V2Ray vs WireGuard vs OpenVPN vs AnyConnect: how to choose
Written by the b4vpn team ·
No protocol is best everywhere. What runs beautifully on one network may not connect at all on another, so the useful question is not which is best but which suits your device and your network.
What a VPN protocol decides
A protocol is the set of rules for how your traffic is encrypted, wrapped and sent to the server. Those rules decide how light the connection is, how easy it is to set up, and how easy it is to identify or block.
The comparison at a glance
| Protocol | Setup | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| V2Ray | One link | Very flexible | Needs a separate app, many options |
| WireGuard | File or QR code | Light and fast | UDP only, and identifiable |
| OpenVPN | Settings file | Mature and widely supported | Heavier than WireGuard |
| L2TP/IPsec | Device settings | No app needed | Easier to block |
| Cisco AnyConnect / OpenConnect | Address and password | Simple sign-in over TLS | Usually one user |
V2Ray
V2Ray is a platform that can use protocols such as VMess and VLESS and carry traffic in several ways, which is why it is popular on restricted networks. It is set up from one link, and apps such as V2Box and v2rayNG make that simple.
The downside is the number of options, and that a config has to be copied exactly. See V2Ray plans.
WireGuard
WireGuard is a modern protocol with little code and modern cryptography. It connects quickly, uses few resources, and behaves well when you move between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
On the other hand it runs over UDP only and its traffic pattern is well known, so some networks block it. See the WireGuard plan.
OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec
OpenVPN has been in use for many years, runs over TCP or UDP, and has an app for almost every system. It is usually heavier than WireGuard.
L2TP/IPsec is already built into many operating systems and needs no app. Its fixed ports make it easier to block, and it is missing from some newer Android phones. See OpenVPN plans.
Cisco AnyConnect and OpenConnect
These use a server address, username and password rather than a config file, and the connection runs over TLS. AnyConnect is Cisco’s client and OpenConnect is its open-source alternative. See Cisco plans.
Which should you choose?
- For games: WireGuard, especially with a nearby server.
- For several people on one subscription: traffic-based V2Ray.
- For the simplest setup on a phone: V2Ray with V2Box.
- For signing in with a username and password: Cisco or OpenConnect.
- For a device that cannot install apps: L2TP/IPsec.
If a method struggles on your connection it is often the network rather than the service. Compare protocols and prices, or ask us which one fits.