OpenVPN Access Server vs SonicWall SMA comparison

OpenVPN and SonicWall are both solutions in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category. OpenVPN is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.4, while SonicWall is ranked #16 with an average rating of 9.0. OpenVPN holds a 11.9% mindshare in EIV, compared to SonicWall’s 2.7% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of OpenVPN users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of SonicWall users who would recommend it.

OpenVPN Access Server

Read 59 OpenVPN Access Server reviews

10,146 Views
9,740 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

SonicWall SMA

Read 15 SonicWall SMA reviews

2,341 Views
2,013 Comparison Views

91% willing to recommend

OpenVPN Access Server

SonicWall SMA

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 15, 2026

SonicWall SMA and OpenVPN Access Server compete in the secure remote access market. SonicWall SMA has an advantage in ease of deployment, while OpenVPN is superior in terms of cost-effectiveness and feature set.

Features: SonicWall SMA offers robust security features, scalability, and comprehensive threat protection, making it suitable for enterprises. OpenVPN Access Server provides open-source flexibility, cross-platform compatibility, and integration capabilities, appealing to organizations looking for value-driven solutions.

Room for Improvement: SonicWall SMA could enhance its pricing structure and reduce complexity in deployment for smaller teams. Improving the user interface could also make it more accessible. OpenVPN Access Server might benefit from enhanced customer support options, additional documentation for setup, and more streamlined updates to reduce potential technical hurdles.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SonicWall SMA is known for its streamlined deployment process and robust support network, making it ideal for businesses needing quick setup. OpenVPN Access Server offers easy deployment for those familiar with the platform and provides cost efficiency, though it may require more technical expertise during setup.

Pricing and ROI: SonicWall SMA often involves a higher initial investment, providing significant returns through enhanced security features and support, catering to larger enterprises. OpenVPN Access Server offers a lower setup cost and excellent ROI for smaller organizations or those with budget constraints, maximizing functionality at a reduced price.

To learn more, read our detailed OpenVPN Access Server vs. SonicWall SMA Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

OpenVPN Access Server vs. SonicWall SMA

June 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

OpenVPN Access Server

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

1st

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

SonicWall SMA

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

16th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

5.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Universal Access Gateways (2nd), SSL VPN (6th)

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category, the mindshare of OpenVPN Access Server is 11.9%, down from 13.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SonicWall SMA is 2.7%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
OpenVPN Access Server	11.9%
SonicWall SMA	2.7%
Other	85.4%

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Featured Reviews

Fedir Plotnikov

Senior Cloud Infrastructure Engineer at Globant

User management has simplified internal VPN access and now provides clear visibility and control

I do not use any role defining features because it is a really small organization, so it wasn't required, but it is there if needed. I have seen OpenVPN Access Server integrations such as LDAP, RADIUS, PAM, and SAML, but again, due to the size of the company, it wasn't necessary and we didn't have it inside the company. However, it was nice that it is already embedded inside. We haven't used much in terms of integrations with OpenVPN Access Server, so it's hard to say. We only used basic features there. My advice for others looking to implement OpenVPN Access Server is that it is at least worth trying if you need a fast and easy implementation solution without technical overhead and you just need VPN access, which is supported by all operating systems and mobile operating system vendors. It is definitely worth a try. OpenVPN Access Server was purchased directly from the website, not on the AWS marketplace or through a partner purchase. I would rate this product an overall eight out of ten.

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Barry Arendt

Owner at ThinkEzIT

Security enhances through autonomous protection and strong support while multi-factor authentication secures access

I haven't utilized the high availability and scalability features of SonicWall SMA yet because I've never had a need to. I don't know where they can focus their energy on continuous improvements, as I haven't been looking at what they're releasing. We're a small shop, so we drop stuff in and manage it and do what we need to do to maintain it. If we run into an issue, we contact support. There's a learning curve, but it comes down to getting support to train you on the product, and then once you have the training you need, you're able to make the changes and updates that you need to.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It allows our employees to work remotely across Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms."

"The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points."

"The features I have found to be most valuable are the levels of encryption I can enact and the compression I can apply to improve throughput."

"Provides privacy and cryptography for my network communication."

"It was very easy to set up users."

"The price point is fantastic since it is free."

"The stability is very reliable in my experience."

"What I appreciate the most about OpenVPN Access Server is that it's very easy to set up."

More OpenVPN Access Server pros

"The product is extremely flexible, the program is easy to use, the performance is good, and the solution is very stable."

