OpenVPN Access Server Reviews

Name: OpenVPN Access Server
Brand: OpenVPN
Rating: 4.2 (46 reviews)

Vendor: OpenVPN

4.2 out of 5

46 reviews
98% willing to recommend

635 followers

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What is OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server is a comprehensive VPN solution that enables secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity. It uses the open-source OpenVPN protocol with added encryption and authentication for robust security. The web-based admin interface simplifies setup and centralized management of users, devices, and access controls.

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OpenVPN Access Server is the #1 ranked solution in top Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions. PeerSpot users give OpenVPN Access Server an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 46 most recent OpenVPN Access Server reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.8. (Among the highest in the category). OpenVPN Access Server is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiClient: OpenVPN Access Server vs Fortinet FortiClient. OpenVPN Access Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

OpenVPN Access Server

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Bertrand Moutault

Owner at La Poste

Sometimes OpenVPN Access Server is difficult to connect to, and in our company, we don't know why it is difficult. The product may not connect if we lose connection at times. There are certain shortcomings in the product's stability that need improvement. In general, I want to improve the connect connectivity of the solution since I sometimes face stability issues.

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An-Pham

Deputy General Manager at Viettel Group

It can create an environmentally friendly setting, such as a park or green space, where I can interact with other people and use various tools and resources OpenVPN Access Server allows us to establish a secure connection to an IP address that would otherwise be inaccessible without using a VPN.…

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Alex Clerici

System Integrator IT Manager at Tecnimex S.r.l.

OpenVPN is generally scalable, but in certain regions like China, where deep packet inspection is widespread, there are certain challenges. The scalability holds up well, but consideration is needed for environments with stringent stateful inspection, especially in cases like China. Overall, I would rate the scalability of the solution as an eight out of ten.

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OpenVPN Access Server mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of OpenVPN Access Server in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 15.9%, down from 16.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 21, 2024

Valuable Features

OpenVPN Access Server is compatible with Linux OS platforms and supports clients from Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The solution includes built-in user authentication, compatible with PAM, LDAP, RADIUS, and SAML. It also uses TLS authentication, credentials, certificates, and optional MAC address lock. It also offers comprehensive access control rules and supports both full-tunnel and split-tunnel redirection.

Users shared:

"The product’s adaptability is valuable."
"The product provides secure internet connections and helps with faster downloads."
"The product has strong encryption and scalability features. It provides security for private network connections."

"It is easy to use."
"The solution is reliable, easy to use, and open source. It's free at no cost."
"OpenVPN Access Server is a simple and easy-to-use solution that I can use myself without anybody's help."

Room for Improvement

OpenVPN Access Server needs to support multiple VLANs, improve security to meet organizational policies, and offer better horizontal scalability. Intrusion prevention and detection features, support for additional protocols, and a simpler high availability deployment are desired. Enhancements are needed for user-friendliness, Active Directory interfaces, server configuration, stability, performance, faster connections, and user interface. Users want more frequent updates, geographical adaptability, easier log reading, more access control, and selective termination of connections.

"It should automate our processes."
"The solution should provide a faster connection, and its security could be improved."
"OpenVPN Access Server needs to have fewer updates."

ROI

Users reported significant cost savings by utilizing OpenVPN Access Server, which led to decreased expenditure on hardware and maintenance costs. Increased security of remote connections and improved employee productivity were noted. Some users experienced a reduction in downtime and faster troubleshooting, enhancing overall efficiency. Enhanced control over network access contributed positively to their organizational performance.

Pricing

OpenVPN offers both Self-Hosted and Managed Solutions with pricing based on the number of connections.

Self-Hosted Solution ranges from $195 for 10 connections to $11,700 for 1,000 connections.
Managed Solution offers monthly subscriptions, starting at $29 for 10 connections to $1,999 for 1,000 connections.
Additional $99 per year for software license.

Users shared:

"The licensing has a fixed pricing."
"The product offers yearly as well as monthly subscription plans. It has moderate pricing."
"I don't need to pay for its license since it is an open-source tool."

