Mullvad's plan for future: discontinue OpenVPN
Mullvad discontinued support for the OpenVPN protocol. It plans to focus entirely on WireGuard now. Read on to find more.
Introduction
Mullvad, the VPN provider known for its privacy-first approach, has announced it will phase out OpenVPN support by January 15, 2026. Yes, you read that right: you’ve got a little more than a year to make the switch to WireGuard, or risk being left behind like a flip phone in a smartphone world. It's not because they suddenly hate OpenVPN; rather, the company is all in on WireGuard, a faster, more secure protocol that they believe is the future of VPN technology.
Not a Sudden change
In a post dating back to 2017, the company’s co-founder, Fredrik Strömberg, explained how WireGuard’s simplicity, streamlined cryptographic design, and performance make it a game-changer. Unlike OpenVPN, which supports multiple cryptographic suites (often introducing complexity and vulnerabilities), WireGuard is opinionated—only supporting one cryptographic suite to ensure security. Mullvad is pushing for broader adoption, and with good reason
Why switch?
Why the shift? According to Mullvad, focusing solely on WireGuard allows them to concentrate their efforts on what they believe is the future of VPN technology. And honestly, if you're still clinging to OpenVPN, maybe it's time to embrace something more modern. After all, WireGuard is known for its efficiency, simplicity, and solid security. So, Mullvad’s move? It’s like getting rid of VHS tapes for Blu-rays – a little inconvenient for a minute, but ultimately a step forward.
Now, before you panic and think your VPN experience is about to crumble, take a deep breath. If you're already using Mullvad’s app, you won’t feel the impact. But if you’re relying on third-party apps or, heaven forbid, your router’s OpenVPN setup, it's time to start the migration process. Mullvad is giving users a nice window to get things sorted – after all, nobody likes last-minute changes, right?
What it means for you?
For those wondering how to get started with WireGuard, Mullvad has a bunch of guides on their site, so don’t worry about being left in the lurch. You've got a year to get your act together, but why wait until the last minute? Get with the times – or be that person complaining about change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mullvad’s decision might seem bold, but it’s all about pushing for better technology in the long run. So, wave goodbye to OpenVPN, and let WireGuard take the reins. You've got time, but why waste it?
Source: Blog post published at Official Mullvad site
