OpenConnect vs WireGuard

Struggling to choose between OpenConnect and WireGuard? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenConnect is a Network & Admin solution with tags like vpn, cisco, networking, security.

It boasts features such as Open source VPN client, Supports Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN, Supports DTLS and TLS protocols, User authentication via certificates or passwords, NetworkManager integration, Proxy support, IPv4 and IPv6 support and pros including Free and open source, Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, Actively maintained, Secure encrypted connections, Easy to setup and use.

On the other hand, WireGuard is a Security & Privacy product tagged with networking, encryption, tunneling, privacy.

Its standout features include Uses modern cryptography like Curve25519, ChaCha20, Poly1305, BLAKE2, SipHash24, Minimal attack surface, Small codebase (~4k LoC), High performance, Built-in roaming, Stealthy VPN - appears as regular traffic, NAT traversal, and it shines with pros like Very fast connection speeds, Simple setup and configuration, Cross-platform support, Open source and audited, Fewer resources required compared to traditional VPNs.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

OpenConnect

OpenConnect

OpenConnect is an open-source client for Cisco AnyConnect compatible VPNs. It allows users to securely access private intranet services through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

Categories:
vpn cisco networking security

OpenConnect Features

  1. Open source VPN client
  2. Supports Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN
  3. Supports DTLS and TLS protocols
  4. User authentication via certificates or passwords
  5. NetworkManager integration
  6. Proxy support
  7. IPv4 and IPv6 support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android

Actively maintained

Secure encrypted connections

Easy to setup and use

Cons

Limited configuration options

No official support from Cisco

Lacks some AnyConnect features like Always-On VPN

Setup can be tricky for novice users


WireGuard

WireGuard

WireGuard is an extremely simple yet fast and modern VPN that utilizes state-of-the-art cryptography. It aims to be faster, simpler, leaner, and more useful than IPsec. WireGuard is designed as a general purpose VPN for running on embedded interfaces and super computers alike.

Categories:
networking encryption tunneling privacy

WireGuard Features

  1. Uses modern cryptography like Curve25519, ChaCha20, Poly1305, BLAKE2, SipHash24
  2. Minimal attack surface
  3. Small codebase (~4k LoC)
  4. High performance
  5. Built-in roaming
  6. Stealthy VPN - appears as regular traffic
  7. NAT traversal

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very fast connection speeds

Simple setup and configuration

Cross-platform support

Open source and audited

Fewer resources required compared to traditional VPNs

Cons

Limited client support currently

Less configurable than other VPNs

Relatively new project with smaller user base