Compare OpenVPN Connect and Insight Timer: Which App is the Best?
Insight Timer offers the largest free meditation library available, with over 100,000 guided sessions from expert teachers. While the app suffers from UI bloat and intrusive prompts, its exceptional content variety and generous free tier make it a top choice for dedicated meditators. | OpenVPN Connect is the official OpenVPN client with 10M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering enterprise-grade security and open-source transparency, though it requires technical setup and a compatible VPN server. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.9 | 8.3 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 9.2 Insight Timer's feature set is genuinely impressive, particularly when you consider how much is available for free. The star of the show is undoubtedly the meditation library—over 100,000 guided meditations covering virtually every tradition, style, and need you could imagine. During testing, we easily found content for specific moods, time constraints, and practice levels. Key features that stood out include:
The meditation timer deserves special mention—it's one of the most flexible we've tested, with options for interval bells, ambient background sounds, and complete customization. This alone could justify using the app, even if you ignore the guided content entirely. However, we encountered some frustrations. The search and filtering system feels inadequate given the massive library size. Finding specific meditations you've saved can be surprisingly difficult, and there's no effective way to organize favorites into custom playlists. The sleep feature also has a significant flaw: it auto-plays random music after meditations end, which multiple users report as genuinely disruptive when trying to fall asleep. Despite these issues, the sheer breadth of content is remarkable. We rate features at 9.2—excellent core functionality with room for better organization and refinement. Winner in this category | 9.0 OpenVPN Connect offers an exceptional set of enterprise-grade features that justify its reputation as the gold standard for VPN clients. The app includes AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 support, split-tunneling, kill switch, and auto-reconnect capabilities. The service also includes advanced features like device posture checks and SAML SSO support, making it more than just a basic VPN client. What sets OpenVPN Connect apart is its open-source nature and enterprise focus. The app also includes advanced features like IPv6 and DNS leak protection, HTTP proxy configuration, and support for multiple authentication methods including certificates and MFA. However, the service lacks some consumer-friendly features found in all-in-one VPN services, such as built-in server access and simplified setup. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like specialized streaming servers or geo-blocking bypass that some consumer VPNs provide. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect offers superior features for enterprise use, but the lack of built-in service makes it less suitable for casual users. The service provides excellent value for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Performance on Insight Timer is generally solid with some notable exceptions that affected our experience and appear frequently in user reviews. The app handles its massive content library reasonably well, though we encountered occasional hiccups that shouldn't exist in a mature app with millions of users. Performance strengths:
Performance issues:
During our testing period, we experienced one instance where a meditation stopped unexpectedly, and the app wouldn't let us rewind without a premium subscription—frustrating when you've just been kicked out of a focused state. This exact scenario appeared in multiple user reviews. The most significant performance concern relates to app bloat. The Android version's recent rating decline from 4.7 to 3.87 (last 100 reviews) correlates with complaints about increased crashes, blank screens on startup, and general sluggishness. Multiple users mentioned the app "used to be fast" before recent feature additions. Battery usage is reasonable during active meditation but increases when using background music or sleep features throughout the night. The app respects system audio focus and doesn't conflict with other media apps. We rate performance at 7.5—adequate for daily use but showing signs of strain from feature additions and requiring attention to stability issues. | 8.5 OpenVPN Connect's performance is excellent when properly configured, with fast connection speeds and reliable operation. The service offers excellent connection stability and performance, with users reporting consistent speeds and minimal disconnections when using compatible servers. The service works well for enterprise VPN protection, with users reporting reliable connections and good performance. The connection stability is excellent, and the service handles various network conditions well. The service's performance is particularly strong for enterprise use cases, with users reporting excellent reliability and speed. The open-source nature and enterprise focus ensure optimal performance for professional use. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's performance is excellent when properly configured. The service provides reliable performance for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 6.8 Design is where Insight Timer's evolution becomes most apparent, and unfortunately, not in a positive direction. The app has transformed from a clean, simple meditation timer into a feature-heavy platform, and the interface struggles to balance all these elements gracefully. What works well:
What needs improvement:
