Understanding VPN Protocols: Which One is the Best?

Around one-third of web users use VPNs worldwide. This means that more than 1.6 billion people enjoy the security and privacy that a VPN can offer.

If you are one of today’s VPN users (or thinking of getting one), you must have heard about VPN protocols like “WireGuard” or “IKEv2.” 

However, do you know what they are and why they are necessary? 

In this article, you will learn more about which VPN protocol is the best. Read on. 

What is a VPN Protocol? 

VPN protocols are rules that ensure the VPN works smoothly, safely, and reliably. 

They act as a set of instructions determining how data and traffic are routed between your computer and a VPN server.

These protocols also do all the hidden work: authorization, authentication, encryption, traffic capturing, and transportation for a smoother VPN connection. 

Mainly, protocols help VPN services build and configure their networks on an existing digital foundation. 

To learn more about what a VPN protocol is, check out the video below: 

VPN Protocol Boosting

Protocols can also be boosted for additional benefits. One of those is VPN obfuscation. 

Servers that are obfuscated serve as special VPN servers that hide your data and the fact that you’re using a VPN. 

Another benefit is GPS spoofing. With it, you can avoid GPS tracking and change your device’s location online to the one of your choosing. 

Types of VPN Protocols

The default setting of protocols on your VPN may not always be the best option. Protocols affect the performance, latency, and reliability of the encrypted tunnel. 

As not all of them are equal, it is best to get familiar with the options and choose the best one for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options. 

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a VPN system that operates as an open-source software and protocol for VPN services. 

The TLS methodologies form the basis of its encryption and verification processes.

Typically, OpenVPN is utilized alongside the highly secure AES-256-GCM encryption algorithm. 

The fact that it is an open-source VPN protocol, it enables experts worldwide to scrutinize it for any potential security vulnerabilities and other concerns.

OpenVPN is quite hard to set up manually. However, that is not an issue if you use a VPN service like Surfshark—it comes pre-set with your subscription. 

IKEv2/IPSec

The authentication protocol employed alongside the IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) VPN protocol is Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2). 

With IPSec running in the background on the system's kernel, IKEv2 is able to achieve remarkable speed.

IKEv2 is widely supported across various operating systems, making it a convenient alternative to the slower OpenVPN. 

While relying on similar robust security mechanisms as OpenVPN, IKEv2 offers greater ease of scalability and maintenance at the server level.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a relatively new addition to the array of VPN protocols, boasting exceptional connection speed that surpasses both IKEv2 and OpenVPN.

Despite lacking the rigorous testing of OpenVPN, WireGuard delivers first-rate security and encryption standards. It also maintains unparalleled speed thanks to its simplicity. 

Even though it hasn’t been tested as much as other VPN protocolsWireGuard is already implemented on Linux and Android platforms.

Wrap-Up: Which One is the Best?

Overall, WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec are the best protocols in the industry today. 

OpenVPN is not far behind as its performance level is similar to the other two, but it is harder to set up. 

However, you should keep in mind that the best VPN protocol is still the one that fits your specific VPN needs. 

Knowing how each protocol works helps you decide the most suitable provider, letting you enjoy all the benefits that a VPN has to offer.