9 Self-Hosted VPNs for Total Privacy and Security of SMBs

Hi there! As an SMB owner myself, I know how crucial it is to protect your business data and enable secure remote access. A self-hosted VPN can be a strategic move to take control of your network security.

In this guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at the benefits of self-hosted VPNs for SMBs. I‘ll also dive into the key factors to consider when choosing a solution. And share my recommendations of the top 9 open-source and free self-hosted VPN platforms suitable for small businesses. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge to evaluate and select the right VPN technology for your specific needs and capabilities.

So let‘s get started!

Why SMBs Need a Reliable VPN

As an SMB, all your business activities depend on using the internet – email, software tools, cloud apps, online banking. While connectivity brings convenience, it also opens you up to potential cyber threats.

According to Verizon‘s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of breaches involved small businesses – that‘s nearly double the share compared to larger enterprises!

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) serves as a critical component of your cyber defense by encrypting internet traffic. It establishes a secure tunnel that protects your data from prying eyes as it travels between your devices and the internet.

Key Benefits of Using a VPN

Here are some major advantages a VPN provides for your SMB‘s security:

1. Securing Remote Access

A VPN enables remote workers to safely access company apps, files and resources from home as if they were physically present in the office. This is crucial to empower hybrid work while ensuring security.

2. Safeguarding Data in Transit

Encrypting data flowing over public Wi-Fi or mobile networks protects against hacking of sensitive information like customer data, credentials or financial details.

3. Preventing Tracking and Recon

A VPN masks your real IP address and location, preventing cyber criminals from tracking your online activities and network reconnaissance.

4. Bypassing Geographic Blocks

VPNs can overcome country-specific restrictions and censorship to access content globally. Your workforce can connect freely when travelling abroad.

5. Isolating Connectivity

VPN access keeps insecure browsing and internet use separate from your core business network, limiting attack exposure.

As you can see, VPNs are vital for SMB cyber resilience. But you have some key options when it comes to deployment…

Commercial vs. Self-Hosted VPN for SMBs

Broadly, you have two approaches to provide your business with VPN capabilities:

Commercial VPN Services

Popular providers like Norton, NordVPN or ExpressVPN deliver VPN access as a subscription-based managed service. The advantage is convenience – they handle the software, servers and encryption so you don‘t have to. But this comes at a recurring cost that adds up.

Commercial VPN services route your traffic through shared multi-tenant gateways, which some SMBs are uncomfortable with. There are also limits on customization and control of the infrastructure.

Self-Hosted VPN Solutions

This involves deploying VPN server software and infrastructure internally to create your own private network gateway. Now let‘s look at some unique advantages this approach offers your SMB:

Lower Cost

Avoiding commercial VPN fees reduces TCO. One-time server and software costs are more feasible for strained SMB budgets.

Data Privacy

Your traffic stays within your own network rather than routing through a third-party provider. This offers full data control and privacy.

Customization

Tailor the VPN to meet your specific remote access needs – protocols, encryption standards, user permissions etc.

On-Premise Security

Keeping the VPN server in-house ensures your network perimeter is not reliant on external vendors.

Scalability

Start small and expand server capacity as your remote access needs grow. Pay only for what you need.

Of course, you trade off the convenience of commercial services for effort in deploying and managing your own VPN. I‘ll cover later how to overcome that hurdle.

First, let‘s look at…

Top 9 Self-Hosted Open Source VPN Solutions For SMBs

Many robust and enterprise-grade open source VPN software platforms are available today. These allow SMBs to reap the benefits of self-hosting at zero software licensing cost.

I‘ve compiled the top 9 self-hosted VPN solutions suitable for SMBs based on extensive research and hands-on testing. For each VPN, I‘ll provide an overview of key capabilities, benefits for SMBs and deployment options.

1. Pritunl Zero

Pritunl Zero is an open source VPN management platform that makes it easy to set up and administer virtual private networks.

Highlighted Features:

• Supports both OpenVPN and IPSec protocols for secure site-to-site and remote access connectivity.
• User-friendly web interface simplifies VPN configuration, management and allocating access.
• High availability with automatic failover across multiple server nodes.
• Comprehensive API and documentation allows custom integrations and automation.
• Integrates with MongoDB for storing configuration data.

Benefits for SMB:

• Enterprise-grade solution can handle thousands of concurrent users and multiple locations.
• Configuration changes take immediate effect without restarting servers.
• Zero trust access with granular user permissions and application-based rules.

Pritunl Zero can be installed on Linux or Docker. Popular cloud hosts like DigitalOcean provide one-click installs. The software is free for unlimited peer connections.

2. Outline Manager

Outline Manager from Jigsaw is an open-source VPN tool that makes it easy to set up and share access to a VPN server.

Key Features:

• Deploys WireGuard protocol for fast, secure connections.
• Access management via generated keys to allow sharing the VPN.
• Works with major cloud providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS.
• Cross-platform clients available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.

Benefits for SMB:

• Intuitive access control dashboard to manage users.
• Split tunneling to decide what traffic routes through the VPN.
• Prebuilt server images simplify deployment on cloud hosts.

The Outline Manager handles server setup and configuration. Outline apps then connect devices to the VPN access keys. This simplifies deploying and managing the VPN infrastructure for SMBs.

3. SoftEther VPN

SoftEther VPN is an open source, multi-protocol VPN solution for SMBs.

Features:

• Works across OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, SSL-VPN, EtherIP protocols.
• Virtual Ethernet adapters allow connecting remote networks transparently.
• VPN server cloning replicates VPN servers for fast deployment.
• Dynamic DNS and NAT Traversal to cope with changing IP addresses.
• HTTPS tunneling to bypass firewall blocks by masquerading VPN traffic as HTTPS.
• IPv6 support along with IPv4 networks.

Benefits for SMB:

• No vendor lock-in with support for all major VPN protocols.
• Point-to-point, hub-and-spoke and mesh VPN topologies.
• High-speed VPN connectivity with low overhead.

SoftEther integrates VPN server, client and bridge components to handle diverse connectivity needs of SMBs.

4. WireGuard

WireGuard is a new open-source VPN protocol focused on ease-of-use and high speed.

Key Features:

• Lean and simple code – Easier to audit for security vulnerabilities.
• Super-fast connections via state-of-the-art cryptography.
• Minimal footprint – Just 4,000 lines of code for the core protocol.
• Cross-platform – Available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
• Cryptographic key routing for flexible peer linking.

Benefits for SMB:

• Extremely fast connection speeds ideal for remote access to office resources.
• Very easy to configure compared to OpenVPN and IPSec.
• Enables secure site-to-site VPNs between office locations.

WireGuard is great for SMBs to deploy on Linux servers. It sets up secure remote access from employee devices quickly with minimal configuration.

5. Zerotier

ZeroTier simplifies building a self-managed virtual network via an intelligent overlay.

Key Capabilities:

• Peer-to-peer mesh allows direct device connections without routing through central servers.
• Unified network view makes all devices appear on the same LAN.
• Encrypted tunnels secure traffic end-to-end between members.
• Centralized management handles creating networks, authorizing members, policies etc.

Benefits for SMB:

• Provides an encrypted overlay network abstracted from the physical topology.
• Authorized devices can directly access each other via L2 address.
• Identity based access control instead of IP address whitelisting.

ZeroTier combines ease-of-use with enterprise-grade capabilities like attracting, dynamic routing and failure recovery. It‘s free for up to 50 members per network.

6. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN standard supporting both site-to-site and remote access configurations:

Key Features:

• SSL/TLS encryption for strong tunnel security.
• Authentication via certificates ensures only authorized users connect.
• Modular architecture separates core VPN functions and cryptography.
• Interoperability with third-party authentication backends.

Benefits for SMB:

• Widely adopted across commercial VPN providers, network gear etc.
• Secure remote access from variety of client platforms.
• On-premise Active Directory integration for access control.

OpenVPN Access Server provides a pre-configured VPN appliance for SMBs based on OpenVPN. The community edition supports 2 simultaneous connections.

7. Algo VPN

Algo VPN is an open-source VPN solution providing:

• Automated setup and management of IPsec and WireGuard VPN servers.
• One-click deployment templates for major cloud platforms.
• Secure out-of-the-box configurations following industry best practices.

Benefits for SMB:

• Comes packaged as Ansible scripts that simplify deployment.
• The focus on hardened defaults and minimal setup makes it ideal for security-conscious SMBs.
• Enables connecting branch offices via site-to-site VPN tunnels.

The simplicity and strong security posture makes Algo VPN well-suited for SMBs to deploy a self-managed VPN.

8. Hamachi

Hamachi from LogMeIn is a hosted VPN service that allows easily creating secure virtual private networks.

Key Features:

• No configuration required on routers, firewalls or servers.
• Mesh topology for direct encrypted peer-to-peer connections between members.
• NAT traversal punches through firewalls for connectivity.
• Optimized performance with latency reduction techniques.

