Deciding on the type of “protocol” to use for your VPN is like choosing the best tasting ice cream: there are many choices, and some people prefer one choice over another.
For VPNs, the 3 main choices are PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. We also include SOCKS, but that is not really a VPN protocol. Some people also use SSTP too, but that is not being used so much these days (yet!). Then you also hear of “IPSec”, but that is really a marketing brand used by Cisco and other companies and really refers to L2TP.
Did we confuse you yet?
Yes, it can be a little confusing. So we will only concentrate on the differences between PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and SOCKS. There is a good comparison chart on Kovurt.com, but here is our own chart too:
VPN Protocols |
PPTP |
L2TP |
SOCKS |
OpenVPN |
| Ease of Setup | Fast | Fast | Moderate | Moderate |
| VPN Speed | Fast | Fast | Moderate | Moderate |
| Security | Moderate | Very Good | Very Good | Best |
| Stability | Good | Good | Better | Best |
| Suggested Systems | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac | Mac, Ubuntu | Mac, Windows 7 |
PPTP and L2TP do not require any software for you to install! So many people like to use them because you only need to enter your username and password once on your computer or phone, and in the future you can connect with a click of a button
OpenVPN is a little more cumbersome because you must download software first to use it. Then you must install the software and maintain the software when there are upgrades. OpenVPN is a little more stable, but most people agree that PPTP and L2TP are just so much easier to use. Plus, PPTP and L2TP can be used on iPads, iPhones, and Android mobile phones, but OpenVPN can not be used on those devices (unless you “crack” them).
So those are our thoughts on the differences. Please leave your comments below to let us know what you think.
How do i install the VPN?
I currently am subscribed as customer p5381948, however, it seems impossible to install the TAP Adapter in my Windows 10 setup. I have been working with the support department and followed their suggestions with no avail. My request (174458)
Ihave uninstalled McAfee and Malwarebytes and have read more posts on how to overcome this conundrum. Nothing seems to work and I have all but given up.
What about PPPT instead of OpenVPN for me. I believe I had that from you folks and my account started with an x. At that time I think I was running both PPPT and OpenVPN. However, since I cannot get TAP Adapter installed, will PPPT work? How soon can I get it?