"I am very satisfied with the technical support."

"Secure Mobile Access (SMA) is easy to configure and the deployment is straightforward. However, this is mostly because of the AWS setup."

"I like the load balancing capability."

"This solution has many options for remote desktop and access."

"SonicWall SMA allows us to provide CML-based access to any user."

"The SonicWall SSL-VPN solution offers the best protection with the least effect on services."

"Blocklisting and allowlisting are the most beneficial features for network security."

More SonicWall SMA pros

Cons

"I'd like to have more control over the users when they are accessing the network."

"If there was a Graphical User Interface to help streamline the configuration, I believe OpenVPN would probably venture more into the non-geek realm as it were."

"If someone's key is not working, or if we had to remove someone's permission from it, or maybe an employee left the company and we had to take their key out, that seemed a little bit more complicated than it had to be."

"There was one annoying feature where we had to disable and enable the user."

"There is always room for more security features."

"The connections could be faster and more stable."

"The logs should be made easier to read."

"I rate the price for OpenVPN as overpriced at the moment."

More OpenVPN Access Server cons

"The product's technical support services could be improved."

"SonicWall SMA is difficult to use and it does not provide easy access to different parts of the network."

"The problem is that when combined with what the client already has, there are two different logins and two different management systems, and these should be consolidated into a single interface."

"There are some features that are available on Palo Alto or Cisco that don't exist. The solution could integrate better with other platforms."

"I'd like to see the product maybe polish keyboards in Bookmark."

"This is an expensive solution and I think that the price could be improved."

"The only thing that they could try to improve is the support for enterprise customers. Normally enterprises and SMBs can create a ticket, but for enterprises, SonicWall SMA needs to provide a global view, and this is what's currently missing. It's not even a question of timing. It's a question of the global vision because currently, it's lacking. They concentrate on the topic, but not on the means and not on the global picture. In most cases, there's something wrong with the integration of SonicWall SMA with other products, so that could also be improved."

"SonicWall's reporting isn't good. Reports should be part of a data plan. The login mechanism should be improved. It would be helpful if the client could use an agent to log in. An agent-server model would improve the performance of the RDB, which consumes a lot of bandwidth."

More SonicWall SMA cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution is free of cost."

"Open VPN Access Server is open-source and free of charge."

"The Pro Edition has a reasonable price per user."

"It is free, you buy support."

"The solution was free of charge."

"At one point I had to purchase addition connection licenses. I was very pleased with the pricing and licensing; so much easier than navigating the confusing jungle of Microsoft and Cisco licensing and pricing. That alone made the product a delight to manage."

"Begin with the community version and upgrade to paid one if the need arises."

"The product offers yearly as well as monthly subscription plans. It has moderate pricing."

More OpenVPN Access Server pricing and cost advice

"I don't know about the pricing of the SSL-VPN box. I know the SSL-VPN software is free. Global VPN client, by comparison, is licensed for around $150 or something like that. But the SSL-VPN software is free. It is already built-in with the box."

"The platform has medium pricing."

"All the costs are included in a bundled license."

"This solution is priced well and we currently have the maximum number of licenses allowed."

"The cost of the licensing is based on the maximum number of concurrent users, and it costs a lot to add them."

"Our licenses are stackable and can be anywhere from five users to a million users."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

12%

Computer Software Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

University

Manufacturing Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	36
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	17

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	12
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

How does Fortinet FortiClient compare with Open VPN Access Server?

Fortinet FortiClient is a feature-rich solution that is easy to use and deploy without sacrificing safety and security. It has a very fast connection rate and has a built-in VPN. With this solution...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for OpenVPN Access Server?

Regarding pricing for OpenVPN Access Server, I don't remember all the details exactly, but I believe it is really flexible and even provides something like free trials, so anyone can try it. It was...

See all answers

What needs improvement with OpenVPN Access Server?

I find that connection speed with OpenVPN Access Server loses in comparison to WireGuard, which is very fast. However, compared to any other solution, they are pretty much the same, and they do not...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SonicWall SMA?

The pricing for the solution could be a lot less.

See all answers

What needs improvement with SonicWall SMA?

See all answers

What is your primary use case for SonicWall SMA?

I have experience with the SonicWall SMA; we have rolled it back into our stack. We use SonicWall SMA for all of our clients that need VPNs, including doctor's offices and lawyer offices. Our clien...

