BEST Remote Access VPN - OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs L2TP

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares three popular VPN protocols—L2TP over IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard—discussing their strengths and weaknesses. While L2TP over IPSec is easy to deploy but unreliable, OpenVPN is flexible and user-friendly, though occasionally buggy. WireGuard stands out for its speed and low overhead, but its complexity and lack of support for username/password authentication make it challenging for self-hosting and business use. The video offers insights on when each protocol is ideal and emphasizes that WireGuard is best for managed services, while OpenVPN is easier for administrators in small-scale setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 L2TP over IPsec is widely considered outdated and unreliable, with frequent disconnects and poor stability compared to OpenVPN and WireGuard.
• 😀 OpenVPN is an open-source, highly flexible VPN protocol that works well for self-hosting and is easy to deploy on routers and NAS devices.
• 😀 OpenVPN is the most user-friendly option for deploying VPNs, especially when working with businesses, due to its easy client installation and wide platform support.
• 😀 WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol available, designed for performance with minimal overhead, but requires careful management and setup.
• 😀 WireGuard's undetectable nature and unique key-based authentication system can make troubleshooting and configuration challenging, especially for non-technical users.
• 😀 OpenVPN supports username and password authentication, which simplifies user management for IT administrators, especially in business settings.
• 😀 When choosing a VPN, you need to decide between ease of use and performance. OpenVPN is easier to deploy, while WireGuard offers superior speed.
• 😀 TailScale and other managed VPN services use WireGuard for fast, secure connections, but may have additional costs and are more streamlined for users.
• 😀 The main advantage of L2TP over IPsec is that it comes pre-installed on most operating systems, but it is still the least recommended option due to its issues.
• 😀 For most businesses, the complexity of setting up WireGuard outweighs its benefits, and OpenVPN is often the better choice due to its established reliability and easier configuration.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video compares three VPN protocols—OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP over IPsec—to determine which is the best option for remote access VPNs, particularly for self-hosted business environments.

Why does the creator discourage the use of L2TP over IPsec?

L2TP over IPsec is considered outdated, unstable, and prone to frequent disconnections. It also depends on Cisco’s control and has experienced compatibility issues with Windows updates, making it unreliable for business VPN setups.

What are the advantages of using L2TP over IPsec?

Its main advantage is that it’s pre-installed on most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, allowing quick deployment without installing additional software.

What makes OpenVPN a strong choice for self-hosted VPNs?

OpenVPN is open source, widely supported across platforms, easy to deploy on routers and NAS devices, and uses the same strong encryption standards as HTTPS. It also supports username/password authentication and integrates with directory services like LDAP or Active Directory.

What are some drawbacks of OpenVPN mentioned in the video?

OpenVPN setup can be complex when done from scratch because it requires creating certificates and certificate authorities. Additionally, occasional client updates have been known to break existing configurations.

Why is WireGuard considered faster than OpenVPN?

WireGuard is built with modern cryptography and designed for minimal overhead, resulting in significantly faster performance and lower latency compared to OpenVPN.

What are the main challenges of deploying WireGuard in business environments?

WireGuard lacks username/password authentication, requires unique configuration files for each device, and is difficult to troubleshoot because its connections appear active even when they aren’t functioning properly.

When is WireGuard recommended despite its complexity?

WireGuard is highly recommended when used through managed services like Tailscale or NordVPN, where the provider handles setup, configuration, and maintenance. In these cases, its speed and efficiency greatly outperform other protocols.

How does a VPN improve business network security?

A VPN encrypts all traffic between the user’s device and the office network, preventing eavesdropping. It also allows access to internal resources like NAS servers or intranets without exposing them to the public internet.

What is the speaker’s final stance on choosing between OpenVPN and WireGuard?

While WireGuard is faster and more efficient, the speaker often recommends OpenVPN for businesses because it’s easier to manage, debug, and deploy across multiple users. WireGuard is best suited for advanced users or when managed by a third-party VPN service.

What usability issues make WireGuard less friendly for non-technical users?

The WireGuard client interface is less intuitive, requires manual key and configuration input, and provides little feedback when issues occur. In contrast, OpenVPN offers a clearer visual status and simpler connection setup for end users.

Why does the video describe the topic as 'controversial'?

Because while WireGuard is technically superior in performance, its deployment complexity makes it less practical for many real-world business cases, leading to divided opinions among IT professionals.