

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

OpenConnect - VPN client compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN

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