See all answers

Comparisons

Fortinet FortiClient vs OpenVPN Access Server

Compared 12% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs OpenVPN Access Server

Compared 6% of the time

Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway vs OpenVPN Access Server

Compared 6% of the time

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) vs OpenVPN Access Server

Compared 6% of the time

More OpenVPN Access Server Competitors

Citrix Gateway vs SonicWall SMA

Compared 13% of the time

Ivanti Connect Secure vs SonicWall SMA

Compared 11% of the time

Sangfor SSL VPN vs SonicWall SMA

Compared 11% of the time

SonicWall Netextender vs SonicWall SMA

Compared 7% of the time

Cisco IOS SSL VPN vs SonicWall SMA

Compared 5% of the time

More SonicWall SMA Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

OpenVPN Access Server

June 2026

Download OpenVPN Access Server product report

Buyer's Guide

SonicWall SMA

May 2026

Download SonicWall SMA product report

Also Known As

OpenVPN

SonicWall Aventail, SonicWall SMA SSL-VPN, SonicWall Secure Mobile Access

Overview

OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides secure, scalable remote access with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, leveraging open-source flexibility for cost-effectiveness. It's ideal for connecting remote workers, maintaining privacy, and securing network communications.

OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is renowned for its ease of setup and adaptability, supporting Linux and different operating systems, which ensures robust security and seamless integration across network scenarios. With features like two-factor authentication and customizable installers, it emphasizes privacy and remote connectivity. While it offers robust documentation and community support, there are challenges with user management due to the lack of a simple GUI. Users note stability issues under heavy traffic, and improvements in security features and configuration automation are desired. Despite these areas for enhancement, it remains a reliable choice for secure remote access.

What are the key features?

Easy Setup: Hassle-free installation process facilitates quick deployment
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports Linux and different operating systems for widespread utility
Strong Encryption: Secures data with advanced encryption technologies
Two-Factor Authentication: Enhances security through additional authentication layer
Customizable Installers: Allows personalized installation process to suit organizational preferences

What benefits and ROI should users seek?

Cost-Effectiveness: Open-source nature reduces licensing costs
User-Friendliness: Comprehensive documentation and community support ease the implementation
Scalability: Adapts to growing connectivity and bandwidth needs
Enhanced Security: Provides secure access to network resources and data

In industries such as finance and healthcare, OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise secures sensitive data while enabling remote access across LANs and VPCs. It's utilized for encrypted traffic protection, facilitating site-to-site VPNs, and connecting mobile workers securely, thus maintaining data integrity in interoffice communications and IoT platforms.

OpenVPN

SonicWall SMA provides fast and secure remote access, serving remote desktop needs with flexibility and ease of management. Its proprietary technologies assure reliable performance and integration capabilities, ideal for scalable and diverse environments.

Renowned for its efficient remote desktop options and robust security features, SonicWall SMA is designed to streamline secure connections to internal networks. It supports home offices, mobile integrations, and multisite connectivity. Its management tools and setup ease ensure seamless operations, bolstered by advanced threat protection and endpoint control. Compatibility with federal markets adds to its scalability. Suggestions for improvement include refining menu structures, pricing competitiveness, and enhanced security like multifactor authentication, improved network handling, and better support services.

What are key features of SonicWall SMA?

Efficient Remote Desktop: Provides seamless remote desktop access with minimal delay.
File Sharing: Simplifies secure file transfer and collaboration.
Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with existing systems for streamlined operations.
Advanced Threat Protection: Protects against modern threats with proprietary technologies.
Scalability: Supports growing businesses with flexible and scalable solutions.
Federal Market Compatibility: Adheres to standards required for federal use.

What benefits should users consider?

Ease of Use: User-friendly interface for simplified management and operations.
Performance: Reliable network performance with efficient load balancing.
Flexibility: Supports diverse environments and connectivity needs.
Affordability: Offers cost-effective remote access solutions.
Improved Security: Enhances data protection through advanced technologies.

SonicWall SMA's secure VPN connections are crucial for industries needing robust data protection. Cooperative banks leverage it for safe access to core banking systems. Service providers rely on it to secure web and desktop applications for clients.

SonicWall

Sample Customers

Verizon, Amazon, Disney, HP, Microsoft, IBM, Samsung

UnitedStack, Newport City Homes, Faith Lutheran College Redlands, PRIME aerostructures GmbH, Celtic Manor Resort

Buyer's Guide

OpenVPN Access Server vs. SonicWall SMA

June 2026

Free Report: OpenVPN Access Server vs. SonicWall SMA

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