Open Source VPN Projects
A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection across an untrusted network, helping protect traffic from local eavesdropping and connect users to private resources remotely. VPNs can link individual devices, entire networks, or peers in a distributed mesh. They are useful for safer access on public Wi-Fi and for reaching services that should not be exposed directly to the internet, though a VPN alone does not guarantee anonymity or security at every endpoint.
Open source VPN tools include client apps, server software, configuration utilities, and systems for managing access or connecting many devices. When choosing one, consider its security model and supported protocols, platform and network requirements, license, maintenance activity, documentation, and integration with existing identity or infrastructure systems. These tools can serve individuals seeking control over their connections, as well as administrators and teams building private networks.
7 repositories · updated October 3, 2026
Start-Technologies: Monorepo for StartOS and Self-Hosting Solutions
Start-Technologies is the comprehensive monorepo by Start9Labs, featuring StartOS as its flagship product. This open-source Linux distribution enables users to run personal servers, facilitating the self-hosting of various services for enhanced data ownership and privacy. It integrates a robust Rust backend, an Angular frontend, and a unique diff-based database for reactive state synchronization.
mullvadvpn-app: Secure VPN Client for Desktop and Mobile
Mullvad VPN’s client app connects desktop and mobile devices to its VPN service, with a Rust daemon and platform-specific frontends. It suits users who want privacy-focused tunneling and controls across major platforms.
Tailscale: Secure and Easy WireGuard-based VPN with 2FA and SSO
Tailscale offers a simple and secure way to build private networks using WireGuard, integrating 2FA and SSO for enhanced access control. This open-source repository contains the core `tailscaled` daemon and `tailscale` CLI tool, enabling cross-platform secure connectivity. It simplifies network configuration, making secure remote access and device communication effortless.
Defguard: Zero-Trust Access Management with WireGuard 2FA/MFA
Defguard is an open-source, enterprise-grade VPN solution built with Rust, offering zero-trust access management. It uniquely provides multi-factor authentication for WireGuard VPN connections, integrating with various SSO providers or its built-in SSO. This platform aims to simplify the secure management of complex VPN networks with advanced features like ACLs, YubiKey provisioning, and real-time client synchronization.
Wiredoor: Self-Hosted Ingress-as-a-Service with WireGuard and NGINX
Wiredoor is an open-source, self-hosted ingress-as-a-service platform designed to securely expose applications and services from private or local networks to the internet. It leverages WireGuard for high-performance VPN tunnels and NGINX for robust reverse proxying, offering developers and teams full control over their ingress without relying on public cloud solutions.
Netmaker: Automating Secure WireGuard VPNs for Any Environment
Netmaker simplifies the creation and management of secure virtual networks using WireGuard. It automates fast, distributed, and encrypted connections across various environments, from homelabs to enterprise infrastructure. This powerful tool streamlines network deployment for remote access, site-to-site, and mesh VPN configurations.
Nebula: A Scalable, Secure, and Simple Overlay Networking Tool
Nebula is an advanced overlay networking tool developed by Slackhq, designed for performance, simplicity, and robust security. It enables seamless, mutually authenticated peer-to-peer connections across diverse platforms, from desktops to mobile devices, connecting tens of thousands of computers globally.