WireGuard Tunnel Review
Our Research
VPN solutions have taken over the world over the last decade, and as data and online security become more priceless than ever, VPN service providers aim to help you achieve full anonymity online. One of those solutions is WireGuard which is a relatively new VPN tunnel that helps you browse anonymously while preserving your data. But, how reliable is WireGuard? We wrote this WireGuard review to explore what it offers for its users and delve into its performance.
VPN providers are powered thanks to multiple network and security protocols. They can choose from a myriad of protocols to implement in their solutions, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, and others. As WireGuard is gaining popularity, more solutions are powered by WireGuard Tunnel.
WireGuard enables VPN providers to develop and manage the encrypted tunnel which further enhances online security. Even though OpenVPN remains among the most popular options, it’s getting old and WireGuard is equipped with future-proof features.
WireGuard, created by Jason A. Donenfeld, was first released in 2015. It quickly gained recognition for its simplicity, high performance, and robust security. Originally designed for Linux, it has since expanded to support various operating systems, becoming a popular open-source VPN protocol known for its modern cryptographic techniques and efficient network communication.
WireGuard Tunnel Key Features
Data cap | Unlimited | Speed(in MBPS) | 590 |
Logging Policy | No Policy | Data Leaks | No |
Jurisdicstion | NA | Servers | Decentralized |
IP Addresses | - | Countries | - |
US Nextflix | No | Torrenting | - |
Simul. Connection | - | Works In China | Yes |
Kill Switch | Yes | Cheapest Price | $ |
Money Back Guarantee(in Days) | - | VPN Site | https://www.wireguard.com |
WireGuard Tunnel: Quick Look
WireGuard Tunnel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Amazing speed
- Simple to use and easy to set up compared to other protocols
- Open-source software is available on mobile apps too
- Supports Torrenting
- Works in China
Cons
- Novices may still have difficulties setting it up
- P2P architecture and no servers
- Practically no customer support
- Only supports UDP protocol and lacks some security features like 443 port
- Obfuscation
- Amazing speed
- Simple to use and easy to set up compared to other protocols
- Open-source software is available on mobile apps too
- Supports Torrenting
- Works in China
- Novices may still have difficulties setting it up
- P2P architecture and no servers
- Practically no customer support
- Only supports UDP protocol and lacks some security features like 443 port
- Obfuscation
Does WireGuard Come with an Ad Blocker?
WireGuard VPN tunnel is not a typical VPN provider, but rather a tunnel that enables the P2P connection and deployment on distributed devices. It doesn’t come with an Adblocker. It doesn’t even have its own servers, but rather the ones that the community made public.
If you want to deploy WireGuard directly to your computer’s kernel, you should use a third-party Ad Blocker or subscribe to a VPN provider such as NordVPN, SurfShark, and other VPN subscription services that have Ad Blocker and support the WireGuard protocol.
Privacy And Logging Policy
Even though minimal logs are kept, it’s worth noting that WireGuard doesn’t automatically delete the IP address once you disconnect from the network. In that regard, other VPN protocols provide better privacy for their users.
WireGuard also doesn’t use forward secrecy. Instead, the protocol relies on the same key by default, which may leave space for vulnerabilities and expose your network to hacker attacks. It also is not equipped with a system that keeps your traffic private, leaving your traffic exposed to potential DPI (Deep Packet Inspection.)
Of course, if you’re subscribed to a reliable VPN provider like NordVPN or SurfShark, you don’t have to worry about this, as they implement multiple protocols and network privacy features to help you stay anonymous online in addition to WireGuard.
Information Logged | Yes/No |
---|---|
Browsing Activity | No |
Device Information | No |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Used | No |
Individual Connection Timestamps | Yes |
ISP | Yes |
Simultaneous Connections | Yes |
Originating IP Address | Yes |
Personal Information | No |
VPN Server IP | Yes |
VPN Server Location | Yes |
Date of Lost Connection | Yes |
Security And Encryption
WireGuard is a protocol that works very differently compared to other VPN protocols. One of the key details we noticed in its implementation is that it doesn’t use 256-bit AES encryption. Instead, it uses the 256-bit encryption that is part of the cryptographic protocol ChaCha20 that is implemented in WireGuard, leading to added efficiency and simplicity.
In addition to ChaCha20, WireGuard also uses Poly1305, BLAKE2, and Curve25519 as its key encryption protocols, ensuring security.
It’s also important to note that WireGuard is a protocol that prioritizes speed over security. It uses a no-handshake UDP protocol that prioritizes speed. If your VPN provider relies on WireGuard protocol, you’ll only be able to use it with UDP, diminishing some of the security features that the service offers.
Encryption | Available with WireGuard |
---|---|
AES-128 | No |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | Yes through ChaCha20 |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security | Available with WireGuard |
---|---|
DNS-leak blocking | No |
First-party DNS | Yes |
IPv6 Blocking | Yes |
Supports TCP 443 port | No |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WEB RTC Leak Blocking | Yes |
Advanced Features | Available in WireGuard |
---|---|
Ad Blocking | No |
Dedicated IP Address | No |
Double VPN | No |
Smart DNS | No |
Static IP | Yes |
SOCKS | Yes |
Split Tunneling | Yes |
Tor Over VPN Server | Yes |
Tracker Blocker | No |
Pricing Structure
WireGuard VPN protocol is open-source, which means it’s free to use. It’s managed by a large community. However, if you plan to use WireGuard as part of some premium VPN service, you’ll be paying a monthly fee or subscription.
Does WireGuard Support Torrenting?
