FastVPN vs OpenVPN
FastVPN and OpenVPN primarily serve entirely different market needs. FastVPN is a consumer tool focused on speed and unblocking streaming content. OpenVPN is a B2B security solution built for compliance and Zero Trust access. This comparison clarifies whether you need anonymity or enterprise-grade control.
Major Trust Issues and Billing Warnings
We note FastVPN offers attractive introductory rates and claims a strong no-log policy supported by a wide server network. However, we cannot overlook the severe and recurring user complaints regarding unauthorized charges and accounts frozen shortly after payment. Overall, we urge extreme caution when considering this provider due to major risks related to service reliability and immediate financial transparency.
Pros
- Highly competitive introductory pricing rates advertised.
- Strict no-log policy guarantees user anonymity.
- Claimed access to a large network of 2700+ servers.
- Known for fast connection speeds, according to some reports.
Cons
- Frequent reports of severe unauthorized credit card charges.
- Accounts may be frozen shortly after paying for the subscription.
- Customer service allegedly ignores or refuses cancellation requests.
- Users report requests for government ID verification after purchase.
Flexible security built for compliance.
We see OpenVPN provides a strong foundation for Zero Trust access, featuring flexible deployment options and robust security controls that meet strict compliance goals like HIPAA and SOC 2. Overall, it is a feature-rich solution economical for businesses, but they must weigh the compliance focus against reported issues related to functional reliability and performance lag.
Pros
- Provides flexible security solutions (CloudConnexa or Access Server).
- Robust Zero Trust features and access controls are implemented.
- Meets strict regulatory compliance standards (HIPAA, SOC 2).
- Feature-rich Free plan is available for up to three seats.
Cons
- External users report serious issues with platform lag and poor UX.
- Setup and onboarding can be difficult and time-consuming.
- Customer support responsiveness is reported as inadequate by users.
- Self-hosted Access Server is considered extremely overpriced by some clients.
AboutFastVPN
FastVPN is a straightforward way to keep your online life private and secure. Getting started with the service is easier than you might think. Downloading the VPN is one of the simplest ways to protect your data privacy.
It works by ensuring all your Internet traffic is encrypted. This simple step protects your private data, especially when you shop safely on public Wi-Fi. It also gives you the freedom to browse anonymously. We love the strict no-log policy 💡, which guarantees that your online activity is never tracked or logged.
AboutOpenVPN
OpenVPN is a trusted provider of secure networking solutions tailored for small, medium, and enterprise businesses. It's recognized as the #1 Business VPN and is specifically trusted by over 20,000 organizations. This widely used solution provides a protected, encrypted tunnel for sensitive data. It ensures your devices can securely connect to business assets, even when crossing unsecured public networks. The core product is a high-performance, fast-deploying Zero Trust VPN solution. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Focus
FastVPN targets speed and consumer access, while OpenVPN is pure business security.
FastVPN is marketed toward individuals wanting anonymity and global content access. It specializes in securing public Wi-Fi transactions reliably. FastVPN’s primary goal is achieving internet freedom simply and affordably. OpenVPN is strictly built for modern corporate needs and distributed workforces. It's recognized as a top Business VPN trusted by over 20,000 organizations. OpenVPN focuses entirely on network security and strong compliance goals. This difference means FastVPN is about unblocking entertainment; OpenVPN is about protecting data. Choose based on whether you are maximizing fun or minimizing risk. Corporate users will find FastVPN features insufficient for their needs. OpenVPN offers flexible dual solutions: managed CloudConnexa or self-hosted Access Server.
Security Architecture
OpenVPN uses Zero Trust networking; FastVPN only offers basic traffic encryption.
FastVPN provides essential encryption to protect all your internet traffic. It guarantees safe shopping when you’re using unprotected public Wi-Fi. FastVPN’s core defense relies on its reliable no-log policy for user privacy. OpenVPN implements a true Zero Trust strategy to enforce least privilege access. This means access is limited based on user identity, device context, and policy rules. CloudConnexa also includes advanced features like content filtering and Intrusion Detection (IDS/IPS). OpenVPN provides a dramatically deeper security foundation required by regulated industries. FastVPN lacks these advanced features crucial for corporate environments. For enterprise-level data protection, OpenVPN is fundamentally the superior product.
Streaming Access
FastVPN offers dedicated 4K streaming access; OpenVPN is not made for streaming media.
FastVPN is explicitly built to unblock popular services like Netflix and Disney+ easily. It boasts custom infrastructure for delivering smooth 4K streaming worldwide. FastVPN focuses heavily on high performance for media consumption globally. OpenVPN is designed for securing network access to private corporate assets only. Consumer streaming media access is not a specific feature or priority. OpenVPN users might not get the geo-unblocking functionality they need. If global media consumption is essential, FastVPN is the clear winner here. OpenVPN does not market itself or optimize its network for personal entertainment use. Individuals prioritize FastVPN for guaranteed worldwide content access.
