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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

SoftEther VPN Client is a free, open-source, cross-platform VPN solution prized for its flexibility and extensive protocol support. Originally an academic project, it combines SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, MS-SSTP, and more into one efficient tool. Using strong encryption, it bypasses NAT, firewalls, and deep packet inspection to provide secure, stable connections with reliable performance and an intuitive interface.

SoftEther VPN Client supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN scenarios, making it ideal for enterprises, small businesses, and personal use. By virtualizing Ethernet, SoftEther enables seamless network management with dynamic DNS, NAT traversal, and built-in firewall for secure, reliable access.

Dynamic networking power with adaptive protocols

SoftEther VPN Client offers high-throughput, low-latency connections by optimizing packet transmission and supporting multiple parallel SSL-VPN tunnels. It utilizes full Ethernet frame usage and can handle up to 4,096 concurrent VPN sessions and virtual hubs. Compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and Solaris, it supports IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack. Strong encryption AES 256-bit, RSA 4096-bit, certificate authentication, and flexible user or group controls make it suitable for varied networking needs.

The interface supports easy setup and thorough configuration through GUI and command-line tools. Features like SecureNAT for virtualized routing, deep packet logging, and robust user authentication including RADIUS and certificate-based options provide granular oversight. Additional innovations, such as VPN over ICMP and DNS and built-in NAT traversal, help users overcome restrictive networks and firewalls, making it a resilient choice for modern connectivity demands.

While the software offers extensive capabilities, its wealth of features and options can be daunting for beginners. Initial setup, especially for advanced network scenarios or customized security policies, may require careful reading of documentation and some networking knowledge. The multi-platform architecture and protocol support, while powerful, might involve extra configuration steps for those unfamiliar with VPN technologies, presenting a learning curve for new users.

Enlarged image for SoftEther VPN Client
SoftEther VPN Client 0/7
  • Pros

    • Supports multiple VPN protocols
    • Open-source and free
    • Cross-platform compatibility
    • Bypasses firewalls and NATs effortlessly
  • Cons

    • Complex setup for beginners
    • Documentation may be dense
    • Advanced features can overwhelm new users
    • Some mobile integrations require extra steps

Bottom Line

Reliable, feature-rich VPN for all users

SoftEther VPN Client stands out as a flexible, trustworthy VPN solution for users seeking strong security, high performance, and broad compatibility without licensing fees. Its versatility makes it a reliable tool for connecting offices, safeguarding remote access, or simply ensuring private communication over public networks. Regular updates and an active support community reinforce its position among the most capable free VPN solutions available today.

What’s new in version 4.44-build-9807

  • Enhanced protection against TunnelCrack vulnerabilities
  • Improved memory management and crash prevention
  • Updated OpenSSL library for latest security standards
  • Additional bug fixes, improved compatibility with recent OS versions, and increased protocol support


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
4.44-build-9807
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8.1
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
596,924
Downloads Last Week
224

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Program available in other languages


Last Updated


User Reviews

4/5

10 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Connect to the SoftEther multi-protocol VPN Server.
SoftEther VPN Client is a powerful and easy-to-use VPN client for connecting to SoftEther VPN Server. SoftEther VPN Client implements SSL-VPN (Ethernet over HTTPS) protocol for very fast throughput, low latency and firewall resistance. Built-in NAT-traversal penetrates your network admin's troublesome firewall for overprotection. You can setup your own VPN server behind the firewall or NAT in your company, and you can reach to that VPN server in the corporate private network from your home or mobile place, without any modification of firewall settings. Any deep-packet inspection firewalls cannot detect SoftEther VPN's transport packets as a VPN tunnel, because SoftEther VPN uses Ethernet over HTTPS for camouflage. Easy to imagine, design and implement your VPN topology with SoftEther VPN. It virtualizes Ethernet by software-enumeration. SoftEther VPN Client implements Virtual Network Adapter, and SoftEther VPN Server implements Virtual Ethernet Switch. You can easily build both Remote-Access VPN and Site-to-Site VPN, as expansion of Ethernet-based L2 VPN. Of course, traditional IP-routing L3 based VPN can be built by SoftEther VPN. * Features of SoftEther VPN Client - Easy to establish both remote-access and site-to-site VPN. - SSL-VPN Tunneling on HTTPS to pass through NATs and firewalls. - Revolutionary VPN over ICMP and VPN over DNS features. - Resistance to highly-restricted firewall. - Ethernet-bridging (L2) and IP-routing (L3) over VPN. - Embedded dynamic-DNS and NAT-traversal so that no static nor fixed IP address is required. - AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit encryptions. - Sufficient security features such as logging and firewall inner VPN tunnel. - 1Gbps-class high-speed throughput performance with low memory and CPU usage. - Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad and Windows Phone are supported as a VPN client. - IPv4 / IPv6 dual-stack. - Multi-languages (English, Japanese and Simplified-Chinese). - More details at Specification.

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