Content Outline
Main Differences Between OpenVPN vs NordVPN
NordVPN and OpenVPN have the following main differences:
- NordVPN, however, employs OpenVPN as one of its connection protocols, whereas OpenVPN is an open-source protocol that is used by many services.
- NordVPN has three plans, while OpenVPN is free
- OpenVPN does not have a dedicated server network, while NordVPN maintains a global network of over 5,400 servers.
What is a Virtual Private Network?
A VPN server creates a secure connection between your device and an encrypted VPN server. As a guided way, like a tunnel, you’re protected from the outside by a section that covers you. A VPN protects your traffic by using a unique server to keep it safe from the worldwide web.
Basically, it allows your data to travel over a secure channel before being transmitted over the internet. VPN connections offer privacy, security, and access to geoblocked services.
A VPN prevents anyone from seeing what you do online, for example, your employer or internet service provider. Since most VPNs have servers around the world, they are able to spoof your location.
If your connection comes from one of these servers, you can access sites blocked in your country by masquerading as coming from that server. The use of VPNs to reduce cybersecurity threats is on the increase since their traffic is heavily encrypted.
Overview: OpenVPN vs NordVPN
In reality, OpenVPN is a protocol, rather than a service. OpenVPN is therefore listed as one of the protocols used by several VPN services. Due to its complexity, it will be difficult for newbies in technology to use.
NordVPN has an affordable price and premium features. Over 5,400 servers are located in 59 countries, and they offer top-level encryption and fast speeds. A number of features are available, such as 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection.
Features:
1. Speed
There are faster solutions on the market, but OpenVPN is not one of them. It is especially noticeable when compared to protocols such as PPTP and L2TP/IPsec.
The OpenVPN protocol is characterized by its high security level and attention to detail, which is what limits the speeds. Therefore, this protocol is the only one that is able to bypass firewalls and censorship blocks.
If you pay a premium for the high-end servers, you’ll receive better speeds. Most services using this protocol will provide you with multiple server options. Your speed is determined by which server you select.
There are several reasons why speed tests cannot accurately assess the speed of a VPN protocol. Generally, you want upload speed to be as fast as your connection.
VPNs encrypt data, so the speeds will be a little slower since it takes time to encrypt it and send it back and forth to another server. You might be able to get better internet speeds if your provider caps your internet speed.
Regardless of the location from which you connect, NordVPN offers fast speeds. In comparison to other VPNs, its servers are capable of operating at 10GBps. With NordVPN’s high capacity, any congestion can be handled and fast speeds can be delivered.
Among NordVPN’s three protocols, NordLynx is the primary native protocol, designed to deliver high transmission speeds and keep users anonymous. NordVPN also supports OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP protocols.
The other two protocols are variations of OpenVPN, and due to the reasons listed above, they do not provide top speeds.
Streaming, downloads, and torrenting are all possible on NordVPN servers. Pick the closest server for the fastest speed.
You don’t have to search through multiple options to find the fastest server with NordVPN–it automatically connects you to its fastest server at the time.
2. Servers
The server matrix of any VPN service is crucial to determining how your connection will be since it will determine how secure it will be.
You cannot connect to any official OpenVPN servers, but you can connect to some third-party ones. There is often no cost for using these servers, which are often run by volunteers. This is not an official server, and the policies of OpenVPN do not apply.
Due to the lack of dedicated servers, OpenVPN makes it very difficult for you to get high speeds and complete anonymity.
With more than 5,400 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN has one of the best server networks in the industry today. Most of the servers are located in the United States and the United Kingdom, which is ideal for people living in those countries.
NordVPN has servers in multiple underserviced South American, African, and Middle Eastern countries. Because of their strict policies regarding browsing, China and Russia do not have servers.
In addition to developing a network of co-located servers, the company operates and maintains them internally. In addition to ensuring top-tier security and quality, NordVPN ensures its users’ privacy and security by maintaining full control over its servers.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers a selection of servers that includes;
- P2P Servers – These servers allow you to share files via P2P and do not limit your bandwidth or keep logs of your activities.
- Double VPN servers – With this method, your traffic will be encrypted twice, thanks to two servers. Using a VPN normally won’t be impacted by this, but it might reduce your speeds a bit.
- Dedicated IP servers – This type of server gives you a dedicated IP address that you won’t be sharing with anyone else.
- Obfuscated servers – These are ideal for countries that restrict internet access severely.
- Onion over VPN servers – These servers bypass ISPs and governments with an onion network that is private from them.
3. Security
Security is OpenVPN’s strongest suit.
Thanks to Open SSL 256-bit encryption and authentication certificates, it is one of the safest protocols in use today.
The information you send over OpenVPN is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security protocols. While TLS is the newer version of SSL, they both ensure maximum security.
