Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a VPN Server (WireGuard & OpenVPN)

Running your own raspberry pi vpn server is one of the most practical projects you can build. Instead of trusting third-party VPN providers with your data, you control everything—the server, the encryption, and who gets access.

I’ve been running a wireguard raspberry pi setup for over two years now. It handles secure access to my home network, lets me use my own internet connection while traveling, and protects my traffic on public WiFi. The whole thing runs 24/7 on a $35 computer drawing less power than a light bulb.

This guide covers both WireGuard and OpenVPN, helping you choose the right protocol and set up your own Raspberry Pi VPN server from scratch.

Why Run Your Own VPN Server?

Before diving into setup, let’s understand why a raspberry pi vpn makes sense.

Benefits of Self-Hosted VPN

Benefit	Explanation
Privacy	Your data never touches third-party servers
Remote Access	Reach your home network from anywhere
No Subscriptions	One-time hardware cost, no monthly fees
Full Control	You decide encryption, logging, and access
Secure Public WiFi	Browse safely on untrusted networks
Bypass Geo-Restrictions	Access content through your home IP

Commercial VPN services promise privacy, but you’re still trusting their infrastructure. With your own server, trust is eliminated—you know exactly what’s happening with your data.

Common Use Cases

Use Case	Description
Remote Home Access	Access files, cameras, and smart home devices from anywhere
Secure Browsing	Encrypt traffic on hotel, airport, or coffee shop WiFi
IoT Security	Manage smart devices without exposing them to the internet
Small Business	Provide employees secure remote access without enterprise costs
Development	Test applications against your home network environment

WireGuard vs OpenVPN: Which Should You Choose?

The two leading VPN protocols each have distinct advantages.

Protocol Comparison

Feature	WireGuard	OpenVPN
First Release	2016	2001
Codebase	~4,000 lines	~70,000+ lines
Connection Speed	Under 100ms	Several seconds
Throughput (Pi 4)	~400 Mbps	~40-80 Mbps
CPU Usage	Very low (8-15%)	High (45-60%)
Battery Impact (mobile)	Minimal	Significant
Protocol	UDP only	UDP or TCP
Configuration	Simple	Complex
Firewall Bypass	Limited	Excellent (TCP/443)

Performance Benchmarks on Raspberry Pi

Real-world testing reveals dramatic differences:

Metric	WireGuard	OpenVPN
Download Speed (Pi 4)	350-400 Mbps	40-80 Mbps
Upload Speed (Pi 4)	350-400 Mbps	35-70 Mbps
Latency Overhead	+1-3ms	+8-12ms
Connection Time	<100ms	2-10 seconds
Pi 4 CPU Usage	10-15%	25-60%

When to Choose WireGuard

WireGuard is the better choice for most raspberry pi vpn deployments:

• Maximum speed and minimum latency
• Mobile devices (better battery life, faster roaming)
• Gaming or real-time applications
• Resource-constrained hardware
• Simpler configuration and maintenance

When to Choose OpenVPN

OpenVPN still makes sense in specific scenarios:

• Need to bypass restrictive firewalls (TCP over port 443)
• Require FIPS compliance or specific regulatory requirements
• Legacy client compatibility requirements
• Need TCP fallback for unreliable networks
• Existing OpenVPN infrastructure

My recommendation: For new wireguard raspberry pi installations, choose WireGuard unless you have specific requirements that demand OpenVPN.

Hardware Requirements

Your Raspberry Pi model affects VPN performance significantly.

Raspberry Pi Model Comparison for VPN

Pi Model	WireGuard Speed	OpenVPN Speed	Recommended
Pi 5 (8GB)	500+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	Best option
Pi 5 (4GB)	500+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	Excellent
Pi 4 (4GB)	350-400 Mbps	40-80 Mbps	Great value
Pi 4 (2GB)	350-400 Mbps	40-80 Mbps	Sufficient
Pi 3 B+	100-150 Mbps	25-40 Mbps	Basic use
Pi Zero 2 W	50-80 Mbps	15-25 Mbps	Minimal

Complete Hardware List

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Raspberry Pi	Pi 3 B+	Pi 4 (4GB) or Pi 5
Storage	8GB microSD	32GB+ high-endurance SD or SSD
Power Supply	5V/2.5A (Pi 3)	Official 5V/3A (Pi 4/5)
Network	WiFi	Gigabit Ethernet
Case	Any	Heatsink case for 24/7 operation

Important: Use wired Ethernet for your VPN server. WiFi introduces latency and reduces reliability for always-on services.

Prerequisites and Preparation

Before installing, complete these preparation steps.

