Skip to contentWireGuard vs OpenVPN: which VPN protocol to choose
Compare WireGuard and OpenVPN by transport, implementation and compatibility. Performance depends on the setup; neither protocol guarantees anonymity or access through a blocking network.
Two philosophies of VPN design
WireGuard uses UDP and a fixed cryptographic suite; OpenVPN supports UDP or TCP and more configuration choices. The s4m VPN offers both. A protocol name does not establish a provider’s logging or anonymity policy. WireGuard does not provide built-in obfuscation.
Compare implementations, then measure
WireGuard has kernel and userspace implementations. OpenVPN with supported DCO can also process its data channel in the kernel. ChaCha20-Poly1305, CPU features, server load and network conditions affect performance. Compare throughput, latency and CPU use on the same device and exit; this page provides no s4m benchmark.
Compatibility and transport choices
OpenVPN supports TCP 443 when client and server are configured for it. An allowed port does not make VPN traffic identical to HTTPS or guarantee passage through deep packet inspection. The current s4m VPN generator issues OpenVPN UDP profiles: do not change a downloaded profile to TCP 443 by editing its port. Choose a profile your client and provider support; see protocol options and WireGuard setup.
Questions, answered
Is WireGuard really faster than OpenVPN?
Not on every setup. Client implementation, DCO availability, CPU, server load and network conditions affect the result. Compare throughput, latency and CPU use on the same device and exit; this page does not establish a universal winner.
When should I still use OpenVPN?
Use OpenVPN when your client, provider or required configuration supports it better. TCP 443 needs matching server support and does not guarantee DPI evasion. s4m currently issues OpenVPN UDP profiles; use the transport and port supplied in the profile.
Both protocols, your choice
Choose a supplied s4m WireGuard or OpenVPN profile that your client supports, then compare its behaviour on your device and network.
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