What is a home VPN server, and how do you set it up? 3 simple methods

What is a home VPN server?

A home VPN server lets you connect to your home network securely from anywhere in the world. Instead of routing your internet traffic through a third-party provider, you connect to your own network first — encrypting data between your device and your home network and making it appear as if you're browsing from home.

Think of it as building your own private gateway. Whether you're on hotel Wi-Fi or using mobile data in another country, a home VPN server allows you to safely access local files and home devices like printers or media servers.

While many people use commercial VPN services for everyday privacy and protection, a self-hosted VPN setup gives you more control. And, yes, a unique learning experience if you're up for the challenge.

Why would you want to set up a home VPN server? 

A home VPN server gives you remote access to your own network. This setup is different from using a commercial VPN, which routes your traffic through remote servers across the globe. With a self-hosted setup, you're connecting back to your home — letting you control smart devices, stream media from your network-attached storage (NAS), or browse as if you were sitting at your own desk.

That said, it's not without its risks. Setting up a VPN server means opening a door into your home network — and unless configured properly, that door could let in more than you intend. It's important to understand how your setup works and follow best practices for network security.

Pros of a home VPN server 

Setting up a home VPN server can offer more than just privacy — it gives you direct access to your home network and the freedom to manage your own traffic. For the right user, it can be a practical and rewarding choice. 

Below are some of the main benefits a home VPN server offers.

• Secure remote access. Connect to your home network from anywhere — helpful for retrieving files, using local apps, or checking in on smart devices.

• Home IP address usage. Ideal for services that are limited to your home location, like local news sites, banking services, or regional streaming libraries.

• Full control over data. With a self-hosted setup, no third party handles the encrypted traffic between your device and your home network. However, once your traffic exits your home server to reach the wider internet, your ISP still routes it as usual — so it doesn't offer the same level of anonymity as a commercial VPN.

• Cost-effectiveness over time. After the initial setup, you won't pay monthly VPN fees. The only costs are power and occasional updates.

• Hands-on learning experience. Building your own server is a great way to deepen your knowledge of networks, security, and how VPNs actually work.

If you're tech-savvy and looking for more autonomy, these upsides can make a home VPN server an attractive option.

Cons of a home VPN server 

Of course, a home VPN server isn't for everyone. Running your own VPN means you take on the responsibility, and any misstep can weaken your network security. 

If you are still considering whether it's right for you, take a look at some of the most common drawbacks.

• More complex setup. Unlike installing a commercial VPN app, you'll need to manage things like router configuration, firewalls, and possibly dynamic DNS.

• Ongoing maintenance. Updates, patches, and monitoring are all on you. A neglected VPN server could quickly become a vulnerability.

• Potential security risks. If configured incorrectly, your server could unintentionally expose your network to external access.

• Potential security risks. If configured incorrectly, your server could unintentionally expose your network to external access.

• Not anonymous from your ISP. You'll still be using your home IP when accessing the web, so your internet provider can see your activity unless you take extra steps.

For some users, these pros well outweigh the risks. For others, though, a reliable commercial VPN service may be a safer and easier choice.

What is the difference between a VPN server and a VPN client?

If you're setting up a VPN at home, it's important to understand the distinction between a VPN server and a VPN client. The two work together, but they play very different roles.

A VPN server is the device that accepts incoming connections and grants access to a network. In a home setup, this could be your router, a Raspberry Pi, or another device inside your home. A VPN client, on the other hand, is the app or software you use to connect to that server — typically installed on your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Check the table below for a quick breakdown of the main differences.

If you're using a VPN from NordVPN, their infrastructure acts as the server, and your device is the client. But with a home setup, you run the server yourself, which gives you direct control over how your traffic is handled and who can connect.

You can also explore NordVPN's global VPN servers if your goal is to browse with enhanced privacy, speed, and location flexibility — no manual setup required.

How do you set up a VPN server at home? 

There are several ways to set up a VPN server at home — and the right option depends on your technical comfort level, hardware, and goals. Whether you're using a router, a spare computer, or a device like a NAS, each approach has its pros and trade-offs.

In this section, we'll walk you through three common methods to create a home VPN server, using:

1. 1.A VPN-capable router
2. 2.A Raspberry Pi, macOS, or Windows 10 device
3. 3.A NAS device

Each method allows you to access your home network remotely and securely, but the setup process, features, and maintenance level will vary.

PRO TIP: Before you begin, make sure your local network is stable and configured correctly. If you need help getting started, our guide on how to set up a home network can help you understand the basics.

1. Use a VPN router

Using a VPN router is one of the easiest ways to create a home VPN server, especially if you want an always-on solution that doesn't require leaving a computer running 24/7. A compatible home router with VPN server functionality can act as your gateway, letting you connect back to your network securely whenever you're away.