The design challenges stem from feature creep rather than poor aesthetic choices. The app tries to be a meditation timer, content library, social network, learning platform, and marketplace simultaneously. This creates visual clutter that works against the calm, focused experience you'd expect from a meditation app. Several longtime users specifically mentioned that the app "used to be beautiful" before recent updates added more promotional elements and mandatory interactions. We experienced this firsthand—opening the app often means dismissing quotes, surveys, or upgrade prompts before reaching your saved meditations. We rate design at 6.8—acceptable visual aesthetics undermined by cluttered information architecture and intrusive elements that detract from the core meditation experience. | 7.5 OpenVPN Connect's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and enterprise usability. The main screen provides quick access to connection profiles, server settings, and security options. The interface is clean and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience for enterprise users. The app's design is functional and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is comprehensive. The interface provides good visual feedback about connection status and security features. The interface is generally user-friendly for technical users and provides good visual feedback about connection status and security features. The design reflects the enterprise positioning of the service, making it suitable for professional use. Compared to other VPN clients like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's design is functional but not as polished for consumer use. The interface is professional and functional, with good attention to detail for enterprise users. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 9.5 From a pure value perspective, Insight Timer is outstanding. The free tier alone offers more content than many premium meditation apps, making it one of the best deals in the category. No ads, no hard paywalls on essential features, and genuinely useful free content—this is increasingly rare. Free tier value:
Premium tier value:
The free version proved entirely sufficient for building a consistent meditation practice in our testing. At €1.99-€219.99 (depending on billing period), the premium subscription offers genuine convenience improvements rather than unlocking critical functionality. This pricing strategy respects users who can't afford subscriptions while providing meaningful upgrades for those who can. Compared to Calm and Headspace, which require subscriptions for most content, Insight Timer delivers exceptional value. Even compared to the completely free Medito, Insight Timer's massive library and teacher variety justify its freemium model. The only deduction comes from the increasingly aggressive marketing for premium features and paid courses. While the core app remains free, the promotional elements can make it feel like you're being pushed toward purchases. Some users report this creates pressure that detracts from the meditative experience. We rate value for money at 9.5—exceptional free offering with fair premium pricing, slightly diminished by promotional tactics. Winner in this category | 8.5 OpenVPN Connect's value proposition is excellent for enterprise users, with free access to enterprise-grade features and complete transparency. The service offers exceptional value compared to other enterprise VPN solutions, with the ability to get enterprise-grade security for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is exceptional for enterprise use, and the open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for organizations that want complete control and transparency. The comprehensive features and security protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by the requirement for technical setup and server infrastructure. Many users need to invest in server hosting or compatible services. The technical requirements make it less suitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect offers exceptional value for enterprise users but requires significant technical investment. The service provides excellent value for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 6.5 Ease of use is perhaps Insight Timer's most polarizing aspect, with experiences varying dramatically between new users and those returning after time away. The app can be genuinely straightforward for daily meditation, but getting to that daily routine involves navigating several obstacles. What makes it easy:
What makes it difficult:
The most common complaint we found echoes across hundreds of reviews: "I just want to meditate, but the app won't let me." Users who haven't opened the app in days or weeks face particularly aggressive re-engagement tactics—mandatory surveys asking about their absence, prompts to set new goals, and multiple screens before reaching the main interface. One user summed it up perfectly: "Used to be a simple timer. Now I need to click through commitments, ads for classes, and questionnaires that impede my meditation every single time." This sentiment appeared repeatedly in our review analysis, especially from longtime users who remember the simpler early versions. For someone using the app daily with established favorites, it functions reasonably well. For anyone else, expect friction. We rate ease of use at 6.5—adequate once you learn to navigate the obstacles, but frustratingly complex for what should be a calming experience. Winner in this category | 6.0 OpenVPN Connect is moderately easy to use for technical users, but requires significant setup knowledge for basic functionality. The app's design is functional, but most users need technical knowledge to configure servers and import profiles. The service works well for enterprise users who understand VPN protocols. The service offers profile import and URL-based setup, making it accessible to users with technical knowledge. The app doesn't require complex configuration for basic use, and the VPN connection process is straightforward once configured. The service works well for most enterprise use cases and provides good performance when properly set up. