Comparison chart - OpenVPN / PPTP / SSH Tunnel
Last updated by Shayne M on July 29, 2013 12:43
| OpenVPN | PPTP | SSH Tunnel | |
| Info | Open-source VPN protocol with modular network design and cross-platform portability; licensed under GNU-GPL | Basic VPN protocol, created VPN protocol by Microsoft. Based on PPP and most common protocol across large range of devices | Tunneling protocol that uses SSH for security/encryption and works via TCP |
| Encryption strength | OpenVPN is using OpenSSL with algorithms 3DES, AES, RC5, Blowfish. 128 bit encryption with 2048 bit keys, 2048 bit encryption for control channel (e.g. Key based authentication.) | PPTP is using MPPE protocol for encryption, with RSA RC4 algorithm and 128 bit keys | L2TP is using IPSec for encryption with 256 bit key for encryption, 3DES/AES algorithm |
| Usage | via client application that needs to be installed supplied by vpnsecure or using *.ovpn config file + user key files if using OpenVPN GUI or other OpenVPN applications |
via device/operating system using built-in client and username+password+server address | via device/operating system using built-in client and username+password+server address |
| Speed | When using OpenVPN UDP decent speeds can be achieved. OpenVPN is usually slower than other protocols when used via TCP, although TCP offers advantages in restricted networks | PPTP is generally as fast as OpenVPN but not as reliable. |
SSH Tunnel proivdes fast speeds. |
| Stability | Very stable protocol on all kinds of connection (WLAN, wired, mobile) | unstable, often caused by compatibility issues with GRE protocol on routers and ISPs | Unstable, susceptible to disconnect with short network issues |
| Supported devices/OS | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS, Android, DD-WRT, Tomato | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS, Android, DD-WRT, Tomato | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Android, DD-WRT, Tomato |
| Security | OpenVPN does not have any major security issues, it's the protocol of choice. | There have been several security vulnerabilities found in Microsofts PPTP implementation, e.g. against dictionary attacks | SSH is considered to be secure. |
| Ports used | OpenVPN TCP is using TCP port 443, OpenVPN is using UDP port 1191 (can be configured to use other ports on Dedicated IP plans) |
PPTP is using TCP port 1723 and GRE Protocol 47 |
SSH using TCP port 443 |
| Advantages | Best speed and security, bypass most firewalls and network/ISP restrictions very flexible configuration options and diagnostics |
Easy setup/configuration, good speeds, supported by largest number of devices |
Easy setup/configuration, bypasses restrictions by networks or ISPs |
| Disadvantages | Less easy to setup than other VPN protocols, poor support by some mobile devices, requires to install a client application |
Stability may vary depending on network |
Stability may very depending on network, Not easily blocked. |
| Conclusion | OpenVPN is the protocol of choice for max. security as well as for speed when connecting via OpenVPN. |
PPTP is easy to setup and use with decent speeds, but can result in unstable connections. Less secure than other VPN protocols. |
SSH Tunnel usually achieves lower speeds than other protocols, but its ability to bypass network restrictions and strong security make it a good choice. |
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