Skip to content
VPN Glossary

L2TP/IPsec

L2TP/IPsec is an older VPN setup that combines L2TP tunneling with IPsec encryption. It's still available on many devices because it's built into operat...

1 min read
L2TP/IPsec

L2TP/IPsec is an older VPN setup that combines L2TP tunneling with IPsec encryption. It’s still available on many devices because it’s built into operating systems, which can make it convenient for legacy environments. However, L2TP/IPsec tends to be slower than modern protocols due to extra encapsulation overhead, and it commonly uses fixed ports that are easier for networks to block. Today, most users choose WireGuard or IKEv2 for better speed and resilience, using L2TP/IPsec only when compatibility demands it (older routers, corporate setups, or unusual hardware). If you must use L2TP/IPsec, prioritize strong authentication, confirm DNS leak protection, and test performance on your actual network - some ISPs and hotspots handle L2TP traffic poorly. Treat it as a “last resort” protocol rather than a privacy best practice.