When online, you are constantly sending out and receiving signals on your computer. Every website you visit, purchase you make, movie you watch…all of it is tracked in one way or another. What happens to all that information? Your ISP (internet service provider) can access it and use it to target you for various purposes; that’s how you get all those targeted ads. If this worries you, then you may want to look into a VPN (Virtual Privacy Network) for added privacy and security. With all the options out there, though, where should you look? We are going to look in-depth at two of the top options to see which would be the best protection for your needs: OpenVPN and ExpressVPN. Let’s dive in, newbies that we are.
OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: Main Differences
The biggest difference between OpenVPN and ExpressVPN is reported ease of use and company serviceability. According to articles on FinancesOnline.com and G2.com, ExpressVPN has a higher rating for ease of use and setup, while OpenVPN rates higher for use in mid to large-scale businesses.
A side-by-side look at what users are saying about some of the big points:
| Quality | OpenVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Ease of use | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Pricing | One-time or annual payments | Monthly or annual payments |
| Languages Supported | English | English, Dutch, Turkish, and Swedish |
| Ideal Company Size | Any | Small, Medium, Freelancers |
| Open Source Code | Yes | No |
| Live Support | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Server Switches | No | Yes |
OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: Features and Capabilities
Both VPN options will provide you with a secure way to connect across a network, but what are the specifics? Below we’ll explore the various features each provides, attempting to do so in layman’s terms from a non-techie viewpoint.
OpenVPN Features
- User-configurable solution: users can make changes to the system (bug fixes, etc.)
- Authentication modules: The system will take in your information and compare it to what’s already on the system to authenticate your identity.
- Single sign-on function: Another authentication method that makes it easy to sign on and securely access multiple applications.
- Secure script runs
- MacOS X Keychain integration, MacOS X integration, Windows Crypto API integration
- API support: API = application programming interface and they’re there to help!
- Multi-daemon support: This system knows how to balance its daemons (unlike some of us), and how to make them run smoothly for max performance.
- Adaptive protocol support
- Web-free VPN: means you can do your work without having to interact with a browser, adding to the security
- Bundled profiles, Universal bundled profiles
- CRL support
- Local subnet blocking: creates a way to block off all access except through the gateway
ExpressVPN Features
- All major platforms supported
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited server switches: swap around to better access whatever you’re looking for
- 99.99% uptime
- OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, PPTP
- No activity or connection logs
- 145+ servers in 94 countries: Connect to anywhere, from anywhere!
- 24/7 customer support: Someone will always take your call/chat to help you
- 30-day money-back guarantee: You get a 30-day trial for up to 3 connections, after which you can either dive in or jump out.
- Kill switch: If there’s an interruption to your VPN, this’ll shut down all traffic to/from your computer, keeping your information safe until safety is restored.
- Split tunneling: Have the best of both worlds with your browsing both through your VPN and directly on the internet.
- Zero-knowledge DNS: Browse with no fear of your Domain Name System being exposed.
OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing
OpenVPN and ExpressVPN are both decently affordable, both offer free trials, but are set up in different ways.
According to their website, OpenVPN.net, OpenVPN has a continuous free trial for up to 2 connections until you decide to expand, after which it’s a minimum of 10 connections at a rate of $75/month or $720/yr. This price will change based on how many connections you require.
ExpressVPN, from reading their information on ExpressVPN.com, offers a 30-day free trial for up to 3 connections, after which you can choose a subscription length to pay for. The breakdown is as follows: 1 month = $12.95/month, 6 months = $9.99/month (billed every 6 month), and 12 months = $8.32/month (billed annually).
Why to Choose OpenVPN over ExpressVPN?
From most reports, OpenVPN is the better option for mid to large-scale businesses. They’ve also been around longer, having been founded in 2001, meaning the company has had more time to learn what their clients want/need and how to give it to them. OpenVPN has a higher rating in Ease of Admin and Ease of Doing Business With because of this extra time on the game board.
They also offer multi-device usage, which ExpressVPN does not, as well as better protocol choices and multiple concurrent connections. On top of that, OpenVPN uses an open source code, meaning that bug fixes happen more quickly.
If these types of requirements are important to you and your business, OpenVPN is most likely the better VPN option.
Why to Choose ExpressVPN over OpenVPN?
The ExpressVPN site, for starters, feels far more accessible and easier to understand. The ratings they receive on useability showcase this, as well as the higher quality of support. ExpressVPN is designed for smaller businesses and freelancers more than large companies, so they aim to make it easier to use.
ExpressVPN offers monthly payment plans, making it feel more open for anyone and everyone. On the same note of making it feel more open to everyone, they have more languages supported so it is more accessible.
If you value feeling more taken care of and seen by your VPN, ExpressVPN would be the better choice for you.
Similarities Between OpenVPN and ExpressVPN
OpenVPN and ExpressVPN share several similarities, but here are a few of the most noticeable ones. As a start, they both provide a strong level of security and privacy. They are both usable across several devices, and both utilize split tunneling to be able to access both international and local IP addresses.
OpenVPN & ExpressVPN Alternatives
If neither of these VPNs feels like the right fit for you, there are other options out there for you to check out!
Alternatives for either:
- CyberGhost
- NordVPN
- ProtonVPN
- Psiphon
Alternatives for OpenVPN:
- Perimeter 81
- Avast SecureLine
- UTunnelVPN
Alternatives for ExpressVPN:
- Smart DNS Proxy
- VPN Proxy Masters
- TigerVPN
OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: Final Verdict
In this writer’s humble opinion, ExpressVPN feels far easier to utilize. It truly depends on your needs regarding the scale of how you plan on using your VPN. It also will depend on many other factors, so you should take your time making this decision…or better yet, try one and then try the other.
If you want to feel like you’re part of a large group of companies, thus feeling highly secure, OpenVPN is your move. If you want to feel more connected to the people running your VPN, ExpressVPN would make a fine choice.
FAQs
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a Virtual Privacy Network, meaning you will be able to do all your online browsing without people being able to spy on what you’re up to. You can also use your VPN to unblock and access sites you wouldn’t normally be able to, giving you the ability to watch media not available in your own country or get better prices on items you’re shopping for.
Will a VPN slow my internet?
Technically, it might, but it’s barely noticeable. In other cases, it can even boost your browsing speed.
How can I pay for my OpenVPN or ExpressVPN use?
Various payment options are accepted.
Can I cancel my OpenVPN or ExpressVPN?
Yes, of course!
Why should I pay for a VPN when there are free ones?
Yes, free VPNs are out there, but they are not nearly as reliable or secure.
Sources
- https://www.g2.com/compare/expressvpn-vs-openvpn
- https://comparisons.financesonline.com/expressvpn-vs-openvpn
- https://openvpn.net/
- https://www.expressvpn.com/