# OpenVPN Connect vs Psiphon VPN

The clearest difference is rating: OpenVPN Connect at 4.8 against Psiphon VPN's 3.9. OpenVPN Connect also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8) and ads (none vs shown). Psiphon VPN's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, review sentiment, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Psiphon VPN sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. OpenVPN Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenVPN Connect holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40K and 8.8K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of OpenVPN Connect's written reviews are positive against 41% of Psiphon VPN's.

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, Psiphon VPN every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenVPN Connect | Psiphon VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (40K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openvpn-connect/id590379981/reviews)** | [3.9 (8.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/psiphon-vpn-secure-access/id1276263909/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **40K** | 8.8K |
| Positive reviews | **44.9% of reviews** | 40.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#180** | — |
| Size | 31 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OpenVPN Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/590379984) | [Psiphon Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193362443) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenVPN Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openvpn-connect/id590379981)

**Currently charting:** #180 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This official client app provides secure remote access to internal networks and cloud resources using a zero-trust VPN protocol. It ensures continuous verification for every access request, regardless of location.  It requires a compatible OpenVPN business solution to function.

**Highlights:** Secure VPN tunneling, AES-256 encryption & TLS 1.3, MDM-friendly configuration, Device posture checks, Seamless split-tunneling, Kill switch protection, MFA authentication support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable VPN connection
- 🔒 Secure and trustworthy VPN client
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🌟 Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues and disconnects
- 🔋 Drains battery life
- 📱 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🤔 Confusing setup process for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Black screen issue after app update
- Profiles not working after app update
- Inability to connect to home network after update
- Slow performance and intermittent connectivity

**Requested features**

- Add support for Elliptic Curve Crypto
- Improve profile management and editing
- Integrate with iOS Files app for easier configuration
- Implement automatic reconnect and kill switch features


### Psiphon VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/psiphon-vpn-secure-access/id1276263909)

This app provides secure and private internet access through a VPN and proxy. It protects your connection on public Wi-Fi and offers a seamless browsing experience with an open-source, trusted network of servers. Stay protected online with just one tap.

**Highlights:** Secure proxy access, VPN for private browsing, Public hotspot protection, Automatic protocol selection, Open-source transparency, Fast, reliable connection

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium 1 week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Psiphon Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Psiphon Premium Annual | $34.99 | per year |
| 1000 PsiCash | $0.99 | one-time |
| 4000 PsiCash | $2.99 | one-time |
| 10000 PsiCash | $6.99 | one-time |
| 30000 PsiCash | $21.99 | one-time |
| 100000 PsiCash | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable VPN
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Helps bypass censorship and restrictions
- 💰 Free to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connection issues and frequent disconnections
- 🔍 Lack of server locations and options
- 🔋 High data consumption
- 💲 Paid version required for better performance

**Reported bugs**

- Disconnects WiFi on iOS devices
- Incompatible with some apps like Hotstar
- Doesn't work in certain regions like China

**Requested features**

- Add more server locations, especially in India
- Improve connection stability and speed
- Introduce a data usage tracker
- Offer a premium version with more features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenVPN Connect free?

OpenVPN Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Psiphon VPN free?

Psiphon VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenVPN Connect or Psiphon VPN?

OpenVPN Connect is rated higher. OpenVPN Connect averages 4.8 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while Psiphon VPN averages 3.9 from 8.8K ratings.

### Do OpenVPN Connect or Psiphon VPN have ads?

Psiphon VPN shows ads; OpenVPN Connect does not.

### Which is updated more often, OpenVPN Connect or Psiphon VPN?

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, and Psiphon VPN every 3 weeks. Most recently, OpenVPN Connect was updated on October 23, 2026 and Psiphon VPN on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*