Surfshark VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 - Surfshark (2024)

FAQs

Which VPN protocol is better WireGuard or OpenVPN vs IKEv2? ›

WireGuard is much newer, released in 2015. It's comparable to OpenVPN in terms of security and encryption, but many consider it faster and more reliable. IKEv2 is often paired with IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) to create a secure VPN tunnel. IKEv2/IPSec is lightweight and adequately secure.

WireGuard is newer and faster, which gives it a lot of charm. On the other hand, OpenVPN is a tool for those who want everything customized based on their character. But if you're a regular consumer, VPN providers like Surfshark will let you choose which one you prefer!

All protocols used by Surfshark are fast and secure, and you can stick with the default protocol or choose a different one that suits your preferences.

Overall, WireGuard is the faster of the two protocols. OpenVPN, if configured in UDP mode, will offer similar latency, but it will still require higher data usage. Note that WireGuard runs only in UDP mode. Both OpenVPN and WireGuard use strong unbroken ciphers.

OpenVPN and WireGuard are protocols that can offer the most robust encryption and the highest level of security. OpenVPN uses an AES 256-bit encryption key, widely used by top-tier entities, such as NASA and the military. Meanwhile, WireGuard® uses a comparatively new and sturdy encryption protocol called XChaCha20.

The 3 most common VPN protocols are OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2/IPsec.

NordVPN: at a glance. In short, NordVPN has a larger server network, offering over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, while Surfshark has 3200 servers in 100 countries. However, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connected devices, while NordVPN caps the number of devices at ten.

Protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2 have no known vulnerabilities and are considered secure.

Why is Surfshark blocking my internet? ›

Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.

Is WireGuard secure? WireGuard is considered by many to be one of the safest, most secure VPN protocol options available today. Simplified design using less code equals fewer bugs and security vulnerabilities, while WireGuard's faster state-of-the-art cryptography employs superior default security settings.

Concerningly, though, Surfshark does log the IP address of users connecting to its VPN. Most trustworthy VPNs don't do that. In Surfshark's defense, it deletes that information within 15 minutes after you disconnect. That was confirmed by a third-party auditing firm that evaluated Surfshark's servers.

Based on these findings, if you're looking for the fastest secure tunneling protocol, you should go with NordLynx (or WireGuard). The second fastest will be IKEv2, which can confidently hold its own even when connecting to the other side of the world.

OpenVPN and WireGuard are protocols that can offer the most robust encryption and the highest level of security. OpenVPN uses an AES 256-bit encryption key, widely used by top-tier entities, such as NASA and the military. Meanwhile, WireGuard® uses a comparatively new and sturdy encryption protocol called XChaCha20.

IKEv2 offers a more stable and consistent VPN connection than IKEv1—due to its support of MOBIKE (Mobility and Multi-homing Protocol). Using encryption keys for both ends of the VPN connection, IKEv2 is more secure than IKEv1. With its built-in NAT traversal, IKEv2 establishes a connection much faster than IKEv1.

It works very quickly, provides a high level of security, and is written with relatively few lines of code. The lightweight nature of the protocol code is important, because it makes deployment and debugging easier. In short, WireGuard is a faster, more effective way to protect and transfer data across a VPN.

IKEv2 will be the best VPN protocol for this case. And if your goal is to keep your sensitive personal data extremely secure, go for OpenVPN®. Or you could go for WireGuard® VPN protocol for the best mix of speed and protection!