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by the requirement for technical setup and server configuration. Many users report difficulty with initial setup and the need for technical knowledge. The app can be complex to configure, and some users experience issues with profile imports and server compatibility. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's ease of use is significantly more complex. The technical requirements make it unsuitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Insight Timer takes a reasonably solid approach to privacy, though not exceptional compared to privacy-focused alternatives. The app can be used entirely without creating an account, which is excellent for those concerned about data collection. However, most users will eventually create accounts to sync progress and save favorites. Privacy strengths:
Privacy concerns:
The privacy policy is reasonably clear about data collection practices, though it's lengthy and covers the typical bases for a modern app. Your meditation habits, session lengths, and content preferences are tracked and used to improve recommendations. This data isn't sold to third parties, but it is used internally for product development and personalization. Compared to Medito, which achieves higher privacy scores through its nonprofit, open-source model, Insight Timer is more typical of commercial meditation apps. It's better than apps that require accounts immediately, but not as privacy-focused as some alternatives. We rate security and privacy at 8.0—solid practices that respect user data without achieving the highest standards of privacy-focused apps. | 10 OpenVPN Connect takes security and privacy to the highest level, with enterprise-grade encryption and open-source transparency. The service includes AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 support, and advanced features like kill switch and DNS leak protection. The service also includes advanced features like device posture checks for enhanced security. The service's privacy features are exceptional, with complete open-source transparency and no data collection. The service also includes advanced features like IPv6 protection and split-tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection. OpenVPN Connect has an impeccable security record, with regular security audits and community oversight. The open-source nature ensures complete transparency, and the enterprise focus means the highest security standards are maintained. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's security practices are unmatched. The service provides the highest level of protection for users who prioritize security and transparency. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Insight Timer presents a fascinating contradiction: it offers arguably the best free meditation content library available while simultaneously frustrating users with an increasingly cluttered experience. The core value proposition remains exceptional—tens of thousands of guided meditations, a flexible timer, and genuine expertise from world-class teachers, all without mandatory subscriptions or advertisements. However, the app's evolution from simple meditation timer to comprehensive wellness platform has introduced friction that works against its core purpose. Forced surveys, commitment prompts, marketing for courses and retreats, and UI complexity detract from what should be a calming, focused experience. The declining Android ratings (3.87 in recent reviews vs. 4.7 overall) tell a clear story: longtime users are frustrated with the direction. Despite these challenges, we found Insight Timer valuable for our daily practice. The content quality and variety are unmatched, and once you establish your favorite teachers and meditations, the app functions well enough. The premium subscription feels optional rather than necessary, which is refreshing in this category. If you're seeking the most polished, distraction-free meditation experience, Calm or Headspace might serve you better despite their subscription requirements. If you want completely free, no-strings-attached meditation with a cleaner interface, Medito is worth considering. But if you value content variety above all else and can tolerate some interface frustrations, Insight Timer delivers exceptional value. Just be prepared to click through a few extra screens to get to your meditation. | OpenVPN Connect is the gold standard for enterprise VPN clients, offering unmatched security, transparency, and control. The app's open-source nature and enterprise-grade features make it the top choice for users who prioritize security and are willing to invest in the technical setup required.
For users who need the highest level of VPN security and transparency, OpenVPN Connect is unmatched. However, those seeking a simple consumer VPN solution might find it overly complex compared to all-in-one services that handle both client and server components, such as Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Ultimately, OpenVPN Connect's enterprise focus and open-source transparency make it the best choice for security-conscious users and organizations, but the technical requirements and lack of built-in service make it unsuitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. For a more user-friendly approach with built-in servers, consider ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
