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Ali Toksoy - PeerSpot reviewer
General Manager at Ekinoks Software
Real User
Easy to deploy, simple to use, and offers good performance
Pros and Cons
  • "It can scale well."
  • "The interface could be a little bit better in future iterations."

What is our primary use case?

In our country, there is a problem with accessing some sites. Therefore, we need to use OpenVPN. We also use it to access our server.

What is most valuable?

The solution is very easy to use. It's very direct. It always just works when we need it to. The performance is good. 

The solution is stable.

It can scale well.

The initial setup is fast and easy.

What needs improvement?

The interface could be a little bit better in future iterations. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I can't remember how long I've used the solution. It's likely been around six years. 

Buyer's Guide
OpenVPN Access Server
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about OpenVPN Access Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution offers good performance. It is stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It makes access simple. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product can scale well. 

We have 40 or 50 people using the product at this time. 

As remote work increases, we likely will expand usage. 

How are customer service and support?

We haven't needed any additional support so far. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did not previously use any other services similar to this product. 

How was the initial setup?

It is easy to set up. It just works right away. 

It takes a very short amount of time to deploy it. I found the process to be quite fast. We deployed in minutes, as I recall. 

A company would only need one person to handle the deployment process. 

What about the implementation team?

We did not need any outside assistance or support for the implementation process. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I'm unsure of the exact licensing costs. 

What other advice do I have?

I'm not sure which version of the solution I'm using. 

I'd recommend this product to other users and companies. 

I would rate the solution eight out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
it_user847161 - PeerSpot reviewer
Software Engineer II at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees
Real User
Compatible with almost any Linux system, and easy to write scripts and generate keys
Pros and Cons
  • "The compatibility with almost any Linux operating system, and how easy it is to write scripts and generate keys for people to use and log in. I found it easy to deploy quickly."
  • "If someone's key is not working, or if we had to remove someone's permission from it, or maybe an employee left the company and we had to take their key out, that seemed a little bit more complicated than it had to be."
  • "I think right now the GUI part of it is locked out behind the pay wall. It could use something that gives it a very basic, minimal, graphic interface for logging in, for the community version. That would probably be a good step forward."
  • "If we had to create something for someone who was not necessarily tech savvy, I had to set that up on their computer, I had to write "read me's" and other things so that they could install their client and then connect to the VPN by themselves. So it was hard to set up for people who are not tech savvy."

What is our primary use case?

Interoffice connections. We had offices in India and the US. To connect both of them to the same environment, we were using OpenVPN for that. It was so we could maintain a file store, exchange files and documents securely through our own proprietary mechanism, instead of having to rely on Dropbox and the like. 

How has it helped my organization?

Interoperability between different offices. We didn't have to keep exchanging documents via email and other tech. We were able to maintain a common file store because of the complete VPN setup we had using OpenVPN.

What is most valuable?

The compatibility with almost any Linux operating system, and how easy it is to write scripts and generate keys for people to use and log in. I found it easy to deploy quickly.

What needs improvement?

Some of the issues we faced were things like, if someone's key is not working, or if we had to remove someone's permission from it, or maybe an employee left the company and we had to take their key out. That seemed a little bit more complicated than it had to be.

Also, I think right now the GUI part of it is locked out behind the pay wall. It could use something that gives it a very basic, minimal, graphic interface for logging in, for the community version. That would probably be a good step forward.

For how long have I used the solution?

Three to five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We did not encounter any stability issues in our scope.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Our use case was less complex than most. We did not come across any issues with scalability.

How are customer service and technical support?

I usually found support online, so I didn't have to use tech support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We started off with OpenVPN when we were evaluating what we could use for our needs and we ended up with OpenVPN. I have used other VPN solutions at other offices, but in the cases that I've dealt with, OpenVPN was the choice.

How was the initial setup?

If we had to create something for someone who was not necessarily tech savvy, I had to set that up on their computer, I had to write "read me's" and other things so that they could install their client and then connect to the VPN by themselves. So it was hard to set up for people who are not tech savvy. I had to actively provide assistance and walk them through the whole process.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product's pricing is good value, definitely. It is one of the best features, I would say.

