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Running your own VPN server gives you private, encrypted access to your home network from anywhere — without trusting a third-party VPN provider. Here are the best hardware options for hosting your own VPN.
Best Overall
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB)
Our top-rated pick — skip to the full review below or check it on Amazon now.
Quick Picks
1 TOP CHOICES
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB)
Best DIY personal VPN server platform
CPU: Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core 2.4GHz
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
The Raspberry Pi 5 with PiVPN installed creates a powerful personal VPN server for under $100 total.
Check Today's PriceOur Testing Methodology
Each device was configured as a WireGuard and OpenVPN server and tested for throughput, connection stability over 30 days, remote access performance, power consumption, and ease of initial setup.
Comparison Table
3 PRODUCTS COMPARED
← Scroll to compare →
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core 2.4GHz | 8.4/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Plug-and-Play | MediaTek MT7981B dual-core 1.3GHz | 8/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best for Advanced Users | Intel Celeron J3060 dual-core | 7.6/10 | View on Amazon |
Quick Summary
| # | Product | Best For | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) | Best Overall | 8.4/10 | Check Price → |
| 2 | GL.iNet Brume 2 (GL-MT2500A) | Best Plug-and-Play | 8/10 | Check Price → |
| 3 | Protectli Vault FW2B | Best for Advanced Users | 7.6/10 | Check Price → |
Personal VPN Servers Reviews
3 PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB)
Best for: Best DIY personal VPN server platform
The Raspberry Pi 5 with PiVPN installed creates a powerful personal VPN server for under $100 total. WireGuard performance is excellent, and the 5W idle power draw means it costs pennies to run 24/7.
Why we like it
- Extremely low power consumption for 24/7 operation
- PiVPN makes WireGuard/OpenVPN setup straightforward
- Versatile — also runs Pi-hole, Home Assistant, and more
Flaws
- Requires manual Linux setup and basic terminal knowledge
- Gigabit Ethernet limits throughput for very fast connections
- MicroSD reliability concerns for 24/7 server use — use SSD boot
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
GL.iNet Brume 2 (GL-MT2500A)
Best for: Best dedicated VPN server appliance
The Brume 2 is purpose-built as a VPN gateway. One-click WireGuard server setup, a clean web interface, and a tiny 75mm square form factor make it the easiest personal VPN server to deploy.
Why we like it
- One-click WireGuard server setup through web interface
- Tiny silent fanless design with 2.5G WAN port
- OpenWrt-based firmware is fully open-source
Flaws
- 1GB RAM limits concurrent VPN connections to ~20
- Single Gigabit LAN port — less flexible for networking
- No WiFi — it's a gateway device, not a router
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Protectli Vault FW2B
Best for: Best hardware for self-hosted VPN with pfSense
The Protectli Vault FW2B is a fanless mini-PC designed for running pfSense or OPNsense as a VPN server and firewall. It's overkill for just VPN but perfect if you want a combined firewall + VPN + IDS solution.
Why we like it
- Fanless x86 hardware runs pfSense/OPNsense natively
- Intel NICs ensure maximum VPN throughput and stability
- Combined firewall + VPN + IDS in one device
Flaws
- Requires pfSense/OPNsense knowledge to configure
- Higher cost than Raspberry Pi or Brume 2 for VPN alone
- Only 2 Ethernet ports — add a switch for more devices
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
The Bottom Line
The Raspberry Pi 5 running PiVPN is the most cost-effective personal VPN server. The GL.iNet Brume 2 offers plug-and-play simplicity with dedicated VPN hardware.
Best Overall
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB)
Our #1 recommendation — the best overall pick in this guide.
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Looking for more networking & wi-fi options?
Browse all Networking & Wi-Fi guides →How to Choose the Best Personal VPN Servers in 2026
BUYING GUIDE
Personal VPN vs Commercial VPN Services
A personal VPN server encrypts your traffic through your home network — great for secure remote access and avoiding public WiFi risks. It does NOT hide your home IP or bypass geo-restrictions. For that, you need a commercial VPN service. Many users run both.
Best Overall
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB)
A great example of this in practice — check current price on Amazon.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN for Self-Hosting
WireGuard is simpler, faster, and uses less battery on mobile devices. It's the default choice for personal VPN servers in 2026. OpenVPN is more mature and runs on port 443 to bypass restrictive firewalls. Most hardware supports both — start with WireGuard.
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