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NetBird : The Free, Open-Source, Self-Hosted VPN You Can Trust in 2025

  • Philip Moses
  • Apr 23
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 6

If you're tired of complicated VPNs, high prices, or not having enough control, it's time to check out NetBird. It's fast, free, open-source, and self-hosted — everything you need for secure and seamless networking without the usual problems.
In this blog, we'll explain why NetBird is a top choice in 2025, how it compares to other VPNs, and why it’s so popular for those who care about performance, privacy, and owning their tech.


🔍 What Is NetBird?

NetBird is a peer-to-peer VPN based on the WireGuard protocol. It offers a modern, secure, and scalable way to connect your devices over the internet. Unlike traditional VPN services, NetBird creates direct connections between devices, improving speed and lowering latency.


It’s fully open-source under the BSD 3-Clause License, so you can host it on your own servers for free, customize it as you like, and avoid vendor lock-in. Plus, there’s a paid version available for those who want a cloud-managed solution with extra support and features.


💡 Free vs Paid: What’s the Difference?

NetBird offers two options:

  • Free & Open-Source (Self-Hosted): You can host NetBird on your own servers for free and have full access to all the core features.


  • Paid (Managed Cloud): This version is hosted by the NetBird team and includes a user-friendly interface, automatic updates, and premium support.


The free version is very powerful, and it provides everything you need to set up a secure VPN network without any cost.


💸 Free vs Paid: What You Get

Here’s a breakdown of the features in both versions:

Free & Open-Source (Self-Hosted):

  • Unlimited users and devices

  • Full control over infrastructure

  • Access to source code (BSD 3-Clause license)

  • Features include:

    • WireGuard encryption

    • Private DNS

    • Access control policies

    • Device management

    • SSO integration (supports Google Workspace, Okta, ZITADEL)

    • Multi-platform support (Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android)

    • Granular device management

    • Audit logs for monitoring activity


Paid Cloud-Hosted Version:

  • All the features from the self-hosted version

  • Hosted control panel with a user interface and dashboards

  • Managed updates and monitoring

  • Premium support and SLA guarantees for teams and enterprises


The free version is great if you want complete control, while the paid version is perfect for teams that want less setup and maintenance.


🎥 Watch NetBird in Action at Belsterns Technologies

 

Want to see how NetBird works in a real setup?

▶️ Watch the video:  How we implemented NetBird at Belsterns Technologies


🛠️ Open-Source Features (Free Version – Updated for 2025)

In the free, open-source self-hosted version, you get all of the following:

  • Peer-to-Peer Networking: Direct device-to-device connections for better performance.

  • WireGuard Integration: A fast and secure encryption protocol.

  • Access Control Policies: Set rules for who can connect to what.

  • Private DNS: Use easy-to-remember names for devices in your network.

  • SSO Integration (OIDC): Authenticate users with services like Google Workspace, Okta, or ZITADEL.

  • Multi-Platform Support: Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

  • Multiple Networks: Create isolated or shared networks within your setup.

  • Device Management: Manage devices with detailed controls.

  • Audit Logs: Track connections and activity.

  • Self-Hosted Admin Dashboard: Optionally use an interface to manage settings.


No user limits, no bandwidth caps, and no feature restrictions. It’s a fully open-source solution with all the essential tools for secure networking.


Who Is NetBird For?

NetBird is ideal for:

  • Remote Teams: Securely access company resources from anywhere.

  • Developers: Keep development environments safe and accessible.

  • Startups & SMBs: Avoid high costs of commercial VPN licenses.

  • Privacy-Focused Users: Keep control over your data without third-party interference.

  • IT Teams: Use NetBird to simplify complex VPN setups.

✅ Final Thoughts

 

Open-source VPNs like NetBird offer unmatched flexibility, security, and control — without the overhead of traditional SaaS solutions. And the best part? They’re not hard to implement when you have the right support.

 

NetBird is now available at House of FOSS, making it easier than ever for teams to adopt secure, self-hosted VPN solutions without the hassle of expensive subscriptions or proprietary limitations.

 

At House of FOSS, we help you cut through the complexity so you can deploy powerful tools like NetBird with ease.

You focus on secure networking. We’ll handle the tech.

 

Want to try NetBird?

👉 Visit houseoffoss.com

👉 Reach out to us today to get started!

 
 
 

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