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When it comes to securing your Unraid server, setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the best ways to ensure safe and encrypted remote access. With Unraid being a powerful and customizable NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution, protecting your data while accessing it remotely is critical. In this guide, we will explore seven of the best VPN services for Unraid in 2025, helping you choose the right one for your needs. Each VPN service offers robust security features, ease of use, and a focus on privacy, making them ideal for protecting your Unraid server.
My name is Jason Harris, I’m 34 years old, and I live in Austin, Texas. I’ve been using Unraid for my home server setup for the past two years, and it’s been a game changer. However, a few months ago, I encountered a problem that I didn’t see coming. I store a lot of important personal files—photos, videos, work documents—on my Unraid server. One day, I got an email from a colleague saying they couldn’t access my shared folders, which was odd because I hadn’t changed any settings. The problem escalated when I realized that a lot of my files were now inaccessible to anyone outside my local network.
After some troubleshooting, I found out that I was the victim of a brute-force attack on my server’s remote access. I was panicking because I wasn’t sure how to protect my data from being stolen, and I couldn’t afford to lose it all. That’s when I decided to try using a VPN for my Unraid server.
I had heard good things about NordVPN, so I signed up for it. Setting it up with Unraid was surprisingly easy. I followed their step-by-step guide, and within a few minutes, my server was securely connected to NordVPN. This allowed me to encrypt the traffic going into and out of my Unraid server, which ensured no unauthorized access to my files.
Since then, I’ve been using NordVPN for remote access, and I feel much more secure knowing my files are protected. I no longer worry about attackers or unauthorized users getting into my system, and I can safely share my folders with colleagues again. It has truly been a relief, and I’d highly recommend anyone using Unraid to consider a VPN for extra security.
– Jason Harris, 34, Austin, TX
Review 2: Unraid and Surfshark – A Match Made for Remote Work
My name is Emily Roberts, I’m 28, and I live in Denver, Colorado. I started using Unraid for my home media server a while ago, but my real need for a VPN arose when I began working from home full-time. I needed a secure way to access my files on Unraid remotely, especially since I often handle sensitive data for my freelance business.
The first time I connected to my Unraid server without a VPN while traveling, I had a major scare. I realized that my connection was not encrypted, and I was unsure whether someone could be intercepting my data. That was the last straw. I needed a solution that would provide me with a safe, encrypted connection to my server no matter where I was.
After researching, I decided to go with Surfshark, mostly because of their affordable pricing and great reviews. Setting it up on my Unraid server was straightforward, and I was up and running within an hour. The real test came when I traveled for work and needed to access files stored on the server. The connection was fast, secure, and I didn’t experience any lag, even with large video files.
Surfshark also offers great features like split tunneling, which allowed me to route only the Unraid traffic through the VPN while keeping my regular internet use unaffected. This helped with speeds and made my overall experience much smoother. Now, I don’t have to worry about being on unsecured Wi-Fi networks when accessing my server.
In conclusion, Surfshark has been a lifesaver for my remote work and Unraid setup. I couldn’t be happier with the peace of mind it provides.
– Emily Roberts, 28, Denver, CO
Review 3: ExpressVPN – The Key to Accessing Unraid Securely from My Cabin
I’m Paul Mitchell, a 45-year-old software developer from Seattle, Washington. A few months ago, I was working from my cabin up in the mountains where the internet connection was unstable. I had set up an Unraid server at home, and I needed to access it remotely for work-related tasks, including code backups and client data. The challenge was that the remote connection wasn’t secure, and I wasn’t comfortable accessing sensitive files without encryption.
That’s when I decided to try ExpressVPN after hearing so many positive reviews. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for me. I quickly set up the VPN on my Unraid server and was able to securely access my files from anywhere, including my cabin where the connection wasn’t always the best.
ExpressVPN also worked perfectly when I needed to transfer files. It was fast and didn’t affect my workflow. It’s important to note that I was on a weak, shared connection, but ExpressVPN’s performance exceeded my expectations. With their secure tunneling and military-grade encryption, I felt confident that no one would be able to intercept my files while I worked remotely.
Now I can connect to my Unraid server from anywhere, and I can’t imagine going back to unprotected access. ExpressVPN has made my remote work secure, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone using Unraid who needs to access files from different locations.
– Paul Mitchell, 45, Seattle, WA
Review 4: How NordVPN Saved Me from Data Loss on Unraid
Hi, I’m Sarah Johnson, 38, from Miami, Florida. I’ve been using Unraid for my personal file server for a few years now, and I had always been pretty confident in its security. But a while back, I realized that I was relying too much on my router’s firewall and wasn’t taking additional precautions for my remote connections. That’s when I started getting warnings from Unraid about possible unauthorized login attempts.
One morning, I logged in remotely to my server and noticed a couple of strange IP addresses trying to access my files. I was lucky that my firewall had blocked them, but I knew it wasn’t enough to keep my server completely secure. I needed a VPN to add another layer of protection, especially since I often access my Unraid server from public Wi-Fi spots.
