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
PiVPN Review
One-script WireGuard/OpenVPN on a Raspberry Pi; the homelab favorite.
facts reported
no user ratings yet - be the first
// Review
by the vpncomparison editorial desk · review version 2 · prose updated 2026-09-28 · facts as of 2026-09-28 · how we verify
Honesty note: we have not run our own tests on PiVPN yet (leak tests, speed, kill switch). Everything on this page is source-based meta-research with dated links. When we test it, results appear here and on the change log.
Overview
PiVPN is a self-hosted tool that automates setting up WireGuard or OpenVPN on a Raspberry Pi or Linux server. It’s not a commercial VPN service but a popular open-source script for tech-savvy users building their own private network. You run and maintain the server yourself, meaning privacy and performance depend entirely on your setup and location.
Logging & privacy
PiVPN does not make a logging claim, as it is not a service provider but a configuration tool. There is no logging evidence to evaluate because logs are controlled by the user who hosts the instance. Jurisdiction is undefined and depends on where you deploy the server. No audits or warrant canary exist - privacy is your responsibility.
Pricing & the renewal trap
PiVPN is free and open-source, with no subscription fees, renewals, or contracts. There is no cost to use the software, though you must provide your own hardware and internet connection. Payment methods are irrelevant, and no KYC is involved since there’s no central provider to pay or register with.
Features & performance
The script supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, but features like kill switch, split tunneling, multihop, and obfuscation are not built into PiVPN itself - they depend on your manual configuration. Server count and countries are determined by your setup. P2P and streaming capabilities vary based on your host’s connection and IP address.
Ownership & track record
Ownership of PiVPN is not documented, and the operator is unknown. There are no red flags or incident records, but data quality is only reported, not verified. Since it’s a community-driven project without a formal entity, accountability and long-term maintenance depend on contributor activity, which has been consistent but not formally guaranteed.
Censorship resistance
PiVPN does not include built-in obfuscation tools, so it offers no inherent protection against deep packet inspection. If deployed in a censored environment, the connection may be blocked. You can manually configure obfuscation, but the script itself does not support it - this tool is not optimized for use in China, Iran, or similar networks without significant customization.
Verdict
Use PiVPN if you want full control over your VPN and have the technical skills to manage your own server. It’s free, private by design (since you own the hardware), and avoids corporate logging - but it’s not for beginners. This provider does not pay review sites, as it has no commercial affiliate program.
++ What holds up
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-- What to watch
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Pricing reality check
| Intro price | see provider site |
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See the 3-year total next to the marketing number: true-cost calculator →
// The money trail - what review sites earn by recommending this
affiliate status not verified yet
If we sign up for this program, every link here becomes rel="nofollow sponsored" and this box stays. Until then our links are plain redirects with zero tracking. Ranking logic physically cannot read affiliate fields - here is the proof.
Before you pay: check the renewal price, the refund window, and whether a cheaper or free path covers your use case - the honest checklist.
// PiVPN FAQ
Is PiVPN legit?
Based on our checks as of 2026-09-28: PiVPN scores 5.6/10 in our weighted review. We logged no red flags. User reports, ownership and the incident record are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.
What do I actually get with PiVPN?
You get an open-source automation script that sets up WireGuard or OpenVPN on your own device. There’s no service, support, or infrastructure included - just the tool to configure your own VPN server.
What is the renewal price and total 3-year cost?
There is no renewal fee or subscription. PiVPN is free to use, so the 3-year cost is $0, though you must cover your own hardware and electricity.
What is the logging evidence for PiVPN?
There is no logging evidence because PiVPN is not a service. Logs are generated and stored on your self-hosted server, so you control what, if any, data is kept.
Does PiVPN work in censored countries like China or Iran?
Not out of the box. It lacks built-in obfuscation, so connections may be blocked. You can manually configure obfuscation, but it requires technical expertise and is not guaranteed.
Can I pay anonymously for PiVPN?
Payment isn’t required - PiVPN is free. No signup, email, or identity is needed to download or use the script, ensuring full anonymity in acquisition.
What happens if PiVPN shuts down or stops being maintained?
Since it’s open-source, the code remains available even if development stops. You’ll retain your existing setup, but future security updates or compatibility fixes won’t be provided.
What’s an honest free or cheap alternative?
For self-hosting, consider AlgoVPN (from Trail of Bits) or WireGuard manually installed. For low-cost hosted options, Mullvad or IVPN offer flat-rate pricing with strong privacy, though they are not free.
// User comments (0)
// Similar providers
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
OpenVPN (community)
The incumbent protocol; still the audited-workhorse fallback everywhere.
open source
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