Amnezia VPN

Amnezia VPN combines a hosted VPN with an open-source client for running a VPN on your own server. It suits users who need censorship-resistant connections, protocol flexibility or a self-managed setup. The right choice depends on whether you value a conventional service or are prepared to operate your own VPS.

Overview

Amnezia offers two distinct approaches. Amnezia Free is focused on reaching blocked resources such as Instagram, Facebook and X, while Premium is the fuller service with selectable locations, unlimited traffic and streaming support. A self-hosted installation gives you control of the server, but shifts server costs and administration to you.

The client and server are open source, and the maker also says its website is open source. Amnezia reports independent security audits by 7ASecurity in 2022, 2024 and 2025, alongside a verified no-logs audit. Premium says it stores neither visited sites, IP addresses nor session data, and uses RAM-only servers.

Key features

Self-hosting and protocols

The self-hosted app connects to a VPS over SSH, installs Docker and runs separate Amnezia server containers for protocol connections. It supports OpenVPN, OpenVPN over Cloak, WireGuard, AmneziaWG, IKEV2, XRay Reality and ShadowSocks. That range is valuable when one protocol is blocked, but this is a technical route rather than a plug-and-play replacement for a hosted subscription.

Censorship resistance

AmneziaWG keeps WireGuard's performance characteristics while adding protection against detection and blocking. It is particularly relevant where ordinary VPN traffic is routinely identified, though the free service still limits speed and destinations.

Split tunneling and privacy

Android supports both IP and app split tunneling. Windows supports IP split tunneling and limited app rules, while iOS, macOS and Linux are limited to IP-based rules. Premium includes a kill switch, WireGuard support, streaming access and P2P on the Switzerland location.

Pricing

Amnezia Free costs $0 per month, reaches blocked sites, uses AmneziaWG 3.1 and is capped at 8 Mbps with no location selection; YouTube is excluded. It is suitable for occasional access to the named blocked services, not unrestricted video or location switching.

Amnezia Premium starts at $3.30 per month with unlimited traffic, 20 countries, up to seven devices, Android TV and router support, plus 24/7 support. The listed Premium 6 months plan is $28.00 per month when billed for six months, while another listing shows $30.00 per month billed six months. The listed Premium 1 year plan is $48.00 per year ($4.00/month, saving 14%), and another listing shows $50.00 per year. A two-year plan is $80.00 per year. Check the checkout total before committing because these plan entries differ.

Amnezia Self-hosted costs $0 per month but requires your own server; it includes eight protocols, split tunneling, open source software and a kill switch. Hosting remains your responsibility. Business Basic costs $8.00 per month per user, requires at least 20 users, and includes four locations, XRay VLESS and priority team support. Business Custom uses custom pricing and also requires 20 users. A seven-day trial is offered.

Platforms

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, with self-hosted deployment. Premium also supports Android TV and routers. Platform differences matter: full app-based split tunneling is available only on Android, with Windows support limited.

Who it's for

Choose Amnezia if bypassing blocking is central to your use case, especially when AmneziaWG or a self-managed server is useful. Premium fits households needing seven simultaneous devices, 20 locations, streaming and unlimited traffic. Self-hosting suits technically capable users who already have a VPS and want protocol control. Free is best treated as a narrow blocked-site access tier. Businesses need at least 20 users, so it is unsuitable for small teams.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Open-source client and server: supports inspection and self-hosted control.
• Broad protocol selection: eight self-hosted choices help when networks block particular VPN methods.
• Strong Premium allowance: seven devices, 20 locations, unlimited traffic and streaming support.
• Privacy commitments: RAM-only servers, stated no collection of browsing and session data, and reported independent audits.

Cons

• Free is heavily restricted: 8 Mbps, no location choice and no YouTube access.
• Self-hosting demands infrastructure: you must provide and maintain a VPS.
• Split tunneling varies by platform: iOS, macOS and Linux offer IP-only rules.
• Plan entries conflict: the six-month and annual Premium prices appear in two versions.

Alternatives

Proton VPN is a better fit if you want a free plan with unlimited data, 10 countries and one device at a time, across the major desktop and mobile platforms.

Windscribe suits users who prefer a free tier with 10 countries and up to 10 GB per month, including web access.

Hotspot Shield is an option when a simple free plan with one U.S. location and 500 MB daily data is sufficient.

hide.me is worth comparing if its free or Premium terms better match your required data allowance.

TunnelBear fits users seeking a straightforward free allowance of 2 GB or an Unlimited plan from $3.33 per month.

Cloudflare WARP is the alternative for encrypted device traffic and DNS rather than a conventional location-selecting VPN.

Psiphon is aimed at bypassing restrictions, with Premium removing advertisements and increasing speed.

RiseupVPN is a free, open-source-oriented option for supported desktop and mobile platforms.

Verdict

Amnezia VPN is a strong choice for people who need censorship resistance, open-source software and the option to run their own VPN server. Premium is the practical choice for multi-device households that need locations, streaming and unlimited traffic; self-hosting is the better route for technically capable users who want control. Look elsewhere if you need a generous unrestricted free tier, consistent app-based split tunneling on every platform or unambiguous subscription pricing.