Quick Verdict
Amnezia is the anti-censorship outsider in a market full of marketing-first VPNs. The entire stack is open source on GitHub, built around protocols designed to survive Deep Packet Inspection: AmneziaWG (a hardened WireGuard fork with obfuscated headers) and XRay/VLESS that disguises VPN traffic as normal HTTPS. In our 30-day test, Premium servers connected reliably from heavily restricted networks where mainstream VPN apps were blocked, speeds stayed strong for streaming and daily use, and the no-logs architecture is verifiable rather than promised — you can even self-host your own server with the free app for total control. The app is leaner on features than commercial giants (no password manager, fewer countries), and premium payment options can be awkward from some countries. Best for privacy purists, travelers to censored regions and anyone who wants verifiable VPN tech.
Our Test Results (30 Days)
Connections succeeded on restricted networks
Speed retained vs uncapped connection (AmneziaWG)
Account data required at signup (email only)
What We Like
- Fully open source — auditable apps & server code
- AmneziaWG & XRay protocols beat DPI blocks
- Self-host option free forever (own VPS + app)
- Minimal signup — no personal data demanded
- Premium removes server management entirely
- Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
What We Don't Like
- Fewer server countries than commercial VPNs
- No extras (password manager, ad-blocker bundles)
- Self-host mode requires a VPS and some learning
- Payment options limited from some regions
🔥 Plans & Pricing Options
| Option | Price | Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted (App) | Free | Full app + protocol stack, run on your own VPS | Devs, maximal control |
| Premium Managed Popular | from ~$10/mo | Managed servers in multiple locations, no setup, all protocols | Hassle-free privacy |
| Premium Long-Term | Discounted/yr | Same servers, lower effective monthly rate | Long-term users |
Prices are indicative and may change — check the Amnezia site for current locations and rates.
How Amnezia Compares
| Provider | Our Rating | Entry Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amnezia Premium Review | 4.4/5 | Free self-host / ~$10/mo | Censorship resistance, verifiable privacy |
| BandwagonHost VPS | 4.3/5 | $18.99/yr | DIY VPN server host |
| InterServer | 4.5/5 | $2.50/mo | Hosting your own VPN endpoint |
Our Score Breakdown
See our full testing methodology and how these scores are weighted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Amnezia different from other VPNs?
Three things: it's fully open source (apps and server code auditable on GitHub), it's built for censorship resistance with protocols like AmneziaWG and XRay that survive Deep Packet Inspection, and it offers a genuinely free self-hosting path — the app can turn any VPS into your private VPN server.
What is AmneziaWG?
AmneziaWG is a fork of WireGuard with obfuscated handshake headers. Regular WireGuard is fast but easily identified and blocked by censors; AmneziaWG keeps the speed while making the traffic pattern invisible to DPI systems.
Should I self-host or buy Premium?
Self-host if you're technical and want absolute control — you'll need a VPS (from ~$19/year at providers like BandwagonHost) and some setup time. Buy Premium if you want servers maintained for you across multiple locations with zero server management — that's what the fee covers.
Is Amnezia good for streaming and gaming?
Yes for everyday streaming — speeds retained around 85% of the raw connection in our tests, enough for 4K. For competitive gaming, expect WireGuard-class latency, which is good, though server location choice is narrower than commercial VPN giants.
Want a VPN that actually resists censorship?
Go Premium for managed servers — or self-host free. Either way, the code is open.
Visit Amnezia Premium