Is OpenVPN worth the price?
OpenVPN offers a very generous entry point with its free Community and Access Server tiers, making it highly accessible.
The Cloud tier at $7 per connection/month is fair for a fully managed solution, while the Connect tier at $5 per connection/month is competitively priced for business features. This pricing structure is best for a wide range of users, from individuals and small teams needing basic VPN access to businesses requiring advanced security and management.
Pricing Plans
Free TrialCommunity
Free
Self-hosted
- Open source
- Self-managed
- Community support
- Basic features
Access Server
Free
2 free connections
- 2 VPN connections
- Admin portal
- Cloud deployment
- Basic support
Cloud
$7/per connection/month
Managed VPN
- Fully managed
- Auto-scaling
- Global regions
- 24/7 support
Connect
$5/per connection/month
Business VPN
- Cyber Shield
- SSO integration
- Policy management
- Dedicated support
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
Self-managed tiers require significant technical expertise
Cloud/Connect tiers are per connection, costs scale rapidly
Advanced features like SSO are only in higher paid tiers
Which Plan Do You Need?
DIY users, open-source enthusiasts
Small teams needing basic VPN
Businesses requiring managed security
How OpenVPN Compares to Competitors
Compared to NordLayer, which starts around $7-9 per user/month, OpenVPN Connect's $5 per connection/month is more competitive for similar business features. While Tailscale offers a free tier for up to 20 devices, OpenVPN's free Access Server with 2 connections is more limited but still valuable for basic needs.
OpenVPN Pricing FAQ
How much does OpenVPN cost?
OpenVPN starts at $5/month on the Connect plan. It offers 2 paid tiers ranging from $5/month up to $5/month. A free plan is also available with limited features.
Does OpenVPN have a free plan?
Yes. OpenVPN offers a free plan called "Community". It includes: Open source, Self-managed, Community support.
Does OpenVPN offer a free trial?
Yes, OpenVPN offers a free trial. No credit card is typically required to start the trial, though this may vary.
What is the cheapest OpenVPN paid plan?
The cheapest paid plan for OpenVPN is "Connect" at $5/month. Key features include: Cyber Shield, SSO integration, Policy management.
Is there a cheaper alternative to OpenVPN?
Yes. Popular alternatives to OpenVPN include WireGuard, Tailscale, Mullvad VPN, Zeroport. Free alternatives include WireGuard, Tailscale, NetBird. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.
Cheaper alternatives to OpenVPN
Direct competitors with similar features. Many offer free tiers or lower per-seat pricing.
