# DefGuard Server vs OpenVPN Access Server: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[DefGuard Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server) is a commercial [VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) solution by [Defguard](https://cybersectools.com/companies/defguard). [OpenVPN Access Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openvpn-access-server) is a commercial [VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) solution by [OpenVPN](https://cybersectools.com/companies/openvpn). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | DefGuard Server | OpenVPN Access Server |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | VPN | VPN |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Defguard | OpenVPN |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | DefGuard Server | OpenVPN Access Server |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Yes | – |
| Active Directory | Yes | Yes |
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Remote Access | – | Yes |
| ZTNA | – | Yes |

### Core features

**DefGuard Server**

8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**OpenVPN Access Server**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**DefGuard Server**

No integrations listed.

**OpenVPN Access Server**

6 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [DefGuard Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server) fits if you need to run it on your own servers.
- [OpenVPN Access Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openvpn-access-server) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## DefGuard Server vs OpenVPN Access Server FAQ

Common questions when comparing DefGuard Server vs OpenVPN Access Server for VPN.

### What is the difference between DefGuard Server and OpenVPN Access Server?

**DefGuard Server**: Self-hosted WireGuard VPN control-plane with enterprise management features. Built by Defguard.

**OpenVPN Access Server**: Self-hosted business VPN with zero-trust controls and flexible auth. Built by OpenVPN.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes DefGuard Server and OpenVPN Access Server?

**DefGuard Server** is made by Defguard. **OpenVPN Access Server** is made by OpenVPN. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is DefGuard Server a good alternative to OpenVPN Access Server?

Often, yes. DefGuard Server and OpenVPN Access Server are both VPN products, and both cover Active Directory. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [DefGuard Server vs NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-netbird-connect)
- [DefGuard Server vs Defguard WireGuard VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-defguard-wireguard-vpn-client)
- [DefGuard Server vs Tailscale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-tailscale)
- [OpenVPN Access Server vs NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/compare/netbird-connect-vs-openvpn-access-server)
- [OpenVPN Access Server vs Defguard WireGuard VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-wireguard-vpn-client-vs-openvpn-access-server)
- [OpenVPN Access Server vs Tailscale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/openvpn-access-server-vs-tailscale)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all DefGuard Server alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/defguard-defguard-server)
- [See all OpenVPN Access Server alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/openvpn-access-server)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-openvpn-access-server

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on DefGuard Server and OpenVPN Access Server: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md