Best VPN for Home Server: Nord vs Surfshark vs Mullvad

Published: March 22, 2026 | Category: Security & Networking | Reading time: 14 min

Running a home server means exposing services to the internet. Whether it's Plex for streaming, Nextcloud for file sharing, or your website, you're opening ports that could be targeted. A VPN protects your server and adds an extra layer of security.

But which VPN service is best for home servers? This guide compares NordVPN, Surfshark, and Mullvad — three popular options with different strengths.

Quick Comparison

NordVPN: The All-Rounder

NordVPN is one of the largest VPN providers. With 5,000+ servers in 60 countries, they have excellent coverage. Their NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is fast, and port forwarding is available for home server needs.

Key Features for Home Servers:

• Port Forwarding: Forward specific ports for Plex, remote access, etc.
• Dedicated IP: Get a static IP for server ($5.83/mo extra)
• NordLynx Protocol: WireGuard-based, fast and lightweight
• Unlimited Devices: Connect all your servers, devices, and family members
• No-Logs Policy: Audited by PwC, verified to keep no logs

Performance:

Pricing:

NordVPN Pros

• ✅ Fast and reliable NordLynx protocol
• ✅ Port forwarding included
• ✅ Dedicated IP available
• ✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections
• ✅ Excellent server coverage
• ✅ Audited no-logs policy
• ✅ Easy to use apps and configs

NordVPN Cons

• ❌ More expensive than competitors on yearly plans
• ❌ Dedicated IP is pricey ($5.83/mo extra)
• ❌ Can have connection drops on congested servers
• ❌ No open-source clients

Surfshark: Budget Champion

Surfshark offers everything NordVPN does but at a lower price. Unlimited devices, port forwarding, and WireGuard support make it great for home servers. The 2-year plan is incredible value.

Key Features for Home Servers:

• Port Forwarding: Forward ports for any service (included)
• Dedicated IP: Static IP for server ($2/mo extra)
• WireGuard Protocol: Fast, modern, and secure
• Unlimited Devices: Connect everything — servers, phones, tablets
• CleanWeb: Block ads and trackers at VPN level
• No-Logs Policy: Audited by Cure53

Performance:

Pricing:

Surfshark Pros

• ✅ Cheapest option on yearly plans
• ✅ Port forwarding included
• ✅ Dedicated IP cheaper than Nord
• ✅ Unlimited devices
• ✅ CleanWeb ad blocking
• ✅ Audited no-logs policy
• ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark Cons

• ❌ Fewer servers than Nord (3,200 vs 5,000+)
• ❌ Slightly slower than Nord in some tests
• ❌ No open-source clients
• ❌ Customer support can be slower

Mullvad: Privacy-Focused Option

Mullvad is a Swedish VPN provider focused on privacy and security. They don't collect any identifying information — not even an email address. WireGuard is their only protocol. Payment methods include crypto for complete anonymity.

Key Features for Home Servers:

• No Account Required: No email, just a randomly generated account number
• WireGuard Only: Fast, modern, and lightweight protocol
• Port Forwarding: Forward up to 5 ports (free)
• Crypto Payments: Bitcoin, Monero, cash by mail
• No-Logs Policy: True no-logs, open source clients
• Transparent: Publicly audit-able infrastructure

Performance:

Pricing:

Mullvad Pros

• ✅ True privacy (no email, no logs)
• ✅ WireGuard only (fast, modern)
• ✅ Port forwarding included
• ✅ Open-source clients
• ✅ Crypto payment support
• ✅ Transparent and audit-able
• ✅ No device limits (5 simultaneous connections)

Mullvad Cons

• ❌ No dedicated IP options
• ❌ No static IP
• ❌ Fewer servers (900+)
• ❌ Slower than Nord/Surfshark
• ❌ No yearly discounts (pay more over time)
• ❌ No device sync (manual config each)

WireGuard Setup for Home Server

All three services support WireGuard (NordLynx for Nord). Here's how to set up on Linux:

Step 1: Download Config

1. Log into your VPN provider's website
2. Go to manual setup / WireGuard section
3. Generate or download a config file
4. Choose a server location close to you

Step 2: Install WireGuard

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wireguard

# Then enable WireGuard kernel module
sudo modprobe wireguard

Step 3: Import Config

# Copy your .conf file to WireGuard config
sudo cp your-server-config.conf /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf

# Start WireGuard
sudo wg-quick up wg0

# Enable at boot
sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0

Step 4: Configure Port Forwarding

1. Log into VPN provider and find port forwarding settings
2. Add the ports you need (e.g., 32400 for Plex)
3. Note the forwarded ports and VPN server IP
4. Configure your services to listen on those ports

Best For Different Use Cases

My Recommendation

For 80% of users: Go with Surfshark. The 2-year plan at $2.19/month is incredible value. You get port forwarding, unlimited devices, and WireGuard support. Performance is close to NordVPN, and you save $30-40/year.

For maximum performance: NordVPN has the fastest speeds and best streaming performance. If you're running Plex for external users, Nord's reliability is worth the extra cost.

For privacy enthusiasts: Mullvad is the only option for true anonymity. No email address, crypto payments, and completely open-source. You pay more and get slower speeds, but your privacy is guaranteed.

Getting Started

NordVPN:

1. Sign up at nordvpn.com
2. Download WireGuard config for your chosen server
3. Set up port forwarding in your account
4. Install WireGuard on your home server
5. Import config and connect

Surfshark:

1. Sign up at surfshark.com
2. Go to Manual Setup → WireGuard
3. Download config file
4. Configure port forwarding in your account
5. Install WireGuard and import config

Mullvad:

1. Go to mullvad.net
2. Generate account (no email needed)
3. Pay (crypto available)
4. Download WireGuard config
5. Set up port forwarding
6. Install WireGuard and import config

Conclusion

Securing your home server with a VPN is essential. NordVPN, Surfshark, and Mullvad all support WireGuard and port forwarding — perfect for home server needs.

Choose Surfshark for the best value, NordVPN for the best performance, or Mullvad for maximum privacy. Your home server will be protected, and your services accessible from anywhere.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend VPN providers I personally use or would recommend to friends.