Side by side
LibreSwan vs OpenVPN Access Server
Both stand on virtual private network software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
LibreSwan provides a free, multi-platform implementation of IPsec VPN and IKE with broad authentication and deployment documentation. Users should plan around the project's IKEv2 recommendation and the source-build requirement on OpenBSD.
Visit LibreSwan Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
OpenVPN Access Server combines self-hosting with administrative controls and a free tier for up to two simultaneous connections. Larger deployments should compare the per-connection Growth cost with the custom-priced Enterprise & IoT option.
Visit OpenVPN Access ServerThe facts
| LibreSwan | OpenVPN Access Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Growth: $7 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | LibreSwan | OpenVPN Access Server |
| Website | libreswan.org | openvpn.net |
| On virtual private network software | #18 of 54 | #14 of 54 |
LibreSwan: what it does well
- Free IPsec and IKE VPN implementation
- Supports Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD
- X.509 and NAT traversal extensions
- Guides cover major cloud platforms
- Certificate, key, and preshared authentication
What to know first
- IKEv1 is deprecated
- OpenBSD requires building from source
- Volunteer support response times may vary
- Most code uses GPLv2, with other licenses
OpenVPN Access Server: what it does well
- Free plan includes all features indefinitely.
- No credit card is required for the free plan.
- Supports multiple authentication methods, including SAML.
- Offers user- and group-level role controls.
- Supports deployment across containers, virtual appliances, and clouds.
What to know first
- Free plan allows up to two simultaneous connections.
- Growth costs $7 a month per connection.
- Trial requires five or more connections.
- Enterprise & IoT pricing is custom and not listed.
Alternatives to LibreSwan Alternatives to OpenVPN Access Server The whole list