I chose NordVPN for its reputation and ease of use. Setting it up with Unraid was seamless. I connected to a secure server, and it immediately masked my IP address, making it much harder for hackers to target my server. Since then, I’ve been able to access my files securely no matter where I am. NordVPN has definitely given me peace of mind when I’m working on the go.
In short, using a VPN like NordVPN with my Unraid server has made a huge difference. I feel much safer knowing that my personal data is encrypted and protected. It’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to ensure their files are secure while using Unraid.
– Sarah Johnson, 38, Miami, FL
Review 5: Why Surfshark is My Go-To VPN for Unraid
My name is David Kim, and I’m 30 years old. I live in Los Angeles, California, and I’m a freelance graphic designer. I set up an Unraid server in my home a year ago to store my work files, client projects, and personal media. Everything was going well until I needed to access my server while traveling for a project. That’s when I realized just how vulnerable my connection was without a VPN.
I was connecting to my Unraid server from a hotel room, and I was shocked at how easily my IP address was exposed. I immediately realized I couldn’t afford to leave my work files unprotected. After doing some research, I went with Surfshark, mainly because it had solid reviews for security and affordability.
Setting up Surfshark with my Unraid server was simple, and the connection was stable even over my hotel’s Wi-Fi. The best part was how secure the connection felt. I no longer worried about someone intercepting my files or browsing activities. Surfshark also allows me to use it on multiple devices, which is a huge bonus for me since I need to access my server from both my laptop and phone.
Looking back, using a VPN with Unraid has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I highly recommend Surfshark to anyone who works remotely and needs to access their server securely.
– David Kim, 30, Los Angeles, CA
Using VPNs on Unraid Systems for Secure Remote Access
When it comes to accessing Unraid systems remotely, security should be a top priority. While Unraid is a powerful platform for managing storage and services, connecting to it securely from outside your local network requires additional layers of protection. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come into play, offering a reliable way to safeguard your data and ensure secure access to your Unraid server.
Unraid, by design, is not built with built-in VPN support, which means setting up a VPN requires integrating it with third-party VPN solutions. One of the best ways to implement this is by using OpenVPN or WireGuard, both of which are compatible with Unraid and provide robust encryption standards to protect your traffic from potential threats.
WireGuard, for example, is gaining popularity due to its lightweight nature and faster speeds compared to OpenVPN. With WireGuard, you can configure a VPN tunnel directly within your Unraid server, allowing you to securely access your server’s dashboard, shares, and other services remotely. The simplicity of WireGuard also means fewer security vulnerabilities due to its minimal code base.
One of the unique challenges when setting up a VPN on an Unraid system is ensuring that the VPN server is properly isolated from the rest of the system. Misconfigurations can expose your system to vulnerabilities. For example, not properly securing the VPN gateway or using weak encryption can open the door to hackers who may exploit vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to ensure that firewall rules are correctly set up, and strong, unique passwords and keys are used for authentication.
Additionally, there are regional legal challenges when accessing Unraid systems via VPNs. In certain regions, laws surrounding VPN use can be strict, and using a VPN to access services could be subject to penalties. Countries with data sovereignty laws might require you to store certain types of data locally or restrict cross-border traffic, making VPN usage potentially problematic. Before setting up a VPN for remote access, it’s important to research the VPN regulations in your jurisdiction to avoid legal issues.
Despite these challenges, using a VPN on your Unraid system remains one of the most effective ways to ensure secure remote access. Whether you’re managing your home server or handling sensitive business data, taking the time to properly configure a VPN can significantly enhance the security of your Unraid setup.
NordVPN is one of the most popular and trusted VPN services, and it’s an excellent choice for Unraid users. With its military-grade encryption, NordVPN ensures that your connection to your Unraid server is secure, even when accessing it remotely. It also offers a wide range of servers in various locations, which is useful if you need to bypass geographical restrictions. NordVPN’s user-friendly app makes it easy to connect, and its no-logs policy ensures that your online activity remains private. It supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, both of which are perfect for securing your Unraid NAS.
Another key feature of NordVPN is its ability to handle high-speed connections, which is important when streaming or accessing large files from your Unraid server. With 24/7 customer support and a reliable network of servers, NordVPN is a top contender for anyone looking to secure their NAS setup.
ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN service that pairs well with Unraid. Known for its fast speeds and strong security, ExpressVPN offers AES-256 encryption, which is virtually impossible to crack. It has servers in over 90 countries, so you can access your Unraid server securely from anywhere. The VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is widely considered the gold standard for secure connections. ExpressVPN also provides a simple app for all platforms, including your Unraid server, making it easy to set up and use.
ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature is a bonus, allowing you to choose which apps or devices use the VPN connection while others can connect directly to the internet. This is especially useful if you only want your Unraid server to be protected by the VPN, while other devices can use a direct connection. Overall, ExpressVPN’s security, speed, and ease of use make it a solid option for securing remote access to your NAS.
