Why You Might Need a Home VPN
- Access your server or apps like you’re at home, even when you’re not
- Stay safe on public WiFi (hotels, airports, cafes)
- Avoid exposing your personal data or apps to the internet
- Fix problems when your ISP blocks access (CGNAT)
One-Line Flow: What You Do
Install Tailscale ➜ Sign In ➜ Link Devices ➜ Access Apps or Files from Anywhere
Most Popular VPN Options (Ranked)
| Tool | Why It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Tailscale | Easy setup, no router changes, great for beginners |
| WireGuard | Fast, secure, needs manual setup |
| OpenVPN | Old-school option, reliable, but clunky |
| PiVPN | One-line installer for WireGuard or OpenVPN on Raspberry Pi |
| Cloudflare Tunnel | No install needed on device, good for specific apps |
| ZeroTier / Twingate | Great when Tailscale doesn’t match your needs |
When Tailscale Is Perfect For You
Unraid is a tool that turns any old computer into a smart storage box where you can save files and run apps like Netflix for your own stuff.
- You’re behind CGNAT and can’t port forward
- You don’t want to mess with router settings or reverse proxies
- You just want to click a few buttons and get going
- You need to connect to Unraid, Jellyfin, Vaultwarden, or Plex remotely
- You want to share access to only one app, not your full server
- You want to stream, sync, or download files from anywhere
Simple Setups That Work
Access Home Server Remotely
- Install Tailscale on Unraid
- Install app on your phone or laptop
- Sign in ➜ Done! You’re virtually “at home”
VPN for Travel
- Use a travel router (like GL-MT3000)
- Auto-connect to home network from hotel WiFi
- Your phone/laptop thinks it’s on home WiFi
Use PiVPN for Simple DIY VPN
- Use a Raspberry Pi with Pi-hole + WireGuard
- Install PiVPN ➜ Connect phone to your own VPN
- Safe and fast, great for hobbyists
Real Uses You’ll Love
- Watch Plex on mobile without needing a public IP
- Add torrents to Deluge from your office
- Access Vaultwarden securely with HTTPS
- Connect your parents’ and your own Unraid for backups
- Share only Jellyfin with family—keep everything else private
- Auto-connect to VPN when away from home WiFi
Simple Rules to Stay Safe
- Don’t open ports unless you have to
- Always use 2FA (two-factor login) for sensitive apps
- Use a reverse proxy only if it’s protected
- Update everything regularly
- Lock VPN access to your own devices only
What Not to Do
- Don’t treat VPN as total privacy (your ISP still sees outbound traffic unless you use a full VPN exit)
- Don’t expose sensitive apps without protection
- Don’t use low-quality VPS providers
- Don’t skip testing your setup before travel
Tools & Links You’ll Need
| Tool / Device | Use Case | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tailscale | Best for beginners | tailscale.com |
| Headscale | Self-hosted version of Tailscale | GitHub |
| Netbird | Alternative to Tailscale | GitHub |
| PiVPN | VPN on Raspberry Pi | pivpn.io |
| WG-Easy | Fast WireGuard setup (Docker) | GitHub |
| GL-MT3000 | Travel router for VPN | GL-iNet |
| Docker-IPSec | VPN without installing apps | GitHub |
| SWAG | Reverse proxy with security | Docs |
| Unraid Plugin | Direct Tailscale integration | Forum |
| Gluetun VPN | Run ProtonVPN inside Docker | GitHub |
| Tailscale Video Guide | Easy visual tutorial | YouTube |
Real Tips That Help
- Set your home and hotel WiFi names the same so devices connect seamlessly
- Use “VPN on demand” on iPhone to auto-connect when leaving home
- Use containers like Gluetun + Tailscale as an exit node to combine privacy + remote access
- Share services only with trusted people via Tailscale login access
- No domain? No problem—Tailscale works without one
Typical Cost (Approx)
| Item | Cost (INR) or USD |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi | ₹2,000–₹4,000 (one-time) |
| VPS (e.g. IONOS) | ₹150–₹400/month |
| Travel Router | ₹3,000–₹7,000 (one-time) |
| Domain Name | ₹100–₹300/year |
Final Checklist Before You Start
- Decide if you want VPN, reverse proxy, or both
- If you’re new, start with Tailscale
- If you need more control, go with WireGuard or PiVPN
- Use Headscale or Netbird if you want self-hosted control
- Always test your setup while you’re still at home
- Protect every login page with 2FA
Final Thought
Tailscale makes remote access so easy, it feels like cheating.
One sign-in and your Unraid, media, backups, downloads—everything—just works from anywhere. No tech stress. No exposed ports. No risks.
If you want the easiest and safest way to connect to your home server, Tailscale is the one to start with.
!