OpenVPN is widely regarded as the most secure VPN protocol, and for that reason, most premium VPNs use OpenVPN by default.

However, while native apps from providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Cyberghost will securely connect you to their server networks via OpenVPN automatically, there are reasons why you might want to set up your OpenVPN connection yourself.

You might be running an older operating system that does not support the native apps, for example, but still want to securely access the robust server network offered by a premium VPN provider.

Or you might just want the satisfying feeling of taking control of your own internet security and anonymity.

Whatever your reason for manually configuring OpenVPN on your mobile device or computer, we’ve got you covered with detailed setup guides below.

We should offer a disclaimer, however: While manually setting up your VPN connection can offer a great deal of geeky fun – and might be necessary if your operating system isn’t supported – premium VPN services strongly recommend using their native OpenVPN apps for the best security and privacy protection.

Best VPNs with Native OpenVPN Apps for Your Device

Before we get into manual configuration options, here’s a quick look at a few top VPN services that give you OpenVPN’s security the easy way. By using native clients from one of these providers, you can get all the security of OpenVPN with no manual setup required!

1.  NordVPN

NordVPN offers OpenVPN native apps for a range of devices and operating systems. The one exception is NordVPN’s iOS app, which uses IKEv2 as its default. Mac OS users can choose between the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, but the IKEv2 app is only available for OS X 10.12 (Sierra) and newer.

NordVPN offers an industry-leading combination of speed, security, and versatility and is our top-rated VPN provider. Give it a try on up to 6 devices using the 3-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

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2. CyberGhost

Native CyberGhost apps are supported by most operating systems and devices, and use the OpenVPN protocol by default. You can protect up to 7 devices with one subscription, too.

CyberGhost uses military-grade 256-bit encryption technology, adheres to a strict no-log policy, and offers more than 3,000 servers worldwide. New users can test out the service with the 45-day money-back guarantee, though most of this VPN’s happy users stick with it long term.

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3.  ExpressVPN

Native ExpressVPN apps use the OpenVPN protocol by default and will choose the most secure settings for your connection automatically. However, you can choose other protocols within the app or via manual installation if you prefer.

ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption with AES, doesn’t keep user logs, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. It’s also the fastest premium VPN we’ve tested.

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Advantages of the OpenVPN Protocol

The term “VPN protocol” refers to the combination of encryption and transmission methods that VPN providers use to make sure you can safely and anonymously connect to their servers.

OpenVPN remains the industry standard for VPN connections. It provides a robust and reliable combination of speed and security.

And because OpenVPN is open-source software, it becomes stronger and more secure over time as developers continuously inspect and strengthen the code. OpenVPN was released in 2001 and has been repeatedly tested and improved ever since.

It supports the strongest encryption algorithms and cyphers, including military-grade 256-bit with AES, and offers an industrial-strength security infrastructure designed to withstand and protect against both passive and active attacks.

In time, another protocol will surpass OpenVPN; that’s the nature of technology. Recently, the release of open-source versions of IKEv2 gave a big boost to that protocol’s status. For now, however, OpenVPN remains the first protocol we look for and the last one we would give up.

How to Set Up OpenVPN on Your Device – Installation Guides

We are going to use NordVPN for our examples, and will cover Mac OS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, you can also set up OpenVPN on many other devices and operating systems, including routers and Raspberry Pi. You can find more guides on the NordVPN website.

To set up OpenVPN manually, you will need to download a client that allows you to connect to a network via the OpenVPN protocol. We’ll explain which third-party app you need for your device below.

Remember that while these instructions will allow you to connect to OpenVPN, you still need to subscribe to NordVPN – or another VPN provider – in order to access VPN servers.

Windows OpenVPN Setup Guide

1. Download and install the OpenVPN GUI application.
   
2. Once you have installed the program, download the NordVPN server configuration files from the provider’s website.
3. A recommended server will pop up. Click Show Available Protocols to reveal the protocol list, and click Download Config next to OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP.
4. After downloading the files, navigate to the folder where they’ve been saved and copy them to this directory: C:/Program Files/OpenVPN/config/
5. The OpenVPN GUI application supports up to 50 configuration files at once, and each file corresponds to a particular server. Since NordVPN’s network has over 5,000 servers, you should check the provider’s server list and choose the servers you want to use before performing the manual installation.
6. Now open the OpenVPN GUI app.
   
7. Click Yes to allow the app to make changes to your device.
8. The application will start running automatically. Find its icon in your visible or hidden system tray.
9. Right-click on the OpenVPN GUI icon and choose a server by clicking Connect.
   
10. Enter your NordVPN login details in the popup window.
11. The app icon will turn green to indicate that you are safely connected to a NordVPN server via OpenVPN. You are ready for secure, anonymous browsing!