WireGuard supports torrenting, although it’s necessary to enable all the encryption and privacy protocols contained in WireGuard Tunnel and also enable a kill switch.
You should also be cautious about what server you connect to as in some countries torrenting is illegal. Since WireGuard doesn’t have explicit servers that it supports, it’d be best to subscribe to a premium VPN service that supports WireGuard.
Keep in mind that this article doesn’t endorse or support torrenting of pirated content. This content is purely informational.
In Which Countries Does OpenVPN Have Its Servers?
WireGuard itself is not a centralized service with servers. Instead, it’s a VPN protocol and software that can be deployed on individual servers or devices.
Users and organizations can set up their own WireGuard servers to create VPN connections, and the number of servers would depend on their specific needs and configurations.
Users can deploy WireGuard on a single server for personal use or multiple servers in a distributed network for various purposes, such as remote access, site-to-site connectivity, or securing communication between devices.
The number of WireGuard servers varies from one deployment to another based on the specific use case and requirements.
Streaming Platform Compatibility
If you want to watch Netflix US or Hulu, you won’t be able to bypass geo restrictions solely with WireGuard VPN. It all depends on the server you connect to, and if you use your computer as a server and you’re not in The USA, you simply won’t be able to watch it.
Instead, you can subscribe to some third-party VPN provider and watch Netflix and stream through other platforms like that. Premium VPN providers that support WireGuard Tunnel have thousands of servers located in over 90 countries.
Gaming Performance
If you want to play online games with a VPN but can’t afford to subscribe to a VPN provider, WireGuard protocol will give you a seamless gaming experience without compromising the quality of your connection or causing latency.
Even though it’s relatively new, and not often used for gaming, its encryption protocols will help you stay secure online without compromising speed and smooth performance. It’s also good for mobile gaming because WireGuard helps provide quick connection and reconnection times for mobile devices.
Ease of Use
It’s no secret that standalone VPN protocols are not easy to use or implement in your environment. Here we’ll delve into how easy WireGuard Tunnel is to use and how much time will a new user need to get used to it.
How Easy Is It to Set Up?
WireGuard is known for its simplicity and ease of setup compared to some other VPN protocols, like OpenVPN.
However, even though many advertise WireGuard as easy to set up and easy to implement, it’s not so easy. It will still require you to do some research on your computer specifications and best practices to implement this VPN. Certainly, there are fewer lines of code than with OpenVPN, but that can still be too much for someone who has never used a VPN before.
Luckily, on WireGuard’s official website you can find Installation packages and instructions on how to set WireGuard up. Scrolling down will help you choose the package that is suitable for the operating system you use, while the intuitive and detailed whitepaper will help you learn more about setting it up.
How Easy It Is to Use For a New User?
While WireGuard is relatively easy to set up, it’s essential to follow best practices for security and ensure that you understand the basics of networking and VPNs. Properly configuring and securing the server and managing access control are crucial steps in deploying WireGuard securely.
If that’s too much for you, it’d be best to subscribe to a premium VPN that supports WireGuard. Using the mobile app on Android or iOS is also much easier because your VPN service provider will give you a QR code to activate the WireGuard protocol and you will need to scan it with the WireGuard mobile app. After that, you can use the WireGuard Tunnel effortlessly.
Platform Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, one of the best features that WireGuard offers is cross-platform compatibility. You can use it on Windows, MacOS, and most Linux distributions, as well as on mobile devices supporting iOS and Android systems.
Browser Compatibility And Extensions Available
You can use the official WireGuard client to establish a VPN connection on your device. While there may not be specific WireGuard browser extensions, you can route your entire device’s internet traffic through the WireGuard VPN.
Customer Support
Being an open-source VPN protocol and software, WireGuard does not offer dedicated customer support in the traditional sense that commercial products or services do. However, it has a strong and active community that provides support and assistance through various channels.
You may also get support through:
- Community forums
- Documentation
- GitHub
- VPN service providers you subscribe to
Customer Support | Available in WireGuard |
---|---|
24/7 Live Chat Support | No |
24/7 Email Support | No |
ChatBot | No |
Live Chat Support | No |
Email (Ticketing) | No |
Email Via Online Form | No |
Tutorial Videos | No |
Resource Center | No |
Final Verdict
WireGuard VPN Tunnel is a modern and robust VPN protocol that works great alongside other protocols. There is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of security and privacy, but if you need a fast and smooth connection while gaming or surfing the internet anonymously this is a great pick. For best performance, subscribe to a premium VPN service that supports this protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
WireGuard Vs. OpenVPN What Is Better? -
Both WireGuard and OpenVPN are robust VPN technologies, but WireGuard is often considered better due to its modern design and superior performance. WireGuard is simpler to configure, has lower overhead, and offers seamless mobile device integration. While OpenVPN is widely used and offers excellent security, WireGuard's speed and efficiency make it a preferred choice for many users and organizations. -
Is WireGuard Safe to Use? +
WireGuard is extremely safe to use. It’s backed by strong encryption protocols and algorithms. It also has a more modern design than its competitor protocols. -
Which VPN Service Providers Use WireGuard VPN? +
Many premium VPN service providers use the WireGuard protocol. Some of them include NordVPN, SurfShark, IPVanish, and CyberGhost. -
Is WireGuard VPN Free? +
WireGuard VPN is an open source protocol and software which means it’s free to use and implement into other software. -
Can You Use WireGuard VPN as a Standalone VPN Service? +
Even though WireGuard is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, you still need to have some decent knowledge about computer networks and coding to set it up on your own. If you need to bypass geo-blocking and use different IP addresses, it’s best to subscribe to a premium VPN subscription.