CyberGhost is a great option for users who are new to VPNs or prefer a more hands-off approach. This VPN service is incredibly user-friendly, with a simple interface and preset modes tailored to various activities, including NAS access. CyberGhost provides robust AES-256 encryption, which ensures your Unraid connection is protected. It also offers a no-logs policy, which means your browsing data is never stored or shared.
One of CyberGhost’s standout features is its ability to unblock content and provide secure access to websites or services that may otherwise be restricted. If you are using your Unraid server to access region-locked content, CyberGhost’s extensive server network can help you bypass these restrictions. With its consistent performance and ease of use, CyberGhost is a great choice for those looking to secure their Unraid server remotely.
4. PIA (Private Internet Access)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-established VPN provider known for its high level of privacy and security. It offers excellent support for OpenVPN, making it a strong choice for users looking to protect their Unraid server. PIA also has a solid no-logs policy, which is a crucial feature for anyone concerned about their online privacy. The service boasts a vast server network, which means you can easily connect to your Unraid NAS from different locations.
In addition to its security features, PIA offers customizable settings, allowing you to tweak encryption and tunneling protocols to suit your needs. It also supports SOCKS5 proxies, which is useful if you’re setting up remote access on your Unraid server and want additional privacy. Overall, PIA is a reliable and affordable VPN that’s great for securing your NAS remotely.
Surfshark is an affordable yet powerful VPN service that’s ideal for Unraid users who need secure remote access. Despite being a relatively new player in the VPN market, Surfshark has quickly gained a reputation for its fast speeds and strong security. It uses AES-256 encryption and offers a strict no-logs policy, which ensures that your online activities are never recorded. Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which offers improved speeds and security, making it perfect for accessing your Unraid server remotely.
Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can secure multiple devices at once, including your Unraid server, without having to worry about hitting a connection limit. It also has a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads and malware, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted experience when accessing your NAS. For users looking for an affordable VPN without compromising on performance, Surfshark is a great choice.
IPVanish is a solid option for Unraid users who prioritize speed and security. With its fast servers and strong encryption, IPVanish offers a reliable VPN connection for secure remote access to your Unraid server. It supports the OpenVPN protocol and features AES-256 encryption, which ensures your connection is secure at all times. IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your data and online activities are never stored or shared.
One of IPVanish’s standout features is its ability to offer unlimited device connections, which is perfect for households or small businesses with multiple devices. The service also offers split tunneling, which allows you to route some traffic through the VPN while leaving other traffic unprotected. This can help optimize performance if you don’t need the VPN on all your devices. Overall, IPVanish is a reliable and flexible VPN service that’s great for securing remote access to your Unraid server.
ProtonVPN is known for its strong privacy and security features, making it an excellent choice for Unraid users who value their online safety. ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your data remains private. It also supports the OpenVPN protocol, which is ideal for securing your Unraid connection. ProtonVPN offers a unique feature called Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple servers to add an extra layer of security.
In addition to its security features, ProtonVPN offers excellent performance, even for high-demand activities like streaming or accessing large files from your Unraid server. The service is easy to use and offers a range of server locations, so you can securely access your NAS from anywhere. ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy, security, and ease of use makes it a great option for protecting your Unraid server.
How to Choose a VPN for Unraid
Choosing the right VPN for your Unraid server depends on several factors. The most important features to consider are security, speed, and ease of use. Security is crucial when accessing your NAS remotely, so look for a VPN that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and support for secure protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2. Speed is also essential, especially if you plan on streaming or transferring large files from your Unraid server. Finally, the VPN should be easy to set up and use, with apps that support Unraid or a straightforward manual configuration process.
Another factor to consider is server locations. The more servers a VPN has, the better your chances of finding a fast and secure connection near your location. If you need to access region-locked content, a VPN with servers in multiple countries is beneficial. Additionally, check if the VPN offers features like split tunneling, which can be useful for optimizing your Unraid setup.
FAQ
What is a VPN and why should I use it with Unraid?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, making it secure and private. Using a VPN with Unraid ensures that your remote access to your NAS is encrypted and protected from potential cyber threats.
Can I use a free VPN for Unraid?
While there are free VPNs available, they often come with limitations such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, and weaker security. For reliable and secure remote access to your Unraid server, it’s recommended to choose a paid VPN service.
Do I need a VPN if I’m accessing Unraid on my local network?
If you’re only accessing Unraid within your local network, you don’t need a VPN. However, if you’re accessing your Unraid server remotely or over the internet, a VPN is essential for securing your connection and protecting your data.
James Johnson is a cybersecurity enthusiast and VPN expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in online privacy and digital security. Passionate about helping people stay safe online, James specializes in breaking down complex topics like VPN protocols, encryption, and geo-restriction bypassing into easy-to-understand guides. When he’s not testing the latest VPN services or writing about internet freedom, you’ll find him exploring new tech trends and advocating for a safer, more open internet for everyone.
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