Best VPNs for Raspberry Pi (and how to install)

Want to gain privacy, online security, and freedom on your Raspberry Pi? We explain how to use a VPN for Raspberry Pi to encrypt your internet connection and bypass online restrictions.

Whether you use a Raspberry Pi as a small home computer or you use it to build cool projects, a VPN is an excellent way to improve your device’s security and ensure that you can access regional or restricted content from around the world. 

You can even set up a Raspberry Pi as a VPN gateway that provides a VPN-protected WiFi hotspot to your entire home – allowing you to gain VPN use on devices such as consoles, Apple TV, IoT devices, or any other device that won’t let you uninstall a VPN directly. Setting up a Raspberry Pi as a VPN gateway is a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing a VPN router.

The encryption provided by a Raspberry Pi VPN ensures that local network administrators, Internet Service Providers, and government surveillance agencies cannot track your online activities. This affords you complete privacy, which means you can bypass restrictions imposed by countries with overreaching censorship.

When you connect to a VPN on your Raspberry Pi, you can also get an IP address in a remote location to access regional TV services, internet banking, international online stores, and other resources that may potentially be unavailable where you currently live. This includes using VoIP apps in countries where they are blocked, for example.

No matter what your reason for using a VPN might be, we have pinpointed the best VPNs that offer native support for the Raspberry Pi’s Debian-based operating system Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian). Not all VPNs offer Linux support, so you must pick your VPN with extra care – unless you have flashed your RPi with an alternate OS like Windows, which gives you more options.

Below, you'll discover a quick overview of the most secure VPN options for your Raspberry Pi. Each of our recommended VPNs prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logs policy and provides a selection of reliable VPN protocols for your convenience.

Our preferred Raspberry Pi VPNs come equipped with user-friendly GUI applications, eliminating the need for command-line inputs every time you connect. This not only streamlines the process but also enhances your online security, making it a worthwhile investment. (Some of our recommendations have a command-line app instead).

If you need specific features such as port forwarding, which is especially beneficial for torrenting on your Raspberry Pi, or if you simply want more information about each RPi VPN, keep scrolling. The comprehensive summaries later in this guide have all the information you need to make an informed choice.

The best VPNs for Raspberry Pi:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Raspberry Pi. NordVPN has a command-line app for Debian that works on Raspberry Pi OS. Features include native ad blocking, malware filtering, servers in 60+ countries, a kill switch, double VPN, and obfuscation. NordLynx and OpenVPN are both available. A full guide to setting up the VPN manually on your Raspberry Pi is available. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN: Fast and secure. Although it has no Linux GUI app, it offers instructions to set the VPN up manually using its CLI app. Plus, you get a GUI extension for Chrome and Firefox that fully controls the VPN. This gives you GUI control over the VPN on the Raspberry Pi – from inside your browser. Features include a kill switch, no-logs policy, and OpenVPN obfuscation support.
3. Surfshark: Cheapest VPN service for Raspberry Pi. Provides detailed instructions to set up OpenVPN connections using CLI on Raspbian. GUI Linux app is available if you flash an alternate Linux OS or Windows. Excellent speeds and reliability. Allows unlimited connections and works with Netflix.
4. Proton VPN: Proton VPN can be set up with OpenVPN manually using the CLI. Has a choice of servers in 71+ countries, and a strict no-logs policy. Full GUI app available if you flash your RPi with regular Debian, Ubuntu, or Windows. This will give you access to a kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, and other useful features.
5. Mullvad: Mullvad provides WireGuard config files that will easily let you connect to its servers on your Raspberry Pi using the third-party WireGuard client. A full guide is available to install the third-party WireGuard application, but it is pretty techy. MultiHop connections and a kill switch are available and explained in the guide.

Summary Table

Finding a trustworthy VPN for your Raspberry Pi can be pretty daunting, especially if you're new to the world of VPNs. Many VPN providers make exaggerated claims about their speeds and security, making it even harder not to end up with an inferior service that simply isn't suitable for gaining online privacy on your Raspberry Pi.

Most VPNs have serious issues, ranging from DNS leaks and poorly implemented encryption to server vulnerabilities that make them an ill choice for safeguarding against online snoops. We've simplified the process by identifying VPNs that offer robust security features tailored for Raspberry Pi users.

Below, we'll outline the criteria we used to curate this list of the best Raspberry Pi VPNs:

• Compatibility: We prioritize VPNs that provide setup guides to use their service with a Raspberry Pi. Some VPNs even provide a GUI app, if you don't mind switching to a different Linux distro such as Ubuntu or Debian.
• Fast speeds: Streaming content is a priority for many users. We test each VPN's connection speeds to ensure it provides high-speed connections needed for streaming, torrenting, and gaming online.
• Global server network: Servers across the globe ensure you can access geo-restricted content and enjoy optimal speeds, regardless of your location.
• Torrenting: We recommend VPNs that permit torrenting activities while maintaining privacy and security on your Raspberry Pi.
• No-logging policy: We only recommend VPNs that never keep records of what you do while connected. 

In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third-party.

Best Raspberry Pi VPNs: Detailed reviews

In the section below, we take a closer look at the features offered by the top VPNs for Raspberry Pi. Our recommendations all provide trustworthy privacy and security, however, it's important to note that each VPN has unique strengths.

Our summaries shed light on each VPN's unique characteristics so you can pick the right provider for all your needs.

NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that has a command-line application that is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi OS. The VPN has a detailed guide that explains how to install the VPN using commands on 12 different Raspberry Pi models. 

The application uses commands to enable features like a kill switch, obfuscated servers, and quick connect to give you almost as much control as you get in its GUI clients for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. DNS-based ad blocking and real-time malware filtering secure your device and your browsing against the threat of drive-by infections.

You can connect to servers in 60+ countries, which lets you get an IP address anywhere you might need one. That network runs on diskless servers that it can pull the plug on in an instant, to protect its users’ privacy in an emergency. 

A reliable kill switch ensures you never accidentally leak data outside of the VPN tunnel, and it provides its popular custom NordLynx protocol so that you can play games, watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or do only other data-intensive activities. Alternatively, you can connect using OpenVPN.

Live chat support is available 24/7 so that you can ask questions about using the VPN on your Raspberry Pi, and NordVPN backs its service with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, which means that you can try it out yourself risk-free to check that it works seamlessly on your RPi. 

BEST RASPBERRY PI VPN: NordVPN provides robust encryption, a choice of protocols, and numerous cutting-edge privacy and security features that are compatible with Raspberry Pi via the CLI. Whether you're safeguarding your data at home or using public WiFi, NordVPN ensures your information remains secure. Great for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

ExpressVPN lacks a dedicated Linux GUI application. Instead, it provides comprehensive instructions for manual setup for its CLI app, which uses commands to let you use various features (including switching between Lightway and WireGuard). Best of all, ExpressVPN offers handy GUI extensions for Chrome and Firefox, that lets you control the main VPN client from your web browser. This makes it the only RPi VPN on this list with a GUI.

Key features of ExpressVPN for Raspberry Pi include a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and OpenVPN with obfuscation to ensure your online activities remain private and secure. With servers spanning over 105 countries, ExpressVPN's command-line interface allows you to securely connect to a vast global network using straightforward commands. 

ExpressVPN's commitment to privacy includes a strict no-logs policy and the use of diskless hardware for its VPN servers. Plus, the VPN has undergone a comprehensive third-party audit of its apps and infrastructure, which means you don't have to take its privacy claims on faith alone.

ExpressVPN works to access around 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and various other popular services. Torrenting is permitted across its network and you can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any problems setting it up using the guide, simply contact its 24/7 live chat support.

FAST AND RELIABLE: ExpressVPN is a touch more expensive. However, you get a fully audited VPN that has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and manual OpenVPN set up for Raspberry Pi. Fast servers in 105+ countries excel for streaming, and you can use this VPN to protect your privacy whether at home, at work, or on public WiFi. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Surfshark stands out as the most budget-friendly VPN choice for Raspberry Pi users. Although it has a Linux GUI app, it doesn't work on Raspberry Pi OS or Raspbian – so you will need to switch to another Linux OS if you want to use it. 

The good news is that Surfshark provides a comprehensive guide for configuring OpenVPN connections through the command-line interface (CLI), ensuring a seamless setup process on Raspberry Pi OS.

Servers are available in 100+ countries, which is more options than any other VPN on this list. Those servers provide exceptionally fast speeds for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and making VoIP calls in countries where Skype, WhatsApp, and other internet calling apps are blocked.

