OpenVPN vs WireGuard installer
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A script that sets up your own OpenVPN server on common Linux distributions and manages client profiles.
Open source · MIT
A bash script that sets up a WireGuard VPN server on a Linux machine with minimal questions.
The short answer
Choose OpenVPN if you need…
- People who want their own VPN server on a Linux VPS or home machine
- Users who need OpenVPN specifically, for example where UDP is blocked and TCP is required
- Admins who want scripted client management through the CLI with JSON output
- People comfortable running a root shell script on a server they control
Choose WireGuard installer if you need…
- People who want their own personal VPN on a rented Linux server
- Users who want a WireGuard setup without writing the configuration by hand
- Anyone comfortable running a shell script as root on a server they manage
Side-by-side
| OpenVPN | WireGuard installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dev tool | Dev tool |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 16.2k | 11.4k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| How you get it | See the README | See the README |
| Main language | Shell | Shell |
| Last code update | 35 days ago | 6 months ago |
What each one is
OpenVPN
This is a shell script that installs and configures an OpenVPN server on a Linux machine you control, such as a VPS, a dedicated server, or a home computer. Once it is running, you generate a client configuration file for each device you want to connect, so that traffic from those devices is sent encrypted through your server. It also offers commands to revoke clients, renew certificates, and see who is connected.
WireGuard installer
This is a bash script that installs and configures a WireGuard VPN on a Linux server you control. A VPN server like this sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, so websites see the server's IP address instead of yours. The script asks a few questions, sets up the software and a systemd service, and creates a client configuration file; you can rerun it later to add or remove clients.
Best for
OpenVPN
- People who want their own VPN server on a Linux VPS or home machine
- Users who need OpenVPN specifically, for example where UDP is blocked and TCP is required
- Admins who want scripted client management through the CLI with JSON output
- People comfortable running a root shell script on a server they control
WireGuard installer
- People who want their own personal VPN on a rented Linux server
- Users who want a WireGuard setup without writing the configuration by hand
- Anyone comfortable running a shell script as root on a server they manage
Strengths
OpenVPN
- Covers many Linux distributions, and the README lists the tested versions and architecture
- Includes both an interactive menu and a CLI for automation
- Supports client revocation that disconnects connected clients via the management interface
WireGuard installer
- Automates a WireGuard install that would otherwise be done by hand
- Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 according to the README
- Licensed under MIT and open to inspection since it is a single readable script
Not ideal for
OpenVPN
- People who want a plug-and-play consumer VPN app with no server to manage, since this requires you to run and maintain a server
- People on non-Linux or non-systemd systems, since the README says the script requires systemd and supports only listed distributions
- Users who want the simplest modern option, since the README points to wireguard-install as the newer choice for most use cases
WireGuard installer
- People who need a VPN on a system the script does not support, since the README lists specific distributions only
- Users who prefer a graphical app for managing VPNs, because this is a command-line script
- Those who cannot use a Linux server, since the script targets Linux only
Trade-offs
OpenVPN
- The README says the script is only regularly tested on amd64 and on the listed distributions, and API compatibility between versions is not guaranteed
- Requires root access and the TUN module, so it needs a server where you have that control
- OpenVPN is described as older than WireGuard and not as simple or fast for most uses
WireGuard installer
- Runs as a shell script that changes system configuration, so you should review it before running it
- The README lists supported distributions but gives no detailed guarantees beyond that list
- The README does not explain security hardening or ongoing maintenance responsibilities
Getting started
OpenVPN
Download the script
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/angristan/openvpn-install/master/openvpn-install.shMake it executable
chmod +x openvpn-install.shWireGuard installer
Download the script
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/angristan/wireguard-install/master/wireguard-install.shMake it executable
chmod +x wireguard-install.shFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between OpenVPN and WireGuard installer?
OpenVPN: A script that sets up your own OpenVPN server on common Linux distributions and manages client profiles. WireGuard installer: A bash script that sets up a WireGuard VPN server on a Linux machine with minimal questions. OpenVPN suits people who want their own vpn server on a linux vps or home machine, while WireGuard installer suits people who want their own personal vpn on a rented linux server.
Are OpenVPN and WireGuard installer free?
OpenVPN: Free and open source. WireGuard installer: Free and open source.
Is OpenVPN or WireGuard installer more popular?
OpenVPN has more GitHub stars (16.2k) than WireGuard installer (11.4k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to OpenVPN and WireGuard installer?
Other options people compare them with include openvpn-install.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.