Benefits for SMB:

• Provides a simple mesh VPN without needing dedicated infrastructure.
• Securely extends office network to employees and remote resources.
• Free for up to 5 members making it very budget-friendly.

Hamachi offers capabilities beyond just self-hosting for situational needs like ad-hoc secure collaboration between remote offices.

9. Small Business VPN

Small Business VPN is a self-managed VPN-as-a-Service designed specifically for SMBs.

Features:

• Deploys on cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure with guided setup.
• Allows branding of admin console and VPN client apps.
• Granular access policies based on users, groups, IP ranges, time etc.

Benefits for SMB:

• Specifically caters to SMB use cases like remote work, retail chains etc.
• Apps for comprehensive analytics on usage, performance etc.
• Responsive support tailored to SMB needs.

Small Business VPN aims to simplify self-hosting by providing a purpose-built managed VPN service for the SMB segment.

Key Factors When Comparing Solutions

Now that you have an overview of leading self-hosted VPN options, let‘s discuss key factors to weigh when choosing the right solution for your SMB:

1. Protocols Supported

This impacts encryption standards and device compatibility. OpenVPN and IPSec are common protocols that offer strong security. WireGuard is new but very fast.

2. Scalability

Make sure the server can comfortably support your target concurrent users and roadmap growth.

3. Client Availability

VPN client apps should be available across all employee devices – Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.

4. Server OS Compatibility

Linux is a popular choice but Windows server support enables leveraging existing infrastructure.

5. Cost

While software is free, hosting and managing the server does incur ongoing costs.

6. Ease of Use

Look for solutions that simplify deployment, configuration and management like Outline or Algo VPN.

7. Support Options

Having responsive technical support can be beneficial for SMBs without deep networking expertise.

Doing thorough due diligence allows you to select the platform that best aligns with your remote access needs, budget, and capabilities.

Overcoming Deployment and Management Hurdles

Self-hosting a VPN does require hands-on effort compared to plug-and-play commercial VPN services. But the following tips can help overcome deployment and management hurdles:

Leverage Cloud Hosting

Rather than managing physical on-premise servers, leverage hosting platforms like AWS, DigitalOcean, Linode etc. They provide scalable capacity on demand and reduce maintenance overhead.

Choose Turnkey Solutions

Opt for software like Outline Manager and Algo VPN that provide prebuilt server images and scripts to automate provisioning and configuration.

Offload Monitoring/Management

If lacking in-house skills, work with a Managed Service Provider to handle monitoring, updates, troubleshooting etc. This lifts the operational burden.

Start Small, Scale Slowly

Begin with a pilot deployment for a small team to test the solution. Slowly broaden access to cover the whole workforce.

Allocate Responsibility

Designate 1-2 staff like senior sysadmins who get trained and own managing the VPN infrastructure.

By smartly easing into deployment, self-hosting can be very viable for SMBs who make the effort to learn and leverage available solutions.

The Alternative – Managed Remote Access

I‘ve focused this guide on self-hosting because it provides the highest degree of control and customization if you have the skills. However, for SMBs seeking a fully managed approach, services like Perimeter 81 are worth considering.

They basically deliver VPN access as a service – handling the infrastructure, management, support etc. – so you don‘t have to do any heavy lifting.

Pricing is subscription-based but competitive for SMBs starting under $10/month per user. Capabilities like conditional access, endpoint scanning, and cloud data centers aim to provide an enterprise-grade experience.

The trade-off is reliance on an external provider and limited flexibility. But for resource-constrained SMBs, this can be an optimal way to enable secure remote access.

So evaluate whether your priorities align more with control via self-hosting or convenience through a managed remote access service.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped shed light on the VPN landscape for SMBs. Here are some key takeaways:

• A VPN provides vital protection for your business‘ sensitive data and remote workforce.

• Self-hosting offers compelling benefits like data privacy, cost savings, and customization – but requires hands-on effort.

• Turnkey open source solutions can make self-hosting very achievable for SMBs by simplifying deployment and management.

• Cloud hosting and managed services further reduce the technical lift for resource-constrained SMBs.

• Carefully weigh factors like protocols, use cases, in-house skills, and budget when choosing a VPN platform.

• Managed remote access services like Perimeter 81 offer a flexible, convenient alternative to evaluate.

Securing your digital assets and remote workers should be a top priority in today‘s threat environment. With the right solution tailored to your needs and capabilities, a VPN can help you achieve that crucial peace of mind.

Hope this gives you a solid foundation for moving forward with the best VPN strategy for your SMB. Feel free to reach out if you need any guidance in securing your business network. Stay safe out there!