Network Requirements

Requirement	Details
Static IP (internal)	Assign fixed IP to your Pi via DHCP reservation or static config
Port Forwarding	Forward UDP 51820 (WireGuard) or UDP 1194 (OpenVPN) to your Pi
Public IP or DDNS	Know your public IP or set up dynamic DNS (DuckDNS, No-IP)

System Preparation

Start with a fresh Raspberry Pi OS installation:

sudo apt update

sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Verify your Pi has a static IP address. Check your router’s DHCP reservation settings or configure manually.

Installing WireGuard with PiVPN

PiVPN dramatically simplifies wireguard raspberry pi setup. It handles installation, configuration, and client management through a simple interface.

Step 1: Run PiVPN Installer

curl -L https://install.pivpn.io | bash

The installer launches an interactive configuration wizard.

Step 2: Configure Static IP

The wizard confirms your IP settings. If using DHCP reservation on your router, select “Yes” to continue with current settings.

Step 3: Choose Local User

Select the user account for VPN configuration storage. The default “pi” user works fine for most installations.

Step 4: Select WireGuard

When prompted to choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN, select WireGuard.

Step 5: Configure Port

Accept the default port 51820 or choose a custom port. Remember this port for router configuration.

Step 6: Select DNS Provider

Choose a DNS provider for VPN clients:

Provider	Notes
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)	Fast, purges logs every 24 hours
Google (8.8.8.8)	Reliable, widely used
Quad9 (9.9.9.9)	Blocks known malicious domains
Pi-hole	Use if running Pi-hole on same network
Custom	Enter your own DNS server

Step 7: Public IP or DNS

Choose how clients will connect:

• Public IP: Use if you have a static public IP
• DNS Entry: Use with dynamic DNS services like DuckDNS

Step 8: Generate Keys and Complete

PiVPN generates server keys and completes the installation. Reboot when prompted.

Creating VPN Client Profiles

With the server running, create profiles for each device.

Add New Client

pivpn add

Enter a name for the client (e.g., “phone”, “laptop”, “tablet”). PiVPN generates a configuration file.

Transfer Configuration to Devices

Method 1: QR Code (Mobile)

pivpn -qr clientname

Scan the QR code with the WireGuard mobile app.

Method 2: Config File (Desktop)

Configuration files are stored in /home/pi/configs/. Transfer via SCP:

scp pi@your-pi-ip:~/configs/clientname.conf ./

Client Apps

Platform	App
iOS	WireGuard (App Store)
Android	WireGuard (Play Store)
Windows	WireGuard for Windows
macOS	WireGuard for macOS
Linux	wireguard-tools package

Installing OpenVPN with PiVPN

If you need OpenVPN instead, PiVPN supports both protocols.

OpenVPN Installation

Run the same installer:

curl -L https://install.pivpn.io | bash

When prompted, select OpenVPN instead of WireGuard.

OpenVPN-Specific Configuration

Setting	Recommendation
Port	1194 (default) or 443 for firewall bypass
Protocol	UDP for speed, TCP for reliability
Encryption	AES-256-GCM
Key Size	4096-bit

Creating OpenVPN Profiles

pivpn add

The process is identical to WireGuard. Profiles use .ovpn extension.

Router Configuration: Port Forwarding

Your router must forward VPN traffic to the Raspberry Pi.

Port Forwarding Settings

Protocol	Port	Destination
WireGuard	UDP 51820	Pi’s internal IP
OpenVPN	UDP 1194	Pi’s internal IP

Access your router’s administration interface (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and find the port forwarding section. Create a rule forwarding the appropriate port to your Pi.

Dynamic DNS Setup

If your ISP assigns dynamic public IPs, set up DDNS:

1. Create account at DuckDNS, No-IP, or similar service
2. Choose a subdomain (e.g., myhomevpn.duckdns.org)
3. Install update script on your Pi
4. Use the domain name in client configurations

Split Tunnel vs Full Tunnel

Understanding tunnel types helps optimize your VPN usage.

Tunnel Types Explained

Type	Traffic Routed	Best For
Full Tunnel	All traffic through VPN	Maximum privacy, public WiFi
Split Tunnel	Only home network traffic	Remote access, better speed

Configuring Split Tunnel (WireGuard)

Edit the client configuration file:

# Full tunnel (default)

AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0

# Split tunnel (home network only)

AllowedIPs = 192.168.1.0/24, 10.6.0.0/24

Change 192.168.1.0/24 to match your home network subnet. Add the VPN subnet (default 10.6.0.0/24) if clients need to communicate with each other.

Security Best Practices

Protect your raspberry pi vpn with proper security measures.

