WireGuard VPN Protocol Powered by IPVanish

Smarter, faster, and more secure than any before, the WireGuard® VPN protocol is a connection type for the modern era.

What is WireGuard?

WireGuard is the latest advancement in VPN connection methods. An open-source security project designed to be a faster, safer, and more power-saving protocol than both OpenVPN and IKEv2, it’s quickly becoming the new industry-standard VPN connection type.

Not all virtual private networks offer WireGuard, but access to WireGuard is included with your IPVanish subscription. All users of the IPVanish VPN service have the ability to establish a WireGuard connection, provided they’re using a compatible operating system and device.

WireGuard VPN Protocol Benefits

The immediate improvement you’re most likely to notice with the WireGuard VPN protocol is faster connection speeds, but there are also technical advancements of this new protocol worth noting.

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Security

With WireGuard, you’ll have powerful data protection. It’s an open-source, security-first protocol that uses modern cryptography implemented in a safer, more efficient way than other connection types.

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Stability

WireGuard development emphasizes reliability. It stays connected in poor connection quality situations where other VPN protocols would falter, even switching from a mobile network to Wi-Fi.

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Simplicity

A shorter code base is a major component of the WireGuard project. It lowers power consumption and creates a smaller attack surface, making it easier to audit for security vulnerabilities.

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Speed

Engineering optimizations to both the code and cryptographic implementation have made WireGuard 3x faster than IKEv2 and 10x faster than OpenVPN.

How to Set Up a WireGuard VPN

Setting up the WireGuard protocol is simple with IPVanish, but the process varies according to your operating system. 

1

Sign up for an IPVanish subscription

Select the IPVanish subscription plan that best fits your needs, then fill in the necessary details to complete account creation.

2

Download the IPVanish VPN app

WireGuard is compatible with many operating systems, from mobile devices to desktops, laptops, and even streaming devices.

3

Configure Wireguard on your operating system

Windows

  • Open the IPVanish app on your Windows device, and log into your account.
  • Make sure your VPN connection is inactive, then click the Settings menu icon on the left.
  • Select the “CONNECTION” tab.
  • Click the “Active Protocol” dropdown and select the “WireGuard” option.

Android

  • Open the IPVanish app on your Android device, and log into your account.
  • Make sure your VPN connection is inactive, then tap the hamburger icon in the top left corner.
  • Next, tap the Settings menu icon, then tap on the “CONNECTION” tab.
  • Select “WireGuard” from the “Protocol” list.

Mac

  • Open the IPVanish app on your Mac device, and log into your account.
  • Make sure your VPN connection is inactive, then click “IPVanish VPN” on the menu bar next to the Apple icon.
  • Click “Preferences,” then click the “Active Protocol” menu.
  • Select the “WireGuard” option from the list.

iOS

  • Open the IPVanish app on your iPhone or iPad, and log into your account.
  • Make sure your VPN connection is inactive, then tap the Settings tab on the bottom of the screen.
  • Under “Connection”, select “WireGuard” next to “Protocol.”

Fire TV

  • Open the IPVanish app on your Fire TV device, and log into your account.
  • Make sure your VPN connection is inactive, then click the Settings cog on the right.
  • Scroll through the menu and select the “VPN Protocol” option.
  • Select the “WireGuard” option from the list.

WireGuard vs OpenVPN

For years now, OpenVPN has been considered the premier VPN protocol. But with the recent emergence of WireGuard, is that still the case? 

Generally speaking, WireGuard is now the top choice for VPN protocols. But WireGuard and OpenVPN each have their own strengths. WireGuard is a better choice for users who prioritize speed and security, as well as those looking to establish mobile VPN connections. It’s also easier to audit, as its underlying code is much simpler and shorter than OpenVPN. 

OpenVPN, however, is a great choice for privacy, especially because of its ability to bypass deep packet inspection. In many cases, WireGuard is the best bet, but ultimately, deciding which protocol to use often depends on the scenario. Check out our WireGuard vs OpenVPN comparison guide for a full breakdown of the pros and cons of each.

WireGuard Frequently Asked Questions

All VPN plans include:

Advanced encryption

Shared IP addresses

Unmetered device connections

Verified no-traffic logs

Multiple connection protocols

No data transfer caps

Proxy web server

24/7 customer support

Servers in 75+ regions

Secure access to media

Advanced encryption

Shared IP addresses

Unmetered device connections

Verified no-traffic logs

Multiple connection protocols

No data transfer caps

Proxy web server

24/7 customer support

Servers in 75+ regions

Secure access to media

WireGuard VPN Reviews

See what experts and customers have to say about WireGuard VPN.

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