Compare OpenVPN Connect and Psiphon VPN: Which App is the Best?
Psiphon VPN is an open-source circumvention tool with 100M+ downloads and 4.5/5 rating, offering internet freedom and bypassing censorship, though it has faced some recent connection issues and forced app installations. | 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. |
|
|
| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.1 | 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. | 8.0 Psiphon VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its circumvention positioning. The service includes open-source transparency, automatic protocol selection, and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like multi-language support and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN. What sets Psiphon VPN apart is its open-source nature and internet freedom focus. The service also includes advanced features like research-backed security and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, unlike Proton VPN, it lacks some advanced privacy features like kill switch and split tunneling. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features, but the connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need circumvention features. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Psiphon VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good circumvention capabilities when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and automatic protocol selection, but the frequent disconnections and loading delays make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic circumvention protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a circumvention tool, but Psiphon VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's performance is below average. The connection issues make it difficult to justify the circumvention positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 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. | 6.5 Psiphon VPN's interface strikes a basic balance between functionality and circumvention usability. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and key settings. The interface is functional but not particularly polished, with basic attention to detail and user experience. 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 basic. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the circumvention positioning of the service, making it suitable for users in restricted regions. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's design is functional but not as polished. The interface is basic and functional, with adequate attention to detail for circumvention users. | 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. | 7.5 Psiphon VPN's value proposition is good for circumvention users, with open-source transparency and internet freedom features. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other circumvention tools, with the ability to get open-source circumvention for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is competitive with other circumvention tools, and the open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for users who want complete control and transparency. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic circumvention functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by connection stability issues and forced app installations. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN or NordVPN. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over circumvention alternatives that offer similar performance with better reliability. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Psiphon VPN is moderately easy to use for basic circumvention functionality, but requires some technical knowledge for optimal use. The app's design is functional, but most users need to understand circumvention concepts to get the best results. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. The service offers automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers, making it accessible to users with technical knowledge. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the circumvention connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be frustrating to use due to connection issues and loading delays. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a circumvention tool. 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. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Psiphon VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with open-source transparency and research-backed security technologies. The service includes automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced privacy protection. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a circumvention solution, with open-source transparency and research-backed security. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced security and privacy protection. Psiphon VPN has an excellent security record, with open-source transparency and community oversight. The circumvention focus ensures complete transparency, and the NGO partnerships mean the highest security standards are maintained. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's security practices are excellent. The service provides the highest level of protection for users who prioritize circumvention and transparency. | 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. | Psiphon VPN offers good circumvention capabilities and open-source transparency, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. The service provides excellent internet freedom features and NGO partnerships, but the connection problems and loading delays make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.
For users who prioritize internet freedom and are willing to work within the service's limitations, Psiphon VPN offers a solid feature set with good circumvention capabilities when working properly. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability, such as Proton VPN for general VPN needs.
Ultimately, Psiphon VPN's open-source approach and internet freedom focus make it a good choice for users seeking circumvention tools, but the connection stability issues and forced installations make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. For general VPN usage, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for more reliable connections. | 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 | ||