User Datagram Protocol and Transmission Control Protocols are used in OpenVPN to transmit data. In contrast, TCP checks the data to ensure successful transmission, whereas UDP sends data immediately, which can result in a less reliable connection. When a connection becomes unstable, OpenVPN switches to TCP.
As well as the above features, OpenVPN provides intelligent security features, such as an auto-kill switch that cuts internet access when the connection is too unstable for TCP to protect it.
Even NordVPN uses OpenVPN’s security due to its unmatched security
Security is guaranteed through NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, among other features. With WireGuard’s security and double NAT, this hybrid protocol ensures that your data is never recorded by the servers. NordVPN uses two types of OpenVPN for its apps.
In addition, NordVPN has two VPN servers and a kill switch that prevents you from accessing the web if the VPN fails. Additionally, you can use CyberSecurity to block ads and protect yourself from malware.
4. Privacy
OpenVPN’s data collection features are very limited. They only support email addresses. They lack a dedicated server network, which is a concern.
Separate entities run the independent servers, every one of which has its own policies. Consequently, OpenVPN is unable to guarantee complete privacy when the server belongs to another organization.
Independent firms have audited and confirmed NordVPN’s no-logs policy. The company does not share or sell its connection logs, IP addresses, or traffic logs. Besides that, NordVPN is located in Panama, which does not belong to the 5,9, and 14 Eyes spy network, a network with various countries in Europe and America.
5. User Experience
It works on almost every device, just like any other free VPN. Even though the user interface is simple to use, you will need some knowledge of networking to install. You can set it up in two ways, namely manually or automatically.
If you choose manual configuration, you will need to download and install the OpenVPN connect app. In order to connect to your newly added server, you must import your server profile.
An existing VPN subscription is required for automatic setup. You may have to pay for this service depending on your current subscription.
There are a number of different VPN protocols you can choose from, with OpenVPN being one of the most popular. There is a protocol tab on all VPN services, and you should choose OpenVPN and click connect.
You can download NordVPN’s app on any device, and the website is intuitive and easy to use. Whenever you are on the phone, computer, or web, you can quickly switch between servers in different countries and select the ones you want.
Linux users are accustomed to running the Linux version by commands, but it may be confusing to users unfamiliar with the CLI.
6. Support
To set up a VPN or when you encounter problems, you may need the assistance of an expert.
As OpenVPN is an open source project, there are no support features. In their FAQ section, you can find detailed instructions on how to set up OpenVPN to your liking, alongside comprehensive guides.
NordVPN offers a live chat at all times, and they respond quickly and comprehensively. They have a well-organized knowledge base that includes articles about how to set up this VPN that you can find on their website. Send them an email if you need additional assistance, and they will respond promptly.
7. Price and Plans
The open source software OpenVPN is free to download and use.
There are several NordVPN plans you can choose from, and the price is determined by the length of your subscription. You get all the features with any plan, but you get a greater value if you subscribe for a longer period of time.
It is possible to choose between a one-month plan at $11.99, a one-year plan at $4.92 per month, or a two-year plan at $3.49 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN is a good VPN, right?
There are a lot of premium VPN services out there, but NordVPN is one of the best. It provides you with reliable service by balancing privacy, security, and speed.
Is NordVPN the same as OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is the protocol used by NordVPN. NordVPN offers OpenVPN connections over TCP and UDP. A protocol is a set of rules that specify how data is transmitted between devices in a network. Regardless of their internal processes or design, it allows different devices to connect. This set of rules is used by servers using specific protocols to connect to them and give anonymity. What separates NordVPN from OpenVPN is this.
Is a VPN legal?
Many companies use VPNs to secure their networks from cybersecurity threats. VPN usage is legal in most countries. It is still illegal, however, to torrent copyrighted material even if you use a VPN.
VPNs have some disadvantages, what are they?
Reduced internet speeds is one of the downsides of VPNs. Due to the encryption process, browsing might take a little longer if your connection is not fast enough. The downsides include connection failures, a lack of understanding of the level of encryption, and possible logging.
Quick Links:
Conclusion: OpenVPN Vs NordVPN
In comparison to NordVPN, OpenVPN is a protocol, and the latter is a VPN service that utilizes the protocol as one of the connection options.
OpenVPN is a fantastic option if you have the technical know-how. Even though it compromises browsing speeds, it ensures the best security in the VPN market. There is no cost to try it out and see how it works for you.
The NordVPN service is designed for people who use the internet on a daily basis. A company manages and constantly improves this service so that it provides you with fast surfing speeds and decent anonymity levels.
With this service, you can unblock content on popular apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN. Support is excellent, and you can find answers to just about any question you have.
NordVPN is clearly the winner out of the two.
