Best TAP-Windows Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to TAP-Windows? In this comparison, we take a closer look at TAP-Windows alongside similar software solutions including TAP-Windows and OpenVPN.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how TAP-Windows and OpenVPN stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	Type of Software	Platform Compatibility	User Interface and Configuration	Security Features
TAP-Windows	A virtual tap device and network driver component for Windows operating systems used to create secure VPN connections.	Designed specifically for Windows operating systems.	Functions as a virtual network adapter with settings integrated into the system; primarily used within VPN solutions like OpenVPN.	Facilitates secure VPN connections via virtual tap device functionality; acts as a trusted component in VPN networking.
OpenVPN	An open-source VPN protocol and software solution with a GUI and web-based management interface, supporting multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.	Cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.	Provides a user-friendly GUI interface as well as a web-based management interface; supports easy configuration but setup process can be complex.	Offers strong encryption protocols, asymmetric and symmetric encryption algorithms, HMAC-based authentication, forward secrecy (PFS), and supports split tunneling and advanced security configurations.

Type of Software

TAP-Windows	A virtual tap device and network driver component for Windows operating systems used to create secure VPN connections.
OpenVPN	An open-source VPN protocol and software solution with a GUI and web-based management interface, supporting multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Platform Compatibility

TAP-Windows	Designed specifically for Windows operating systems.
OpenVPN	Cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

User Interface and Configuration

TAP-Windows	Functions as a virtual network adapter with settings integrated into the system; primarily used within VPN solutions like OpenVPN.
OpenVPN	Provides a user-friendly GUI interface as well as a web-based management interface; supports easy configuration but setup process can be complex.

Security Features

TAP-Windows	Facilitates secure VPN connections via virtual tap device functionality; acts as a trusted component in VPN networking.
OpenVPN	Offers strong encryption protocols, asymmetric and symmetric encryption algorithms, HMAC-based authentication, forward secrecy (PFS), and supports split tunneling and advanced security configurations.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how TAP-Windows stacks up against TAP-Windows and OpenVPN in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License	Rating	Popularity
TAP-Windows		Shareware
OpenVPN	4.9MB	Open Source

Size

TAP-Windows
OpenVPN	4.9MB

License

TAP-Windows	Shareware
OpenVPN	Open Source

Rating

TAP-Windows
OpenVPN

Popularity

TAP-Windows
OpenVPN