Essential Security Steps

Step	Command/Action
Keep system updated	sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Enable firewall	sudo ufw allow 51820/udp && sudo ufw enable
Disable password SSH	Use key-based authentication only
Enable fail2ban	Protects against brute force
Regular backups	pivpn -bk creates config backup

Firewall Configuration

sudo ufw allow 22/tcp      # SSH

sudo ufw allow 51820/udp   # WireGuard

sudo ufw enable

PiVPN Management Commands

PiVPN provides simple commands for ongoing management.

Common Commands

Command	Function
pivpn add	Create new client profile
pivpn -c	Show connected clients
pivpn -l	List all client profiles
pivpn -qr clientname	Generate QR code for mobile
pivpn revoke	Remove client access
pivpn -d	Debug/diagnose issues
pivpn -bk	Backup configuration
pivpn -u	Uninstall PiVPN

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

Issue	Solution
Can’t connect from outside	Verify port forwarding, check public IP
Connected but no internet	Check DNS settings, verify routing
Slow speeds	Use Ethernet, check Pi resources
Frequent disconnections	Add PersistentKeepalive to config
QR code not scanning	Try pivpn -qr -a256 for better format

Diagnostic Steps

# Check WireGuard status

sudo wg show

# View active connections

pivpn -c

# Run PiVPN diagnostics

pivpn -d

# Check service status

sudo systemctl status wg-quick@wg0

Advanced Configuration: Pi-hole Integration

Combine your VPN with Pi-hole for network-wide ad blocking.

If Pi-hole is installed on the same Pi or network, PiVPN can detect it during installation. Otherwise, configure manually:

1. Note your Pi-hole’s IP address
2. During PiVPN setup, choose “Custom” DNS
3. Enter your Pi-hole IP as the DNS server

Now all VPN traffic gets filtered through Pi-hole, blocking ads and trackers even when you’re away from home.

Useful Resources

Official Downloads and Documentation

Resource	URL
PiVPN Project	pivpn.io
PiVPN Documentation	docs.pivpn.io
WireGuard Official	wireguard.com
WireGuard Apps	wireguard.com/install
OpenVPN	openvpn.net

Dynamic DNS Services

Service	URL
DuckDNS	duckdns.org
No-IP	noip.com
Dynu	dynu.com

Community Support

Platform	URL
PiVPN GitHub	github.com/pivpn/pivpn
Reddit r/raspberry_pi	reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi
Raspberry Pi Forums	forums.raspberrypi.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is a Raspberry Pi VPN server?

Speed depends on your Pi model and chosen protocol. A wireguard raspberry pi setup on Pi 4 achieves 350-400 Mbps—fast enough to saturate most home internet connections. OpenVPN is significantly slower at 40-80 Mbps on the same hardware. The Pi 5 pushes these numbers even higher. For most users, the Pi’s VPN throughput exceeds their internet speed, making it a non-issue.

Is running my own VPN legal?

Running a personal VPN server is completely legal in most countries. You’re simply encrypting your own traffic and routing it through your home network. However, what you do through the VPN must still comply with local laws. Some countries restrict VPN usage entirely—check local regulations if you’re unsure.

Can I access my VPN from anywhere in the world?

Yes, as long as you have internet connectivity and your home network is online. Configure port forwarding on your router, use a static IP or dynamic DNS service, and you can connect from anywhere. Some countries and networks block VPN protocols—in those cases, OpenVPN over TCP port 443 may help bypass restrictions.

How much does it cost to run a Raspberry Pi VPN 24/7?

A Raspberry Pi 4 draws about 3-4 watts at idle with VPN services running. At typical electricity rates ($0.12/kWh), that’s roughly $3-4 per year in electricity costs. Add the one-time hardware cost of $50-100 for the Pi and accessories, and you have an extremely cost-effective VPN solution compared to $5-15/month commercial services.

Should I use WireGuard or OpenVPN for my first VPN server?

For new installations, choose WireGuard. It’s faster (3-10x throughput), uses less CPU, connects almost instantly, and is simpler to configure. OpenVPN makes sense only if you need TCP transport to bypass restrictive firewalls, have existing OpenVPN infrastructure, or require specific compliance features. WireGuard has matured significantly since its Linux kernel inclusion in 2020 and is now the recommended choice.

Conclusion

Building a raspberry pi vpn server puts you in control of your online privacy. Whether you choose wireguard raspberry pi for maximum performance or OpenVPN for specific compatibility needs, PiVPN makes the setup straightforward.

The investment is minimal—a $35-55 Raspberry Pi, a few hours of setup time, and you have a secure gateway to your home network from anywhere in the world. No subscriptions, no trusting third parties with your data, and no compromises on speed.

Start with WireGuard using PiVPN, set up port forwarding, and create your first client profile. Within an hour, you’ll have secure remote access that rivals enterprise VPN solutions at a fraction of the cost.

Your home network, accessible from anywhere, protected by encryption you control.