OpenVPN Access Server Reviews

Name: OpenVPN Access Server
Brand: OpenVPN
Rating: 4.2 (47 reviews)

Vendor: OpenVPN

4.2 out of 5

47 reviews
98% willing to recommend

634 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. 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 50% 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

February 2025

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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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LAWAL YUSUF

IT auditor at SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

We use the product for secure remote access, including WiFi and IoT device security The product has strong encryption and scalability features. It provides security for private network connections. The product’s connectivity is very slow. It could be faster. We have been using OpenVPN Access…

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Michael Tsentsarevsky

Cyber Security Analyst. Technology, Intelligence, Research and Evaluation at Bank Hapoalim

The solution is primarily used for connecting desktops or laptops. Users can connect to this from an insecure environment. I like that you can have a safe access point from all kinds of places. The security is fine. The pricing is okay. I have found the stability to be good. It offers a…

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OpenVPN Access Server mindshare

As of February 2025, the mindshare of OpenVPN Access Server in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 14.3%, down from 16.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Enterprise Infrastructure VPN	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	OpenVPN Access Server vs Fortinet FortiClient	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	OpenVPN Access Server vs Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	OpenVPN Access Server vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)	Feb 21, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Fortinet FortiClient	4.0	14.3%	92%	98 interviews Add to research
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks	4.1	6.4%	92%	62 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

OpenVPN Access Server offers valuable features like ease of setup, management, and multi-platform integration. Users appreciate its open-source nature, affordability, user-friendly interface, security, and scalability. It supports encryption, customizable client installers, and allows remote network access. Compatibility with various operating systems enhances its adaptability. It facilitates secure remote connections and offers two-factor authentication. Its stability and reliable performance make it a preferred choice for many organizations.

"The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points."
"It is easy to use."
"The solution is reliable, easy to use, and open source. It's free at no cost."

Room for Improvement

OpenVPN Access Server requires a more user-friendly graphical interface and improved connectivity. Users report challenges with stability, speed, and scalability, along with complications in configuration and management. Security can be enhanced by incorporating additional features such as firewall functionalities. Notifications for connectivity issues and a simpler licensing structure are desired. Frequent updates, interface revisions, and better compatibility with operating systems are also suggested. Integration with Active Directory and improved high-availability deployment are needed.

"OpenVPN could improve in centralized management and enhance the GUI configuration steps."
"It should automate our processes."
"The solution should provide a faster connection, and its security could be improved."

ROI

Users experience high ROI from OpenVPN Access Server. Initial investment may seem costly, with a learning curve. Over time, intellectual benefits outweigh financial costs. Return is evident in minimized errors and damage. Efficiency improves by making server connection seamless for remote employees. Such connectivity is vital for operations, though some mention limited return beyond standard VPN service.

Pricing

OpenVPN Access Server is praised for its cost-effectiveness and open-source nature, offering a free community version with options for paid support. Users find its licensing straightforward and less complex than competitors like Cisco. The Pro Edition is reasonably priced per user, and discounts are available for long-term commitments. While setup requires time and hardware, its overall price point and flexibility make it a valuable option for enterprises seeking both free and licensed features.

"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

OpenVPN Access Server is primarily used for secure remote access, connecting desktops, laptops, and mobile devices to networks. It facilitates secure communication for businesses between offices, supports remote workers with secure connections, and enables encrypted data exchange. Organizations use it to connect multiple sites, secure AWS access, and protect local network access by expanding VPN coverage. Users also employ it to access internal servers and networks from insecure environments.

Service and Support

OpenVPN Access Server's customer support is highly rated, with users frequently finding needed documentation online. Technical support is often not required due to comprehensive web resources and responsive community forums. Users report that technical assistance is knowledgeable and responsive when contacted, though many handle issues themselves or find answers through online searches. Documentation and community support provide substantial assistance, contributing to effective management without frequent need for direct technical support.

Deployment

Users found OpenVPN Access Server's initial setup mostly straightforward, especially for those with Linux experience. Some found it complex without technical knowledge. Installation time varied, with reports ranging from minutes to a few weeks. Many users noted that scripting and following instructions simplified the process. Deployments required variable effort depending on team size and expertise. Overall, the setup was manageable with adequate preparation and understanding of networking and OS configurations.

Scalability

OpenVPN Access Server is generally scalable, with many noting its capacity to handle increased users effectively. Some encountered issues due to initial configurations, while others saw limitations based on hardware. Horizontal scaling appears challenging, requiring downtime for server adjustments. Various users reported successful scaling for a range of user sizes, emphasizing its capacity for growth. Ratings and feedback indicate a mix of perspectives, highlighting adaptability but requiring consideration for specific environments.

Stability

OpenVPN Access Server demonstrates strong stability with minimal issues reported. Users indicate it as reliable, stable, and resilient, even under demanding conditions. Improvements in performance and faster operations could enhance the experience. Occasionally, updates and hardware adjustments are necessary, but they do not significantly affect stability. Various users have independently rated its stability highly, typically around seven to nine out of ten. Minor concerns arise mainly with long-term connection or unique configurations.

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

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Educational Organization

Comms Service Provider

University

Manufacturing Company

Government

Financial Services Firm

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Insurance Company

Consumer Goods Company

Non Profit

Legal Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Performing Arts

Transportation Company

Logistics Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

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.