Evaluate the product before seeing which type of licensing is good for you. I think there is a good evaluation method available for OpenVPN, so you can just evaluate if it meets your needs. Then go forward with the right licensing policy.

What other advice do I have?

OpenVPN is a good option for kick-starting any kind of interoperability between offices. It doesn't have a huge setup time, so it's a quick way to start experimenting with how the organization would work with its VPN requirements. Even if your requirements are very small, it's a very convenient to start off with this solution.

I rate it at eight out of 10 because it gives value for what it provides. You need technical know-how to get started on it, but it is also very swift. It has all the right features but it's technically challenging if you're not tech savvy. Providing clients with keys is not that straightforward.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
OpenVPN Access Server
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about OpenVPN Access Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
SeniorLif988 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Linux System Administrator at a media company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Two-factor authentication allows us to not force frequent password changes
Pros and Cons
  • "​It allows us to give access to our office network in a safe and secure way to users, no matter which computing platform they use. ​"
  • "Two-factor authentication allows us to not force frequent password changes."
  • "​There was one annoying feature where we had to disable and enable the user. I cannot remember what it was exactly, but I think it was for a password lockout. It would be nice if there was a checkbox, or something, in the web interface to allow you to unlock a user whose password was locked."

How has it helped my organization?

It allows us to give access to our office network in a safe and secure way to users, no matter which computing platform they use. 

What is most valuable?

  1. Easy to set up.
  2. Clients for multiple platforms
  3. It runs on Linux.
  4. It allows for two-factor authentication. 

This makes it very easy to administer if it is running on a Linux server where you can do everything over CLI or a web-based interface. Some software only has clients for MAC and Windows, which is annoying. Two-factor authentication allows us to not force frequent password changes.

What needs improvement?

There was one annoying feature where we had to disable and enable the user. I cannot remember what it was exactly, but I think it was for a password lockout. It would be nice if there was a checkbox, or something, in the web interface to allow you to unlock a user whose password was locked. 

For how long have I used the solution?

One to three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

No issues. It is solid as a rock.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Never.

How are customer service and technical support?

I do not think we ever had to use technical support. I mainly found answers on the web forums.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

No.

How was the initial setup?

It was already set up when I got there. 

However, I have set up OpenVPN elsewhere. The initial setup is very straightforward as long as you understand something about the way the OS works, and how the networking and certificates work.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Not applicable.

What other advice do I have?

It is good stuff.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
AlexandreRamos - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Information Security Consultant at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 20
Reliable, easy to use, and open source
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is reliable, easy to use, and open source. It's free at no cost."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use the solution to access FTP pages and file sharing.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution is reliable, easy to use, and open source. It's free at no cost.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using OpenVPN Access Server as a user.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The product is stable. There are no interruptions, and it works smoothly.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution’s scalability is fine. It encompasses security advances and investments in the industry.

    What was our ROI?


    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The solution is free. It is worth the money.

    What other advice do I have?

    The tool works fine and doesn't bother me all day.

    I recommend the solution.

    Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    Consultant at Freelance
    Real User
    Top 5
    A self-hosted VPN solution with two free VPN connections, but it could be more stable
    Pros and Cons
    • "I like that it's free."
    • "It could be faster. It could also be more stable."

    What is our primary use case?

    I use OpenVPN Access Server for my private network area and analytics. It makes it easier to log into my network.

    What is most valuable?

    I like that it's free.

    What needs improvement?

    It could be faster. It could also be more stable.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using OpenVPN Access Server for three years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It could be more stable.

    On a scale from one to ten, I would give stability a seven.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is a bit complicated, but it's not an issue if you Google it.

    What about the implementation team?

    I implemented this solution by myself. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    OpenVPN Access Server is free and open source.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would tell potential users that OpenVPN Access Server is best for small businesses.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Cofounder/CTO and Principal Devops at a tech vendor
    Real User
    Provides privacy and cryptography for my network communication
    Pros and Cons
    • "Provides privacy and cryptography for my network communication."
    • "I would like to see a GUI or Web UI to manage users. Today these features are in the Pro Edition or are done by scripts."

