WireGuard vs OpenVPN: Which is Better for Small Business?

VPN solutions are a key element of modern cybersecurity, allowing employees to securely connect to the company’s internal network whether they are working from the office, from home, or on the go. This is especially important for small and medium-sized businesses that often lack a dedicated security team, yet still need to ensure the protection of sensitive data and seamless access for their staff.

In this article, we will examine the two most popular VPN protocols – WireGuard and OpenVPN. We will compare their strengths and weaknesses in terms of speed, security, ease of configuration, and compatibility, helping you choose the best solution for your business.

1. What is a VPN and Why Does it Matter?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) enables secure connections between employees and the company network, no matter where they are. This is especially important for businesses with remote teams, multiple offices, or the need for secure access to sensitive data.

2. WireGuard – The New Player

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol known for its simple code, high performance, and ease of configuration. It uses state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms and has a much smaller codebase than OpenVPN, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.

3. OpenVPN – The Proven Solution

OpenVPN has been one of the most popular VPN solutions for over 20 years. It supports multiple algorithms, various operation modes, and has proven reliable in many environments. The downside is more complex configuration and heavier CPU usage.

4. Key Criteria Comparison

• Security: Both offer strong encryption. WireGuard uses modern algorithms by default, while OpenVPN relies on well-established, battle-tested methods.
• Performance: WireGuard is faster thanks to optimized code and kernel-level operation. OpenVPN is often slower under heavy loads.
• Ease of Setup: WireGuard can be configured with just a few lines, while OpenVPN requires more parameters and certificates.
• Support and Compatibility: OpenVPN runs everywhere – Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile devices, routers. WireGuard is increasingly supported but may still be missing in some environments.

5. Which is Better for Small Business?

If your business needs fast deployment, high performance, and simplicity, WireGuard is often the better choice. If you require maximum compatibility and advanced settings, OpenVPN remains a reliable solution. In many cases, companies use both depending on the scenario.

6. Practical Recommendations

For small and medium-sized businesses we recommend:

• WireGuard for remote employees who need fast and secure access.
• OpenVPN for environments with legacy systems or specialized integrations.
• Deploying modern firewalls like OPNsense or MikroTik for better VPN management.

Conclusion

Both WireGuard and OpenVPN can be reliable solutions for secure access. The choice depends on your business needs – speed and simplicity versus universality and flexibility. If you’re unsure, our team can design the right architecture for your case. Contact us for a free consultation.