TrustTunnel: AdGuard VPN protocol goes open-source
Recorded: Jan. 22, 2026, 11:03 a.m.
| Original | Summarized |
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Today is a big day for us, and for everyone who cares about transparency, privacy, and having full control over their own traffic. We’re finally open-sourcing the protocol that powers AdGuard VPN. And it now has a name: TrustTunnel. Unlike those conventional VPN protocols, TrustTunnel is engineered to blend in with regular HTTPS traffic, making it far harder to throttle or block and helping it slip past deep-packet inspection, all while preserving strong privacy and security. It achieves this through TLS-based encryption, the same standard that secures HTTPS, and by leveraging HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 transport, which are ubiquitous on the web. Each connection runs on its own dedicated stream, which combines packets for faster, more efficient transmission. It is also optimized for mobile platforms and performs well even in unstable network conditions. A protocol you can use, run, tweak, extend, and build upon We are publishing the first version of the TrustTunnel specification. You don’t have to install AdGuard VPN to use TrustTunnel. You can configure your own server and use open source TrustTunnel clients: Command-line TrustTunnel clients support Linux, Windows, and macOS We are also releasing two client apps for iOS and Android TrustTunnel clients already have a lot of functionality, they allow you to: Use flexible routing rules to decide which requests go through the tunnel and which stay on the local network Exercise fine-grained control, separating work and personal traffic, routing specific domains or apps, and tuning network behavior without complicated setup Benefit from a real-time request log that provides full transparency into where the device sends traffic, how routing rules apply, and which connections use the tunnel Useful links Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter January 21, 2026
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AdGuard’s commitment to transparency and user control has reached a pivotal moment with the open-source release of TrustTunnel, their VPN protocol. This initiative, spearheaded by AdGuard, represents a significant shift in the industry, emphasizing community involvement and fostering a more decentralized approach to privacy and security. The core of TrustTunnel lies in its design—a deliberately engineered protocol optimized for blending in with standard HTTPS traffic. This approach directly counters the traditional vulnerabilities of VPN protocols that often trigger detection and blocking by network operators. Unlike OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec, TrustTunnel leverages the ubiquitous standards of HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, employing TLS-based encryption for enhanced security. Its mobile-optimized design further enhances its usability, particularly in environments with unstable network connections. AdGuard's strategic decision to release TrustTunnel as open source is driven by several key factors. Primarily, the team recognized the inherent weaknesses of established VPN protocols – their susceptibility to detection and throttling, especially in regions with stringent internet regulations. TrustTunnel’s design mitigates this by mimicking regular HTTPS traffic, drastically reducing the chances of being flagged and slowed down. This design, coupled with the protocol’s performance, underscores a commitment to fighting against network-level detection, a common tactic used by ISPs and governments. Furthermore, the protocol’s mobile optimization ensures a seamless user experience, and its efficient performance makes it adaptable to varying network conditions. However, the release isn’t simply about a new technology; it's about fostering a broader community. AdGuard envisions TrustTunnel as a collaborative project, inviting developers and users to contribute to its ongoing evolution. The complete code implementation is available for free and can be utilized by anyone and deployed by developers in their own VPN applications. The protocol’s permissive license facilitates both commercial and non-commercial use, promoting greater accessibility and wider adoption. This approach contrasts with other VPN providers that tightly control their underlying protocols, limiting user agency and transparency. The availability of client apps for multiple platforms—Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Chromecast—demonstrates a commitment to offering a seamless and versatile experience across diverse devices. AdGuard has also made a conscious effort to shift away from traditional licensing models, promoting trust within the user community. By allowing users to host their own servers and utilize open-source clients, they empower individuals to take control of their data and network traffic. This approach aligns with the broader open-source philosophy—promoting collaboration, innovation, and user agency—and represents a counterweight to the increasingly centralized control exerted by large tech corporations. The project's initial specification, combined with the complete code implementation, establishes a solid foundation for community-driven development. The availability of both client apps and servers offers an accessible entry point for users and developers alike. AdGuard’s TrustTunnel project has taken a bold step toward a more transparent and decentralized future for VPN technology. |