OpenVPN Connect vs Free VPN
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
OpenVPN Connect
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.
- Secure VPN tunneling
- AES-256 encryption & TLS 1.3
- MDM-friendly configuration
- Device posture checks
- Seamless split-tunneling
- Kill switch protection
- MFA authentication support
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OpenVPN Connect is the official OpenVPN client app developed by OpenVPN Inc., the creators of the OpenVPN® protocol. Designed for use with OpenVPN’s zero-trust business VPN solutions, this app enables secure remote access to internal networks, cloud resources, and private applications. A zero-trust VPN is a virtual private network that requires continuous identity and device verification for every access request, adhering to the principle of 'never trust, always verify,' regardless of the user's location. IMPORTANT NOTE: This app does NOT include a built-in VPN service. It establishes an OpenVPN tunnel to a VPN server or service that is compatible with the OpenVPN protocol. It is meant for use with OpenVPN’s business Zero-trust VPN solutions: • Access Server (self-hosted) • CloudConnexa® (cloud-delivered) KEY FEATURES • Fast, secure VPN tunneling with OpenVPN protocol • Strong AES-256 encryption and TLS 1.3 support • MDM-friendly with a global configuration file • Device posture checks** • Import of connection profile with URL** • Captive Wi-Fi portal detection • Web authentication for SAML SSO support • HTTP proxy configuration • Seamless split-tunneling and auto-reconnect • Works over Wi-Fi, LTE/4G, 5G, and all mobile networks • Easy setup & import of .ovpn profiles • Kill switch for fail-safe protection • IPv6 and DNS leak protection • Support for certificate, username/password, external certificate, and MFA authentication ** Works with Access Server and CloudConnexa HOW TO USE OPENVPN CONNECT: Easily get connected by simply entering your organization’s URL and login — no complex setup required. BEST PAIRED WITH OPENVPN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS: • Access Server – Self-hosted zero-trust VPN software server with web-based administration, access control, clustering for horizontal scaling, flexible authentication methods, and zero-trust controls. • CloudConnexa® – Cloud-delivered Zero-Trust business VPN service offered from 30+ worldwide locations with ZTNA, application domain name routing, IPsec support for connecting networks, and advanced identity, device posture, and location context continuous checks. Trusted by Global Businesses: Over 20,000 organizations, including Salesforce, Target, Boeing, and others, rely on OpenVPN’s Zero-Trust VPN solutions.
Free VPN
Connect to free VPN servers worldwide for a fast, secure, and anonymous internet experience. Protect your data with encryption and enjoy unlimited locations. Watch ads for full access or go ad-free with a premium subscription.
- Global VPN server access
- Fast and secure connection
- Private and encrypted data
- Unlimited location options
- Ad-free premium option
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Free VPN lets you connect to VPN servers all around the world — completely free. With just one tap, enjoy a fast, secure, and anonymous internet experience. - Unlimited location options: Tokyo, Paris, London... connect wherever you want. - High-speed connection: No buffering, no waiting — just smooth browsing. - Keeps your data private and encrypted: Your safety is our priority. - Watch a few ads to unlock everything for free. - Want peace and quiet? Go ad-free with our premium version. - Whether you're at school, at a café, or abroad, - Free VPN keeps you protected — and your freedom in your pocket. And remember, you can always reach us at apps@freevpnapp.co.uk Stay free with love. - Subscriptions Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase.Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period.Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal.Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase.Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. Privacy: https://freevpnapp.co.uk/privacy/ Terms of Use : https://freevpnapp.co.uk/terms/ Contact : apps@freevpnapp.co.uk Free VPN LTD
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenVPN Connect at none against Free VPN's 6. OpenVPN Connect also leads on ads (none vs shown). Free VPN's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (60% vs 45%). On price, rating, ratings volume and chart position there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Free VPN sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. OpenVPN Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for OpenVPN Connect against 4.7 for Free VPN. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40K and 50K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 45% of OpenVPN Connect's written reviews are positive against 60% of Free VPN's.
OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, Free VPN every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | OpenVPN Connect | Free VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (40K ratings) — better | 4.7 (50K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 44.9% of reviews | 59.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 40K | 50K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #115 — better | #142 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | OpenVPN Inc. | Free VPN LTD (Apps) |
Customer experience
OpenVPN Connect
Free VPN
User reviews
OpenVPN Connect
From 40K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and reliable VPN connection
- 🔒 Secure and trustworthy VPN client
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🌟 Excellent customer support
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional connection issues and disconnects
- 🔋 Drains battery life
- 📱 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🤔 Confusing setup process for some users
Free VPN
From 50K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and stable connection
- 👍 Genuinely free VPN with ads option
- 🔒 Keeps location anonymous
- 🎥 Allows access to region-locked content
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional disconnections and connection issues
- 🔍 Limited server locations
- ⚠️ Potential privacy/security concerns
- 🕰️ Ads required to access VPN
Bugs and requests
OpenVPN Connect
Reported bugs
4 issues- 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
4 requests- 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
Free VPN
Reported bugs
4 issues- Inability to connect to certain servers
- Asks for authentication credentials unexpectedly
- Interferes with other apps/services
- Inconsistent performance across devices
Requested features
4 requests- More server location options
- Ability to add more time before expiration
- Improved stability and reliability
- Clearer communication on privacy/security
In-app purchases
OpenVPN Connect
No in-app purchases
Free VPN
- Boosted & Ad Free VPN$3.997 Days
- Boosted & Ad Free VPN3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Boosted & Ad-Free$12.991 Month
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- Boosted & Ad-Free3 Days trial$12.991 Month
- 2 Month - Ad Free Premium3 Days trial$17.992 Months
- Boosted & Ad Free VPN$89.991 Year
Questions
Is OpenVPN Connect free?
Is Free VPN free?
Which has better reviews, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
Do OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN have ads?
Which is updated more often, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
Which is more popular, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
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