While working on your company’s security strategy, you likely have considered using a virtual private network, or VPN, for secure connections to your critical company assets (if not, we are still glad you’re here!). But knowing which protocol is right for your business might seem a bit more daunting than you originally realized — or perhaps you have used specific VPN protocols in your last company or role, and you’re ready for a change.
Despite often being lumped into one big use case that combines VPN and network security, VPNs actually serve different purposes — from securing individual connections to linking entire networks. Choosing the right type and protocol ensures that you get the best balance of security, speed, and compatibility for your specific use case.
In this guide, we will explore the most common VPN types, their associated protocols, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Different VPNs cater to distinct use cases, depending on security, connectivity, and performance requirements. Below, we explore the four most common VPN types, their advantages, and the VPN protocols that power them.
Asking yourself, “what is a VPN?” Start here.
Remote access VPNs allow individual users to securely connect to a private network, such as a corporate intranet or a home server, from a remote location, through a secure tunnel. We often refer to this use case or type as “secure remote access.” You can think of these VPNs as the go-to for employees working remotely, freelancers or contractors accessing company resources, and hybrid employees who may need to connect from multiple different networks or locations in a single day. In short, these VPNs create secure connections over the internet to the private network.
If your company has multiple physical locations, there is a good chance you will need site-to-site VPN support. Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks, rather than individual users, by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between two or more network locations — essentially allowing them to communicate as if they were on the same network rather than in two separate physical locations. These VPNs are commonly used by organizations with multiple offices to ensure seamless communication between different locations while maintaining security.
Unlike traditional VPNs that require a stable connection, mobile VPNs are often app-based and designed for devices that frequently switch between Wi-Fi or cellular networks — or even experience momentary loss of connectivity. There’s a good chance that if you have an iPhone, you already have a mobile VPN on your device, even if it is not in use. Mobile VPNs are particularly useful for remote workers, field agents, and travelers because they are useful on mobile devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops with wireless web access outside of a hotspot.
Cloud VPNs are versatile because they can solve for several use cases without requiring a physical VPN server. Cloud VPNs provide secure access to cloud-based applications and services through a secure, encrypted connection over the internet. Cloud VPNs can also connect a user’s device and a cloud-based server or network to secure access to cloud-hosted resources. These are essential for businesses relying on cloud infrastructures like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Behind every VPN is a VPN protocol. VPN protocols define how data is encrypted and transmitted — think of it as the foundation of the VPN itself. Each protocol varies in terms of security, performance, and transport. Below is an in-depth look at the most widely-used protocols and their strengths.
It’s important to note that using an outdated VPN protocol can pose significant security risks. If an outdated protocol has known vulnerabilities, bad actors can exploit them to target your business. Further, if a VPN protocol does not support the latest encryption standards, your business will be less protected. You must monitor every VPN protocol’s security advisories to make sure that they are continually patched (a process that can often be faster when using an open-source software).
Choosing the right VPN protocol depends on factors like security, speed, and compatibility. Below is a quick reference:
|
Protocol |
Security |
Speed |
Best For |
|
OpenVPN |
High |
Fast |
Secure browsing, general secure access, business VPNs, great for bypassing firewalls |
|
WireGuard |
High |
Fast |
Personal streaming, gaming (can have business use) |
|
IKEv2/IPSec |
High |
Fast |
Mobile users |
|
SSTP |
High |
Moderate |
Windows users, bypassing firewalls |
|
L2TP/IPSec |
Moderate |
Slow |
Legacy systems |
|
PPTP |
Low |
Fast |
Speed-focused users with minimal security needs |
Selecting the best VPN protocol depends on your priorities — whether that be security, speed, or compatibility.
By understanding each protocol’s strengths, you can tailor your VPN experience to meet your specific needs and create better ease of use.
Once you’ve decided on the right protocol, choosing a VPN provider that caters specifically to businesses is critical. What is OpenVPN? OpenVPN Inc., whose co-founder created the OpenVPN protocol, has commercial business products that make securing your business simpler. Whether you are looking for a self-hosted VPN solution like Access Server or a cloud-based VPN solution like CloudConnexa, OpenVPN is ready to help you get started.
OpenVPN, IPSec, and WireGuard are among the most secure options, offering strong encryption and modern cryptographic standards.
Yes, many VPN services allow users to switch between protocols depending on their security and performance needs.
Most modern VPN protocols support a wide range of devices, but some, like SSTP, are primarily designed for specific platforms like Windows.