OpenVPN vs. WireGuard vs. IKEv2: Choosing the Right VPN Protocol

1 OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol developed by OpenVPN Technologies. It uses a custom security protocol based on SSL/TLS for key exchange, ensuring full confidentiality, authentication, and integrity of data.

Encryption:

• Utilizes the OpenSSL library, supporting a wide range of cryptographic algorithms such as AES, Blowfish, and 3DES.
• IVPN implements OpenVPN with AES-256 bit keys for robust encryption.

Security:

• No known major vulnerabilities when implemented with secure encryption algorithms and certificates for authentication.
• Considered highly secure due to its thorough vetting and widespread use.

Speed:

• Performs similarly to IKEv2 in its default UDP mode on reliable networks.
• Slightly slower than WireGuard due to higher encryption overhead.

Compatibility and Setup:

• Requires installation of client software as it is not included in operating system releases.
• Supported across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Stability:

• Highly stable over wireless, cellular, and other non-reliable networks.
• Offers a TCP mode for highly unreliable connections, though with reduced performance.

Verdict: OpenVPN is an excellent choice for all platforms, offering strong security, reliability, and compatibility.

2 WireGuard

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol designed to be simpler, faster, and more secure than traditional VPN protocols. It utilizes state-of-the-art cryptography and is known for its high performance and efficiency.

Encryption:

• Uses ChaCha20 for encryption, Curve25519 for key exchange, BLAKE2s for hashing, SipHash24 for hashtable keys, and HKDF for key derivation.
• Employs a UDP-based handshake with perfect forward secrecy, avoiding key-compromise impersonation and replay attacks.

Security:

• No known major vulnerabilities.
• Smaller codebase allows for thorough audits by individuals and organizations.
• Integrated into the Linux Kernel 5.6 and reviewed by third-party auditors.

Speed:

• Extremely high-speed cryptographic primitives and deep kernel integration result in higher speeds and lower overhead compared to OpenVPN.
• Most users report better performance with WireGuard than with OpenVPN.

Compatibility and Setup:

• Integrated into Linux Kernel 5.6, requiring client installation on other systems.
• Simple and quick setup process, typically taking less than 5 minutes.

Stability:

• More stable than OpenVPN when roaming across networks.
• Maintains connections while switching networks or servers without dropping the connection.

Verdict: WireGuard is an excellent choice for high speeds and strong security, offering a modern and efficient solution suitable for wide-scale use.

3 IKEv2

IKEv2 is part of the IPSec protocol suite, standardized in RFC 7296. It is widely regarded for its speed, stability, and strong security features.

Encryption:

• Supports various cryptographic algorithms including AES with 256-bit keys.
• IVPN implements IKEv2 using AES-256 bit keys for robust encryption.

Security:

• Generally considered secure with no known major vulnerabilities.
• Leaked NSA presentations suggest potential, unspecified exploitations, but IKEv2 remains widely trusted.

Speed:

• Typically faster than OpenVPN due to user-mode encryption.
• Performance depends on specific connection variables, but generally provides high speeds.

Compatibility and Setup:

• Native support in Windows 7+, macOS 10.11+, and most mobile operating systems.
• Easier to set up compared to OpenVPN, requiring no additional software installation in most cases.

Stability:

• Reliable with additional configuration sometimes needed for NAT routers.
• Supports NAT traversal, ensuring stable connections.

Verdict: IKEv2 is a fast, secure, and reliable choice, ideal for users seeking quick setup and strong performance.

Conclusion

OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 each offer distinct advantages for securing remote employees. OpenVPN is widely respected for its robust security and compatibility, making it a reliable choice across platforms. WireGuard stands out for its modern cryptographic methods, high speed, and ease of use, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing performance. IKEv2 offers a balance of speed, security, and ease of setup, ideal for users looking for a straightforward solution with strong performance. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each protocol can help organizations choose the best option to secure their remote workforce effectively.