VPN Protocols: What They Are and Which to Use

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Editorial

VPNs do a great job of keeping your internet activity private, but a big part of what makes virtual private networks work are the protocols they use. VPN protocols are the rules or methods that decide how your data gets from point A to point B—securely and efficiently. 

Some protocols are fast but not as secure. Others are super safe but can slow things down. Then you’ve got the ones that try to strike a balance between the two. Plus, different protocols work better depending on what you’re using them for—whether it’s streaming, working remotely, or just staying private online.

In this article, we’ll go over what VPN protocols are, the main types out there, how they work, and what each one’s good or bad at. 

We’ll also talk about how to pick the right one for your needs—whether speed, privacy, or device support matters most to you.

What Are VPN Protocols?

VPN protocols are the set of rules that decide how your data travels through a VPN. They handle how the VPN connects, how your info gets encrypted, and how it’s kept safe while you’re browsing. Think of them as different routes your data can take—some are quicker, some are more secure, and some are just plain outdated.

Each protocol has its pros and cons. Some are better for speed, like WireGuard, while others focus more on security, like OpenVPN. The protocol your VPN uses can affect how well it performs and what kind of protection you get. So yeah, they’re a pretty big deal even if you don’t see them working in the background.

Types of VPN Protocols

There are different types of VPN protocols, each suited for specific tasks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most commonly used ones today.

1. OpenVPN

This is the most popular VPN protocol in the industry. It’s open-source, which means it’s free for anyone to inspect and improve, so there’s a whole community keeping it in shape. It can run on both TCP (more reliable) or UDP (faster), and it works on pretty much every platform—Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, you name it.

People like OpenVPN because it balances speed and security well. It’s great if you’re looking for solid encryption and you don’t mind doing a little bit of setup. Most good VPN services offer OpenVPN as a default or an option, so chances are you’ve used it without even realizing it.

Pros

• Super secure and trusted
• Works on most devices and platforms
• Can use TCP or UDP depending on your needs

Cons

• Needs a third-party app unless built into your VPN
• Setup can be a bit of a pain for beginners
• Slightly slower than newer protocols

2. WireGuard

This is a more recent addition to the VPN protocol family. WireGuard is lightweight, fast, and built with modern encryption in mind. It’s also open-source, like OpenVPN, but it’s way smaller in terms of code, which means fewer things can go wrong.

Speed is where WireGuard shines. It’s super quick and handles mobile networks like a champ. This makes it perfect for smartphones and laptops that move between Wi-Fi and cellular data. A lot of VPN providers like Surfshark, and CyberGhost are starting to make it their go-to choice.

Pros

• Lightning-fast speeds
• Very secure with modern encryption
• Easy to audit and maintain

Cons

• Still kind of new—long-term testing is limited
• Not as flexible as OpenVPN in some network setups
• Might need extra configuration to fully protect your identity

3. IKEv2/IPSec

IKEv2 (short for Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a protocol often paired with IPSec for security. It’s known for being stable, especially on mobile devices. If your phone drops a signal and switches to another network, IKEv2 is great at keeping your VPN connection alive without breaking a sweat.

This protocol is solid for people on the move—commuters, travelers, or anyone hopping between Wi-Fi and mobile data. It’s supported natively on iOS, macOS, and Windows, which makes it pretty convenient too.

Pros

• Fast and stable, especially on mobile
• Handles network changes well
• Built into many operating systems

Cons

• Not as open as OpenVPN or WireGuard
• Can be blocked by some firewalls
• Not always available on all VPN services

4. L2TP/IPSec

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) combined with IPSec is a bit older but still used here and there. It’s more secure than something like PPTP (we’ll get to that), but not as fast or flexible as OpenVPN or WireGuard. It’s mostly around because it’s built into a lot of systems and fairly easy to set up.

This one is more like a backup option these days. If nothing else works, L2TP/IPSec might get the job done. It’s not the first choice for privacy-focused users, though.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Supported on many platforms

Cons

• Slower than newer protocols
• Can be blocked easily
• Encryption isn’t as strong as newer options

5. PPTP

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is the oldest of the bunch—and honestly, it’s kind of obsolete. It’s super easy to set up and fast, but it’s not safe by modern standards. Hackers can crack it pretty easily now, which makes it a poor choice for privacy.

If you’re just trying to get around region restrictions on old devices and don’t care about security, it could still work. But for anything else? Skip it.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Fast on older machines

Cons

• Weak security (can be cracked)
• Not recommended for protecting sensitive info
• Blocked on some networks

6. SSTP

SSTP is a protocol built by Microsoft that works especially well on Windows. It uses SSL/TLS encryption (the same stuff that secures HTTPS websites), which means it can sneak through most firewalls without raising eyebrows.

