Choosing the Right OpenVPN Clients and How to Install Them

OpenVPN is a popular and versatile open-source virtual private network (VPN) solution known for its robust security and flexibility. To use it, you’ll need a compatible client application on your device. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best OpenVPN clients available and guide you through the installation process.

Why OpenVPN?

Before diving into OpenVPN clients, let’s briefly discuss why OpenVPN is a preferred choice for many. It stands out for the following reasons:

Security: It uses the OpenSSL library and provides strong encryption, making it highly secure for transmitting data over the internet.
Flexibility: It supports a wide range of authentication methods and can run over multiple protocols, including UDP and TCP.
Cross-Platform: It is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Community Support: Being open-source, it benefits from a vast community of users and developers, which leads to regular updates and security enhancements.
Cost-Efficient: is free to use, which makes it an excellent choice for personal and small business use.

Now that you understand why OpenVPN is a great choice, let’s look at some popular OpenVPN clients and how to install them.

1. OpenVPN Community Client (OpenVPN GUI)

Platform: Windows

The OpenVPN Community Client, also known as OpenVPN GUI, is the official Windows client for OpenVPN. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage your VPN connections. To install it:

Visit the official OpenVPN download page here and download the installer for your Windows version.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once installed, launch the OpenVPN GUI.
Right-click on the system tray icon and select “Connect” to establish your VPN connection.

2. Tunnelblick

Platform: macOS

Tunnelblick is a popular OpenVPN client for macOS. It offers a straightforward way to connect to its servers. To install it:

Visit the Tunnelblick website (https://tunnelblick.net/) and download the latest version.
Open the downloaded disk image file and drag the Tunnelblick icon to your Applications folder.
Launch Tunnelblick from your Applications folder.
The first time you run Tunnelblick, it will ask you to install OpenVPN. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Once installed, click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar, and select a VPN configuration to connect.

3. To Connect

Platforms: Android, iOS

For mobile devices, OpenVPN Connect is the official OpenVPN client. It ensures secure VPN connections on your Android or iOS device. To install it:

Visit your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS).
Search for “OpenVPN Connect” and download the app.
Launch the app, and you can either import an existing OpenVPN profile or set up a new connection.
Enter your VPN server details and credentials, then tap “Connect” to establish the VPN connection.

4. OpenVPN Client for Linux

Platform: Linux

Linux users can install the OpenVPN client through their distribution’s package manager. Here’s how to install it on Debian/Ubuntu and CentOS:

Debian/Ubuntu:

Open the terminal.
Update your package list: sudo apt update.
Install the OpenVPN client: sudo apt install openvpn.

CentOS:

Open the terminal.
Install the OpenVPN client: sudo yum install epel-release && sudo yum install openvpn.

Once installed, use the openvpn command to connect to your VPN server by specifying the configuration file.

Conclusion

OpenVPN is a versatile and secure VPN solution, and you can enjoy its benefits by using compatible clients on various platforms. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux, there’s a suitable OpenVPN client available. By following the installation instructions provided above, you can establish secure VPN connections and protect your online privacy. Remember always to use a trusted VPN service and configure your client with the necessary server details and credentials.