Alternatives / NordVPN
Looking for an open source NordVPN alternative? We compared 2 open source VPN solutions by license, self-hosting, security features, platforms, and pricing. Both are VPN software you run on your own servers, not subscription services with a network of locations.
Written by Maxime DERAME
Last updated:
| Alternative | Best for | License |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Simple, fast, auditable VPN protocol | GPL-2.0 for Linux kernel implementation |
| Defguard | Enterprise WireGuard with mandatory MFA and SSO | AGPL core + Enterprise license |
We looked for genuinely open-source VPN projects that you can run yourself and that cover the core of what a VPN does: encrypted tunnels between your devices and a server. We verified each project's license, activity, and platforms in its GitHub repository. NordVPN is a hosted service with thousands of servers in many countries, which open-source software cannot replace on its own, so both projects here require you to operate your own server. See our methodology for the full criteria.
NordVPN sells access to a large network of servers in many countries, which is what makes it useful for changing your apparent location or streaming region. WireGuard and Defguard give you the software to build your own VPN: you provide the server, and the exit IP is that server's IP. They suit secure remote access and privacy on untrusted networks, not geo-unblocking.
WireGuard is the protocol and implementation: minimal, fast, and auditable, but it has no built-in dashboard, SSO, or centralized access control, so manual configuration becomes difficult at scale. Defguard builds on WireGuard with a management platform that adds mandatory multi-factor authentication, OpenID Connect SSO, device onboarding, access policies, and auditing.
WireGuard's Linux kernel implementation is GPL-2.0. Defguard's core is licensed under AGPL, and code in its enterprise directory is under a separate Enterprise License, so it is open core: some enterprise functionality and support may be paid.
WireGuard runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD, iOS, and Android, and it is the foundation of many higher-level tools. Defguard offers packages, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform deployments for its server.
NordVPN is a proprietary subscription service whose apps are closed source and whose servers are run by the provider. People look for open-source alternatives to inspect the code, run VPN infrastructure under their own control, secure remote access to a home network or company, and avoid trusting a third party with their traffic.
| Alternative | Type | License | Self-hosted | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | VPN protocol | GPL-2.0 (Linux kernel) | Yes | Free | Simple, auditable VPNs |
| Defguard | VPN management platform | AGPL core + Enterprise | Yes | Free core; Enterprise paid | Organizations with MFA and SSO |
Want a simple, fast self-hosted VPN
WireGuard offers modern cryptography, a minimal codebase, roaming, and clients for Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD, iOS, and Android.
Want mandatory MFA and SSO for remote access
Defguard adds mandatory multi-factor authentication, OpenID Connect SSO, self-service onboarding, access policies, and auditing on top of WireGuard.
Need to secure a company network
Defguard supports high-availability gateways, hardware key management, and deployment with packages, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform.
Want to build your own tooling
WireGuard is the foundation for many higher-level management tools and works well when you want full control.