This protocol is a solid pick if you’re a Windows user and want something that’ll fly under the radar on networks that might try to block VPNs. Since it runs over port 443 (the same as HTTPS), it blends right in.

Pros

• Built into Windows (super easy to use if you’re on a PC)
• Hard to block (thanks to HTTPS-based tunneling)
• Strong encryption
• Pretty stable and reliable

Cons

• Not available on all platforms (mostly Windows-only)
• Closed-source (so you have to trust Microsoft on this one)
• Not as fast as WireGuard or IKEv2
• Limited support in most third-party VPN apps

Specialty VPN Protocols

There are some special VPN protocols created by different VPN services to improve performance. Most are built off the existing protocols we have discussed above. They include the following.

• NordLynx: NordLynx is NordVPN’s custom take on the super-fast WireGuard protocol. It’s built to give you better speed without messing up your privacy. Nord added their own double NAT system to keep your identity safe while still getting lightning-fast connections. NordLynx great for things like streaming in HD, gaming without lag, or just browsing without slowdowns, and it works smoothly on both desktop and mobile.

• Lightway: Lightway is ExpressVPN’s own protocol, made from scratch to be fast, light, and super reliable. It connects in seconds—even on unstable Wi-Fi—and doesn’t hog your battery. It’s especially good if you’re switching networks a lot (like moving from home Wi-Fi to mobile data). It’s also open source now, which means other people have looked over the code to make sure it’s safe.

• NordWhisper: NordWhisper is a recent addition that is all about keeping your private conversations really private. It’s based on the same tech that powers secure messaging apps like Signal, and it’s meant for encrypting voice and text communication. It’s still pretty new and mostly aimed at people who need strong privacy in messaging, like journalists or activists—or anyone who just wants to keep their chats locked down.

• Chameleon: Chameleon is VyprVPN’s answer to internet censorship. It hides VPN traffic so that it doesn’t look like VPN traffic at all, which helps it sneak past strict firewalls in places where VPNs usually get blocked. It’s a solid option if you’re in a country with heavy restrictions, though it’s not the fastest out there. Still, it works when others might not.

• Stealth: Stealth is Proton VPN’s protocol for beating VPN blocks and deep packet inspection. It disguises your connection so it looks like regular internet traffic, even if you’re behind a super strict firewall. Perfect if you’re trying to access stuff that’s usually off-limits or if you just don’t want anyone knowing you’re using a VPN. It’s especially handy in places that actively try to block VPNs.

Choosing the Right VPN Protocol

When it comes to choosing the right VPN protocol, pay attention to the following key factors.

• Security: Look for something that uses strong encryption and has been tested and reviewed by experts. This matters most if you’re trying to protect sensitive info.
• Speed: Some protocols are faster than others. If you’re streaming, gaming, or just don’t want things to lag, go for one that’s known to be quick and lightweight.
• Device Compatibility: Make sure the protocol works on all your devices—like phones, tablets, laptops, or even your router—before settling on one.
• Stability: A good protocol should keep a solid connection, even if your internet is spotty or you’re switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• Privacy: Some protocols are better at keeping your identity hidden. If privacy is your main reason for using a VPN, this is a big deal.
• Ease of Setup: If you’re not tech-savvy or just want something simple, choose a protocol that doesn’t need a bunch of manual setups or confusing settings.
• Performance on Weak Networks: If your internet connection isn’t the best, pick something that’s known to perform well even when speeds drop or signals get weak.
• Support by Your VPN Provider: Not all VPN services support every protocol. Check what your provider offers and how well they support it on different devices.

Summary of VPN Protocols

Here’s a table showing how the VPN protocols compare to each other.

Protocol	Speed	Encryption	Streaming	Stability	P2P
OpenVPN	Fast	Excellent	Good	Good	Good
WireGuard	Very Fast	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good
IKEv2	Fast	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good
L2TP	Medium	Medium	Poor	Good	Poor
PPTP	Fast	Poor	Poor	Good	Poor
SSTP	Medium	Good	Medium	Medium	Good

Wrapping Up

Understanding the differences between VPN protocols is crucial for selecting the right one based on your specific needs, whether it’s speed, security, or compatibility. While newer protocols like WireGuard offer impressive performance, established protocols like OpenVPN and IPsec continue to provide reliable security for various applications.

FAQ