Do I Need a VPN For My Raspberry Pi? Everything You Should Know

The Raspberry Pi device has full computer functionality at the size of a mere credit card. Beyond its ever-popular use of building streaming media centers, Raspberry Pi can also be used to fully replace your desktop PC and create retro gaming machines, among other ideas.

This article discusses how to generally use a virtual private network (VPN) with Raspberry Pi, VPN recommendations for your device, and more. Keep reading below to learn how to protect the smallest PC in your home.

How to use a VPN with Raspberry Pi

You will need to select a VPN service that supports a Linux client program. Your VPN Linux client is the software program that will run on your Raspberry Pi and is key for setting up your device with your VPN on your home network. The VPN client will establish a secure tunnel with the VPN server to keep your data encrypted and secure.

The installation of your Raspberry Pi VPN could vary since each provider differs from one another. Here’s a general step-by-step guide to set up your Raspberry Pi VPN:

1. Choose your preferred VPN service, get a subscription, and log in to your account.
2. Locate and download the VPN Linux client from the browser or terminal.
3. Set up your client by using the terminal and ensure you have the latest version.
4. Reboot your device.
5. Login to your VPN program.
6. Review your VPN provider’s website to see if you need to configure any settings for the Raspberry Pi and enable or disable various required features, such as the DNS provider, UDP protocol, or noting whether your router uses a DHCP reservation.
7. Follow your VPN’s terminal instructions to connect to your VPN’s server.
8. Review any additional features and test your connection.

Build your own VPN on Raspberry Pi

Whether you choose a commercial VPN service or prefer to build on your own, a secure VPN connection prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your activity and online websites from tracking your IP address, or your true location. If you are a bit more tech-savvy, you may want to build your own Raspberry Pi VPN server.

Building your own server is an energy-efficient option, especially if you are running a media center or personal computer for a large part of the day. Keep in mind that there are pros and cons of running your own Raspberry Pi VPN server separate from a commercial VPN service.

Pros

• You can use the Raspbian free operating system in combination with a compatible, low-cost VPN software such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• You may want to track your own internet activity separately from other users also using the provider’s VPN service.
• Managing your own VPN connection is a great opportunity to learn how VPNs work.

Cons

• Unlike setting up your VPN locally, a commercial VPN service will give you access to thousands of servers located throughout the world, making it easier for you to discover geo-blocked content on a streaming service like Netflix.
• Open-source software is a cost-effective option, but it could also be misused by cybercriminals who aim to invade your privacy or by companies that attempt to sell your information to third-party vendors. Check website reviews and whether the open-source software has undergone third-party audits.
• A paid VPN software program typically comes with phone and web customer support options, so there is less of a burden on you to figure out any connectivity issues.

OpenVPN and WireGuard are popular options for setting up your Raspberry Pi VPN. We have summarized some helpful information about both OpenVPN and Wireguard for you below.

OpenVPN

The OpenVPN configuration is compatible with the Linux operating system, which makes it seamless to use with Raspberry Pi. We recommend this software if you have privacy or security concerns. Your information is never logged, according to its no-logging policy. 

Moreover, OpenVPN uses diskless servers throughout the global network that do not have the ability to store your information.

For security, the OpenVPN client uses strong AES-256 encryption and a seven-layer security model that addresses physical security, such as routers, and application security, such as browser extensions.

OpenVPN accepts cash payments, so you can feel confident in remaining a fully anonymous customer. You can also pay for your VPN service with somewhat less anonymous payment methods such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Monero cryptocurrencies.

In 2020, the organization implemented WireGuard support technology into its software protocol, which significantly increased the connection speeds.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a protocol designed primarily for the Linux operating system that uses cryptography to secure your connection to the server. The built-in code aids in cryptokey routing, which uses unique keys to verify its identity. The cryptographic structures make the VPN encryption extra secure when it comes to potential cyberattacks.

