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12 OpenVPN Alternatives Ranked by Real Users — Free Picks Included (2026)

Explore 12 alternatives to OpenVPN — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

OpenVPN alternatives: the 12 best options at a glance

Quick answer

Need a OpenVPN alternative fast? Consider CASVPN, Hide.me and Surfshark. CASVPN holds the top SpotScore (8.6) with a 5★ rating. The full comparison of all 12 on score, rating, and price is below.

Switching away from OpenVPN is easier when you know which tools actually deliver. These 12 vpn software free alternatives earned their spots on SpotScore (verified user satisfaction plus market presence), star ratings, and pricing. Our editors vet each one. The table gives you the quick comparison; the sections below give you the why.

ProductSpotScoreRatingPricingBest for
CASVPNSecurely access your enterprise from anywhere.8.6★★★★★ 5(4)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Hide.meSurf the web without fear, with Hide.me.9.4★★★★★ 4.91(600)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
SurfsharkSecure your online privacy with Surfshark VPN.9.4Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
TunnelBearBrowse the web safely and anonymously.9.4★★★★☆ 3.64(141)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
WindscribeProtect your online privacy with Windscribe VPN.9.2Not yet ratedFreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
ProtonVPNProtect your online privacy and security with ProtonVPN.9.2★★★★★ 4.54(50)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Hotspot ShieldSecurely access the internet without limitations.9.2★★★★★ 4.7(489)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
IPVanish VPNSecure your digital world with IPVanish.9.2★★★★★ 4.81(2495)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
PrivateVPNSecurely connect to your home network from anywhere.9.1★★★★★ 4.94(3043)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Namecheap VPNSurf the web with complete anonymity and security.9.1★★★★☆ 4.34(3172)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
ZenMateUnleash the power of secure browsing.9.1★★★★☆ 4.24(34)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionsmall businesses
PrivadoVPNSecure your online world with PrivadoVPN.9★★☆☆☆ 2.25(35)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses

8.6

SpotScore

CASVPN

CASVPN

Securely access your enterprise from anywhere.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

5.0

4 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is CASVPN?

CASVPN (Client Access Service VPN) is a client-server VPN software that enables enterprise and teleworker users to access their enterprise intranets and remote servers by tunneling all their traffic through a single, secure SSL encrypted connection. The CASVPN client is a Windows PC application ...

Read more about CASVPN
Free TrialTry Free →

9.4

SpotScore

Hide.me - VPN Software

Hide.me

Surf the web without fear, with Hide.me.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

4.9

600 verified reviews

Add to compare

watch-demo

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What is Hide.me?

Hide.me is a secure, no-logs VPN service built for privacy-conscious individuals, small teams, remote workers, and digital professionals who prioritize secure internet access. It offers fast and anonymous browsing, data encryption, and IP masking to keep your online activities private, whether ...

Read more about Hide.me

Starts from $2.59/month when monthly, also offers free forever plan

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9.4

SpotScore

Surfshark - VPN Software

Surfshark

Secure your online privacy with Surfshark VPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Surfshark?

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 same network. Surfshark VPN maintains complete online privacy and freedom ...

Read more about Surfshark
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $2.49/Month when 24-month term

9.4

SpotScore

TunnelBear - VPN Software

TunnelBear

Browse the web safely and anonymously.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

3.6

141 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is TunnelBear?

TunnelBear is a consumer VPN for individuals who want to protect their browsing on public Wi-Fi or access geo-restricted content without navigating complex network settings. Its bear-themed interface and one-click connection make it one of the most approachable options for users new to VPNs. A ...

Read more about TunnelBear

Starts from $3.33/Month, also offers free forever plan

9.2

SpotScore

Windscribe

Windscribe

Protect your online privacy with Windscribe VPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Windscribe?

WindScribe is a free VPN service that makes you private, anonymous and secure online, secures your Internet connection, protects you from trackers and malware sites, allows you bypass filters and firewalls and even allows for torrenting. WindScribe uses our own safe and secure VPN network (the ...

Read more about Windscribe

9.2

SpotScore

ProtonVPN - VPN Software

ProtonVPN

Protect your online privacy and security with ProtonVPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.5

50 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is the world's most advanced VPN software. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is designed for users who wish to maintain their online privacy and security without sacrificing performance. Users can connect to the secure VPN servers of ProtonVPN while simultaneously enjoying full internet ...

Read more about ProtonVPN

Starts from $4/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.2

SpotScore

Hotspot Shield - VPN Software

Hotspot Shield

Securely access the internet without limitations.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.7

489 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield is a VPN service popular with frequent travelers and streaming enthusiasts who need to reliably unblock geo-restricted content and secure public Wi-Fi connections across multiple devices. Its large server network and straightforward app make it easy to switch regions for ...

Read more about Hotspot Shield

Starts from $7.99/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.2

SpotScore

IPVanish VPN - VPN Software

IPVanish VPN

Secure your digital world with IPVanish.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.8

2495 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is IPVanish VPN?

IPVanish is a fast and secure VPN network that enables you to bypass all geo-restrictions on websites, apps, and services. It hides your location data when online, prevents hackers from stealing passwords and banking information, secures public Wi-Fi connections to prevent eavesdropping and ...

Read more about IPVanish VPN
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $3.75/Month when Billed Yearly

9.1

SpotScore

PrivateVPN - VPN Software

PrivateVPN

Securely connect to your home network from anywhere.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.9

3043 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is PrivateVPN?

