In this article, you will learn more about VPN protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard®, IKEv2, and L2TP.
We will cover the following:
- What is a VPN protocol?
- What is the OpenVPN protocol?
- What is the WireGuard protocol?
- What is the IKEv2 protocol?
- What is the L2TP protocol?
What is a VPN protocol?
A protocol is a set of rules governing the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Whenever you go online, you are constantly sending and receiving information. To send this information, it needs to be split into small data packets, and protocols dictate the order in which these packets are sent and the encryption used to protect them.
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.
Different protocols offer varying advantages. Some provide faster speed or better image/audio quality, while others ensure a more stable connection. If you're experiencing connectivity issues, try changing the protocol.
What is the OpenVPN protocol?
OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that is available as an open-source project. Its code is freely available on the internet and it is maintained and updated by security and networking experts from around the world.If you are using the Surfshark app, you will find two options for OpenVPN: UDP and TCP.
- UDP is faster and is great for safe streaming, video calls, or games.
- TCP is more stable and will ensure that every single packet of information that you send from your device is delivered. However, it may be slower compared to other protocols.
NOTE: OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.
What is the WireGuard® protocol?
WireGuard® is a relatively new communication protocol that has recently gained popularity in the cyber-security market. Its open-source nature provides better performance compared to other protocols.NOTE: Currently, WireGuard® is available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you cannot find it on your Surfshark app, update it to the latest version.
Please note that WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfield.
What is the IKEv2 protocol?
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a widely used VPN protocol known for its strong security features and efficient performance. It establishes a secure connection between a client and a VPN server, enabling encrypted data transmission over the internet. IKEv2 is notable for its ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network disruptions, making it suitable for mobile devices and remote access scenarios.
What is the L2TP protocol?
Surfshark allows users the option to use the L2TP protocol, despite it not being as secure as other protocols available on the market. This protocol may offer faster speeds compared to OpenVPN and is compatible with many home routers.
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FAQs
In fact, you can choose which mode to use with Surfshark! Why? Because TCP sends and receives data packages all while keeping the computer equivalent of direct eye contact with the recipient. On the other hand, UDP is faster as it sort of just labels the packages and chucks them at the recipient.
Is Surfshark VPN TCP or UDP? ›
In fact, you can choose which mode to use with Surfshark! Why? Because TCP sends and receives data packages all while keeping the computer equivalent of direct eye contact with the recipient. On the other hand, UDP is faster as it sort of just labels the packages and chucks them at the recipient.
What is the best protocol for Surfshark torrenting? ›
What Surfshark protocol is best for torrenting? WireGuard offers the best upload and download speeds. The OpenVPN alternative is the most secure, but WireGuard has better speeds with decent security. You can configure the protocol you want to use in the settings panel.
Does Surfshark use OpenVPN or WireGuard? ›
The Surfshark app will automatically configure and set up a secure WireGuard VPN connection for you.
What is Surfshark compatible with? ›
What routers work with Surfshark VPN? Here are our support team's best compatible routers picks: NetDuma R1 — easy to configure; ASUS routers: RT-N56U, RT-AC86U, DSL-AC51, RT-AC3200, AC68U, RT-N66U, AC66U, AC52U, RT-AC51U, AX88U, Rapture GT-AC2900.
Which protocol should I use for Surfshark? ›
The best Surfshark VPN protocol largely depends on the device you're using or the reason you need a VPN: WireGuard® is good all around, especially when speed is the issue. IKEv2 is on par with WireGuard® and is really good with mobile. OpenVPN usually works best for routers.
What protocol should I use for VPN? ›
VPN protocol comparison
| VPN protocol | Security | Good for |
|---|
| L2TP/IPsec | Secure | Good for increasing privacy while browsing |
| WireGuard | Very secure (no known vulnerabilities) | Everyday use |
| PPTP | Not secure | Outdated and not advised to use due to known issues |
| SSTP | Average | Connecting Windows devices |
4 more rowsJul 2, 2024
No, NordVPN is slightly better than Surfshark. While both are in our top five VPNs, NordVPN edges Surfshark out slightly for its larger server network (5,246 compared to over 3,200) and higher-rated iOS app.
Does Surfshark allow tunneling? ›
Surfshark is a VPN service provider that offers a VPN split tunneling feature in all of its subscription plans. Keep in mind — not all VPNs support split tunneling.
Can I pirate with Surfshark? ›
Technically, Surfshark is a great option for piracy as it offers key safety and privacy features. With features such as double VPN, Kill Switch, and 256-bit encryption, Surfshark guarantees a secure torrenting experience. However, Surfshark policies do not permit using the VPN for illegal activities.
The Surfshark application and every other VPN modify your connection settings, which antiviruses sometimes consider a security threat and block the connection or the app altogether. Also, simultaneously using different software that changes your internet connection (VPNs, proxies, network management tools, etc.)
How do I change the protocol on Surfshark VPN? ›
On Surfshark app go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol. Available on Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, and macOS.
Why is WireGuard better than OpenVPN? ›
As we've discussed, OpenVPN uses the classic SSL data protocol for delivery, while WireGuard uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The main difference is that SSL requires an authentication procedure called a handshake, while UDP doesn't need a connection to communicate. This is another reason why WireGuard is faster.
What is the best way to use Surfshark VPN? ›
Download the Surfshark app from the App Store. Install the app and open it. Use your credentials to log in to your Surfshark account. Tap Quick-connect to connect to the fastest server or manually choose from the list of available servers.
Is Surfshark a strong VPN? ›
It made our 2024 list of the best VPNs with a 9.5 out of 10 rating. If we've learned anything from reviewing VPNs though, it's that when it comes to choosing a VPN, the user's personal needs and preferences comes first. That means no matter how good we think Surfshark is, only you can say if it's the right VPN for you.
Is Surfshark really unlimited? ›
Is Surfshark VPN really unlimited? Yes. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, which means you can protect your whole household for a cost of a single VPN subscription.
Should my VPN be UDP or TCP? ›
UDP is mainly used for online streaming and downloading. TCP is more reliable but also slightly slower than UDP and is mainly used for web browsing. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Does SSL VPN use TCP or UDP? ›
SSL VPN over UDP still attempts to connect to the VPN server on port 443, but unlike HTTPS traffic that uses TCP as a transport protocol, it uses UDP.
What type of VPN is Surfshark? ›
On the other hand, you can call consumer VPN services like Surfshark personal VPNs because they're meant to be used by individual customers — personally. A residential VPN that uses the IP addresses of other users across the globe could also be considered a personal VPN.
What type of encryption does Surfshark use? ›
That's why trustworthy VPN service providers, including Surfshark, use AES-256 encryption — one of the most effective encryption algorithms to date. Along with AES-256 encryption for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, Surfshark uses equally effective ChaCha20 encryption for the WireGuard protocol.
