In the competitive world of VPN services, where security, speed, and reliability are paramount, ExpressVPN has introduced a new protocol called Lightway. Designed in-house, Lightway promises to be a next-generation solution that outperforms traditional VPN protocols in key areas like speed, security, and overall efficiency. Let’s explore what makes this protocol stand out, why it’s being hailed as a game-changer, and how it compares to other protocols on the market.
What is Lightway?
Launched by ExpressVPN, Lightway is a proprietary VPN protocol designed to improve users’ VPN experiences by making them faster, more secure, and more reliable. Unlike legacy VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, Lightway was engineered from the ground up by ExpressVPN to address modern VPN challenges.
Built on the wolfSSL cryptographic library, Lightway is highly efficient with fewer lines of code, allowing it to deliver faster speeds without sacrificing security. The protocol can switch between UDP and TCP modes depending on the user’s needs: UDP for faster speeds, or TCP for more stable connections in networks where UDP is restricted.
Why is Lightway Different?
Most VPNs use protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, all of which are reliable but not without limitations. ExpressVPN recognized these limitations and saw an opportunity to innovate, resulting in Lightway.
Here’s how Lightway stands out:
- Speed: One of the key selling points of Lightway is its speed. Unlike traditional protocols, Lightway connects almost instantly, cutting down latency and improving overall performance. The streamlined codebase contributes to faster load times and reduced resource consumption on devices.
- Security: Security is critical in any VPN protocol, and Lightway excels in this area as well. By using wolfSSL, a cryptography library that’s been vetted and used by millions of applications, Lightway ensures robust encryption. Additionally, the smaller codebase reduces potential attack vectors, making it more secure.
- Smooth Switching: One common issue with many VPNs is the break in connection when switching between different networks or losing internet access. Lightway’s unique core design allows for seamless transitions, ensuring that users remain connected even when they switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data or temporarily lose their connection.
- Battery Efficiency: VPNs are often known to drain device batteries. Lightway addresses this issue by running more efficiently, which means less battery consumption while maintaining the same level of encryption and security.
Pros and Cons of Lightway
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick Connections: Lightway connects almost instantly and reconnects swiftly if the connection drops, while other ExpressVPN protocols may take around 20 seconds to establish. | Lack of Obfuscation: Lightway doesn’t hide VPN usage effectively, meaning some firewalls might detect you’re using a VPN. |
| Better Efficiency: Thanks to its lightweight nature, Lightway uses fewer resources, which can improve battery life and reduce lag compared to other protocols. | No iOS Support: At the moment, Lightway is available on Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and routers, but iOS support is still pending. |
| High Security: The smaller codebase of Lightway makes it easier to audit and fix bugs, enhancing security. | |
| Great for Streaming: Lightway ensures compatibility with popular streaming services and delivers smooth HD streaming thanks to its fast speeds. |
Performance: Faster, More Reliable Connections
One of the main reasons ExpressVPN developed Lightway was to enhance performance, making it ideal for users who need fast and reliable VPN connections. Lightway has been benchmarked against other VPN protocols and consistently offers faster connections, particularly in regions where internet speed is typically lower.
Traditional protocols like OpenVPN tend to slow down internet speeds due to the complexity of encryption algorithms and the large number of lines of code that the protocol has to execute. In contrast, Lightway’s 1,000 lines of code make it lightweight and capable of quicker processing.
A- Local Speeds
Introduction
When connecting to local servers, VPN protocols can impact your overall performance. This comparison focuses on Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, testing their speed and latency on a local network in the US.
Methodology
Using a local server, we measured ping, download, and upload speeds for each protocol, comparing them to the base speed without a VPN.
Results
| Protocol | Ping (ms) | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) |
| Baseline (No VPN) | 13 | 116.55 | 95.94 |
| Lightway | 23 | 108.53 | 88.04 |
| WireGuard | 53 | 107.89 | 87.62 |
| OpenVPN | 92 | 101.37 | 87.95 |
Analysis
- Ping: Lightway exhibited the lowest latency, followed by WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- Download Speed: Lightway and WireGuard demonstrated similar download speeds, with Lightway having a slight edge.
- Upload Speed: Similar to download speeds, Lightway and WireGuard performed comparably, with Lightway maintaining a small advantage.
Concluding the Results!
- Overall Speed: Lightway and WireGuard both provided comparable performance, with minimal speed degradation compared to the base speed.
- Latency: Lightway’s lower ping indicates a potential advantage for activities sensitive to latency, such as online gaming or video conferencing.
- Protocol Choice: The choice between Lightway and WireGuard may depend on specific preferences and use cases. If low latency is a priority, Lightway might be the preferred option.
Note: These results may vary based on individual network conditions and server locations. It’s recommended to conduct your own tests to determine the optimal protocol for your specific needs
B- International VPN Speed Comparison: Lightway vs. WireGuard vs. OpenVPN
Introduction
When connecting to international servers, VPN protocols can significantly impact your overall performance. This comparison focuses on Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, testing their speed and latency over long-distance connections.
Methodology
Using servers located in London, UK, we conducted tests from the US measuring ping, download, and upload speeds for each protocol.
Results
| Protocol | Ping (ms) | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) |
| Lightway | 132 | 23.40 | 41.5 |
| WireGuard | 203 | 32.43 | 49.05 |
| OpenVPN | 319 | 19.48 | 30.61 |
Analysis
- Ping: Lightway consistently outperformed the other protocols in terms of latency.
