> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.startmyvpn.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VPN Protocols

> Comparison of OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols supported by StartMyVPN.

StartMyVPN supports two VPN protocols. Each server runs one protocol. You can have multiple servers with different protocols and group them as needed.

## Protocol comparison

| Feature         | OpenVPN                   | WireGuard                |
| --------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Protocol        | TCP or UDP                | UDP only                 |
| Performance     | Moderate                  | Fast (lower overhead)    |
| Battery usage   | Higher                    | Lower (ideal for mobile) |
| Client support  | Excellent (all platforms) | Good (growing rapidly)   |
| Authentication  | Username + password       | Public/private key pair  |
| Config format   | `.ovpn` file              | `.conf` file             |
| Speed limiting  | Not supported             | Supported per-user       |
| Connection logs | Yes (per connection)      | Per-peer counters        |

## Choosing a protocol

**Use WireGuard when:**

* Performance and battery life are priorities (mobile apps)
* You want to enforce per-user speed limits
* Users are on modern operating systems (Android 5+, iOS 15+, Linux kernel 5.6+)

**Use OpenVPN when:**

* You need broad client compatibility including older devices
* Your users are familiar with OpenVPN clients
* You need TCP fallback (useful in restrictive networks)

## Mixed deployments

You can run both protocols across your server fleet. Users can download both config types from their dashboard and choose which to use based on their device or needs.

See [OpenVPN](/servers/openvpn) and [WireGuard](/servers/wireguard) for protocol-specific configuration details.