Mac OS X OpenVPN Setup Guide

If you are a Mac user, you can use either the TunnelBlick client or the Viscosity client to manually install OpenVPN. For this example, we are going to use Viscosity.

1. Download Viscosity (supported by OS X 10.7 or newer), then navigate to the NordVPN website and download the Mac OS configuration files package.
   
2. Unzip the configurations file package. Then open the Viscosity .dmg file and install the application normally.
3. Launch Viscosity from your applications folder, and Allow the Viscosity Helper Tool installation.
   
4. Click on the Viscosity icon in your menu bar and then Preferences.
5. Click the plus sign in the preferences window, then select Import Connection and From File…
   
6. Select the configurations folder you unzipped in Step 2.
7. After the files have been imported, go to the Viscosity icon in your menu bar. Pick your server from the drop-down list.
8. You have successfully set up OpenVPN on your Mac and are ready to surf!

Linux OpenVPN Setup Guide

On a Linux system, you can connect to OpenVPN via Shell or Network Manager. We are going to use Shell for this example.

1. Launch Terminal.
2. Enter the following text to install OpenVPN:
   sudo apt-get install openvpn
3. Use this command to get to the OpenVPN configuration directory:
   cd /etc/openvpn
4. Next, download NordVPN’s configuration files by entering the command:
   sudo wget https://downloads.nordcdn.com/configs/archives/servers/ovpn.zip
5. You will need to have an “unzip” package installed in order to proceed. If you don’t have one, download and install the package before continuing.
6. Type the unzip command:
   sudo unzip ovpn.zip
7. As usual when unzipping files on Linux, use this command to remove files you no longer need:
   sudo rm zip
8. Type in either cd ovpn_udp OR cd ovpn_tcp, depending on which OpenVPN connection type (UDP or TCP) you prefer.
9. To view the server list, type in:
   ls -al
10. Choose the server you want to use.
11. You can now launch OpenVPN by entering:
    sudo openvpn [file name]
    where [file name] is the unique identifier for your chosen server.
12. Enter your NordVPN login details when prompted.
13. You have successfully connected to NordVPN’s OpenVPN network like a software-developing boss!

Android OpenVPN Setup Guide

1. Open your browser and download the NordVPN configuration package from the provider’s website.
2. Go to the Google Play store.
   
3. Find, download, and install the OpenVPN Connect app.
   
4. Accept the terms and open the application.
5. In the application, tap the menu button, then tap Import in the drop-down menu.
6. Select Import Profile from SD card. Find the configuration files in your Downloads folder.
   
7. Choose one of the configuration files and tap it to import it.
8. Click Accept when prompted.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 to add other servers to the app.
10. Tap the box to get the drop-down menu, then select your server.
    
11. Enter your NordVPN username and password.
12. Tap Connect, and then Continue to connect without a certificate.
13. You are now running the OpenVPN protocol for NordVPN on your Android phone!

iOS OpenVPN Setup Guide

1. Go to the App store on your iPad/iPhone. Find OpenVPN Connect and install the app.
   
2. Download one or more of the ovpn configuration files from NordVPN’s website.
   
3. After downloading the file(s), choose Open in OpenVPN.
   
4. Tap on the green ‘plus’ button.
   
5. Enter your NordVPN login details and save the password in your keychain. If you are asked for permission to add OpenVPN to your VPN configurations, click Allow.
6. Tap on the button to toggle from Disconnected to Connected to connect to NordVPN.
   
7. You have successfully connected to the NordVPN network via OpenVPN on your iOS device! To disconnect, toggle the Disconnected/Connected button back to Disconnected. You can then choose a different server and reconnect if you wish.

Manual OpenVPN Installation with Other VPNs

If instead of NordVPN with OpenVPN, you choose ExpressVPN or CyberGhost VPN, you’ll find that the manual setup process for your device is very similar to the steps shown above.

And if you’re looking for other trustworthy VPN options for your computer or phone, see our top providers list below. All of them offer apps with OpenVPN as the default protocol and support manual OpenVPN setup as well.

Premium VPNs are supported on vast a range of devices, including not only computers and phones but also routers, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, and many more. You can find detailed setup guides for every device on your VPN provider’s website and in our blog archives.

Summary

The OpenVPN protocol remains the industry standard for its combination of speed, encryption strength, and code security. The best VPN providers offer apps that use OpenVPN by default or through an easy Settings change within the apps.

However, there are still circumstances in which you might want to set up the protocol manually. Whether you have an older device or are just interested in how the process works, now you know how to bypass the native apps and connect to OpenVPN in a few simple steps!

If you want to learn more about the differences between various VPN protocols, check out our comprehensive guide to the most secure (and least secure) VPN tunneling methods.

For a great VPN with OpenVPN built right into the apps, try any of these highly recommended providers. Follow the links to get an insider’s deal!