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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    OpenVPN Access Server

    Score8.6 out of 10
    N/AOpenVPN headquartered in Pleasanton allows users to create secure access to a private network in the cloud or on-premise with Access Server. Access Server is available to deploy directly on various cloud platforms like Amazon AWS, Google GCP, Microsoft Azure, DigitalOcean, and also available as ready-to-deploy virtual appliances for Microsoft HyperV and VMWare ESXi. Alternately, OpenVPN Access Server Virtual Appliance is a full-featured secure network tunneling VPN virtual appliance solution…

    $27

    per month 3 connections (minimum)

    Shift

    Score9.3 out of 10
    N/AThe Shift browser merges web apps into a single window, streamlining work online and providing access to thousands of apps without leaving the browser.

    $0

    per year per user

    Pricing
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Editions & Modules
    3-99 Connections
    $9
    per month per connection
    2,000 Connections
    $3,100.00
    per month per connection
    Free
    $0
    per year
    Advanced
    $199.99
    per year
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Free Trial
    YesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    YesYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsMore connections reduces cost per connection, as does going with an annual plan versus a monthly price.—
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Considered Both Products
    OpenVPN
    No answer on this topic
    Shift
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Would buy again
    98 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    No answers on this topic
    94%
    Delivers good value for the price
    91 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    No answers on this topic
    99%
    Happy with the feature set
    97 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    96 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    97 Answers
    Features
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Virtual Private Network
    Comparison of Virtual Private Network features of OpenVPN Access Server and Shift
    Feature
    OpenVPN Access Server
    8.4
    2 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Shift
    -
    Ratings
    AES 256-bit Encryption8.52 Ratings00 Ratings
    Kill Switch9.52 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multi-Platform Support8.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Split Tunneling8.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    IP Address Masking8.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    No-Logs Policy8.52 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multiple Server Locations7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Automatic Wi-Fi Protection9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Simultaneous Connections9.52 Ratings00 Ratings
    Customer Support Services8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    User Ratings
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.5
    (3 ratings)
    9.3
    (98 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.9
    (6 ratings)
    Usability
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    8.7
    (81 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    Support Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.8
    (4 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (2 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    6.4
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    OpenVPN Access ServerShift
    Likelihood to Recommend
    OpenVPN
    If you looking for a reliable, light weight and secure VPN server, than OpenVPN Access Server is the one. Easy to install and manage, OpenVPN will provide secure remote connections, with a very good integration with almost all LDAP directories, for user management. With my experience, I don't see any scenario that OpenVPN won't be able to handle.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    For me, Shift works best as a dedicated app switcher, not a browser replacement. I keep it open on my second screen as a quick-reference hub for my most-used tools and email accounts. One glance shows me unread counts across every inbox, and I can jump straight into whatever I need without digging through browser tabs.
    The separation is a big part of why it works well for me. My browser stays my browser, and Shift stays my app space. Both feel cleaner and faster to navigate that way. Everything is right there, clear and icon-based, and being able to turn badges on or off per app means I only see what actually needs my attention.
    I tried the newer Shift browser and it felt too busy, and it lost the separation I liked in the first place.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    OpenVPN
    • Speed of logging in.
    • Lengthy session times.
    • Ease of troubleshooting.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    • Consolidation of accounts. Keeps everything tidy without having to search for browser tabs.
    • Ability to add an array of apps outside of email. You can build out workspaces to keep work further organised into logical units.
    • Being able to import accounts and passwords from Google Chrome makes for an easy setup/adoption.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    OpenVPN
    • some times error logs are not clear
    • Configuring 3rd party apps can sometimes be problematic
    • Limited functionality for iPhone users, but I believe that is due to an apple issue.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    • The browser doesn't always work. Some websites refuse to load, and others time out too quickly. It is not as strong or robust a web browser as Chrome.
    • Unread counts are not always accurate.
    • I wish I could set up Google Suite products as separate workspaces.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    Shift has significantly streamlined your daily operations by bringing together all your tools, accounts, and workflows into one platform. This has reduced context-switching and improved overall productivity across Bamboo Orchard’s Innovation Studio and Venture Studio operations.The ability to create custom workspaces tailored to different projects, clients, and teams ensures that each aspect of your business is optimized for performance. This flexibility supports the unique, bespoke solutions Bamboo Orchard is known for delivering. Shift has enhanced collaboration by integrating communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and email with task management platforms. This has allowed teams to work together seamlessly, even in remote or hybrid environments. By eliminating the need for constant tab-switching and manual management of accounts, Shift has saved considerable time and effort for the team, allowing you to focus more on strategic innovation and client support. Shift’s functionality aligns perfectly with Bamboo Orchard’s mission to deliver bold, transformative innovation and tailored solutions. It supports your ability to execute efficiently and maintain focus on reshaping industries for your clients.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    OpenVPN
    Whatever console or firewall you are running OpenVPN Access Server, it's configuration is very easy to do. You can create multiple tunnels, with different pourposes and authetication methods. It also has a quick and easy view of the connections opened, with possible actions, such as a very efficient kill switch and reconnect options.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    Setting up Shift is very simple and highly intuitive, making it easy to use. Once you set up the accounts and program integrations, you can easily click on precisely what you need, requiring barely any thought or effort. It feels truly seamless and straightforward to use. I have no issues with use, and I use it every day.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    Its basically been great. In 3 years I had one issue of repeated crashes which was fixed with a version change and an issue where slack wouldn't load after a slack update but that fixed within a few weeks
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Performance
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    Its pretty performant on my GPU based laptop as it can use the hardware to accelerate processing. However it is memory hungry. If I had a normal amount of RAM on my laptop I wouldn't imagine it would be a little slower
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    I have only had to use their support a couple of times, but was able to get an answer and things resolved within a couple of hours. There was no issue with contacting them, received responses and updates in a timely manner and they were able to resolve the small issues we had. It was a pleasure to work with them
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    I was completely satisfied with the implementation of Shift, rating it a 10. The process was straightforward and required minimal effort to get started. Key insights include the importance of pre-configuring the app with essential tools and accounts for the team to ensure a smooth transition. Shift’s intuitive setup and integration process allowed us to onboard quickly without disrupting workflows. Additionally, its user-friendly design made it easy for team members to adapt without extensive training.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    OpenVPN
    OpenVPN had a better UI and usability for our team. It was more straightforward, had better SAML integration, and allowed our team to be on the VPN and on our network in seconds. We had some issues getting Nord to work for our use cases, and have run into pretty much zero issues with OpenVPN.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    I came from using a similar app called MailPlane, some of you older users might remember this app. It had a similar function to connect Gmail accounts so that I could use Gmail like a regular app. This app reached end of life and the developers no longer decided to keep the app active. I was then back into the market in search of a comparable app and my searched led me to fine Shift. I'm absolutely glad I did! 4 years later and I'm still using Shift. It was 2021 when MailPlane stopped selling licenses. If I remember correctly I switched to Shift around this time or possible before. All I know is I switched and never looked back and was extremely happy to find Shift.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    OpenVPN
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    All our departments use this product and its very effective at keeping us organised on a client by client basis
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    OpenVPN
    • Only 2 free users, it would be nice if they would expand to 5.
    • Easy way to establish a VPN backbone between two locations
    • Great for work at home or BCP events.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    • Keeping all my inboxes in one place so I can easily shift between them 1000% increases my productivity
    • reducing the number of browser and application tabs helps keep my computer running quicker.
    • I can easily see the number of emails in each inbox and prioritize accordingly throughout the day.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    OpenVPN Access Server Screenshots

    Product screenshotProduct screenshot