What a VPN protocol is
A VPN protocol defines how your device and the server agree on keys, how they encrypt the data and how they package it to send it over the internet. For years the most common ones were OpenVPN and IPsec: reliable, but large and complex.
What makes WireGuard different
- It is small: its code is a few thousand lines, far less than older protocols, which makes it much easier to review and audit.
- Modern cryptography, no old options: it uses a fixed set of current algorithms (such as ChaCha20, Poly1305 and Curve25519) instead of negotiating among dozens, some of them outdated.
- It is part of Linux: it has been included in the Linux kernel since version 5.6, and it is available on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
Why it is faster
- Less overhead: simpler packets and fewer steps to set up the connection.
- Efficient on phones: it does very little work while idle, which helps the battery.
- Seamless changes of network: when you switch from WiFi to mobile data, the connection simply carries on.
How it keeps you safe
Each device has its own pair of keys. The private key never leaves the device, and the server only talks to the public keys it knows. To anyone else WireGuard stays silent: it does not even answer, so it is hard to find by scanning.
WireGuard in MiVPN and SiVPN
Both MiVPN and SiVPN use WireGuard. The apps create and install the keys for you, so you get its speed and security without touching a configuration file. And if you lose a device, you remove its access and its key stops working.
Your own VPN server, free to start
Install MiVPN Server on any computer at home and connect from your phone or laptop. No configuration files, no third-party servers.
Browse from another country in one tap
SiVPN connects you to our servers in other countries and protects you on any network. Apps for every device.
Frequently asked questions
Is WireGuard secure?
Yes. It uses modern cryptography, its small code has been widely reviewed and it is part of the Linux kernel.
Is it better than OpenVPN?
For most uses, yes: faster, lighter and simpler. OpenVPN can still be useful on networks that only let TCP traffic through.
Does WireGuard work on phones?
Yes, on Android and iOS, and it is especially efficient with the battery.
Do I need to configure anything?
Not with MiVPN or SiVPN: the apps create the keys and the configuration for you.