VPN Protocols Explained: WireGuard vs OpenVPN vs IKEv2 in Plain English

When you open your VPN app, you might notice an option to choose a protocol. Most people ignore this setting, but understanding VPN protocols can help you get better speeds, stronger security, or more reliable connections depending on your needs. This guide explains the main VPN protocols in plain English, without the jargon.

What Is a VPN Protocol?

A VPN protocol is essentially the set of rules that determines how your data travels between your device and the VPN server. Think of it as choosing between different types of postal service. Regular post gets your letter there eventually. Recorded delivery adds tracking and confirmation. Special delivery guarantees next-day arrival with a signature.

Similarly, different VPN protocols offer different trade-offs between speed, security, and reliability. No single protocol is best for every situation, which is why most VPN providers offer several options.

WireGuard: The Modern Standard

WireGuard is the newest major VPN protocol and has quickly become the preferred choice for most users. Developed by Jason Donenfeld and released in 2020, WireGuard was designed from scratch with modern cryptography and clean code.

The key advantages of WireGuard are its speed, simplicity, and efficiency. The entire codebase is approximately 4,000 lines, compared to hundreds of thousands for OpenVPN. This smaller codebase means fewer potential vulnerabilities and easier security auditing. WireGuard establishes connections almost instantly, typically in under 100 milliseconds, making it ideal for mobile devices that frequently switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Performance tests consistently show WireGuard delivering faster speeds than other protocols, often by 20 to 30 percent. For UK users streaming, gaming, or downloading, WireGuard is typically the best choice.

Some VPN providers have built custom implementations on top of WireGuard. NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway are examples of protocols that use WireGuard's core technology with additional features layered on top.

OpenVPN: The Proven Veteran

OpenVPN has been the industry standard for over two decades, and for good reason. It is open-source, extensively audited, highly configurable, and runs on virtually every platform. OpenVPN uses the OpenSSL library for encryption, supporting AES-256, which is considered unbreakable with current technology.

OpenVPN operates in two modes. UDP mode is faster and preferred for streaming and general use. TCP mode is more reliable on unstable connections and can run on port 443 to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS browsing, making it useful in restrictive networks.

The main downside of OpenVPN compared to WireGuard is speed. OpenVPN is typically 10 to 30 percent slower due to its more complex encryption process and larger codebase. However, the absolute speeds are still more than adequate for most users and activities.

For UK users who prioritise proven security above all else, OpenVPN remains an excellent choice. Its long track record and extensive auditing provide a level of confidence that newer protocols have not yet had time to build.

IKEv2/IPsec: The Mobile Champion

Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) paired with IPsec was developed jointly by Microsoft and Cisco. It excels on mobile devices thanks to its MOBIKE protocol, which seamlessly maintains VPN connections when switching between network types.

If you frequently move between Wi-Fi networks and mobile data on your phone, IKEv2 will handle these transitions without dropping your VPN connection. This makes it particularly useful for UK commuters who might switch between home Wi-Fi, mobile data on the train, and office Wi-Fi throughout the day.

IKEv2 offers good speeds and strong security, though it is not as fast as WireGuard in most tests. It is natively supported on iOS, macOS, and Windows, meaning it does not require a separate app component, which can result in better battery life on mobile devices.

Proprietary Protocols

Several VPN providers have developed their own protocols. NordLynx is NordVPN's implementation built around WireGuard with an additional NAT layer for enhanced privacy. Lightway is ExpressVPN's custom protocol focusing on speed and connection stability. Stealth protocols from various providers are designed to disguise VPN traffic on restrictive networks.

These proprietary protocols generally offer performance comparable to or better than WireGuard while adding provider-specific enhancements. They are typically worth using when available.

Which Protocol Should You Choose?

For most UK users in most situations, WireGuard or a WireGuard-based protocol is the best choice. It offers the fastest speeds, most efficient battery usage, and strong security. Use OpenVPN TCP when you need to bypass VPN blocking on restrictive networks. Use IKEv2 if you experience frequent network switching on mobile devices.

If you are unsure which protocol to use, simply leave your VPN app on its default or automatic setting. Most modern VPN apps will intelligently select the best protocol for your current connection.

Visit our VPN comparison page to see which protocols each provider supports, and take our VPN quiz to find the right provider for your specific needs.