If your router doesn't have built-in VPN support, you can either flash it with custom firmware (like DD-WRT or OpenWRT) or buy a pre-configured device.

NOTE: Please remember that not all routers are VPN-friendly. To save time and avoid compatibility headaches, consider choosing one from this list of VPN routers.

Once you have a compatible router, follow these steps:

1. 1.Log in to your router dashboard. You'll usually access this dashboard by typing your local IP (like 192.168.0.1) into a browser.
2. 2.Enable VPN server mode. Most routers support protocols like OpenVPN. For better security, stick with OpenVPN or WireGuard if available.
3. 3.Download configuration files. If you're using OpenVPN, your router may provide a .ovpn file for use with VPN clients.
4. 4.Set up DDNS (optional but helpful). Dynamic DNS ensures you can connect to your home even if your public IP changes.
5. 5.Test the connection. Use a VPN client (on your phone or laptop) to connect remotely and confirm that you're routed through your home IP.

PRO TIP: Need help choosing the right protocol? Our team's guide on OpenVPN explains how it works and why it's commonly used in home VPN setups. If you'd rather not dig through router manuals or firmware flashing guides, you can also follow this walkthrough to set up a VPN on your router. This setup will allow you to use your router as a VPN client instead of a server.

2. Use a Raspberry Pi, macOS, or Windows 10 computer as a VPN server

If you're not using a VPN router, the next best way to set up a home VPN server is to turn one of your devices into one. A Raspberry Pi, a macOS computer, or a Windows 10 machine can all be configured to act as a server (natively or by using third-party VPN software). 

By using one of these three devices, you can ensure secure access to your home network from anywhere. It's ideal for users who already have one of these devices running at home or for those who want a DIY project without investing in extra hardware. Below, we'll walk through each device type separately.

3. Use a NAS

If you already use a NAS device to store files, photos, or backups, you may be able to turn it into a home VPN server without any extra hardware. Many popular NAS systems — especially from Synology or QNAP — include built-in VPN server support that makes it surprisingly easy to set up. This setup also offers several key advantages, including:

• Dual functionality. Your NAS becomes both a file hub and a secure gateway to your home network.
• Constant availability. NAS devices are designed to stay powered and connected 24/7, making them ideal for remote access.
• User management. You can easily create multiple user profiles with custom permissions.
• Integrated features. Many NAS platforms offer apps or add-ons for OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, or (less secure) PPTP support.

How much does it cost to set up a home VPN server? 

The cost of setting up a home VPN server can vary quite a bit depending on the method you choose, but it's often more affordable than you might think.

If you already own the required hardware — such as a Raspberry Pi, a capable router, or a NAS device — the setup might be essentially free. However, if you need to buy new equipment, the price can range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.

To give you a clearer picture, here's a general cost breakdown for each popular method.

• Using a Raspberry Pi: Around $50–$80 if you're starting from scratch.
• Using a home router: Free if your current router supports VPN hosting. Otherwise, a VPN-compatible router may cost $100–$250.
• Using a NAS: Costs depend on the model — entry-level devices start around $150, while more powerful ones can exceed $500.
• Using an existing computer (macOS or Windows): Free if you already have the device running.

While setting up your own VPN can be budget-friendly, it's not always the most time-efficient or secure way.

If your primary goal is to stay private, secure, and protected online, you may want to use a trusted provider like NordVPN. Our guide on why you need a VPN breaks down the key benefits and use cases for both home setups and commercial services.

Are home VPN servers safe?

A well-configured home VPN server can offer a safe and reliable way to connect to your network from anywhere — but only if set up and maintained with care. Unlike commercial services that handle security in the background, self-hosted VPNs require you to take an active role in protecting your system.

Here's how safety looks across the most common methods:

• VPN routers are generally secure, especially when using protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. However, outdated firmware, weak admin passwords, or misconfigured port forwarding can leave your network vulnerable.
• Raspberry Pi setups are as secure as the configuration behind them. Using tools like PiVPN helps automate the process, but you still need to manage updates, use strong authentication, and avoid exposing unused ports. If you'd like to learn more about this device, you can take a look at our guide on what to use a Raspberry Pi for.
• macOS and Windows 10 servers can be safe if you move beyond the default options (such as PPTP) and install modern, encrypted protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. You'll also need to set proper firewall rules and manage user permissions carefully.
• NAS-based VPNs offer solid security, especially on devices from Synology or QNAP. That said, any internet-facing NAS must be updated regularly and monitored for vulnerabilities because if left exposed, it can become a target for attackers.

Whichever method you choose, using a VPN to access your network is far safer than using remote desktop tools or unencrypted file shares. Still, the responsibility lies with you — from installing updates to configuring firewalls.