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SoftEther VPN

Score10 out of 10

1 Reviews and Ratings

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What is SoftEther VPN?

SoftEther VPN, developed by SoftEther VPN Project, is a multi-protocol VPN software designed to provide secure and reliable remote access and site-to-site connectivity. According to the vendor, the software is suitable for enterprises and small businesses of any size. It is said to be a valuable tool for IT professionals, network administrators, telecommunication companies, cloud service providers, remote workers, and those involved in network testing and simulation.

Key Features

Free and open-source software: SoftEther VPN is available as free and open-source software, allowing users to access its features without any cost.

Remote-access and site-to-site VPN: SoftEther VPN supports both remote-access and site-to-site VPN configurations, providing flexibility for different network setups.

SSL-VPN Tunneling on HTTPS: SoftEther VPN utilizes SSL-VPN Tunneling on HTTPS to enable users to bypass NATs and firewalls for improved connectivity.

Revolutionary VPN over ICMP and VPN over DNS: SoftEther VPN offers unique features such as VPN over ICMP and VPN over DNS, which are claimed to provide reliable connectivity even in challenging network environments.

Resistance to highly-restricted firewall: According to the vendor, SoftEther VPN is designed to withstand highly-restricted firewalls, ensuring uninterrupted access to the network.

Ethernet-bridging (L2) and IP-routing (L3) over VPN: SoftEther VPN supports Ethernet-bridging (L2) and IP-routing (L3) over VPN, allowing for flexible network configurations.

Embedded dynamic-DNS and NAT-traversal: The software includes embedded dynamic-DNS and NAT-traversal features, eliminating the need for a static or fixed IP address.

AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit encryptions: SoftEther VPN employs strong encryption algorithms, including AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit, to ensure secure data transmission.

1Gbps-class high-speed throughput performance: According to the vendor, SoftEther VPN delivers high-speed throughput performance with a 1Gbps-class capability while maintaining low memory and CPU usage.

Multi-platform support: SoftEther VPN is compatible with various operating systems and devices, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Windows Mobile, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.

Categories & Use Cases

Key Features

Learn about the best (and worst!) features SoftEther VPN has to offer, as determined by TrustRadius' reviewers.
Based on 1 ratings of SoftEther VPN's features
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Top Performing Features

  • AES 256-bit Encryption

    Utilizes Advanced Encryption Standard with a 256-bit key to secure data and communication, ensuring high levels of confidentiality and protection against cyber threats.

    Category average: 9.3

  • Kill Switch

    Automatically disconnects the device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing data leaks and exposure of sensitive information.

    Category average: 8.9

  • Multi-Platform Support

    Offers compatibility with various operating systems and devices, allowing users to protect their data and privacy on multiple platforms.

    Category average: 8.8

Areas for Improvement

  • Automatic Wi-Fi Protection

    Automatically activates the VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, safeguarding data from potential cyber threats and unauthorized access.

    Category average: 9.3

  • Simultaneous Connections

    Allows users to connect multiple devices to the VPN service under a single subscription, ensuring all devices are protected concurrently.

    Category average: 8.8

  • Customer Support Services

    Offers reliable customer support through various channels such as live chat, email, or phone to assist users with setup, troubleshooting, and inquiries related to the VPN service.

    Category average: 8.6

Reviews

What users are saying about SoftEther VPN.
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SoftEther VPN Came to My Rescue 8-years Ago and it Still Delivers

Incentivized
Verified User
Executive in Information Technology (1-10 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have used SoftEther VPN since February 2016, to connect back to my home office from my client's offices while traveling. It provides me with a solid, reliable, and secure connection based on only allowing approved IPs to be connected—IPs that I have previously configured into SoftEther VPN's IP Access Control List for each of my clients. Before switching to SoftEther VPN, I used Pertino but when it was acquired by Cradlepoint, it began having problems, and the increased cost became untenable for my small company and my clients.

I also use SoftEther VPN to connect to all of my clients from my home office when working remotely, and they use it to allow all of their remote workers to connect to the main office.

Pros

  • It just works—I have never had a single call from a client or end-user complaining that their VPN wasn't working.
  • It can be configured to be super easy for end-users to use—Nearly transparent to them, in fact.
  • It is very lightweight on devices and works extremely fast. So fast, in fact, that about the only issue I ever have with SoftEther VPN are related to users sometimes forgetting they are working remotely.

Cons

  • We have has some issues where their default port won't connect through an AT&T wireless AP, but creating an exception for it on the AP or changing the port always gets it working.

Return on Investment

  • I went from a Pertino/Cradlepoint VPN-as-a-Service requiring no hardware to a SoftEther VPN Client/Server configuration and that required the purchase of a tiny server to run SEVPN. It could have been a Linux box or Windows and I chose Windows, so there was a minimal cost for the Windows 10 device but it eliminated the monthly service cost and has historically been far more reliable.
  • We went from about $12/user/month on Cradlepoint perimeter81 to $0/user/month after about a $500 investment in hardware, so just one of my clients has been saving $300/month after the initial $500 for the "Server" device.

Other Software Used

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