- Download Speed: WireGuard demonstrated a notable advantage, delivering significantly faster download speeds than Lightway and OpenVPN.
- Upload Speed: Similar to download speeds, WireGuard excelled, offering higher upload rates compared to the other protocols.
Concluding the Results!
While Lightway provides the lowest ping, WireGuard’s superior download and upload speeds make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize overall performance. OpenVPN, despite being a popular option, lags in terms of speed and latency in this comparison.
Note: The optimal protocol for your specific needs may vary based on factors such as your internet connection speed, server location, and the type of online activity you engage in.
Additional Testing: Frankfurt
To further validate our findings, we conducted additional tests using servers in Frankfurt, Germany, and Sydney, Australia.
Frankfurt Server Results
| Protocol | Ping (ms) | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) |
| Lightway | 153 | 12.63 | 23.93 |
| WireGuard | 229 | 21.15 | 24.03 |
| OpenVPN | 310 | 10.95 | 20.39 |
Frankfurt Analysis
- Ping: Lightway again demonstrated superior latency.
- Download Speed: WireGuard continued to outperform Lightway in download speed, with a noticeable 67% increase.
- Upload Speed: There was no significant difference in upload speeds between Lightway and WireGuard.
Concluding the Results!
Based on our comprehensive testing, it’s evident that Lightway consistently outperforms OpenVPN in terms of latency (ping). However, WireGuard generally offers faster download speeds, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize overall performance.
The choice between Lightway and WireGuard may depend on your specific needs and priorities. If low latency is paramount, Lightway is the clear winner. If download speed is a primary concern, WireGuard may be the better option, especially for connections to servers located farther away.
Australia Server Results
| Protocol | Ping (ms) | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) |
| Lightway | 202 | 16.32 | 42.63 |
| WireGuard | 395 | 24.98 | 31.95 |
| OpenVPN | 428 | 11.35 | 19.84 |
Australia Analysis
- Ping: As expected, Lightway’s low latency advantage was even more pronounced due to the significant distance between the US and Australia.
- Download Speed: WireGuard maintained a slight edge in download speed.
- Upload Speed: Surprisingly, Lightway surpassed WireGuard in upload speed, demonstrating its versatility across various metrics.
Concluding the Results!
Based on our comprehensive testing, it’s evident that Lightway consistently outperforms OpenVPN in terms of latency (ping). While WireGuard generally offers faster download speeds, Lightway’s superior performance in upload speed and overall balance makes it a strong contender for users who prioritize a well-rounded VPN experience.
The choice between Lightway and WireGuard may depend on your specific needs and priorities. If low latency is paramount, Lightway is the clear winner. If download speed is a primary concern, WireGuard may be the better option, especially for connections to servers located farther away. However, Lightway’s ability to excel in both download and upload speeds, as demonstrated in the Australia tests, makes it a highly versatile choice for various online activities.
Security Features: The WolfSSL Advantage
Lightway’s security architecture is based on wolfSSL, a high-performance cryptography library that is FIPS 140-2 certified. This certification guarantees that the library adheres to strict government standards for data encryption.
The low codebase of Lightway also enhances security by reducing the number of points that could be exploited in an attack. Fewer lines of code mean fewer potential vulnerabilities, allowing ExpressVPN to easily audit and fix any issues.Moreover, Lightway is open-source—a move by ExpressVPN to make the code available for scrutiny, allowing independent audits for security and transparency. Users can find the core of Lightway on the internet, giving the community insight into how it works and operates.
Lightway vs Other VPN Protocols: How Does It Compare?
To understand how Lightway stacks up against existing protocols, we can compare it with the most common ones: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
| Protocol | Speed | Security | Battery Efficiency | Connection Stability |
| Lightway | Faster | High | Excellent | Excellent |
| OpenVPN | Moderate | High | Moderate | Good |
| WireGuard | Faster | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Speed: While both WireGuard and Lightway are faster than OpenVPN, Lightway has a slight edge in connection speed, especially when switching between networks or resuming a VPN session after being temporarily disconnected.
Security: All three protocols provide high levels of security, though Lightway benefits from its use of wolfSSL, a well-established cryptographic library.
Battery Efficiency: Lightway’s performance in this area is notably superior, particularly when compared to OpenVPN, which tends to be resource-heavy.Connection Stability: One of Lightway’s main advantages is its ability to maintain a stable connection across network changes. This is particularly useful for mobile users who frequently switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Connection Stability: One of Lightway’s main advantages is its ability to maintain a stable connection across network changes. This is particularly useful for mobile users who frequently switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Open-Source Transparency
ExpressVPN’s decision to open-source the Lightway Core shows a commitment to transparency and community trust. Users can access the code via GitHub, allowing for independent audits and community feedback. This ensures that any potential security vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed quickly.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol represents a significant leap forward in VPN technology. With its emphasis on speed, security, and efficiency, it’s particularly suited for users who value high performance and seamless connectivity. Its open-source nature further strengthens its credibility, allowing the broader security community to scrutinize and improve it. If you’re streaming content, gaming, or just browsing securely, Lightway ensures you stay protected without sacrificing speed or performance.
As VPNs continue to evolve, Lightway marks a pivotal step in the future of secure, fast, and reliable internet connections.
