1. OpenVPN

Overview: OpenVPN is an open-source protocol known for its strong security and versatility. It can run on any port, which helps it bypass firewalls and network restrictions.

Pros:

• Strong encryption and security
• Highly configurable
• Works on most platforms
• Good for bypassing firewalls

Cons:

• Requires third-party software
• Slightly more complex to set up

Best For:

• Users seeking the highest security and privacy
• Bypassing network restrictions and firewalls
• General-purpose use on various devices

2. IPsec/IKEv2

Overview: IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) combined with IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a highly secure protocol, especially well-suited for mobile devices. It’s known for its speed and stability.

Pros:

• Fast and secure
• Excellent for mobile devices
• Supports multiple encryption algorithms
• Stable connection, even when switching networks

Cons:

• Not as widely supported as OpenVPN
• Can be blocked by some firewalls

Best For:

• Mobile users who need a stable and fast connection
• Environments with changing networks (e.g., switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data)

3. WireGuard

Overview: WireGuard is a newer protocol designed to be faster and simpler than its predecessors. It aims to provide high security with significantly fewer lines of code.

Pros:

• Extremely fast and efficient
• Easier to audit due to its simplicity
• High security

Cons:

• Still relatively new and not as widely supported
• Limited configuration options compared to OpenVPN

Best For:

• Users seeking the fastest possible VPN speeds
• Secure and efficient use on modern devices
• Future-proofing, as it gains wider adoption

4. L2TP/IPsec

Overview: L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) combined with IPsec provides strong encryption and is supported on most operating systems. However, it can be slower due to double encapsulation.

Pros:

• Widely supported on many devices
• Strong encryption with IPsec

Cons:

• Slower speeds due to double encapsulation
• Can be blocked by some firewalls

Best For:

• Users who need a balance between security and compatibility
• Devices and operating systems with native support for L2TP/IPsec

5. PPTP

Overview: PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is one of the oldest VPN protocols. It’s known for its speed but has significant security vulnerabilities.

Pros:

• Very fast due to low encryption overhead
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Weak security; easily compromised
• Not suitable for sensitive data

Best For:

• Situations where speed is more important than security
• Streaming geo-restricted content where encryption isn’t a primary concern

6. SSTP

Overview: SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a Microsoft-developed protocol that integrates well with Windows. It’s known for its ability to bypass most firewalls.

Pros:

• Good integration with Windows
• Can bypass firewalls effectively
• Decent security

Cons:

• Limited support outside Windows
• Developed by Microsoft, raising concerns for those wary of proprietary protocols

Best For:

• Windows users who need to bypass firewalls
• Users looking for a secure and straightforward setup on Windows

Which One Should You Use?

For Maximum Security and Privacy:

• OpenVPN: Ideal for users who prioritize security and flexibility. It’s highly configurable and widely supported, making it a top choice for privacy-focused users.

For Fast and Stable Mobile Connections:

• IKEv2/IPsec: Excellent for mobile devices due to its speed and ability to maintain a stable connection when switching networks.

For Speed and Simplicity:

• WireGuard: Best for users looking for fast and efficient VPN connections with strong security. It’s suitable for general use and future-proofing as it gains more support.

For Compatibility Across Devices:

• L2TP/IPsec: Suitable for users who need a good balance between security and compatibility, especially on older devices or operating systems.

For Fast Streaming with Lower Security Needs:

• PPTP: While not recommended for secure communications, PPTP can be useful for quickly accessing geo-restricted streaming content.

For Windows-Centric Users:

• SSTP: Ideal for Windows users needing to bypass firewalls while maintaining a decent level of security.