WireGuard vs OpenVPN - Which Is Better?
WireGuard vs OpenVPN compared: WireGuard is faster with a leaner codebase; OpenVPN is more battle-tested and better through firewalls. Here's which to use and when.
The Short Answer
WireGuard is the better choice for most people - it's faster, leaner, and connects more quickly - while OpenVPN is more battle-tested and better at getting through restrictive firewalls. Use WireGuard (or a WireGuard-based protocol like NordVPN's NordLynx) as your default. Switch to OpenVPN, especially over TCP port 443, only when a network blocks WireGuard. Both are secure; the difference is speed and firewall-evasion, not safety.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN at a Glance
| Factor | WireGuard | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Connection time | Near-instant | Slower to negotiate |
| Codebase size | ~4,000 lines (easy to audit) | Hundreds of thousands of lines |
| Maturity / track record | Newer (2020s mainstream) | Long, battle-tested |
| Firewall evasion | Harder to disguise | Runs over TCP 443 (looks like HTTPS) |
| Transport | UDP only | UDP or TCP |
| Security | Yes Modern crypto | Yes Proven crypto |
| Best default | Everyday use | Restrictive networks |
Speed
WireGuard's biggest advantage is speed. Its minimal, modern design means far less processing overhead than OpenVPN, so it retains more of your base connection and connects almost instantly. This is why most leading VPNs have made WireGuard (or a WireGuard-based protocol) their default - it's the main reason speeds have improved across the industry. OpenVPN, particularly over TCP, tends to lose more speed. See our speed test data for how providers perform.
Security
Both protocols are secure. WireGuard uses a fixed set of modern, well-regarded cryptographic primitives, and its tiny codebase (around 4,000 lines) is far easier to audit than OpenVPN's, which is a genuine security benefit. OpenVPN's advantage is maturity - it has been scrutinised for many years and offers extensive configuration options. Neither has a known fundamental flaw when properly configured, so security is not the deciding factor between them.
Compatibility & When to Use Each
Choose WireGuard for everyday browsing, streaming, and gaming - it's the fastest and is now supported by virtually every major VPN. Choose OpenVPN when you're on a restrictive network that blocks WireGuard: OpenVPN can run over TCP port 443, making its traffic look like ordinary HTTPS, which helps it slip through workplace, school, and some censored-region firewalls. Many apps let you switch protocols in settings, so you can default to WireGuard and fall back to OpenVPN only when needed. For the complete rundown of every protocol, see our VPN protocols guide.