# OpenVPN: Free Open Source Alternative to Appgate, Cisco Secure Access, Cloudflare Tunnel

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/openvpn
Last updated: 2026-11-07

OpenVPN (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Appgate, Cisco Secure Access, Cloudflare Tunnel, Proton VPN. Secure remote access VPN solutions with zero trust network access. Self-hosted and cloud-managed options for businesses of all sizes. Trusted by 20,000+ organizations.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: OpenVPN
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://openvpn.net/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/openvpn/openvpn
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 14.8k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/openvpn/openvpn or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Appgate.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (6)
Replacing these paid tools with OpenVPN saves up to $36/mo ($432/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Appgate](https://caniforkit.com/appgate) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Appgate vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/appgate-vs-openvpn) |
| [Cisco Secure Access](https://caniforkit.com/cisco-secure-access) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Cisco Secure Access vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/cisco-secure-access-vs-openvpn) |
| [Cloudflare Tunnel](https://caniforkit.com/cloudflare-tunnel) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Cloudflare Tunnel vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/cloudflare-tunnel-vs-openvpn) |
| [Proton VPN](https://caniforkit.com/proton-vpn) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Proton VPN vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/proton-vpn-vs-openvpn) |
| [Teleport](https://caniforkit.com/teleport) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Teleport vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/teleport-vs-openvpn) |
| [Twingate](https://caniforkit.com/twingate) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Twingate vs OpenVPN](https://caniforkit.com/vs/twingate-vs-openvpn) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is OpenVPN free and open source?
OpenVPN is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Secure remote access VPN solutions with zero trust network access. Self-hosted and cloud-managed options for businesses of all sizes. Trusted by 20,000+ organizations.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using OpenVPN?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Appgate.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)