⚡ Quick Verdict
WireGuard for speed, battery life, and most users. OpenVPN TCP for bypassing firewalls and maximum compatibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | WireGuard | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ⭐ Fastest | Moderate |
| Battery Usage | ⭐ Low | Higher |
| Connection Time | ⭐ Instant | 2-10 seconds |
| Firewall Bypass | Limited | ⭐ Excellent (TCP) |
| Code Size | ~4,000 lines | ~100,000 lines |
| Audit Status | Auditable | Well-audited |
When to Use Each
Use WireGuard For:
- • Daily browsing
- • Streaming
- • Mobile devices (battery)
- • Gaming (low latency)
- • When speed matters most
Use OpenVPN For:
- • Restrictive networks/firewalls
- • Countries with VPN blocks
- • Maximum compatibility
- • Router installations
- • When TCP port 443 needed
VPNs with Both Protocols
NordVPN
NordLynx (WireGuard) + OpenVPN
NordLynx is their custom WireGuard implementation with added privacy features.
Get NordVPN →Surfshark
WireGuard + OpenVPN + IKEv2
Full protocol options on all platforms.
Get Surfshark →Get Both Protocols
NordVPN and Surfshark support both WireGuard and OpenVPN. Switch anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee.