Top rated free VPN self-build solution

• Architecture pattern:In a typical server-client architecture, the server can be deployed on any computer or VPS, and other devices can install client connections.
• Installation settings:The server configuration is simple (just edit the configuration file), the client connects with one click, and the overall setup is the simplest.
• Performance:The code base is only 4000 lines, fast and low-latency, suitable for games and streaming media.
• Cross-platform:Full coverage of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with rich official and community clients.
• Router penetration:NAT-PMP and UPnP are natively supported, and router ports can be opened automatically or forwarding configured manually.
• Security:The code is audited for security using modern cryptography (Curve25519, ChaCha20).
• Community and documentation:The open source project documentation is complete, there are many Chinese tutorials, and the community is active.

💰 Completely free, open source, without any restrictions. Can be deployed on your own VPS or home network.

• Architecture pattern:Complete server-client architecture, the server can run on Linux, Windows, macOS, and the client supports all platforms.
• Installation settings:The server-side installation is more complicated (certificates and keys need to be configured), but there are automated scripts to simplify the process and the client-side configuration is simple.
• Performance:Mature and stable but slightly bulkier than WireGuard, it is suitable for long-term stable operation.
• Cross-platform:Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are all supported, and there are many official and third-party clients.
• Router penetration:Supports UPnP and manual port forwarding, with strong penetrating ability and can span complex NATs.
• Security:Using TLS/SSL encryption, it has been tested in production environments for many years and is safe and reliable.
• Community and documentation:A long-established open source project with complete documentation, the most tutorials, and rich problem-solving resources.

💰 Completely free and open source, without any restrictions, can be deployed on any operating system.

• Architecture pattern:Complete server-client architecture, supporting multiple protocols (SoftEther, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, SSTP) at the same time.
• Installation settings:The server supports Windows and Linux, provides a GUI management interface, is configuration-friendly, and the client can connect with one click.
• Performance:It is stable and efficient, supports load balancing and failover, and is suitable for enterprise-level deployment.
• Cross-platform:Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are all supported, and browser access and VPN Gate public services are also provided.
• Router penetration:Built-in UPnP and NAT penetration, it is most adaptable to complex networks and can penetrate multiple layers of NAT.
• Security:It supports multiple encryption algorithms and authentication methods, hides traffic through HTTPS, and has strong ability to penetrate firewalls.
• Community and documentation:It has good Chinese support, complete documentation, and active Japanese community support.

💰 Completely free and open source, with unlimited functions, available to both enterprises and individuals.

• Architecture pattern:The peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture is supplemented by a central server to automatically drill holes and route without complex configuration.
• Installation settings:The simplest and easiest to use, automatically connects after installation, almost zero configuration, suitable for novices and quick deployment.
• Performance:Direct point-to-point connection, low latency and high speed, superior to traditional client-server architecture.
• Cross-platform:Full coverage of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and also supports Docker and Raspberry Pi.
• Router penetration:Automatic UDP hole punching and TCP penetration, intelligent NAT penetration, almost no need for manual configuration.
• Security:Based on WireGuard, using Tailscale cloud control plane for key exchange, end-to-end encryption.
• Community and documentation:The official documentation is clear, supports self-built control servers (Headscale), and has rich community resources.

💰 The free version has unlimited devices and unlimited traffic, and is only free for individuals and small teams; the enterprise version is charged.

• Architecture pattern:Completely decentralized virtual network, supports point-to-point direct connection and relay, and can build its own controller.
• Installation settings:The installation is simple and the configuration is flexible. It can be completely self-built without relying on official services.
• Performance:Point-to-point priority, fewer jumps, low latency, and performance better than pure central server architecture.
• Cross-platform:Full coverage of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and also supports Raspberry Pi and embedded devices.
• Router penetration:Automatic P2P hole punching, supports manual relay configuration, and has strong penetration ability.
• Security:End-to-end encryption, access control list (ACL) support, and complete privacy protection.
• Community and documentation:The open source project has complete documentation, the highest degree of freedom, and is suitable for advanced users to build themselves.

💰 The free version is limited to 100 nodes, which is enough for individuals and small teams; the paid version has unlimited expansion.

• Architecture pattern:Modular server-client architecture supports multiple transmission protocols and camouflage methods.
• Installation settings:It requires a certain technical foundation, but numerous scripts can simplify deployment and the configuration file format is flexible.
• Performance:It is efficient and stable, supports multiple connection reuse and connection pools, and has excellent performance.
• Cross-platform:Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS (Shadowrocket), Android (v2rayNG) are all supported.
• Router penetration:Supports multiple forwarding and proxy methods, and can achieve automatic penetration and port mapping with scripts.
• Security:It supports modern encryption and obscurity protocols such as TLS, XTLS, and VLESS, making it difficult to be identified and blocked.
• Community and documentation:The community is active, there are many scripts, and Chinese resources are abundant, but the learning curve is steep.

💰 Completely free and open source, with complete functions and suitable for users with technical foundation.

• Simplest:Tailscale (zero-configuration automatic connection) > WireGuard (simple configuration) > SoftEther (with GUI)
• Medium:ZeroTier (automatic penetration but need to understand the concept) > OpenVPN (requires certificate configuration)
• The most complex:V2Ray/Xray (need to write configuration file)

• Optimal:WireGuard (4000 lines of code) > Tailscale (P2P direct connection) > ZeroTier (peer-to-peer priority)
• Medium:V2Ray/Xray (flexible protocol) > SoftEther (full functionality)
• Worse:OpenVPN (traditional architecture)

• The strongest penetration:SoftEther (multi-layer NAT penetration) > Tailscale (automatic hole punching) > ZeroTier (P2P priority)
• Medium:WireGuard (supports NAT-PMP/UPnP)
• Requires manual configuration:OpenVPN, V2Ray/Xray

• The strongest concealment:V2Ray/Xray (Multiple disguise protocols) > SoftEther (HTTPS hidden)
• The strongest security:WireGuard (Modern Cryptography) > ZeroTier (End-to-End Encryption) > Tailscale (TLS + WireGuard)
• Traditional security:OpenVPN (mature and reliable)

• Most versatile:Tailscale (Official Global Service) > SoftEther (VPN Gate Public Relay)
• Self-built is valid:WireGuard (simple and reliable) > ZeroTier (flexible customization)
• Firewall adapts to:V2Ray/Xray (multi-protocol selection) > OpenVPN (supports multiple ports)

• Top pick: Tailscale
• Advantages: ready to install, automatic penetration, friendly interface, no need to understand technical details.
• Disadvantages: Reliance on official cloud services (can be avoided by building your own Headscale).
• Second choice: SoftEther (provides a GUI server, slightly complex but comprehensive).

• Top pick: WireGuard
• Advantages: Less code, faster speed, lowest latency, and simple configuration.
• Disadvantages: The functions are relatively basic, and advanced features need to be supplemented.
• Second choice: Tailscale (good P2P direct connection performance) or ZeroTier (peer-to-peer priority).

• Top pick: SoftEther VPN
• Advantages: Strongest penetration ability, multi-protocol support, built-in UPnP and relay.
• Disadvantages: There are many configuration options, and it is a bit complicated to get started for the first time.
• Second choice: Tailscale (automatic intelligent penetration) or ZeroTier (supports multiple relays).

• First choice: V2Ray/Xray
• Advantages: Multiple camouflage protocols, difficult to identify, and the strongest concealment in the industry.
• Disadvantages: Steep learning curve, complex configuration, and technical foundation required.
• Second choice: SoftEther (strong HTTPS hiding capabilities) or WireGuard (modern and simple).

• Top pick: ZeroTier
• Advantages: Supports completely self-built controller, no need to rely on official, optimal privacy.
• Disadvantages: Requires understanding of virtual network concepts, and there is a learning curve for initial configuration.
• Second choice: Build your own Headscale (Tailscale’s open source controller) or OpenVPN.

• Top pick: OpenVPN
• Advantages: It has been tested in the production environment for more than ten years, stable and reliable, and has complete troubleshooting documents.
• Disadvantages: The configuration is complex and the performance is not as good as modern solutions.
• Second choice: SoftEther (enterprise-grade features and reliability) or WireGuard (modern simplicity).