Comparison

OpenVPN Connect vs Free VPN

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Currently charting
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Global VPN server access
  • Fast and secure connection
  • Private and encrypted data
  • Unlimited location options
  • Ad-free premium option
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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

OpenVPN Connect4 screens
Free VPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, Free VPN every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
OpenVPN Connect versus Free VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenVPN ConnectFree VPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (40K ratings) — better4.7 (50K ratings)
Positive reviews44.9% of reviews59.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40K50K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#115 — better#142
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better16
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOpenVPN Inc.Free VPN LTD (Apps)

Customer experience

OpenVPN Connect

All ratings40,383 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral1.1%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews1,554 reviews
Positive44.9%
Neutral9.1%
Negative45.9%

Free VPN

All ratings50,070 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral1.6%
Negative5.5%
Written reviews2,478 reviews
Positive59.6%
Neutral4.2%
Negative36.2%

User reviews

OpenVPN Connect

From 40K App Store ratings

What 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 ratings

What 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

None

OpenVPN Connect

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Free VPN

Subscriptions6
  • Boosted & Ad Free VPN$3.997 Days
  • Boosted & Ad Free VPN3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Boosted & Ad-Free$12.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • 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?
OpenVPN Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Free VPN free?
Free VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
OpenVPN Connect is rated higher. OpenVPN Connect averages 4.8 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while Free VPN averages 4.7 from 50K ratings.
Do OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN have ads?
Free VPN shows ads; OpenVPN Connect does not.
Which is updated more often, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, and Free VPN every 10 days. Most recently, OpenVPN Connect was updated on September 24, 2026 and Free VPN on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, OpenVPN Connect or Free VPN?
OpenVPN Connect currently peaks at #115 in the App Store charts, and Free VPN at #142. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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