Surfshark's impressive fast speeds make it great for streaming, and it works to watch a dozen Netflix regions. Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and tons of other popular services. You can also use it to torrent privately.  

The VPN is incredibly good value for money thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, which means you can use the VPN at home, at work, on the go, and share it with friends and family. Plus, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to let you try out the VPN on your Raspberry Pi.

CHEAPEST VPN FOR RASPBERRY PI: Surfshark boasts robust encryption, a kill switch, diskless servers, and a thoroughly audited no-logs policy. Its high-speed WireGuard connections are perfect for torrenting or streaming on your Raspberry Pi. You can secure unlimited connections, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have the opportunity to test it firsthand.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

Proton VPN offers Raspberry Pi users the ability to establish a manual OpenVPN configuration through the command-line interface. With a diverse server selection spanning over 70 countries (including self-owned Secure Core servers for added security), you can gain global reach for your online activities, while taking advantage of Proton VPN's rigorous no-logs policy to safeguard your privacy.

For those seeking a more user-friendly experience, Proton VPN provides a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) application. To access this GUI, simply flash your Raspberry Pi with a standard Debian, Ubuntu, or Windows OS. This unlocks an array of valuable features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and port forwarding, enhancing your VPN experience.

Proton VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test all its features. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, which means you can use them on all of your home's devices (10 simultaneous connections allowed per account).

Proton VPN provides a free plan, meaning you can test it on your Raspberry Pi and all of your other devices. We tested the VPN for streaming and found it to work with Netflix and various other services. The WireGuard protocol will get you the best speeds possible for torrenting, gaming, and making video calls.

STRONG SECURITY: Proton VPN apps come with strong encryption, a kill switch, MultiHop, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. Port forwarding is available on the paid plan only. Excellent choice for torrenting. Works to watch Netflix US with the paid plan only. 30-day money-back guarantee. The free plan provides access to OpenVPN config files on the VPN’s website, to get set up on your RPi.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad is uniquely positioned to help you if you want a super fast and reliable VPN for Raspberry Pi OS that provides the popular WireGuard protocol. The VPN costs $5 per month, indefinitely, which albeit a transparent pricing policy, is a touch expensive. 

The good news is that for this price, Mullvad offers WireGuard configuration files. These files enable straightforward connectivity to Mullvad's servers through the third-party WireGuard client. Installing the third-party WireGuard application is extremely easy, and Mullvad has a comprehensive guide to help you out. Once it is installed, you will easily be able to connect and get some of the best VPN speeds available for your RPi.

Mullvad also has GUI apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, which come with a ton of advanced features, including MultiHop connections, DNS leak protection, a kill switch feature, split tunneling, port forwarding, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN. These advanced security measures contribute to a more secure and private online experience when using your Raspberry Pi, but will require you to flash your device with an alternative OS to Raspbian.

You can try Mullvad using its 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test its capabilities without risking your cash. In our tests, this VPN worked to access Netflix and various other popular services, which makes it a decent all-rounder that is well worth testing. You won't need to hand over an email address to make an account, and it's great for adding another layer of security. 

RELIABLE PROTECTION: Mullvad lets you connect your RPi to its servers using the WireGuard protocol. Has apps for all platforms that come with robust encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop connections. Fast WireGuard connections. Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services, so test it using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Raspberry Pi VPN testing methodology

You can find out more about how we test and recommend VPNs by checking out our in-depth methodology guide. Our approach involves rigorous speed assessments, meticulous analysis of each VPN’s privacy policies, thorough examination of apps for potential leaks, and a close inspection of the encryption. 

Our goal is to recommend the most secure VPNs available for a Raspberry Pi in its native state. However, it is worth remembering that VPNs lack some features for Raspberry Pi OS/Raspbian, so if you want access to a GUI app with additional features, you may want to flash your RPi with Debian, or another compatible operating system.

