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OpenVPN Access Server Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users praise the ease of use of OpenVPN Access Server, highlighting its quick setup and intuitive interface. (38 mentions)
Users commend the easy setup of OpenVPN Access Server, enhancing usability and providing effective security. (32 mentions)
Users value the strong security features of OpenVPN Access Server, ensuring effective data protection and user management. (27 mentions)
Users commend the ease of deployment and management of OpenVPN Access Server across various platforms and environments. (23 mentions)
Users appreciate the easy installation of OpenVPN Access Server, finding it intuitive and hassle-free right out of the box. (21 mentions)
Users find the licensing costs high, which can significantly increase expenses for larger teams using OpenVPN Access Server. (18 mentions)
Users find the complex configuration of OpenVPN Access Server challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with networking concepts. (12 mentions)
Users express frustration over the lack of features in OpenVPN Access Server, particularly in user management and interface usability. (10 mentions)
Users face a steep learning curve with OpenVPN Access Server, particularly in detailed configuration and Linux usage. (7 mentions)
Users face access issues due to lack of account unlock features and frequent MFA re-authentication requirements. (6 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of OpenVPN Access Server

1. Ease of Use
Users praise the ease of use of OpenVPN Access Server, highlighting its quick setup and intuitive interface.
See 38 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Joshua S.
JS

Joshua S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN AS is a well-supported, robust VPN solution."

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

The best thing about OpenVPN AS is that it is pretty much literally a turn-key product. They have a virtual appliance available that works out of the

Siddhartha B.
SB

Siddhartha B.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Easy to use for non-IT person"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

It already have a AMI in AWS. It is easy to manage and add new people to the VPN server access.

2. Easy Setup
Users commend the easy setup of OpenVPN Access Server, enhancing usability and providing effective security.
See 32 mentions

See Related User Reviews

DW

Dominique W.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Quick and thorough support"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

Easy to setup. Works well. Easy to use client interface.

DA

David A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Effective and Seamless"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

Once it is set up, it's super easy to use, seamless, almost invisible yet effective. The customer support is excelllent.

3. Security
Users value the strong security features of OpenVPN Access Server, ensuring effective data protection and user management.
See 27 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Great Enterprise VPN Server"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server stands out for its balance of strong security, ease of use, and scalability. It provides a reliable VPN solution with a user-fri

AA

Alper A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Makes VPN and Network Management a Breeze"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

The user-based permissions allow you to limit specific teams to specific network subnets. And split tunneling improves performance by routing only spe

4. VPN Services
Users commend the ease of deployment and management of OpenVPN Access Server across various platforms and environments.
See 23 mentions

See Related User Reviews

AM

Aaron M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Solid choice for VPN server"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

Easy to use and set up for required VPN connections to private subnets. MFA and user permissions were easy to set up and use. VPN profiles and the VPN

Verified User
A

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"insights on OpenVPN Access Server"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server is a robust and flexible VPN solution designed to provide secure and private access to your network resources over the internet.

5. Easy Installation
Users appreciate the easy installation of OpenVPN Access Server, finding it intuitive and hassle-free right out of the box.
See 21 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Joshua S.
JS

Joshua S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN AS is a well-supported, robust VPN solution."

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

The best thing about OpenVPN AS is that it is pretty much literally a turn-key product. They have a virtual appliance available that works out of the

Siddhartha B.
SB

Siddhartha B.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Easy to use for non-IT person"

What do you like about OpenVPN Access Server?

It already have a AMI in AWS. It is easy to manage and add new people to the VPN server access.

5 Cons or Disadvantages of OpenVPN Access Server

1. Expensive
Users find the licensing costs high, which can significantly increase expenses for larger teams using OpenVPN Access Server.
See 18 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Victor C.
VC

Victor C.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"versatile and easy to setup. Also audit friendly"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

It is pricey. We pay abut 9 dollars a user and that's a little high.

AA

Alper A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Makes VPN and Network Management a Breeze"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

The licensing costs can add up quickly for larger teams.

2. Complex Configuration
Users find the complex configuration of OpenVPN Access Server challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with networking concepts.
See 12 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Joshua S.
JS

Joshua S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN AS is a well-supported, robust VPN solution."

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

The downside of AS, however is that a lot of the detailed configuration and control options are only available via a command-line interface, which is

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Great Enterprise VPN Server"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

While OpenVPN Access Server is a powerful and flexible VPN solution, its licensing model can be a drawback for some users, as it limits the number of

3. Lack of Features
Users express frustration over the lack of features in OpenVPN Access Server, particularly in user management and interface usability.
See 10 mentions

See Related User Reviews

AM

Aaron M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Solid choice for VPN server"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

User management outside of SSO is cumbersome. Making changes also sometimes didn't stick and had to refresh the page and reapply the changes a multipl

Verified User
A

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN has been a rock solid VPN solution for us for years"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server doesn't really have an integrated ability to reset single user accounts. When dealing with hundreds of accounts, you will inevit

4. Learning Curve
Users face a steep learning curve with OpenVPN Access Server, particularly in detailed configuration and Linux usage.
See 7 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Joshua S.
JS

Joshua S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN AS is a well-supported, robust VPN solution."

