In a recent update to its Android application, Proton VPN has made a significant shift by discontinuing support for the OpenVPN protocol. This change, which was officially implemented on February 17, aims to enhance user experience by promoting faster, more efficient protocols such as WireGuard and Proton’s proprietary Stealth protocol.
Transitioning to Modern Protocols
Proton VPN’s decision to remove OpenVPN stems from a desire to modernize its offerings and eliminate unnecessary bloat within the app. The company has openly acknowledged the limitations of OpenVPN, describing it as “old, slow, and bloated” compared to its contemporary counterparts. By eliminating this legacy protocol, Proton VPN has successfully reduced the application’s size by approximately 36%, leading to quicker downloads and less storage consumption.
Data from Proton indicates that OpenVPN was utilized by less than 1% of Android users, making its continued support increasingly difficult to justify. As the industry shifts towards more efficient protocols, maintaining a feature that serves such a small segment of the user base appears counterproductive.
Optimizing User Experience
The transition to WireGuard and Stealth is not merely a matter of aesthetics or storage; it also significantly enhances performance. These modern protocols provide near-instant connection times and are designed to be less taxing on battery life, ensuring that users can enjoy a seamless experience without compromising device longevity.
This move is part of a broader trend within the VPN industry, where leading providers are prioritizing lightweight, mobile-friendly solutions to meet the evolving needs of users. Proton VPN has previously removed OpenVPN from its Apple applications, signaling a consistent strategy across platforms to streamline performance and improve user satisfaction.
For those who still wish to utilize OpenVPN, it remains accessible through third-party configurations on Proton’s servers, allowing users to maintain flexibility while embracing the benefits of the new protocols.
