Outline VPN
An uncensored, encrypted connection to the open internet — your own Shadowsocks VPN server on every device you own.
About Outline
Outline is a free, open-source toolkit built by Jigsaw that lets anyone run their own VPN server in minutes. It uses the Shadowsocks protocol, which makes the traffic hard to detect and block.
Unlike commercial VPNs, with Outline you own the server, you own the keys, and no third party can log your activity. You get a real private tunnel — not a subscription to someone else's promise.
Ready-made solution
Amnezia VPN — premium, on subscription
Don't want to set up a server yourself? Amnezia VPN gives you ready-to-use, censorship-resistant access through their managed service. Several protocols, mirrored sites, and stable performance in restricted regions.
Download Outline VPN
Outline VPN consists of two interrelated apps that work together to give you and your community uninterrupted, censorship-resistant access to the open internet: Outline Client and Outline Manager.
Download Outline Client
Download the Outline Client app from the App Store or Google Play, and connect to your Outline VPN server using a unique access key. The Outline Client is available for desktop and mobile — access the open internet and communicate privately wherever you are, from all of your devices.
Outline VPN download links:
- Outline Client for iOS
- Outline Client for Android
- Outline Client for Windows
- Outline Client for ChromeOS
- Outline Client for macOS
- Outline Client for Linux (AppImage)
Download Outline Manager
Outline Manager is the desktop app for creating Outline VPN servers and issuing access keys.
Outline Manager download links:
How to set up Outline VPN
A short guide to setting up your own Outline VPN server on a cheap VPS. A more detailed step-by-step manual is in development.
Buy a VPS. I recommend here, but you can choose the one you like. Buy the minimum configuration, the cheapest one, the VPN server does not need much power. The operating system is the latest Ubuntu LTS, the server location is wherever it is more convenient (the closer the server, the faster).
After purchasing you will be given access to the root and IP of the server. Connect via ssh and run the command:
sudo bash -c "$(wget -qO- https://outline-vpn.com/install-server.sh)"
The script will finish running and you will see a green line like {"apiUrl":"", ...}. It needs to be copied and saved separately. Type exit into the terminal and close it.
Install Outline Manager. Open it, click in the block that says «Set up outline anywhere». You will see a field where you need to paste the line that you just copied and saved. Do this and press “DONE”.
Server added. Select it on the left and click the plus button to add a new access key to the VPN server. Enter a name for it (optional) and click on the icon with three dots. You will see a line that starts with «ss://», you need to copy it. Do it yourself or click on the «COPY ACCESS KEY» button.
If you plan to have several VPN users, each needs to make a key.
Now you need Outline Client, where you need to add a connection. Download and install from the links above.
Launch Outline, find the plus button and press it. A window will appear for inserting the previously copied line, perhaps this line will be automatically inserted there immediately. If not, insert it yourself and click «ADD SERVER».
Your server will now appear in the Outline window. Click «Connect» and enjoy your personal VPN.
Recommended VPS for Outline
Affordable, reliable hosting providers that work well as Outline VPN servers.
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#1
Fornex
The top choice for Outline — fast EU datacenters, generous bandwidth, and a dedicated Outline-tuned plan.
View plans -
#2
Inferno
Best budget pick — instant KVM provisioning, simple control panel, strong connectivity across Eurasia.
View plans -
#3
Fozzy
Reliable workhorse — multiple regions, predictable pricing, mature infrastructure with anti-DDoS.
View plans
FAQ
Is Outline a VPN?
Why is Outline harder to block than a traditional VPN?
Outline relies on the Shadowsocks protocol, which has no recognizable handshake and looks like ordinary encrypted traffic. Standard VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard or IPsec are easy for censors to fingerprint and block.
Access keys are shared privately between people you trust — not published in public server lists like most commercial VPNs.
If a server ever gets blocked, you can spin up a new one in minutes and rotate keys.
I downloaded the Outline app but don't have an access key. Where do I get one?
Is Outline secure?
What data does Outline collect?
How do I choose a cloud provider for my VPN?
How do I share an Outline access key?
Many VPNs are free — why pay to run my own with Outline?
Can I use the Outline brand?
Who owns and maintains Outline?
Trust & credibility
Outline is built by Jigsaw — Google's tech incubator — is fully open source, has been independently audited, and is regularly covered by major tech press. You're not relying on our word for it.
Independent security audits
Outline has been audited by two independent security firms. All four reports are publicly available.
- Radically Open Security 2018 · 2022
- Cure53 2018 · 2024
Quoted in the press
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The core of the product is that people can run their own VPN. You get the reassurance that no one else has your data, and you can rest easier in that knowledge.
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Startlingly easy to use… removes privacy concerns associated with VPN companies.
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Outline goes one step further. You don't need to type a single command line to create a Shadowsocks server… a great way to access censored websites if you live in China or another country with restrictions.
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When we looked at the existing protocols, we realized that many of them were easily identifiable by network adversaries looking to spot and block VPN traffic.