Comparison

OpenVPN Connect vs ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast 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

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

Secure your online activity with a premium VPN service offering ultra-fast connections and uncompromised privacy. Access a global network of servers, enjoy unlimited bandwidth for streaming and gaming, and protect your data with advanced encryption. Includes a built-in password manager and 24/7 customer support.

Highlights
  • Ultra-fast connections
  • Global server network
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Advanced encryption
  • Built-in password manager
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Threat Manager
Read full description

ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Security, Privacy, and Blazing-Fast Streaming Surf the web safely with just a few taps. ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service built for ultra-fast connections and private browsing on public Wi-Fi and other shared networks - across all your devices. BLAZING-FAST SERVERS Stream, game, and browse with lightning-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Perfect for streaming your favorite TV shows and movies, sporting events, and more. LARGE SERVER NETWORK Access a global network with servers in 113 countries, including all 50 U.S. states, so you're covered wherever you go. NO-LOGS POLICY (INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED) Browse with enhanced privacy. Our strict no-logs policy has been independently audited to help ensure your IP address, location, and online activity stay private. POWERFUL ONLINE SECURITY Protect your data and online activity with advanced encryption that keeps your connection safe - even on public Wi-Fi hotspots and shared networks. EXCLUSIVE VPN PROTOCOL ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol was crafted from the ground up for enhanced speed, security, and reliability. PRIVACY-FIRST TECHNOLOGY ExpressVPN runs on RAM-only servers that never write data to a hard drive. All data is wiped on every reboot. WIDE LANGUAGE SELECTION Choose from 17 languages to make your app experience smooth and accessible, wherever you are in the world. 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT Get instant help whenever you need it. Reach out via live chat or email, and our experts will gladly answer any questions. iOS APP FEATURES • Auto-reconnects if your VPN connection drops • Supports Lightway (UDP/TCP), OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), WireGuard, and IKEv2 encryption protocols • Threat Manager: helps prevent apps from sharing your activity with trackers or malicious third parties SUBSCRIPTION PLANS Your ExpressVPN subscription includes access to apps across all major platforms, letting you secure all your devices. With support for up to 14 simultaneous connections, you can stay protected anytime, anywhere. Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing period unless canceled at least 24 hours beforehand. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you purchase a Subscription. Terms of Service https://www.expressvpn.com/tos Privacy Policy https://www.expressvpn.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

OpenVPN Connect4 screens
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

OpenVPN Connect and ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 86% of ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN's written reviews are positive against 45% of OpenVPN Connect's. ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (419K vs 40K). OpenVPN Connect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 21). On price, rating, ads and iOS requirement 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. ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN has 419K ratings behind it against 40K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 45% of OpenVPN Connect's written reviews are positive against 86% of ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
OpenVPN Connect versus ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenVPN ConnectExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (40K ratings) — better4.7 (419K ratings)
Positive reviews44.9% of reviews86.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40K419K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
Best chart rank#120#11 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB155 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOpenVPN Inc.Express VPN

Customer experience

OpenVPN Connect

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

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

All ratings418,877 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews7,469 reviews
Positive86.2%
Neutral2.3%
Negative11.6%

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

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

From 419K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and stable connection
  • 🔒 Secure and private
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 💡 Versatile for streaming, gaming, and browsing

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent connection issues, especially in China
  • 🔋 High data consumption
  • 🔒 Concerns about privacy and security
  • 💰 Expensive compared to alternatives

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

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes and freezes
  • Inability to connect or stay connected
  • Issues with WiFi and cellular data switching

Requested features

4 requests
  • Automatic server selection and reconnection
  • More server locations, especially in Asia
  • Better compatibility with mobile devices
  • Improved customer support response times

In-app purchases

None

OpenVPN Connect

No in-app purchases

13 purchases

ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

Subscriptions13
  • 1-Week Subscription$9.997 Days
  • 1-Month Plan (Basic)3 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • 1-month subscription3 Days trial$11.991 Month
Show 10 more
  • 1-Month Subscription3 Days trial2 variants$11.991 Month
  • 1-Month Subscription3 variants$12.991 Month
  • 1-Month Subscription7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • 12-Month Plan (Basic)7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • 12-Month Plan (Basic)3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • 12-month plan3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • 6-Month Subscription7 Days trial$59.996 Months
  • 12-Month Subscription3 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • 12-Month Subscription7 Days trial3 variants$99.991 Year
  • 12-Month Subscription7 Days trial$116.991 Year

Questions

Is OpenVPN Connect free?
OpenVPN Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN free?
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenVPN Connect or ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN?
OpenVPN Connect is rated higher. OpenVPN Connect averages 4.8 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN averages 4.7 from 419K ratings.
Do OpenVPN Connect or ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN have ads?
Neither OpenVPN Connect nor ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenVPN Connect or ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN?
OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, and ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN every 6 days. Most recently, OpenVPN Connect was updated on September 24, 2026 and ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, OpenVPN Connect or ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN?
OpenVPN Connect currently peaks at #120 in the App Store charts, and ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN at #11. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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