Additionally, WireGuard’s speed tested more than 1,000 Mbps, which makes WireGuard VPNs some of the fastest around. And, with most of us using our mobiles, we want a fast and reliable service that can quickly switch from a Wi-Fi connection to mobile data without losing the connection.

More information about Wireguard’s open-source software can be found in its whitepaper.

Why you should use a VPN with Raspberry Pi

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and provide a secure internet connection that will protect your privacy. Cybercriminals can exploit an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. They could possibly redirect your internet traffic to a malicious server aimed at collecting your data or installing malware on your devices. 

Without using a dependable VPN, you could be exposing data such as your passwords or browser history to individuals on the same network.

Another reason you may want to set up a Raspberry Pi VPN is to bypass internet censorship, primarily when it comes to watching content that may be restricted by your physical location. You may have built your home media center to stream your favorite content, and a VPN can unlock that content by changing your device’s location online.

Finally, you might want to consider using a VPN to improve your overall internet speeds. Many internet service providers are allowed to enact ISP throttling on your internet service to regulate the flow of internet traffic. Using a VPN can bypass ISP throttling efforts and provide a secure gateway along with the ideal speed for your connection.

Best VPNs

Regardless of how you set up your Raspberry Pi, there are a few top VPN services we recommend. The following selections have a built-in WireGuard feature, which allows them to enable high speeds. 

NordVPN

5.0

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On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 72% off + 3 free months

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

NordVPN is a popular VPN service that modified WireGuard’s software to create NordLynx, a protocol offering you high connection speeds on the Linux operating system. The VPN application offers strong encryption, audit verification of its no-logging policy, a kill switch, and 6,800+ servers in 111 countries.

Additionally, NordVPN has apps for multiple other types of devices. This includes a Linux app as well as Android, iOS, and Smart TV apps.

Surfshark

4.8

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On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

BLACK FRIDAY: Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra

• All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
• Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
• One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Surfshark also offers strong standard encryption, a verified no-logging policy, and servers implemented with ram-only technology. The application also comes with a few unique benefits to you, such as split tunneling and camouflage mode.

Split tunneling is called “Bypasser'' on the Surfshark app, and this feature allows you to exclude domains and apps from VPN traffic as you see fit. The Camouflage mode is another added benefit that lets you hide the fact that you are even using a VPN. This mode adds an extra layer of security by hiding your traffic from those who may want to monitor your online activity. 

Mullvad

4.3

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On Mullvad's website

VPN

Mullvad

• Anonymity features, such as cash payments and no email required
• Never-changing price of about $5 per month

Mullvad is a unique service that offers file configuration support for both OpenVPN and WireGuard technology. The encryption is rooted in either standard AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, based on the protocol you select, respectively. Our testing discovered that Mullvad VPN further blocks ads and malware, has a no-logs policy, and offers more than 600 servers throughout 45 countries.

FAQs

Bottom line

Whether you decide to build your own Raspberry Pi VPN or use a commercial VPN service, you are taking the right steps in getting protection with your VPN. Since the device is small, you can conveniently use your Raspberry Pi anywhere in the world to connect to the internet. 

With questionable and unreliable Wi-Fi services, you don’t want to fall prey to hackers trying to gain internet access through your unsecured Wi-Fi network. Choosing and installing the right VPN service can provide peace of mind, no matter where you are.

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

BLACK FRIDAY: Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra

• All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
• Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
• One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Author Details

Robin Moore

About the Author

Robin Moore is a freelance writer and editor specializing in blockchain technology, including wallet security and data privacy. She is the current Managing Editor for Watcher.Guru, a startup blockchain and finance news publication with 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Robin has also been the lead content editor with Genfinity.IO, another startup blockchain research publication. Before entering the Web3 space, she was a business analyst within the oil and gas industry. When she is not offering advice on the best ways to protect data privacy, she is hiking, doing yoga, or networking with her Web3 family on crypto-Twitter.