18.7
hide.me is a VPN service available on the web and through apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Virtual Private Network Software in 2026
Virtual private network software creates encrypted connections for remote access, private browsing, or links between sites. This category includes client apps, gateways, firewalls, and self-hosted options. If you plan to use a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone, check for an Android client before comparing tools. Then compare supported platforms, VPN protocols, session limits, deployment model, and access features.
28.7
Tailscale is a zero-config VPN for connecting devices and users across a network.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
38.6
OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform based on FreeBSD, for self-hosted, web, and API use.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
Windscribe
Windscribe is a VPN service available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebExtension8.6From $3 a month - 5
MikroTik RouterOS
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI8.2Free plan - 6
NetBird
NetBird connects users and machines through encrypted, peer-to-peer networking based on WireGuard.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS8.2From €6 a month - 7
ZeroTier
ZeroTier is a software-defined networking platform for connecting people, devices, and cloud environments through secure virtual networks.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI8.2From $18 a month - 8
Amnezia VPN
Amnezia VPN is an open-source VPN client that can connect through its service or help users set up a VPN server on their own server.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS8.0From $3.30 a month - 9
IPFire
IPFire is a free, open-source firewall and security platform for networks, from home offices to large enterprises.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted8.0From $1,099 a year - 10
Netmaker
Netmaker creates and manages WireGuard-based overlay networks for connecting devices across cloud or on-premises environments.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS8.0From $2 a month - 11
OpenVPN Access Server
OpenVPN Access Server is a business VPN platform hosted in the customer's environment, including Linux systems, virtual appliances, containers, or public clouds.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.9From $7 a month - 12
FortiClient
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.8Free plan - 13
OpenVPN CloudConnexa
OpenVPN CloudConnexa is a cloud-managed networking service for connecting users, devices, and sites through an overlay network.
AndroidiOSWebLinux7.7From $7 a month - 14
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a freemium VPN service from Proton, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.5Free plan - 15
Algo VPN
Algo VPN is a set of Ansible scripts for deploying a personal WireGuard and IPsec VPN.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.4Free plan - 16
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a paid VPN service for protecting internet connections across computers, phones, and other supported devices.
AndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.4 - 17
Firezone
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.4From $5 a month - 18
strongSwan
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.3Free plan - 19
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN service with a free plan for limited secure browsing and paid plans for personal use and teams.
Free planAndroidiOSWebWindows7.3From $3.33 a month - 20
F5 BIG-IP APM
F5 BIG-IP APM, now called F5 BIG-IP Zero Trust Access, controls access to apps, APIs, and data across locations and hosting environments.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.2 - 21
SoftEther VPN
Free planAndroidiOSAPILinux7.1Free plan - 22
Headscale
Free planAndroidiOSAPILinux7.0Free plan - 23
Outline VPN
Free planAndroidiOSAPILinux7.0Free plan - 24
pfSense
pfSense is a free, open-source firewall and router distribution based on FreeBSD, managed through a web interface.
Free planWebLinuxSelf-hosted7.0Free plan - 25
IVPN
IVPN is a paid VPN service with apps and access for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
AndroidiOSWebWindows6.8
Choosing well
Check Android and other clients
Confirm Android support when phone access matters, then check whether the service also covers iOS, Windows, macOS, or Linux. Aruba VIA lists clients for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
A self-hosted deployment may suit a different setup from a desktop or mobile client, so match the platform list to the devices and servers you need to connect.
Compare free and paid access
A free plan can help you start without a subscription, while a free trial gives you time to assess a paid service. Check the listing for its pricing model and whether a free plan is stated.
For paid products, look for a published starting price or note that pricing is available on request.
Match the VPN job
Remote access VPN connects users to private resources. Site-to-site VPN links networks, so check which use case the product supports before choosing.
Products such as Check Point Endpoint Security VPN, Citrix Gateway, and Barracuda CloudGen Firewall represent different enterprise-oriented approaches, so review their stated access capabilities.
Review protocols and sessions
Supported VPN protocols affect compatibility with your network and clients. Compare the protocol list with the equipment or software you already use.
Concurrent-session limits matter when several devices or users connect at once. Check this field alongside the plan or licence terms.
Consider deployment and source
Deployment model shows whether a tool is delivered as a service, installed on your infrastructure, or run as a self-hosted system. Choose the model your team can operate.
Open-source code is available from projects such as Algo VPN. If you need to read or change the code, check its licence and maintenance details.
Questions people ask
Do these VPN tools have Android apps?
Android support varies. Check the client-platform details for the product; Aruba VIA, for example, lists Android support.
Can I use a free VPN plan?
A free plan is offered by products in this category, while other products are paid or offer freemium access. Check the individual listing.
What is a site-to-site VPN?
It links separate networks over a VPN connection, rather than connecting just one user device to a private network.
What does self-hosted VPN mean?
Self-hosted means you run the VPN software on infrastructure you manage instead of relying entirely on a vendor-hosted service.
Why compare VPN protocols?
Protocols determine how clients and gateways establish the VPN connection. Compare supported protocols with your existing network and devices.