How do VPN-protocols differ
BlancVPN uses four VPN protocols: OpenVPN, V2Ray, WireGuard, and Outline (Shadowsocks). You may choose any of them or use them all - each for a certain device.
1. OpenVPNis a classic protocol, but it is gradually becoming outdated. It is flexible in setting up, supported by most operating systems (including smart homes), and has an open-source code. There are a lot of routers that support this protocol only. The downsides of the OpenVPN are: higher when compared to analogs time delay (it is not critical, though - up to 1–1,5 milliseconds) and a more complicated process of setting up.
2. V2Ray is a high-performance tool to proxy network traffic. It supports numerous client protocols and is widely used in the countries, where the access to information is restricted. Different methods of traffic obfuscation help to hide the VPN usage, which makes this protocol less vulnerable to the internet providers’ and governemt’s blockings.
3. WireGuardis a modern protocol, created as an alternative for IPSec and OpenVPN. It has less delay and less processor overload, and is more productive, too. It is supported by most of the operating systems. The main downside of WireGuard is that it is less effective (compared to, let’s say, Shadowsocks) in bypassing blocking in countries with a high level of government control (China, for instance).
4. Outline (Shadowsocks) is the most up-to-date and fastest protocol, based on socks5-proxy. Developed purposely to bypass the Chinese «Golden Shield» censorship, Outline is good at bypassing firewalls. It is also good at masking the traffic and does not overload the device.
We recommend choosing Outline (Shadowsocks) as it is the fastest, the most stable, and the most reliable protocol with a high level of traffic protection.
Outline (Shadowsocks) key features:
• Ease of setup and use. While WireGuard or OpenVPN require a configuration file for the setup (sometimes login and password, too), setting up Outline consists of copying the link and pasting it to the client.
• High performance. Using a socks5-proxy technology, Outline has a delay within a few tenths of a second. This makes it possible to use Outline even for intense games.
• Minimal device load. Thanks to socks5-proxy, Outline loads the processor less than other protocols. It means that the smartphone or the laptop battery lasts longer.
• Frequent client and protocol updates. To rapidly fix bugs and make bypassing of blockings better.
• Stable connection. The protocol allows switching between networks without disconnecting from Outline. It is most useful for mobile devices.