    How has it helped my organization?

    My entire engineering team can access our infrastructure from anywhere in the world, securely.

    What is most valuable?

    Privacy and cryptography for my network communication.

    What needs improvement?

    Maybe provide a GUI or Web UI to manage users. Today these features are in the Pro Edition or are done by scripts.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    More than five years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    No issues with scalability.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    No issues with scalability.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    The community is great. We are able to find a lot of documentation on the Web.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Cisco VPN, L2TP/IPsec. OpenVPN is easier to maintain and use, save us time.

    How was the initial setup?

    Straightforward, a server is installed in a few minutes.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The Pro Edition has a reasonable price per user.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    Cisco VPN.

    What other advice do I have?

    I use it as server and client in AWS. The first reason is to provide a kind of crypted VLAN.

    No real advice to give, except to be careful with the traffic in/out on extensive usage.

    I rate it 10 out of 10. Simple to install and maintain, easy to find documentation or help in Google.

    Try it. It's really fast to PoC and validate this solution.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Jordan  Borgner - PeerSpot reviewer
    Junior Network Engineer at Plusline AG
    Real User
    Top 5
    Encrypts all the traffic to protect online privacy but should have the option to selectively terminate connections
    Pros and Cons
    • "I have set the default routes to the VPN server so that all traffic is encrypted."
    • "OpenVPN does not have the ability to selectively terminate connections."

    What is our primary use case?

    The primary use case for me is to encrypt my traffic to the Internet and protect my privacy on my home network.

    What is most valuable?

    One of the valuable features of OpenVPN is that it is free. I have set the default routes to the VPN server so that all traffic is encrypted.

    What needs improvement?

    One area for improvement in OpenVPN is the ability to selectively terminate connections. If the program could list active connections and provide an option to delete or kill them, it would be a useful feature. This would save users the trouble of having to restart the entire program each time they need to terminate a connection.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I’ve been working with OpenVPN for two years now.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It is a stable product.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is straightforward.

    What about the implementation team?

    You do not need a professional team to deploy the solution. I did it myself and it took around half an hour.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    You don’t need to buy anything to use OpenVPN. But if you want access to the enterprise version, you need to buy a license for that.

    What other advice do I have?

    OpenVPN's usage depends on the network preferences and deployment complexity.

    I would rate it a seven out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Private Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1740360 - PeerSpot reviewer
    ICT and Cyber Security Adviser at a educational organization with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Open-source, easy to set up, and simple to expand
    Pros and Cons
    • "It is open-source and free to use."
    • "When there are too many concurrent users trying to connect at the same time, there may be a bit of a bottleneck."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily use the solution for a secure VPN connection.

    What is most valuable?

    Overall, it's okay and performance-wise it's fine.

    It is easy to set up.

    The solution is stable.

    It can scale well. 

    It is open-source and free to use. 

    What needs improvement?

    The performance could be a bit better. The stability could always be enhanced. 

    When there are too many concurrent users trying to connect at the same time, there may be a bit of a bottleneck. When all people would like to reconnect to the VPN at the same time, the performance and availability of the solution could be better.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using the solution for almost a year.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is quite stable and has okay performance. However, it could be better. We'd like the performance to be more robust.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    It's a scalable product. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so. 

    We have around 2,000 users on the solution right now. 

    We're always open to increasing usage. 

    How are customer service and support?

    I haven't dealt with technical support just yet. I can't speak to how helpful they would be. 

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    We did not previously use a different solution. 

    How was the initial setup?

    With OpenVPN, the amount of people you need to deploy and maintain it depends on how many nodes you would need and the number of users as well as whether you are operating 24/7 or operating only during work hours. Likely, you would need between three and six people.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    This is an open-source solution. We can use it for free. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I'd recommend the solution to other users and organizations. 

    I would rate the product eight out of ten as I have been mostly pleased with its capabilities. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free OpenVPN Access Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: January 2025
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free OpenVPN Access Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.