#1
Firezone (open-source WireGuard zero-trust access)
Verified live 2026-09-27 ('free for personal use' on page); WireGuard-based zero-trust access, self-host or cloud.
intro $0 /month
Self-hosted
Your own WireGuard on a 5-dollar server: best privacy per dollar, you are the provider.
Short answer: Firezone (open-source WireGuard zero-trust access) is our top pick as of 2026-09-28 (5.6/10) - read why, and who we ranked below it and why.
#2
NetBird (WireGuard mesh VPN / zero-trust network)
Verified live 2026-09-27; open-source WireGuard mesh with SSO, self-host or cloud.
intro $0 /month
#3
OpenVPN (community)
The incumbent protocol; still the audited-workhorse fallback everywhere.
open source
#4
OpenVPN Access Server
Commercial self-hosted management layer on the open protocol.
2 free connections
#5
PiVPN
One-script WireGuard/OpenVPN on a Raspberry Pi; the homelab favorite.
open source
#6
Radmin VPN
Free LAN-over-internet tool (gaming use case); zero privacy claims - fine for LAN parties, not for privacy.
free LAN-VPN
#7
SSH SOCKS5 proxy (ssh -D on any VPS)
One line (`ssh -D 1080 user@vps`) gives a browser-usable SOCKS5 proxy with no extra software - the zero-cost trick most people never hear about. TCP-only (QUIC/
unverified unverified
intro $0 /month
#8
SoftEther VPN
Multi-protocol university project (VPN Gate's engine); powerful, aging codebase.
open source
#9
Tailscale (managed WireGuard mesh)
Verified live 2026-09-27 (pricing page). WireGuard mesh with control-plane SaaS; exit nodes make it a consumer VPN alternative; paid plans for teams.
intro $0 /month
#10
WireGuard
The protocol that ate the VPN market; in-kernel since Linux 5.6. Every commercial 'proprietary protocol' is WireGuard + tweaks in 2026.
open source (GPL)
#11
ZeroTier
SDN/virtual networks; the self-hoster's alternative to Tailscale.
free up to 25 devices
#12
defguard
Verified live 2026-09-27; self-hosted enterprise WireGuard platform with SSO/identity.
open-source core
#13
Algo (Trail of Bits personal VPN script)
Trail of Bits' 'set up a personal IPsec/WireGuard VPN' script - the honest $3.50/mo alternative (cloud VM cost only).
intro $5 /month
#14
Amnezia VPN (self-hosted with obfuscation)
Verified live 2026-09-27 ('free, but you'll need...' self-host copy). The serious answer to Russia/Iran DPI: AmneziaWG obfuscation + self-hosted configs.
intro $5 /month
#15
Headscale (open-source Tailscale control plane)
Self-hosted Tailscale control server - removes the trust assumption from Tailscale.
intro $5 /month
#16
Outline VPN (Outline Foundation, ex-Jigsaw/Google)
Verified live 2026-09-27. Google/Jigsaw Shadowsocks-based self-host for journalists; access keys you share like tickets.
intro $5 /month
#17
Self-hosted WireGuard on a cheap VPS
The best privacy-per-dollar for IP replacement: you control the box and nobody logs you on their side. But one IP tied to your payment and identity means zero a
unverified unverified
intro $5 /month
// FAQ
How do you rank self-hosted?
On documented facts and weighted scores. Privacy evidence and ownership weigh heaviest; free apps are judged harder on trust than paid services because the incentive to abuse users is bigger.
What should I check before paying?
The renewal price (not the teaser), the logging evidence class, the jurisdiction, and who owns the brand. Then check whether you need the paid service at all - see the alternatives in every review.