Le VPN Protocols: Your Quick-Start Guide

A VPN protocol is simply the method used to move your data securely between your device and a VPN server - it affects both speed and security. If you're new to VPNs, you don't need to worry about this at all: the Le VPN app picks a sensible protocol automatically. If you're curious, here's a rundown of every protocol Le VPN supports.

Every protocol Le VPN supports

Wireguard

Our top recommendation. A modern, lightweight protocol built on state-of-the-art cryptography. Fast, simple, and secure by design. Available in our new Windows app, Android app, and iOS app.

Stealth Wireguard

Wireguard with obfuscation added on top, disguising VPN traffic so it can get through deep packet inspection and network-level restrictions in heavily censored countries. Available in our new Windows app, Android app, and iOS app.

Learn more about Stealth

OpenVPN

A solid fallback if Wireguard isn't available to you - open-source, highly secure, and works on almost every platform. Available via our legacy Windows app, macOS app, Android app, or manual setup.

Learn more about OpenVPN

IPSec / IKEv2

IKEv2 negotiates a secure connection on top of IPSec's encryption and is especially good at maintaining a stable connection when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Available in our iOS app.

L2TP/IPSec

L2TP builds the tunnel; IPSec encrypts it. Built into Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS - supported for manual setup where no app is available, but not our recommended choice; Wireguard or OpenVPN are stronger options.

Learn more about L2TP/IPSec

PPTP

One of the oldest VPN protocols, easy to set up and fast, but with known security weaknesses - not recommended as your primary protocol. Manual setup only; we still support it for older devices and networks with no other option.

Learn more about PPTP

Which protocol should I use?

Most Le VPN users never need to think about this - our apps choose a sensible default protocol automatically (Stealth Wireguard on the new Windows app, OpenVPN or Wireguard on Android, IPSec/Wireguard on iOS). A few situations where it's worth choosing deliberately:

On a heavily restricted network (deep packet inspection, aggressive censorship) - use Stealth Wireguard to get through.
Setting up manually on a router, old device, or platform without a Le VPN app - OpenVPN is the best broadly-supported option; L2TP/IPSec is available too if you specifically need it, though it's not our recommended choice.
Switching frequently between Wi-Fi and mobile data - IKEv2 (iOS app) keeps the connection stable through network changes.
An old device or network that only supports it - PPTP will still get you connected, though it's the least secure option we offer.

Quick recap

A VPN protocol is simply the method used to move your data securely between your device and a VPN server - it affects both speed and security. Le VPN supports six: Wireguard (its top recommendation), Stealth Wireguard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. Most users never choose one manually - the app picks a sensible default automatically.

Wireguard - a modern, lightweight protocol that's fast, simple, and secure; Le VPN's top pick for most people.
Stealth Wireguard - Wireguard with obfuscation to slip past deep packet inspection on heavily censored networks.
OpenVPN - open-source and highly secure, the best broadly-supported option for manual setup and routers.
IKEv2/IPSec (iOS app) keeps connections stable when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
L2TP/IPSec is a manual-setup fallback; PPTP is legacy and least secure - not recommended as your primary protocol.