WireGuard vs. OpenVPN: choosing the right VPN protocol

When selecting a VPN protocol, WireGuard and OpenVPN are two of the most widely used options. Both provide strong security and broad compatibility, but they differ in speed, efficiency, and resource consumption. Understanding these differences is essential to make an informed decision, especially for businesses managing IoT deployments. Telnyx IoT VPN, built on the WireGuard protocol, provides an additional layer of security and privacy for IoT connectivity, making it a compelling choice for companies that prioritize fast and secure IoT connections

For businesses deploying IoT devices, selecting the right VPN impacts network performance, security, and scalability. This guide compares WireGuard vs. OpenVPN across key factors, including speed, encryption, privacy, and real-world IoT applications.

WireGuard vs. OpenVPN: How the protocols compare

Choosing the right VPN protocol requires evaluating multiple factors, including speed, security, privacy, and overall reliability. While both WireGuard and OpenVPN offer robust encryption and cross-platform compatibility, they differ in how they handle performance, connection stability, and firewall traversal.

Below, we break down the essential aspects of each protocol, providing insights into their advantages and potential trade-offs. Whether you're deploying a VPN for IoT applications, enterprise networks, or general use, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

Speed and performance

WireGuard is significantly faster than OpenVPN in most real-world applications. Benchmarks show WireGuard achieving up to 892 Mbps, while OpenVPN typically reaches 222 Mbps under the same conditions.

WireGuard's efficiency stems from:

• A leaner codebase, reducing processing time.
• Kernel-level integration in Linux, allowing for faster encryption handling.
• Stateless design, leading to rapid reconnections and lower latency.

For applications that require low latency and high throughput, such as IoT sensors transmitting real-time data, WireGuard is generally the better option.

Security and encryption

Both WireGuard and OpenVPN offer strong encryption, but their approaches differ:

• WireGuard uses ChaCha20, optimized for performance and security on modern hardware.
• OpenVPN uses AES-256, a well-established encryption standard.

WireGuard’s 4,000-line codebase makes security audits easier, reducing the risk of undiscovered vulnerabilities. OpenVPN, with over 70,000 lines of code, is more complex but has undergone extensive security testing over its long history.

Privacy and logging

VPN protocols differ in how they handle session data:

• WireGuard stores minimal metadata, such as the last connection timestamp, to optimize performance.
• OpenVPN can be configured for zero logging, making it a preferred option for privacy-focused applications.

For IoT deployments, WireGuard's minimal logging has negligible impact, especially when combined with a secure VPN provider that manages key rotations.

Compatibility and firewall traversal

WireGuard and OpenVPN both support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, but OpenVPN has been around longer, leading to wider adoption in legacy systems.

• WireGuard is built into the Linux kernel, simplifying deployment on Linux-based IoT devices.
• OpenVPN can use TCP 443, mimicking HTTPS traffic to bypass firewalls.
• WireGuard uses UDP only, which can be blocked in restrictive network environments.

For IoT devices using cellular networks, firewall restrictions are typically less of a concern, making WireGuard’s UDP-only model an acceptable tradeoff.

Connection stability

WireGuard maintains more stable connections than OpenVPN, especially on mobile and IoT networks.

• WireGuard can reconnect instantly when a device moves between networks (e.g., from Wi-Fi to cellular).
• OpenVPN requires a full handshake on reconnection, leading to temporary disconnections.

This advantage makes WireGuard particularly effective for real-time IoT applications, where devices frequently switch between different networks.

Auditability and community support

The reliability and security of a VPN protocol are influenced by its auditability and community support. Both WireGuard and OpenVPN are open-source, allowing the community to inspect and improve their code. OpenVPN benefits from a larger, more established community that continuously audits and enhances the protocol.

WireGuard’s simplicity makes it easier to audit, reducing the likelihood of overlooked vulnerabilities. However, OpenVPN's extensive codebase provides multiple layers of security through various safety protocols.

Transport layer differences

The underlying transport layer of each protocol affects both performance and security. WireGuard uses UDP, which facilitates faster, connectionless communication, resulting in lower latency and higher speeds. OpenVPN relies on SSL/TLS, which requires a handshake process to establish a secure connection. While this makes OpenVPN slightly slower, it ensures more secure and reliable data transmission.

User considerations

WireGuard generally offers superior speed and efficiency, making it ideal for high-speed connections. OpenVPN remains a strong choice for those prioritizing extensive security features and proven reliability. WireGuard itself does not include specific stealth features, but its efficiency can make it less noticeable in network traffic compared to OpenVPN. Yes, WireGuard is highly regarded for its speed, simplicity, and strong security measures. WireGuard uses UDP, which contributes to its faster performance compared to OpenVPN’s use of TCP.

Choosing the right VPN protocol

Deciding between WireGuard and OpenVPN involves weighing your specific priorities. WireGuard is the go-to for users who demand speed and efficiency, making it perfect for high-bandwidth activities. OpenVPN, with its comprehensive security features, is ideal for those who prioritize robustness and reliability in data protection. Both protocols provide strong privacy measures and compatibility across various platforms, ensuring that your internet connection remains secure and flexible.

Choose WireGuard if:

• You need fast, efficient VPN connections.
• Your network includes IoT or mobile devices.
• You want a lightweight, scalable VPN.
• You need low power consumption for IoT.

Choose OpenVPN if:

• You require TCP support for firewall traversal.
• You need legacy compatibility.
• You prioritize strict zero-logging.
• Your environment has UDP restrictions.

Why Telnyx IoT VPN uses WireGuard

Telnyx IoT VPN is built on WireGuard, delivering:

• High-speed, low-latency VPN connections.
• Scalability for thousands of IoT devices.
• Secure integration with Telnyx IoT SIM cards.

Whether you're looking to enhance your communication infrastructure or ensure secure data transmission, Telnyx’s offerings are designed to meet your needs with exceptional performance and security. Our expertise in delivering robust, scalable solutions makes us a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of modern connectivity.