Which is better, PPTP or OpenVPN?

It can be difficult to choose between open VPN and PPTP for your VPN services  protocol. It often depends on your own data security needs. They are functionally the same in that they both are VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Both offer encryption and hide your IP address. But there are differences to these private VPN approaches.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is open-source software that was released in 2002. It has become a popular choice as it can easily traverse wireless access points, firewalls, NAT-based routers, and HTTP proxy servers. OpenVPN enables you to use different ports in order to bypass both firewalls and throttling. Long distance internet routing has a notably minimal impact on transfer speeds with this protocol.

At up to 256 bits, OpenVPN has stronger encryption than PPTP, regardless of your VPN services. Some argue that with PPTP, it is possible for someone to retrieve your password while connecting, but the chances of that happening are highly improbable. So OpenVPN has a bit more to offer those who prioritize maximum security.

OpenVPN works with the OpenSSL library for the encryption of both the control channels and data. This is the same library that is used in encrypting credit card information. Using OpenSSL to handle all of the authentication and encryption work allows OpenVPN to take advantage of the many ciphers that are available through the OpenSSL package.

PPTP

PPTP is a popular choice because unlike OpenVPN it doesn’t require additional third-party client software to run on.. The majority of operating systems, which include Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOS X, iPhone OS, and Android OS already have this protocol built in. It’s incredibly simple as all you need is your server name, login and password and you’re up and running. If you are browsing the internet from your mobile phone or tablet, PPTP is the VPN protocol for you. PPTP, or Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol sends packets via a GRE tunnel by using PPP. Sent packets are both encrypted at 128-bit strength and compressed via the MPPE algorithm.

If you are frequently hotspot jumping using public WiFi for your internet access on mobile smart phones and tablets, you can take advantage of PPTP VPN. It can be used on all Google Android Devices, Apple iOS mobile devices and Microsoft Windows Mobile. Most tablets and smartphones have the PPTP VPN client software already built in to the devices. You can now comfortably jump on any public and open WiFi network knowing your information isn’t going to be accessed by someone who you don’t want to.

The Conclusion

Both OpenVPN and PPTP VPN are quite a bit the same. Each has its own strengths, but it in some cases it’s hard to go wrong using either of them. The biggest factor is going to come down to your needs. If you don’t have a requirement to run on mobile phones and you’re not fussy over 256 bit packet encryption, and use of the OpenSSL library, you really can choose either one of the options and end up just fine.

When it comes down to making the decision between Open VPN and PPTP VPN it is ultimately going to come down to your specific needs. If you need much higher privacy and security, your choice is most likely going to be Open VPN. If you’re looking for something easy to setup, PPTP is probably going to be better suited for what you need. If you need mobile support you will have no choice but to go with PPTP VPN. Take some time and go over
what your specific VPN needs are going to be. If you have your needs well defined it shouldn’t be too difficult to narrow down the pros and cons of going with either Open VPN or PPTP VPN.

 

OpenVPN vs. PPTP – VPN Protocol Comparison