---
title: Isn't OpenVPN Free Open Source?
canonical: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/faq-open-source-free-software/
product: Access Server Docs
description: The OpenVPN software is free under its open-source license; Access Server, as a commercial product, requires a paid license due to its additional features, support, and services.
---

# Isn't OpenVPN Free Open Source?

**Question:** Isn't OpenVPN open source and thus free?

**Answer:**

OpenVPN has an open-source component that is freely available under its software license agreement. However, the commercial product, Access Server, offered by OpenVPN Inc., isn't free. Here are the key differences:

1. **Open-source OpenVPN:**
   - **Availability:** The core OpenVPN program is open source and can be used for free as long as users comply with the terms of its license agreement.
   - **Features:** It provides the basic functionality needed to set up a VPN.
2. **Access Server (Commercial Product):**
   - **Enhanced Features:** While Access Server utilizes the OpenVPN open-source program at its core, it includes many additional features and enhancements that aren't available in the free version.
   - **Support and Services:** Access Server comes with professional support and services, part of the paid offerings.

In summary, while the essential OpenVPN software is free under its open-source license, Access Server, as a commercial product, requires a paid license due to its additional features, support, and services.

---

Prev: [Can I Submit Bugs or Feature Requests?](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/faq-report-bugs-or-request-features.md)
Next: [Activation](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/faq-activation.md)
Index: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/llms.txt
