Key Takeaways

OpenVPN originated as a community-developed encryption protocol designed to safeguard digital privacy.
Fresh choices encompass the intuitive Access Server alongside the completely managed CloudConnexa service.
The trio of OpenVPN selections deliver distinct degrees of usability and costs for growth.

OpenVPN launched as a community initiative and still supplies the sole authentic VPN platform available at no charge. Yet it has grown to include additional offerings that deliver streamlined oversight and compliance features based on your budget.

Those seeking merely a free VPN can rely on OpenVPN Community Edition as the standard selection. Developers and groups aiming to reduce administrative burdens of manual installation and configuration may opt for either a self-hosted managed edition or a cloud subscription that utilizes the same foundational system.

Over recent weeks I tested multiple OpenVPN editions to determine suitability for varied users. No universal top pick exists, yet the trials uncovered useful details to guide selection. The findings follow.

Three Offerings, Single Protocol

OpenVPN Inc., creator of the original protocol, has divided its lineup into three distinct projects. Core encryption methods and security framework stay identical, while versions add features such as automated setup and hosted servers.

Three editions exist.

OpenVPN Community Edition - Remains the standard community-supported protocol requiring full manual configuration.
Access Server - Users still manage their own VPN servers, yet oversight simplifies via a web interface.
CloudConnexa - OpenVPN's complete cloud service functions like typical paid VPN applications.

OpenVPN Community Edition: Hands-On Choice

Community Edition represents the open-source protocol sustained entirely by worldwide contributors.

Full command over VPN configuration spans servers and settings. Comfort with command-line tools plus experience handling certificates, authentication, and server upkeep is essential.

OpenVPN Inc. offers official backing limited to community forums without live assistance. This edition grants maximum adaptability yet demands the greatest effort for initial setup and continued care.

OpenVPN Access Server: Self-Hosted with Oversight Layer

Access Server supplies a managed protocol version featuring a web admin panel, integrated access controls, and freedom to deploy your own server for self-hosting.

This approach yields benefits that may also pose limits based on the user. Hosting remains your responsibility on personal hardware, a VPS, or services such as AWS or Google Cloud.

Nevertheless it cuts management effort substantially through a web UI supporting LDAP, SAML, RADIUS, and multi-factor authentication.

Access Server removes command-line requirements, though pricing begins at $7 per connection monthly after the free tier allowing two simultaneous links. Volume discounts apply beyond 2,000 connections, suiting small-to-medium organizations with existing hosting resources.

CloudConnexa: Complete Cloud VPN Management

Those preferring to bypass infrastructure tasks and obtain a cloud VPN akin to ExpressVPN or NordVPN yet retaining OpenVPN protocol security and adaptability should select CloudConnexa.

Available in over 30 global server sites, CloudConnexa delivers fully supported cloud deployment without command-line expertise or server setup issues, plus extras including location-based policies, web filtering, and device compliance verification.

While not every VPN incorporates zero-trust architecture, CloudConnexa emphasizes this design. A free tier covers up to five seats, with costs of $7 to $9.50 per seat monthly thereafter depending on priority support, SCIM integration, and 99.9 percent uptime assurances for larger setups.

Community Edition	Access Server	CloudConnexa
Deployment	Self-managed via CLI only	Self-hosted with web GUI	Fully managed cloud deployment
Pricing	Free	Free (2 connections), then $7/connection/month	Free (5 seats), then $7-9.50/seat/month
Management features	None; manual configuration required throughout	Web admin panel with built-in MFA	Simple cloud dashboard across 30+ server locations
Support	Community forums	24/7 official support	24/7 official support with priority options on paid tiers
Best fit	Developers, hobbyists, personal projects	Small-to-medium businesses seeking self-hosted oversight	Larger teams needing zero-trust VPN without management load

Final Assessment

Individual users wanting a free self-deployed VPN will find Community Edition sufficient. Organizations seeking varied control and simplicity levels now have alternatives.

Access Server suits those building on current server infrastructure or local hardware by delivering equivalent control within an admin panel for straightforward configuration. CloudConnexa appeals to paid VPN seekers through its strict zero-knowledge privacy stance for users with rigorous security and compliance demands.

Any paid OpenVPN choice channels part of the revenue toward sustaining the broader open-source project and its maintainers.