VPN Protocols: OpenVPN (TCP vs. UDP)

Discover more about how to use OpenVPN and the key differences between TCP and UDP.

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is a newer, highly customizable VPN protocol. Its greatest advantage is that it’s open-source, which might seem counterintuitive for a privacy tool, but it’s actually a major benefit. If any security issues were to arise in the code (none have been discovered so far), they would be swiftly identified by the open-source community. When combined with robust encryption algorithms, OpenVPN ranks as one of the most secure VPN protocols available.

Pros

Cons

What’s the difference between
UDP and TCP?

OpenVPN protocol is compatible with both UDP and TCP ports. Within the VPN app, OpenVPN is labeled as either “UDP” or “TCP,” as these two internet protocols can significantly impact performance.

What is UDP & TCP?

UDP

UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is commonly used with OpenVPN, which performs best when running on a UDP port, though it can be configured to operate on any port. Unlike other protocols, UDP does not require the recipient to confirm receipt of the data or request retransmissions, making it faster for establishing connections and transferring data. Your VPN app typically opts for UDP when using OpenVPN, offering faster speeds by default. However, if you’re on an unstable network, switching to TCP may provide a more reliable experience.

TCP

TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, ensures that data is accurately received by the recipient in the correct order and form. Unlike UDP, TCP can request the retransmission of any missing or corrupted data, providing greater reliability but with added latency.

How to set your VPN to use OpenVPN?

The VPN automatically selects the most suitable VPN protocol for your network, but you can manually switch to OpenVPN on Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux. For instructions on how to change your protocol, visit our setup directions:

Other VPN protocols

In addition to providing a standard range of protocols, VPN services created Lightway to excel in speed, reliability, and security. Try it out to experience the difference. Learn more about Lightway.

If you’re uncertain about which VPN protocol to use, you can allow the VPN app to automatically choose the best option for you.