Below, we've highlighted some key criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Raspberry Pi:

• Robust security: The VPNs we recommend for Raspberry Pi prioritize robust security and privacy features. They include top-notch encryption, modern protocols, and various other features (some may require updating your OS in order to access a GUI app with additional features such as a kill switch and obfuscation).
• Privacy first: In this guide, we exclusively recommend VPNs committed to your privacy, featuring a strict no-logs policy. These VPNs never share your data or retain IP address records. Our top three choices even employ diskless servers for added security.
• High-speed servers: Our featured VPNs excel in providing fast connections and powerful servers, perfect for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making video calls on your Raspberry Pi. Faster speeds are always preferable. 
• Global server network: Each recommendation offers a vast global server network, ensuring access to a wide range of IP addresses worldwide. They also work with most popular streaming services.
• Cross-platform compatibility: These VPNs go beyond Raspberry Pi, working on multiple platforms. This versatility allows you to protect all your current and future devices and share your VPN with friends and family. As well as mobile devices, there should be apps for all platforms.
• Reliable support: Our recommended VPNs prioritize customer support, offering various options like live chat, email assistance, setup guides, FAQs, and other valuable resources for easy VPN setup and usage.
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no-logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

Raspberry Pi VPN FAQs

Can I get a free VPN for Raspberry Pi?

Yes. One of the VPNs recommended in this guide has a basic free plan that you can use on your Raspberry Pi. Proton VPN has a basic free plan that allows you to connect to three different server locations. You can connect to those servers on your Raspberry Pi free of charge by using the OpenVPN config files available in the member's area of its website.

If you have flashed your RPi with an alternate OS (guide above) you can also use the VPNs GUI application, which will provide you with a few additional privacy and security features on your Raspberry Pi.

Please bear in mind that Proton VPN free is a limited plan designed to let you get some basic use of a VPN for privacy purposes The free servers are available on an unlimited basis and will prevent ISP tracking, and give you privacy and protection on public WiFi. They will not work for accessing Netflix or other premium services. You will need a paid account to perform these activities.

Although you are safe to use Proton VPN for free on your RPi, we urge you to stay away from other free VPNs. Many free VPNs log data and sell user browsing habits to third parties. They also contain spyware, suffer from app and server vulnerabilities, have IP and DNS leaks, and lack the encryption needed to provide online privacy. This makes using free VPNs a huge threat to the safety of your Raspberry Pi.

What can I use a Raspberry Pi VPN for?

A Raspberry Pi offers endless possibilities, and a Raspberry Pi VPN extends your device's capabilities even further. Here are some compelling uses that you should consider for your RPi after you have invested in a VPN subscription from this guide:

• Public WiFi security: Stay protected on public Wi-Fi networks, an essential feature for travelers and remote workers who use their Raspberry Pi on the go.
• Overcome bandwidth throttling: Prevent Internet Service Providers from throttling your bandwidth, ensuring consistent download speeds for torrenting, gaming, video conferencing, and HD streaming.
• Secure cloud access: Access the internet securely through the Raspberry Pi VPN, safeguarding your data privacy when connecting to cloud resources without being tracked by local networks, ISPs, government snoops, or other eavesdroppers.
• Enhanced online gaming: Enjoy playing online games without restrictions, access foreign game servers, buy games cheaper in international game stores, and protect against DDoS attacks.
• Secure remote access: Enable secure remote access to your home network and devices by configuring your Raspberry Pi as a VPN server. This setup allows you to connect to your home network from anywhere, but it requires additional configuration, including port forwarding on your router. Note that our recommendations provide access to the internet, not your home, so you’ll need to configure it yourself.
• IoT device and smart home device privacy: Safeguard the privacy and security of your smart home devices by routing their traffic through the VPN connections hosted by a Raspberry Pi.
• Private file sharing: Share files and data securely between devices Peer-to-Peer without exposing your IP address. Encryption ensures your file sharing and downloads remain confidential. Perfect for torrent enthusiasts who use an RPi as a dedicated torrent machine, for example.

These are just some of the ways a Raspberry Pi VPN can improve your online experience, offering privacy, security, and flexibility for your Raspberry Pi or other devices in your home.

Can I use a Raspberry Pi as a VPN gateway?

Absolutely! Many individuals opt for Raspberry Pi devices as a low-cost alternative to VPN-enabled routers. This allows you to create a VPN-secured WiFi hotspot that serves as a protective shield for all the devices in your home.

A Raspberry Pi can function as a VPN client, which will protect your other devices when they connect to the internet through it. Or it can function as a server, allowing remote access to your private storage and apps.

