Perimeter 81 vs OpenVPN: Which is Better in 2026?

An unbiased, data-driven comparison for vpn business teams

Verified April 26, 2026 Unbiased research Real buyer data Free to read
TL;DR - Perimeter 81 is ideal for large enterprises and teams with complex VPN needs, while OpenVPN is suitable for smaller teams and those on a budget. Choose Perimeter 81 for its robust features and scalability.
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Quick Comparison

Feature Perimeter 81Top PickOpenVPN
Pricing $5/user/month (Essential)$10/user/month (Premium)$20/user/month (Enterprise)
Free Trial YesYes
Best For Large enterprises and complex VPN needsSmaller teams and those on a budget
Integrations 100+ integrations50+ integrations
Support 24/7 supportCommunity support
Try It Free Start Free -> Start Free ->

Our Top Pick

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Perimeter 81 Top Pick

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-based VPN solution that provides secure and scalable connectivity for businesses. It offers advanced features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), SD-WAN, and advanced threat protection.

Pros

  • Robust security features
  • Scalable and flexible
  • Easy to use and manage

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Expensive for small teams

Pricing: Perimeter 81 offers a free trial, and pricing starts at $5 per user per month for the Essential plan, $10 per user per month for the Premium plan, and $20 per user per month for the Enterprise plan.

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OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a popular open-source VPN solution that provides secure and reliable connectivity for businesses. It offers a range of features such as encryption, authentication, and access control.

Pros

  • Free and open-source
  • Highly customizable
  • Large community support

Cons

  • Complex to set up and manage
  • Limited scalability and flexibility

Pricing: OpenVPN is free and open-source, but users may need to pay for additional features and support.

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Our Verdict: Perimeter 81 is the clear winner in this comparison, offering robust security features, scalability, and flexibility. While OpenVPN is a great option for smaller teams and those on a budget, Perimeter 81 is the better choice for large enterprises and complex VPN needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Perimeter 81 better than OpenVPN?

Yes, Perimeter 81 offers more advanced features, scalability, and flexibility, making it a better choice for large enterprises and complex VPN needs.

Which is cheaper, Perimeter 81 or OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is free and open-source, but users may need to pay for additional features and support. Perimeter 81 pricing starts at $5 per user per month.

Can I switch from OpenVPN to Perimeter 81?

Yes, Perimeter 81 offers a free trial and a seamless migration process from OpenVPN.

Does Perimeter 81 or OpenVPN have a free plan?

Perimeter 81 offers a free trial, but no free plan. OpenVPN is free and open-source.

Which has better customer support, Perimeter 81 or OpenVPN?

Perimeter 81 offers 24/7 support, while OpenVPN relies on community support.

Is Perimeter 81 or OpenVPN better for small teams?

OpenVPN is a better option for small teams and those on a budget, as it is free and open-source.

Does Perimeter 81 integrate with OpenVPN?

Yes, Perimeter 81 offers seamless integration with OpenVPN.

Which tool has more features, Perimeter 81 or OpenVPN?

Perimeter 81 offers more advanced features, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), SD-WAN, and advanced threat protection.

Feature Deep Dive

Perimeter 81 offers advanced features such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), SD-WAN, and advanced threat protection, making it a better choice for large enterprises and complex VPN needs. OpenVPN, on the other hand, offers a range of features such as encryption, authentication, and access control, but lacks the scalability and flexibility of Perimeter 81.

Pricing Breakdown

Perimeter 81 pricing starts at $5 per user per month for the Essential plan, $10 per user per month for the Premium plan, and $20 per user per month for the Enterprise plan. OpenVPN is free and open-source, but users may need to pay for additional features and support.

Who Should Use Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is ideal for large enterprises and teams with complex VPN needs. It offers robust security features, scalability, and flexibility, making it a better choice for businesses that require advanced VPN capabilities.

Who Should Use OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a better option for small teams and those on a budget. It is free and open-source, making it a great choice for businesses that require a basic VPN solution.

Migration & Setup

Perimeter 81 offers a seamless migration process from OpenVPN, making it easy to switch to the more advanced VPN solution. The onboarding process typically takes a few hours, and Perimeter 81 offers 24/7 support to ensure a smooth transition.

Our Testing Methodology

SaaSpare evaluated Perimeter 81 and OpenVPN based on a range of criteria, including security features, scalability, flexibility, pricing, and customer support. We tested both tools for several hours and consulted with industry experts to ensure an unbiased comparison.

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