SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN: A flexible open-source VPN for remote access, site-to-site links, and mixed protocol environments. Ranked #52 of 90 in Business VPN Software by our editors (3.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source users needing protocol flexibility.
At a glance
- Editor score3.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source users needing protocol flexibility
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2013 · University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN deployments
- Combines Layer 2 bridging with Layer 3 IP routing
- Offers multiple protocols and enterprise authentication options
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted administration and VPN infrastructure
- Mobile access relies on compatible built-in VPN clients
- Enterprise control depth is less pronounced than its networking breadth
Our verdict on SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN is free, open-source software for building remote-access and site-to-site networks. It is designed for enterprises, small businesses, system administrators, and individual users that need control over their VPN infrastructure. The software includes VPN Server, VPN Client, and VPN Bridge components, with support for Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Solaris, iOS, Android, and self-hosted deployments. Mobile devices can connect through compatible built-in VPN clients.
There are no commercial pricing tiers: the project describes SoftEther VPN as free and open source. Its main value comes from protocol and network-design flexibility. Deployments can use SSL-VPN over HTTPS with NAT traversal, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, MS-SSTP, L2TPv3, or EtherIP. Virtual Hubs and virtual network adapters support virtual Ethernet switching, while Layer 2 bridging and Layer 3 IP routing cover different network architectures. Cascading connections and bridging provide a path for site-to-site designs, and IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack networking supports both address families.
SoftEther VPN also fits environments that already rely on established identity, logging, and network equipment. Authentication options include RADIUS, NT Domain, Active Directory, and certificates, while packet, security, and administration logs can transfer through syslog. GUI and command-line administration give administrators two management approaches, and listed ecosystem connections include Cisco VPN routers and the supported VPN protocols. Choose SoftEther VPN when open-source licensing, self-hosted control, and protocol flexibility matter most. It is less suitable for buyers seeking a packaged service with commercial tiers or a narrowly managed enterprise experience.
Your product? Our editors can test SoftEther VPN in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
SoftEther VPN pricing
SoftEther VPN fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| SSO / SCIM | Not verified |
| Device posture | Not verified |
| Site-to-site networking | Yes |
| Admin control level | Advanced |
| Access model | Hybrid |
| Audit logs | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Solaris, iOS and Android |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 9 integrations: OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP, MS-SSTP, L2TPv3, EtherIP … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | softether.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
SoftEther VPN integrations
SoftEther VPN lists 9 integrations on its own site.
- OpenVPN
- IPsec
- L2TP
- MS-SSTP
- L2TPv3
- EtherIP
- RADIUS
- Active Directory
- Cisco VPN routers
Alternatives to SoftEther VPN
- OpenVPN CloudConnexaA managed business VPN with zero-trust controls, posture checks, and cloud networking.9.3
- OpenVPN Access ServerA flexible self-hosted VPN for organizations needing deep access and authentication controls.9.2
- Azure VPN GatewayA strong Azure-centered VPN gateway for hybrid networks, with usage-based pricing and tiered limits.9.1
See all SoftEther VPN alternatives →
Also Ranked In
SoftEther VPN is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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