Lightway vs OpenVPN: Which Is Better?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of VPN technology, choosing the right protocol can make a big difference in your online experience. Two of the most prominent VPN protocols today are Lightway and OpenVPN. Both are highly secure and widely used, but they differ in speed, performance, and efficiency. If you’re looking to try these protocols with one of the best VPN services available, you can check out an express vpn discount code to get great offers on premium ExpressVPN plans.

Lightway is a modern VPN protocol developed by ExpressVPN to deliver faster speeds, stronger security, and seamless connectivity. On the other hand, OpenVPN has been the gold standard in VPN technology for nearly two decades, known for its robust encryption and reliability. This article will explore the key differences between Lightway and OpenVPN, helping you decide which is best for your needs.

Understanding VPN Protocols

Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand what VPN protocols are. A VPN protocol determines how your device communicates securely with the VPN server. It defines the rules of encryption, data transmission, and authentication, directly impacting your browsing speed and privacy.

Main Functions of a VPN Protocol:

• Encryption: Protects your data from hackers and surveillance.

• Authentication: Ensures that your device is connected to a legitimate server.

• Transmission Efficiency: Controls how fast and stable your connection is.

• Compatibility: Determines which devices and operating systems the VPN supports.

Both Lightway and OpenVPN handle these functions well but differ in how they achieve them.

What Is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN was first introduced in 2001 and quickly became the most trusted VPN protocol worldwide. It’s open-source, meaning that cybersecurity experts can review and improve its code, making it one of the safest and most transparent protocols available.

Key Features of OpenVPN:

• Strong Security: Uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is considered military-grade.

• Highly Configurable: Allows advanced users to customize their settings.

• Wide Compatibility: Works across nearly all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and routers.

• Community Audited: Being open-source ensures continuous security updates.

However, OpenVPN can sometimes be slower than modern alternatives like Lightway because it relies on older code and more complex encryption layers.

What Is Lightway?

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol, designed from the ground up for speed, security, and efficiency. Unlike traditional VPN protocols that rely on older frameworks, Lightway is built using the wolfSSL cryptographic library, known for being lightweight yet powerful.

Key Features of Lightway:

• Lightning-Fast Speeds: Connects almost instantly compared to other protocols.

• Streamlined Code: Uses less processing power, improving performance on all devices.

• Enhanced Security: Utilizes strong encryption and modern cryptographic standards.

• Seamless Transition: Automatically reconnects when switching networks (e.g., Wi-Fi to mobile data).

• Cross-Platform Availability: Works across all major devices and platforms.

ExpressVPN developed Lightway to overcome the limitations of older protocols like OpenVPN, offering users faster and more reliable connections without compromising privacy.

Speed Comparison: Lightway vs OpenVPN

When it comes to speed, Lightway has a clear advantage. Its modern, lightweight architecture allows for quicker connections and lower latency. In contrast, OpenVPN’s older design can sometimes lead to slower speeds due to its complex encryption and multiple authentication layers.

Speed Factors to Consider:

• Connection Time: Lightway connects in under a second, while OpenVPN can take a few seconds.

• Data Throughput: Lightway handles data more efficiently, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.

• Network Switching: Lightway maintains a stable connection even when changing networks, unlike OpenVPN which might drop the connection.

If you frequently stream or use bandwidth-intensive apps, Lightway is the better choice.

Security Comparison: Lightway vs OpenVPN

Security is a critical factor in any VPN protocol. OpenVPN has a long history of reliability and is trusted by millions due to its open-source nature and robust encryption. However, Lightway matches — and in some ways improves upon — OpenVPN’s security standards by adopting modern encryption techniques and a cleaner, more efficient codebase.

Security Highlights:

• Encryption: Both use AES-256-bit encryption, one of the strongest available.

• Authentication: Lightway employs wolfSSL, a verified and highly secure cryptographic library.

• Audits: Lightway has undergone independent security audits, confirming its trustworthiness.

• Open Source: OpenVPN’s open-source nature allows continuous peer review and testing.

While OpenVPN has a longer track record, Lightway’s simplicity and modern design make it equally secure — with faster performance.

Performance and Stability

VPN performance is not just about speed but also stability and reliability. OpenVPN can sometimes experience slowdowns or connection drops, especially when switching between networks. Lightway was designed specifically to solve these issues.

Performance Benefits of Lightway:

• Faster reconnection when switching networks.

• Reduced battery drain on mobile devices.

• Consistent performance even on low-bandwidth connections.

OpenVPN remains a solid option for users who prefer tried-and-true reliability, but Lightway offers a smoother, more modern experience for today’s users.

Device Compatibility

OpenVPN is compatible with nearly every device and platform, from computers to routers and IoT systems. Lightway, although newer, is quickly catching up and is supported across all major ExpressVPN apps.

Compatibility Overview:

• OpenVPN: Available on most VPN services and devices.

• Lightway: Exclusive to ExpressVPN, available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.

If you’re using ExpressVPN, Lightway comes built-in and ready to use. You can access it easily in the settings menu. For those looking to save money while testing both protocols, an express vpn discount code can help you get started at a lower price.

Ease of Use and Setup

OpenVPN often requires manual setup, especially if you’re using third-party clients. Lightway, however, is integrated directly into ExpressVPN’s app, making it effortless for users to activate and switch between protocols.

User Experience Highlights:

• Lightway: One-click activation and automatic selection for best performance.

• OpenVPN: Requires more configuration and technical understanding.

Lightway’s simplicity and automation make it ideal for non-technical users who just want reliable security and fast connections without manual setup.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Lightway and OpenVPN depends on your priorities. If you value transparency, widespread compatibility, and a long history of security, OpenVPN remains an excellent option. However, if you want blazing-fast connections, improved efficiency, and next-generation encryption, Lightway is the superior choice — especially for ExpressVPN users.

Choose Lightway If You:

• Prioritize speed and low latency.

• Use multiple devices and switch networks frequently.

• Prefer a lightweight, battery-efficient protocol.

Choose OpenVPN If You:

• Want an open-source protocol that has been tested for decades.

• Prefer a widely compatible option across various platforms.

• Don’t mind slightly slower connection speeds for proven reliability.

The Future of VPN Protocols

Lightway represents the future of VPN technology — a shift toward faster, more efficient, and secure connections. As digital threats evolve, VPN providers must innovate to ensure users remain protected without sacrificing performance.

What to Expect Going Forward:

• Continued improvement of Lightway’s efficiency.

• More providers adopting lightweight, modern VPN protocols.

• Faster encryption methods for enhanced security and usability.

ExpressVPN is leading this change, ensuring users get top performance and protection through innovation.

Conclusion

Both Lightway and OpenVPN are powerful VPN protocols, each offering unique advantages. OpenVPN is a trusted veteran, known for its transparency and dependability. Lightway, on the other hand, is a modern, high-performance alternative built for the speed and mobility demands of today’s internet users.

For most people, Lightway will deliver a faster, smoother, and more seamless experience — especially if you’re using ExpressVPN. It’s efficient, secure, and designed for the future of online privacy.

To experience the benefits of both protocols and secure your online activity, use an express vpn discount code today and enjoy premium protection at a great price. With ExpressVPN, you can switch between Lightway and OpenVPN effortlessly, ensuring you always get the perfect balance of speed, security, and reliability.