WireGuard first
WireGuard is newer and has a small codebase. It connects quickly and is usually the fastest, so it is our default.
It encrypts with ChaCha20. Routers also use WireGuard: get the config file from the Downloads tab in your dashboard and import it on the router.
OpenVPN when a network is picky
OpenVPN has been around for many years and gets through on most networks. On SoVPN it uses AES-256-GCM.
UDP is faster, so try it first. If hotel, office or school Wi-Fi blocks or slows UDP, switch to TCP. It is a bit slower but more stubborn on those networks.
IKEv2 for phones
IKEv2 recovers quickly when the network changes under it. Step out of a cafe and lose Wi-Fi, and it rebuilds the tunnel over mobile data within moments.
SoVPN runs IKEv2 with AES-256-GCM as well. It suits phones and tablets that change networks several times a day.
Switching protocols
If WireGuard will not connect or keeps dropping, move to OpenVPN UDP. If that also fails, use OpenVPN TCP. On a phone that is always switching networks, IKEv2 is worth a try.
Every protocol is included at the same price, and you can switch as often as you like. The new setting is used on your next connection.
- Open Settings > Connection > Protocol in the SoVPN app
- Select WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP or IKEv2
- Disconnect and connect again