"OpenVPN Access Server is a cheap corporate solution."
"The licensing has a fixed pricing."
"The product offers yearly as well as monthly subscription plans. It has moderate pricing."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use OpenVPN Access Server for secure remote access. It facilitates connecting remote workers to office networks, accessing customer systems, and secure site-to-site connections. It enables remote desktop connections, protected data transfer, and remote server access. It is trusted for private network security, secure internet connections, and supporting IoT devices. Users leverage it for VPN access, node accessing, and creating secure environments for business activities such as accounting, maintenance, and smart working.

Service and Support

Many users find OpenVPN Access Server support responsive and efficient, with quick email replies and satisfactory resolution of issues. While some manage without vendor assistance, those who contact support rate their experiences highly. Users with internal technical experts often use OpenVPN's support for escalations and find them knowledgeable. However, a notable proportion have not yet engaged with support services.

Deployment

Users report varying experiences with OpenVPN Access Server's initial setup. Some find it straightforward and quick, taking as little as 10 to 15 minutes, while others note complexity, requiring more technical knowledge or taking up to a day. Some companies rely on scripts to simplify the process, reducing the deployment time to minutes. Feedback indicates that prior research and preparation can ease the setup, though some still find it challenging and time-consuming.

Scalability

OpenVPN Access Server is generally considered scalable by users, though opinions vary. Some mention horizontal scalability issues, while others highlight vertical scaling with minimal downtime. Users range from small teams to large organizations, with mixed experiences based on regions and setups. Scalability ratings are generally positive, with users appreciating its ability to handle increasing demand.

Stability

OpenVPN Access Server is highly stable and reliable. Users report no bugs, glitches, crashes, or freezes. Some mention occasional issues during updates, requiring backups or redeployment. Stable performance is noted, although improvements in robustness are desired. Users rate stability between five and ten out of ten, with some highlighting stable connectivity and consistent configurations. Occasional connection issues are mentioned, but they don’t generally affect performance.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our OpenVPN Access Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Educational Organization

Comms Service Provider

University

Government

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Retailer

Media Company

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Construction Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Non Profit

Legal Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Logistics Company

Wellness & Fitness Company

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Learn more about OpenVPN Access Server

OpenVPN Access Server's ease of setup, comprehensive security features, and professional support make it a viable option for businesses looking to facilitate secure remote access and inter-office connectivity. However, potential users should be mindful of the technical requirements for setup and the possibility of network performance issues in specific scenarios.

Based on over 30 independent peer reviews, OpenVPN garners consistently positive feedback for its stability, security, and free open-source licensing. The most common complaints relate to initial setup complexity and occasional connection drops. Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers highly recommend OpenVPN Access Server due to its robust encryption standards, flexible access options, and scalability across organization sizes.

Versatile Installation and Client Support:

OpenVPN Access Server can be installed on various Linux OS platforms, offering flexibility to adapt to different network environments. This includes popular distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
OpenVPN Access Server supports a comprehensive range of VPN clients, ensuring broad compatibility and user accessibility. This includes clients for Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, enabling users to connect securely from various devices.

User Authentication and Security:

OpenVPN Access Server incorporates a built-in user authentication system, which can be managed via a web-based interface. This allows administrators to manage user accounts, passwords, and access permissions easily.
For enhanced security, OpenVPN Access Server supports integration with external authentication systems like PAM, LDAP, RADIUS, and SAML. This allows you to leverage your existing authentication infrastructure for VPN access.
The solution provides the flexibility to implement custom Python programming for advanced authentication methods, catering to specific security requirements.
OpenVPN Access Server utilizes the OpenVPN protocol, renowned for its robust encryption and security. VPN tunnels are secured with TLS authentication, credentials, certificates, and optional MAC address lock, ensuring a high level of protection for data transmission.

Flexible Access Control and Tunneling Options:

OpenVPN Access Server provides comprehensive access control rules, allowing administrators to specify user or group access to IP addresses and subnets. This enables granular control over network access and resource utilization.
OpenVPN Access Server supports both full-tunnel and split-tunnel redirection. Full-tunnel mode routes all VPN client internet traffic through the VPN tunnel, while split-tunnel mode allows selective routing of specific traffic.

OpenVPN offers professional support for Access Server, with a global team of experts available through an online ticket system. This ensures that users have timely access to assistance when needed.

OpenVPN Access Server was previously known as OpenVPN.