OpenVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
OpenVPN
Starting at $75 /Month
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access…
Surfshark
Starting at $2.21 /Month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Surfshark VPN is easy to use VPN software that estalyzes, encrypts and secures your internet connection on public WiFi hotspots while keeping your mobile activities anonymous and private from any other users sharing the…
OpenVPN leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 315 reviews.
OpenVPN vs Surfshark — at a glance
| Feature | OpenVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Reviews | 315 | 15,616 |
| Starting price | $75 /Month | $2.21 /Month |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | VPN Software | VPN Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | — |
| Support modes | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | — | Global |
Key differences between OpenVPN and Surfshark
- Pricing: OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month, while Surfshark starts at $2.21 /Month.
- Free trial: Surfshark offers a free trial; OpenVPN does not.
- User satisfaction: OpenVPN scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
- Deployment: OpenVPN supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Surfshark supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
OpenVPN vs Surfshark — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most VPN Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for secure, customizable VPNs with strong SSL/TLS encryption.
- You need secure remote workforce or site-to-site VPN connections.
- Your IT team can handle medium complexity setups and configurations.
- You want an open-source VPN that supports NAT and firewall traversal.
- You require a plug-and-play VPN for non-technical users.
- You need extensive built-in compliance and enterprise process management.
Best for small to medium businesses needing simple, affordable VPN with antivirus.
- You want an easy-to-setup VPN with combined antivirus protection.
- Your team values responsive, professional customer support.
- You need reliable security for remote workers and public WiFi access.
- You require advanced VPN configurations and highly customizable features.
- Your organization faces recurring connectivity issues in specific locations.
OpenVPN: Best for secure, customizable VPNs with strong SSL/TLS encryption. Surfshark: Best for small to medium businesses needing simple, affordable VPN with antivirus.
Description | OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged ... Read More about OpenVPN | Surfshark VPN is easy to use VPN software that estalyzes, encrypts and secures your internet connection on public WiFi hotspots while keeping your mobile activities anonymous and private ... Read More about Surfshark |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | Small BusinessLarge Enterprises | 1-50 employees51-500 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do OpenVPN and Surfshark Compare on Features?
Total Features | 6 Features | 7 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare OpenVPN and Surfshark on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | — | ✗ No |
|---|---|---|
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
Data Residency | — | 🌐 Global |
OpenVPN User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights OpenVPN's strong security, ease of deployment, and cross-platform compatibility, with some concerns about technical complexity. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights reliable service, affordability, and excellent customer support despite some setup and feature limitations. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  2 Screenshots |  1 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  3 Videos |  2 Videos |
Top Alternatives to OpenVPN and Surfshark in 2026
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, OpenVPN or Surfshark?
- OpenVPN edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do OpenVPN and Surfshark offer a free trial?
- Surfshark offers a free trial. OpenVPN does not.
- What is the starting price of OpenVPN vs Surfshark?
- OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month. Surfshark starts at $2.21 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to OpenVPN?
- Top alternatives to OpenVPN include PureVPN, FastestVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access VPN, PrivateVPN.
- What are the top alternatives to Surfshark?
- Top alternatives to Surfshark include PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, FastestVPN, Private Internet Access VPN, IPVanish VPN.