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Best Virtual Private Network Software in 2026

Virtual private network (VPN) software supports remote-access VPN and site-to-site VPN connections. This list covers tools that run on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, or self-hosted deployments.

  1. 1

    hide.me

    by hide.me
    Free plan Open source AndroidExtensioniPhone+5

    Choose hide.me if you want a VPN with broad platform availability and listed support for streaming, torrents, WireGuard and a kill switch.

    9.1 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    IPFire

    Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

    IPFire brings firewalling, VPN, intrusion prevention, and proxy functions together in a free, open-source platform.

    9.1 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    OPNsense

    by OPNsense
    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+2

    OPNsense combines firewall, routing, VPN, failover, and intrusion-prevention features in a self-hosted platform.

    8.8 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    Tailscale

    by Tailscale
    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6

    Tailscale combines encrypted device connections with access rules, identity provisioning, monitoring, and sharing features.

    8.7 Free plan · paid from $8/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
  5. 5

    Windscribe

    by Windscribe
    Free plan Open source AndroidExtensioniPhone+4

    Windscribe offers a free tier, location-based Build-A-Plan, and Pro subscriptions with unlimited data.

    8.5 Free plan · paid from $3/mo Visit site
  6. 6

    Algo VPN

    by Algo VPN
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Algo provides scripts and client setup materials for a self-managed personal VPN. Its deployment cautions, protocol exclusions, and privacy limits are important to weigh before use.

    7.7 Open source Visit site
  7. 7

    Amnezia VPN

    by Amnezia VPN
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Amnezia VPN offers both a limited free service and a self-hosted setup, with platform-dependent split tunneling.

    7.7 Free plan · paid from $3.30/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
  8. 8

    Firezone

    by Firezone
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4
    7.5 Free plan · paid from $4.16/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    FortiClient

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
    7.5 Pricing on request Visit site
  10. 10

    Headscale

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Choose Headscale if you want a free, self-hosted control server for a personal or small-organisation tailnet, with network tools and API interfaces.

    7.5 Open source Visit site
  11. 11

    MikroTik RouterOS

    by MikroTik RouterOS
    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

    RouterOS offers several supported interfaces and three paid tiers with differing tunnel limits. Compare the listed limits and unsupported SSO/SCIM and device posture against your requirements.

    7.4 From $45 · 1-day trial Visit site
  12. 12

    NetBird

    by NetBird
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    NetBird combines encrypted connectivity with identity, device-policy and administrative controls, and offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from €6/user/mo Visit site
  13. 13

    Netmaker

    by Netmaker
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Netmaker combines WireGuard-based networking with access controls and a free self-hosted Community tier.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from $2/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    OpenVPN Access Server

    by OpenVPN Access Server
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    OpenVPN Access Server combines self-hosting with administrative controls and a free tier for up to two simultaneous connections.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
  15. 15

    OpenVPN CloudConnexa

    by OpenVPN CloudConnexa
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    CloudConnexa combines network connectivity with centralized administration and security controls. Account for per-seat use and the separate Internet Gateway requirement when assessing fit.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $7/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
  16. 16

    Outline VPN

    by Outline VPN
    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Outline is a self-managed VPN access tool rather than a subscription service. It offers broad platform support and server control, but you remain responsible for server costs and administration.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    Proton VPN

    by Proton VPN
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Proton VPN offers a free plan with no data limits, alongside paid plans listed as free.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  18. 18

    LibreSwan

    by LibreSwan
    Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

    LibreSwan provides a free, multi-platform implementation of IPsec VPN and IKE with broad authentication and deployment documentation.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    pfSense

    by pfSense
    Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWeb

    pfSense offers firewall, routing, and VPN capabilities across hardware, virtual, and cloud deployments.

    7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  20. 20

    SoftEther VPN

    by SoftEther VPN
    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Choose SoftEther VPN if you need free, open-source software for remote access or site-to-site networking, with multiple protocols and administration options.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  21. 21

    strongSwan

    by strongSwan
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    strongSwan provides a broad IPsec VPN implementation with extensive authentication, cryptography, and platform support.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  22. 22

    OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

    ocserv provides a broad set of authentication, networking, isolation, and administration controls for self-hosted VPN deployments.

    7.0 Open source Visit site
  23. 23

    Pritunl

    by Pritunl
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Pritunl combines VPN access with advanced controls, network linking, and auditing. Its plans keep users and devices unlimited, while paid pricing is based on each server.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $10/mo Visit site
  24. 24

    TunnelBear

    by TunnelBear
    Free plan WebWindowsMac+3

    TunnelBear offers a limited free plan and paid options for personal browsing or business teams.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $3.33/mo Visit site
  25. 25

    ZeroTier

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    ZeroTier covers virtual networking across cloud, on-premises and edge environments, with security controls and several management capabilities.

    6.9 Free plan · paid from $18/mo Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare supported VPN protocols, client platforms, concurrent sessions, SSO support, deployment model, free-plan terms, paid starting prices, and trial availability. If reading or changing code matters, check the tool's open-source licence.

Questions

What platforms do these VPN tools support?

Platforms represented in this category include Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and self-hosted deployments. Check the client-platform details for the tool you are considering.

Are free VPN plans available?

Yes. A free plan is offered by tools in this category. Review the plan's limits and included features before relying on it.

Can I try a VPN before paying?

A free trial is offered by tools in this category. Check the trial length, included functions, and terms that apply when it ends.

Do these VPN tools have open-source code?

Open-source code is offered by tools in this category. Check the licence and whether the available code matches your use case.

What should I compare between VPN products?

Compare free plan, paid-from price, remote-access VPN, site-to-site VPN, supported protocols, client platforms, concurrent sessions, SSO support, and deployment model.

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