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

The downside of AS, however is that a lot of the detailed configuration and control options are only available via a command-line interface, which is

DW

Dominique W.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Quick and thorough support"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

There is a slight learning curve with using a Linux OS.

5. Access Issues
Users face access issues due to lack of account unlock features and frequent MFA re-authentication requirements.
See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Easy VPN I would recommend."

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

Logging in every day is a pain. It could cache the authentication at least for a week.

Verified User
A

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"OpenVPN has been a rock solid VPN solution for us for years"

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN Access Server doesn't really have an integrated ability to reset single user accounts. When dealing with hundreds of accounts, you will inevit

OpenVPN Access Server Reviews (301)

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OpenVPN Access Server Reviews (301)

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Siddhartha B.
SB
Sr. Staff Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Easy to use for non-IT person"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

It already have a AMI in AWS. It is easy to manage and add new people to the VPN server access. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

The cost is high comparatively speaking. Also memory utilization may not be optimized as I have run out CPU memory when more than 12 people joined the VPN. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Adam Bullock of OpenVPN Access Server

Glad to things are working well with OpenVPN + AWS. I'll bring up your issues with memory utilization when more than 12 people join the VPN, as well as your note about the cost. Appreciate the review!

somesh t.
ST
Sr Developer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Efficient Fast and Scalable"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

OpenVPN makes it incredibly easy to access different environments securely and efficiently. Its cross-platform compatibility allows seamless connections from various devices, including laptops and smartphones, while maintaining strong encryption standards Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

improvements in user interface design and addressing performance bottlenecks could make it even better. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
AI
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Solid, reliable platform with good self service setup for users."
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

The platform is great for mobile devices in particular. It's easy to build, configure and manage for a standalone or cluster build. It scales well for user concurrency without requiring heavily resourced servers.

The prebuild AWS instances are very convenient, and the support documenation is excellent. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

Integration options for enterprise features like posture assessment are weak compared to solutions integrated to enterprise firewalls. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Adam Bullock of OpenVPN Access Server

Thanks for the review, and for the feedback on integration with AWS and support documentation. I work with our technical writers, and they really are the best of the best! I'll bring your feedback about enterprise features like posture assessment to the team here, thanks for making a note of that. And thank you for being a customer!

Verified User in Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
AE
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Modern VPN Solution that supports 365 SAML and MFA"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

I wanted to avoid using RADIUS for authentication and this ticked all the boxes so I can setup authentication through 365 SSO and MFA.

It works well and their support has been pretty helpful in my experience.

OpenVPN Connect works great for Windows and macOS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

I wish they had a GUI client for Linux. Currently you have to use OpenVPN3 cli. Network Manager doesn't support the pop up windows for SAML authentication. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DW
System Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Quick and thorough support"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

Easy to setup. Works well. Easy to use client interface. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

There is a slight learning curve with using a Linux OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Adam Bullock of OpenVPN Access Server

Awesome, great to hear, Dominique. Glad you got through the learning curve - happy things are going well. Thank you for your review and for being a customer!

PM
IT Consultant
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Simple, elegant VPN"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

Ease of use. Integration is a breeze, and there is a very short learning curve for users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

There really isn't anything we don't like about OpenVPN. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
AI
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"OpenVPN software review"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

OPenVPN is highly customizable and Easy to use. It required some manual configuration on some deivces but overall it was ideal for our small firm Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

When it is unable to connect the errors don't provide much information. Also it does not have thin client to be able to use on any device Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Adam Bullock of OpenVPN Access Server

Solid use case for using our product, thanks for the review. I hear you on wanting more information if an error occurs, I'll send your feedback to the team here!

Lokesh C.
LC
Devops Lead
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Openvpn Super app"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

Openvpn Super app for small team. No need to invest much on infra cost. Simple to use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

Need more detailed Documents along with zipping the on daily basis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Adam Bullock of OpenVPN Access Server

Thanks for this review, looks like 0 stars, but I think you like more than you dislike :) But I hear you on the detailed documentation, I'll forward along your feedback to our technical writers.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
AI
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Very good product with an easy step-by-step deployment guide"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

The ease of sign-in and deployment using SMAL SSO make OpenVPN such an easy product for end users to provision their own VPNs with limited IT knowledge. Its ease of Azure deployment made the whole setup process a breeze. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

While it does support SAML, you still need to add the users manually (from my findings) to the OpenVPN server, it would be ideal if this pulled from the permissions on the enterprise app Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

CB
Sr. Systems Administrator
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Wonderful VPN software from the FOSS community"
What do you like best about OpenVPN Access Server?

With the latest recent releases, the amount of modern integration with authentication services has been a treat. We specifically use Okta and the integration was quick and easy. Being a FOSS project and running on Linux means amazing stability and performance. With the ability to have a horizontally-scaled infrastructure and a central SQL DB makes this a great product for even larger organizations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about OpenVPN Access Server?

I will say that the free license restriction of 2 simultaneous users for smaller use cases is a bit limiting. If you had 5-10 free simultaneous users with the free license, I think you'd attract more companies into the fold and they could grow into the product naturally. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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