SSTP VPN vs. OpenVPN Protocols

About VPN Services

VPN services are ideal for anyone who wants to securely and anonymously surf the Internet. VPN services can be used with computers, mobile phones, and tablets. By using a VPN it’s possible to set up a foreign IP address that will enable you to enjoy websites and online programming from geo-restricted websites around the world.

However shopping for a VPN service can be confusing. With so many different types of protocols available, determining which one will be the best option for you personally can be a challenge. But generally speaking, if you’re looking for a VPN service to use on a laptop or a desktop computer, your best options will be either OpenVPN or SSTP.

But which is the better of the two? Let’s examine the unique characteristics of both.

SSTP VPN vs OpenVPN Protocol

OpenVPN is a free and open source software app that’s useful for implementing virtual private networks (VPN). OpenVPN can be used in order to securely create point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It makes use of SSL security encryption and is capable of traversing network address translators and firewalls alike.

SSTP stands for Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol. SSTP provides users with a mechanism for the transportation of PPP or L2TP traffic through an SSL 3.0 channel. Using SSL over TCP port 443 enables SSTP to pass through just about any firewall or proxy server that could reasonably be encountered. SSTP was created by Microsoft.

SSTP VPN and OpenVPN both make use of high standard encryption. Thus they are both able to readily bypass firewalls through the use of common ports like 443 or 80. Thus it’s virtually impossible for these advanced protocols to be blocked. It can only be done by making use of a deep packet inspection. But most networks are not equipped for this. This means that both SSTP and OpenVPN will generally both be capable of penetrating any reasonable firewall you might encounter, nine out of ten times.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Both protocols are more than capable of bypassing most firewalls. They also both rely on very strong encryptions that provide you with the maximum amount of security and anonymity. If there is an advantage to using OpenVPN as opposed to SSTP, it’s that OpenVPN is compatible with a much wider range of clients. OpenVPN can be used with Windows, MacOS, and even many of the newer IP phones.

SSTP on the other hand, isn’t compatible with older versions of Windows. This effectively eliminates a large section of its potential client-base.

However SSTP does also offer some distinct advantages over OpenVPN.

For starters, SSTP doesn’t require that you install any third-party software on supported client operating systems. But while OpenVPN can be used across many different platforms, SSTP only works with Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7.

However while both OpenVPN and SSTP are useful VPN protocols, there are also disadvantages to using either one of them.

OpenVPN requires that you install software before you can set up your connection. This can lead to a tedious configuration process that can be difficult for less technically proficient users.

SSTP on the other hand, has a very straightforward set up process on just about any client computer. It’s key disadvantages are that it’s limited to being compatible only with Windows Vista SP1 and Windows 7.

However if you’re behind a more restrictive firewall that blocks PPTP, it’s possible to use an SSL VPN in order to connect with your VPN provider. But if you’re running Windows 7 or Vista SP1, it’s probably best to use SSTP, as you’ll find that it’s easier to set up and easier to use. But if you’re running an OS other than Windows or Vista, you may find that OpenVPN will be your best choice.

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