PrivateVPN lets you instantly access your home network from anywhere in the world. This software-based solution provides you with a secure and anonymous Internet connection through the usage of a virtual private network (VPN). The safety of WiFi connections, online bank transactions and credit ...

Read more about PrivateVPN
Free Trial·

Starts from $2.50/Month

9.1

SpotScore

Namecheap VPN - VPN Software

Namecheap VPN

Surf the web with complete anonymity and security.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.3

3172 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is Namecheap VPN?

Namecheap VPN is a powerful tool for protecting your Internet anonymity, unblocking websites, and accessing content that is restricted to specific countries. In addition to providing you with the ability to surf the web as an anonymous user, Namecheap VPN will also protect you from hackers on ...

Read more about Namecheap VPN

Starts from $1/Month, also offers free forever plan

9.1

SpotScore

ZenMate - VPN Software

ZenMate

Unleash the power of secure browsing.

Best for: SMB teams

Try for Free

4.2

34 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is ZenMate?

ZenMate is the best way to protect yourself while browsing the web and to access blocked content. It secures your connection through an encrypted tunnel, which prevents malicious hosts or Internet Service Provider from gaining access to your device or information. ZenMate protects you from ...

Read more about ZenMate

Starts from $1.99/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.0

SpotScore

PrivadoVPN - VPN Software

PrivadoVPN

Secure your online world with PrivadoVPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

2.3

35 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is PrivadoVPN?

Privado is a free VPN software that protects you online. It encrypts all your Internet connection and route your PC internet traffic through our secure server. Privado hides your personal IP address and location, as well as provides you security and privacy when you're connected to Internet in ...

Read more about PrivadoVPN

Starts from $4.99/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

The main OpenVPN competitors

There are 12 direct OpenVPN competitors in VPN Software. The ones that come up most often are CASVPN, Hide.me and Surfshark. Each is compared against OpenVPN on rating, pricing and feature coverage below.

Sites and apps like OpenVPN

Searches for "sites like OpenVPN" and "apps like OpenVPN" land on the same shortlist as "OpenVPN alternatives" — the 12 options below cover both, whether you want a like-for-like replacement or something lighter.

Why each option earned its place

CASVPN8.6Best for teams of all sizes

SSL encrypted connection

Watch for: Windows only application

Hide.me9.4Best for small & mid-size businesses

Consistently fast and reliable connection speeds, even for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

Watch for: The free version has limited features and may not suit advanced needs.

Surfshark9.4Best for teams of all sizes

Responsive and professional customer support team consistently resolves issues promptly and efficiently.

Watch for: Initial setup or installation issues can occur, especially with antivirus or VPN configurations.

TunnelBear9.4Best for teams of all sizes

User-friendly interface

Watch for: Limited free version

Windscribe9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Interface is accessible to beginners.

Watch for: Free tier's 10GB monthly data cap is insufficient for heavy users.

ProtonVPN9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Offers top-notch security features, including military-grade AES-256 encryption and reliable protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, ensuring user privacy and safety.

Watch for: Fewer server locations compared to competitors, limiting connection versatility, especially in some regions like Latin America.

Hotspot Shield9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Connections are fast, stable, and reliable.

Watch for: Occasional connectivity issues, including difficulty connecting or unexpected disconnections.

IPVanish VPN9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Reliable and consistent service with minimal downtime, ensuring a secure and smooth user experience.

Watch for: Limited advanced features for more tech-savvy users who expect deeper customizations or integrations.

PrivateVPN9.1Best for teams of all sizes

Easy access to home network

Watch for: Limited server locations

Namecheap VPN9.1Best for teams of all sizes

Exceptional and accessible 24/7 customer support, consistently resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Watch for: Initial learning curve for beginners during domain transfer or complex setups, requiring guided assistance.

ZenMate9.1Best for small businesses

Provides secure browsing and privacy protection, minimizing risks of location tracking and data breaches.

Watch for: IP switching may display incorrect or unintended regions, complicating language settings and usage.

PrivadoVPN9Best for small & mid-size businesses

Less expensive compared to competitors and offers affordability for budget-conscious users.

Watch for: Inaccurate geo-location services and unreliable server connections, causing issues like access to incorrect regional content and slow browsing speeds.

Why teams look for a OpenVPN alternative

Here's what tends to push teams toward a OpenVPN alternative:

  • Complex setup for beginners
  • Requires technical knowledge
  • Limited user support

How to evaluate a OpenVPN alternative

By the numbers, these 12 vpn software free alternatives shake out as follows: 12 offer a free tier; and CASVPN is the highest rated at 5★ across 4 reviews.

How we put this in order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

The top-rated alternatives to OpenVPN are CASVPN (5.0★), PrivateVPN (4.9★), Hide.me (4.9★). Compare all 12 alternatives side-by-side above.

When evaluating alternatives to OpenVPN, prioritize: Peer-to-Peer, Multi-Protocol, Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection, Anonymous Browsing, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

OpenVPN starts from $75 /Month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply OpenVPN is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend narrowing to 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

How to land on the right OpenVPN alternative

  • On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — CASVPN, Hide.me and Surfshark let you evaluate without paying upfront.
  • If real-user ratings matter most: CASVPN has the strongest star rating (5★) among the options with verified reviews.
  • Want the safest pick: CASVPN has the highest Spotsaas Score (8.6) in this list — a strong default if you're unsure.

Ready to leave OpenVPN?

Getting off OpenVPN cleanly comes down to preparation. Export everything, verify the new tool can import it, and check feature parity for your day-to-day work. Run a small pilot first, then migrate fully, keeping OpenVPN as backup until you're done. Free trials above lower the risk.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].