You can leverage the benefits of a VPN across all your home network's devices, eliminating the need to install the VPN on each individual device. This not only enhances online privacy but ensures that your family consistently enjoys the protection of a VPN.

This approach also extends VPN protection to devices that typically don't support native VPN installations, such as gaming consoles, IoT gadgets, smart home appliances, smart TVs, Apple TVs, Roku devices, and others.

In addition, you can transform your Raspberry Pi into a Pi-hole, effectively turning it into a network-wide ad-blocker that safeguards your network against intrusive ads and trackers. When combined with a VPN connection and an advanced firewall setup, using a Raspberry Pi can significantly bolster the security of your home network.

How do you flash a Raspberry Pi with an alternate OS to Raspberry Pi OS/Raspbian?

Flashing an alternate operating system (OS) onto your Raspberry Pi is a straightforward process that allows you to access different software options beyond Raspberry Pi OS/Raspbian. This is worth considering if you prefer to connect to a VPN using a GUI app with a more complete feature set.

You will be able to find detailed setup guides for the specific OS you want to flash on your Raspberry Pi online. However, we have included a general overview of how to flash an alternate OS onto your Raspberry Pi to get you started:

• Choose an alternate Operating System: Start by selecting the alternate OS you wish to install. Options include Ubuntu, CentOS, Windows 10 IoT Core, and more. Visit the official website of your chosen OS to download the image file. Note that for Windows 10, you'll need to create the image and flash the SD card using the Windows on Raspberry Imager (WoR). Numerous online guides explain the process.
• Prepare a MicroSD card: You'll need a microSD card with adequate capacity to hold your chosen OS image. Ensure that the microSD card is properly formatted and empty.
• Download and Install Etcher (or WoR for Windows): Etcher is a popular tool for flashing OS images to microSD cards. Download and install Etcher from the official website onto your computer. However, if you're installing Windows on your Raspberry Pi, you'll need to use the Windows on Raspberry Imager (WoR). Numerous online guides are available to walk you through this specific process.
• Insert the microSD card: Insert the microSD card into your computer using an SD card reader or an adapter.
• Open Etcher (or WoR for Windows): Launch the Etcher application on your computer, or open the Windows on Raspberry Imager (WoR) if you're installing Windows.
• Select OS Image: Click the "Select Image" button in Etcher (or WoR) and choose the downloaded OS image file.
• Choose target drive: Click the "Select Drive" button to choose the microSD card as the target drive. Double-check that you've selected the correct drive to prevent accidental data loss (very important).
• Flash the OS: Once you've selected the image and target drive, click the "Flash" button to begin the flashing process. Etcher will write the OS image to the microSD card. The flashing process may take a few minutes, so wait for Etcher to complete the process.
• Verify and eject: After the flashing is complete, Etcher will verify the data to ensure it was written correctly. Once verified, safely eject the microSD card from your computer.
• Insert into Raspberry Pi: Insert the microSD card with the alternate OS into your Raspberry Pi.
• Power on your RPi: Connect your Raspberry Pi to a power source and boot it up. The alternate OS you prepared should now load from the SD card.
• Follow setup instructions: Depending on the alternate OS you've chosen, you may need to carry out an initial setup process. It may include configuring network settings, user accounts, and other preferences.

That's it! You've successfully flashed an alternate OS onto your Raspberry Pi. You can now install a full GUI VPN application onto your device, which will make using your VPN easier and give you access to additional advanced features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, multi-hop, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN.

What is PiVPN?

PiVPN is an open-source software solution that enables you to create a self-hosted VPN server using a Raspberry Pi. It can be set up using either the OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols to establish secure and encrypted connections between devices.

Designed for personal or small-scale use, PiVPN provides an affordable means to set up a home VPN server, enhancing online privacy and security. With PiVPN, you enjoy complete control over your VPN server's configuration, making it a popular choice for tech-savvy users seeking a customized VPN solution.

One notable advantage of implementing a self-hosted VPN server like PiVPN is the ability to establish encrypted connections to your home network remotely. This enables access to your home computer, NAS drives, or web server from virtually anywhere.

However, it's essential to note that a home VPN of this kind does not provide IP address spoofing or concealment, which are distinct advantages of consumer proxy VPNs, such as the ones recommended in this guide.