Download OpenConnect - Secure open-source VPN Client

FAQ

More info

waves

What is OpenConnect

OpenConnect is an open-source SSL and VPN client that provides secure remote access to private networks. Initially developed as an alternative to Cisco AnyConnect, it now supports multiple VPN protocols, including Cisco, Juniper, and GlobalProtect. With native clients for Windows, Linux, and OpenConnect for macOS ver41, it offers flexible, fast, and encrypted connectivity for professionals and organizations. Whether used for personal security or enterprise VPN access, OpenConnect delivers reliable protection and performance.

Key Features

OpenConnect GUI stands out for its open-source transparency, strong SSL/TLS encryption, and compatibility with multiple VPN servers. It supports two-factor authentication, certificate-based access, and automatic reconnection during network interruptions. The client works seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and OpenConnect for Windows na40. With its lightweight design, intuitive command-line and GUI options, and high efficiency, OpenConnect for Mac is perfect for users who need secure, cross-platform VPN connectivity anywhere.

Installation & Requirements

Installing OpenConnect is quick and straightforward. The client runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS with minimal system requirements. Simply download the package for your OS, follow the installation instructions, and configure the connection with your VPN credentials or server details. Most Linux distributions include OpenConnect by default, and OpenConnect for Mac can be easily installed via Homebrew or prebuilt packages. Once configured, it ensures stable and secure VPN sessions without impacting system performance.

Where to download OpenConnect

You can download OpenConnect for macOS and other platforms directly from the official OpenConnect website or trusted repositories. We provide verified installation packages to ensure safety and compatibility. Regular updates improve stability, performance, and security across all supported systems. Whether you need the Windows client or OpenConnect for Mac, you can download OpenConnect from our website and start enjoying secure, fast VPN connectivity in just a few minutes.

Open Source VPN Showdown

Image

Explore why OpenConnect emerges as the preferred choice for technical teams seeking protocol-level control and transparency. Unlike black-box solutions, it offers complete visibility into your secure connections while maintaining enterprise-grade compatibility.

VPN Solution Setup Complexity Security Model Protocol Efficiency Resource Usage Platform Coverage License Type
OpenConnect Package manager friendly, scriptable deployment Transparent SSL/TLS with full cipher suite control Dual TCP/UDTL modes with intelligent fallback Minimal footprint, efficient memory handling Native across all major desktop and mobile OS LGPL-2.1 (Free redistribution)
OpenVPN Configuration-heavy, certificate management required Custom protocol, requires security profile tuning TCP tunneling only, higher protocol overhead Moderate CPU usage during encryption cycles Broad support with third-party clients GPL-2 (Copyleft)
WireGuard Kernel module dependency, modern Linux preferred Modern cryptography, limited enterprise integration UDP-only, potential NAT traversal issues Extremely lightweight, constant-time operations Linux-native, third-party for other platforms GPL-2 (Dual license)
StrongSwan Expert-level IPsec configuration needed IPsec/IKEv2, complex security association setup Kernel-level processing, variable performance Medium load, depends on cryptographic acceleration Cross-platform but configuration varies MIT License (Permissive)
SoftEther VPN Graphical setup but multiple service components Proprietary extensions alongside standard protocols Good throughput with L2TP/IPsec compatibility Higher memory allocation for multiple protocols Windows-centric with cross-platform server Apache 2.0 (Permissive)

Frequently Asked Questions

Image

What is OpenConnect and how does it differ from other VPN clients?

OpenConnect is an open-source SSL VPN client that implements both Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN and Juniper/Netscreen SSL VPN protocols, providing broad compatibility with enterprise VPN infrastructures. Unlike proprietary VPN solutions, OpenConnect offers complete transparency, fine-grained protocol-level control, and freedom from vendor lock-in, while still maintaining enterprise-grade security, reliability, and compatibility with existing corporate VPN deployments.

How do I install OpenConnect on Linux distributions?

OpenConnect is available through standard package managers on most Linux distributions, making installation simple and straightforward. On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, use sudo apt install openconnect; on CentOS or RHEL, use sudo yum install openconnect; and on Arch Linux, use sudo pacman -S openconnect. In most cases, OpenConnect is included in the main repositories and receives regular updates through the system package manager.

Can OpenConnect connect to Cisco AnyConnect VPN servers?

Yes, OpenConnect is fully compatible with Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN servers and is widely used as a reliable alternative client. It uses the same underlying protocol and can seamlessly connect to corporate networks running Cisco ASA, ISR, or ASR routers, without requiring any server-side configuration changes or additional licensing.

Why would I choose OpenConnect over proprietary VPN clients?

OpenConnect offers several important advantages over proprietary VPN clients, including complete source code transparency for independent security auditing, zero licensing costs, and extensive customization capabilities. It also provides consistent behavior across multiple platforms and benefits from active community-driven development, making it particularly valuable for organizations that require full control, flexibility, and visibility within their security stack.

How do I troubleshoot authentication issues in OpenConnect?

Use the --verbose flag for detailed logging. Common solutions include verifying certificate validity, checking group policy settings on the VPN gateway, ensuring proper DTLS support, and confirming your credentials match the authentication method required by the server (certificate, password, or two-factor).

Does OpenConnect support two-factor authentication and certificates?

Yes, OpenConnect fully supports both two-factor authentication (including TOTP, Duo, and RSA tokens) and client certificate authentication. It can also handle smart cards and PKCS#11 tokens for enhanced security requirements.

Can I automate OpenConnect connections for scripted deployments?

Absolutely. OpenConnect is designed for automation with command-line options for non-interactive use. You can create scripts that handle authentication, pass environment variables, and integrate with configuration management systems like Ansible, Puppet, or systemd services.

What's the difference between OpenConnect GUI and OpenVPN?

While both are open-source VPN solutions, OpenConnect uses standard SSL VPN protocols compatible with enterprise equipment, whereas OpenVPN uses its own protocol. OpenConnect typically offers better performance through DTLS support and is specifically designed for compatibility with existing corporate VPN infrastructure.

What Our Community Says

Image

Join thousands of developers and organizations who trust OpenConnect for transparent, secure remote access

Michael Rodriguez

"We migrated from proprietary VPN clients to OpenConnect and the transparency is game-changing. Being able to audit the source code and customize the client for our specific needs has significantly improved our security posture."

Sarah Johnson

"The protocol-level control OpenConnect provides is exceptional. We can fine-tune encryption settings and integrate with our existing PKI infrastructure seamlessly. Plus, the cost savings from ditching proprietary licenses are substantial."

David Chen

"OpenConnect's compatibility with existing Cisco infrastructure while being open-source is brilliant. We maintained interoperability with our enterprise VPN servers while gaining full control over the client implementation."

Jennifer Williams

"The cross-platform consistency of OpenConnect is outstanding. Our researchers use everything from Linux workstations to macOS laptops, and the same client works flawlessly everywhere. The package manager integration makes deployment effortless."

Robert Martinez

"Finally, a VPN client that respects user freedom without compromising on features. The active community development means issues get fixed quickly, and the scripting capabilities have automated our entire remote access workflow."

15K+

Active Deployments

100%

Source Transparency

4.8/5

Community Rating