Pricing Flexibility
OpenVPN scales per-seat, while FastVPN uses deceptive, sharply increasing introductory rates.
FastVPN’s pricing starts incredibly low ($0.99 for the first month). The full renewal price, however, is dramatically higher—up to eight times the intro cost. FastVPN does not offer a free version to test the service features. OpenVPN offers a robust Free plan providing up to three seats forever. Paid Growth plans start at $11/seat/month, offering predictable, scalable pricing. OpenVPN allows dynamic scaling and provides volume discounts for larger teams. OpenVPN’s structure is transparent and predictable for businesses planning budgets accurately. FastVPN’s value is questionable due to the steep, often unexpected price increases. If you need honest pricing and scalability, OpenVPN is the smarter choice.
Trust and Billing
FastVPN has severe alleged billing issues; OpenVPN offers clearer financial stability.
FastVPN has frequent, serious reports alleging unauthorized credit card charges. Many users claim their paid accounts were frozen shortly after purchase. The user rating of 2.1 reflects immense community distrust in FastVPN practices. OpenVPN reviews mainly complain about platform lag and difficult setup processes. There are no systemic reports of billing fraud or account freezing affecting OpenVPN users. OpenVPN allows dynamic cancellation, crediting unused funds immediately. The lack of financial trustworthiness makes FastVPN extremely risky for any user. OpenVPN’s operational issues are less severe than FastVPN’s critical financial and service risks. A 30-day guarantee is useless if FastVPN ignores refund requests.
Compliance Goals
OpenVPN meets HIPAA and SOC 2 requirements; FastVPN offers zero compliance guarantees.
FastVPN makes no claims related to professional regulatory compliance or audits. It is strictly a consumer privacy tool and is unsuitable for regulated data handling. FastVPN cannot be used by healthcare or financial service organizations effectively. OpenVPN is specifically designed to meet HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC 2 Type 2 requirements. This compliance is essential for organizations dealing with sensitive client data securely. OpenVPN’s strong security controls satisfy mandatory industry standards. If your organization requires any external compliance certification, you must choose OpenVPN. FastVPN completely lacks the necessary architecture to support these requirements properly. OpenVPN is mandated for businesses in highly regulated sectors.
Our Verdict
The choice between FastVPN and OpenVPN is essentially consumer convenience versus business credibility. FastVPN is solely aimed at individual users; OpenVPN is strictly for the corporate world. You must determine if anonymity or strict regulatory security is your goal. FastVPN excels at speed, offering 4K streaming access globally via 2700 servers. It provides the security individuals need for browsing and securing public Wi-Fi transactions. However, FastVPN also carries a major financial risk due to severe, recurring billing fraud complaints. OpenVPN's strength is its robust, uncompromising security architecture, essential for businesses. It implements Zero Trust solutions that help meet strict HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance goals. OpenVPN provides flexible deployment options, catering to diverse enterprise needs easily. The deciding factor should be trust and reliability for longevity. OpenVPN offers stability, transparent pricing, and robust features necessary for professional use. FastVPN’s fundamental reputation is dangerously low due to its problematic financial practices and service interruptions. Choose OpenVPN if security, regulatory compliance, or team scalability is required. Only consider FastVPN if you need a cheap, short-term solution for personal streaming and accept the serious billing risks involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenVPN truly free, or is FastVPN cheaper long-term?
OpenVPN offers a functional Free plan for up to three users, which is free forever. FastVPN has a lower introductory price but its renewal price jumps significantly. OpenVPN is cheaper if you need to secure a small team indefinitely.
Which VPN is better for streaming 4K video content?
FastVPN is the clear winner for media consumers right now. FastVPN is designed specifically to unblock and deliver smooth 4K streaming worldwide. OpenVPN focuses on corporate access and does not prioritize consumer streaming needs.
Does FastVPN support Zero Trust architecture like OpenVPN?
No, FastVPN does not support Zero Trust networking principles at all. OpenVPN is built around ZTNA, enforcing least privilege access rigorously. You must choose OpenVPN for advanced identity and device-based security controls.
What is the biggest risk when subscribing to FastVPN?
The largest risk with FastVPN is related to billing fraud and unauthorized charges. Users frequently report accounts being frozen shortly after paying a subscription. OpenVPN does not have these systemic financial reliability issues.
Can OpenVPN be used by an individual who only needs VPN access?
Yes, OpenVPN can be used by individuals needing strong security, possibly via the Access Server connection. However, FastVPN is optimized and priced much better for solo consumer use cases. OpenVPN’s features mainly help small and large businesses.
How does the pricing model for FastVPN contrast with OpenVPN?
FastVPN uses a simple subscription model with heavy initial discounts. OpenVPN uses a flexible per-seat or per-connection model suitable for scaling teams. OpenVPN costs fluctuate based on active employee usage rather than fixed tiers.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.