WireGuard is the newer, faster, and lighter protocol, while OpenVPN is the older, battle-tested, and highly configurable one. For most people, WireGuard wins on speed and simplicity with strong modern security, which is why many VPNs — including FortisVPN — now use it as the default.
Quick comparison
| WireGuard | OpenVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster, low overhead | Slower, heavier |
| Codebase | Very small (easier to audit) | Large and complex |
| Security | Modern cryptography | Proven, long track record |
| Connection time | Near-instant, reconnects well | Slower to establish |
| Configurability | Streamlined | Highly flexible |
| Best for | Speed, mobile, everyday use | Maximum configurability |
Speed
WireGuard's lightweight design — a fraction of OpenVPN's code — means less processing overhead and faster data transfer. It also reconnects quickly when you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, which makes it especially good on phones. OpenVPN works well but is heavier and generally slower. For the wider picture, see does a VPN slow down your internet?
Security
Both are secure. WireGuard uses modern cryptography (including the ChaCha20 cipher) and its small codebase is easier for researchers to audit, reducing where bugs can hide. OpenVPN has a long, proven track record and a mature security history. Neither is a weak choice; WireGuard is simply the more modern design. More detail in WireGuard protocol explained.
Flexibility and compatibility
OpenVPN's main strength is configurability — it can be tuned for unusual networks and has been around long enough to run almost anywhere. WireGuard trades some of that flexibility for simplicity and speed, which suits the vast majority of everyday users.
Which should you use?
For speed, battery efficiency, and quick connections — the things most people notice — WireGuard is the better everyday choice. OpenVPN remains valuable where deep configurability matters. FortisVPN uses WireGuard to deliver fast, low-latency connections for streaming, gaming, and browsing. Try it free for 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is WireGuard more secure than OpenVPN? Both are secure. WireGuard uses modern cryptography with a small, auditable codebase, while OpenVPN has a long proven track record. The choice usually comes down to speed and simplicity.
Q. Is WireGuard faster than OpenVPN? Generally yes. Its lightweight design typically delivers faster speeds and quicker connections.
Q. Which protocol should I choose? For everyday speed and efficiency, WireGuard. For maximum configurability on unusual setups, OpenVPN. Most users are best served by WireGuard.
Last updated: 14 June 2026
