What they are
Every VPN needs a set of rules to protect your connection: how to lock your data and how to send it. Those rules are called a protocol.
- OpenVPN has been around for more than twenty years. It is reliable and very flexible, and for a long time it was the standard.
- WireGuard is much newer. It was designed to be simple and fast, and today it is used by more and more VPNs, including big commercial services like NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN.
What changes for you
| WireGuard | OpenVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast | Good, slower on phones and small computers |
| Connecting | Almost instant | Takes a few seconds |
| Battery on your phone | Uses very little | Uses more |
| Moving from WiFi to mobile data | Keeps working without a cut | Has to reconnect |
| Very restricted networks | Sometimes blocked | Usually gets through |
| Setting it up by hand | Simple | Many options to get right |
Why WireGuard is winning
- It is faster: pages and videos load with less delay, even on a small computer like a Raspberry Pi.
- It is kinder to your battery: when you are not using it, it barely does anything.
- It does not cut out: walk out of the house and switch to mobile data, and the connection just carries on.
- It is simpler: fewer options means fewer chances of setting something up wrong.
Learn more in what is WireGuard.
When OpenVPN still makes sense
- Very restricted networks: some hotels, offices or countries block almost everything. OpenVPN can disguise itself better and often still gets through.
- Company systems that were already built around OpenVPN.
- Older routers and devices that only support OpenVPN.
Which one is safer?
Both are safe when they are set up properly. OpenVPN gives you many options, and that also means more things to get right. WireGuard makes those choices for you, using one modern design, so there is less room for mistakes.
Which one MiVPN and SiVPN use
MiVPN and SiVPN use WireGuard, because it is faster, saves battery and is simpler to keep safe. And you do not have to configure anything: the apps do it for you.
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 safer than OpenVPN?
Both are safe when set up properly. WireGuard is simpler, which leaves less room for mistakes.
Which is better for video calls and games?
Usually WireGuard: it adds less delay and does not cut out when your network changes.
Why does my VPN app let me choose between them?
Many apps offer both. WireGuard is the best choice in most cases; OpenVPN is useful when a network blocks the VPN.
Do I need to configure anything with MiVPN?
No. You sign in to the app and connect; it sets everything up for you.