Lightweight VPN Client in Docker for Secure Connections

Gluetun is a lightweight VPN client packed inside a Docker container, designed to simplify online privacy and security. It supports multiple VPN providers, built with Go, and connects through OpenVPN or WireGuard for maximum speed, reliability, and protection.

About Gluetun

Gluetun is an open-source VPN client written in Go, purpose-built for use inside Docker containers. It enables secure, encrypted internet connectivity for any containerized application by routing traffic through VPN servers from supported providers.Created and maintained by an active open-source community, Gluetun focuses on privacy, security, and automation.

It replaces complex manual VPN setups with a reliable, configurable, and developer-friendly Docker solution.The goal behind Gluetun is simple — to make privacy and secure connectivity effortless for developers and network administrators. By providing an open-source, transparent, and flexible VPN client, Gluetun ensures you maintain full control over your network without sacrificing speed or usability.

100% Open-Source and Free

Supports Multiple VPN Providers

DNS over TLS & Ad-Blocking

Built-in Firewall and Kill Switch

Lightweight, Fast, and Reliable

Seamless Docker Integration

Key Features

Icon	Feature	Description
🛡️	OpenVPN & WireGuard Support	Gluetun supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, ensuring secure, fast, and reliable VPN connections.
🔒	DNS over TLS	Encrypts all DNS requests to prevent leaks and protect your browsing activity from third-party tracking.
🌐	Built-in Proxy Servers	Comes with HTTP, SOCKS5, and Shadowsocks proxies preconfigured for flexible network routing.
⚔️	Automatic Kill Switch	Immediately disables your connection if the VPN drops — keeping your data safe at all times.
🔁	Auto Reconnection	Automatically reconnects to your VPN server after interruptions to maintain a stable and private session.
⚙️	Environment Variable Configuration	Configure Gluetun easily with environment variables for seamless automation and Docker integration.
📊	Detailed Logging & Monitoring	Provides full transparency with in-depth logs and monitoring tools to track VPN status and activity.
💻	Multi-Platform Compatibility	Works effortlessly across Linux, macOS, and Windows via Docker — fully cross-platform.
🧩	Lightweight Docker Design	Minimal resource usage with high performance — ideal for running multiple containers efficiently.
🧠	Privacy-First Architecture	Built with advanced encryption and privacy-focused design to protect your identity and data.

Why Choose Gluetun

How Gluetun Works

Gluetun simplifies secure networking by running an entire VPN client inside a lightweight Docker container. It eliminates the need for manual installation, configuration, or complex scripting—delivering privacy and performance with minimal effort.

Deploy

Start by deploying the Gluetun Docker container on your preferred system. The image is compact, efficient, and portable, allowing instant setup without external dependencies. Whether you’re working in development, production, or a personal environment, Gluetun integrates seamlessly.

Connect

Configure Gluetun with your VPN provider’s credentials and choose your preferred protocol — OpenVPN for stability or WireGuard for speed and efficiency. With support for multiple VPN providers, Gluetun adapts effortlessly to various configurations, keeping your network secure and flexible.

Protect

Once connected, Gluetun encrypts all outgoing traffic and secures DNS requests using DNS over TLS. This prevents data leaks, blocks tracking, and ensures end-to-end privacy. Its built-in proxy options — including HTTP, SOCKS5, and Shadowsocks — provide advanced routing capabilities for custom setups.

Focus on What Matters

Gluetun manages all the technical complexities behind the scenes — from encryption and reconnection to DNS protection — allowing you to focus on what truly matters: speed, security, and control. With Gluetun, privacy isn’t an option; it’s the default.

Why Gluetun Stands Out

Feature	Gluetun	Traditional VPN	Per-App VPN
Container Native	✅ Built for Docker	❌ Host-level only	❌ Mixed support
Kill Switch	✅ Built-in	❌ Manual setup	❌ App-dependent
Multi-App Support	✅ Single container	✅ System-wide	❌ Per application
Resource Usage	✅ Lightweight	❌ Heavy	✅ Variable
Setup Complexity	✅ Simple YAML	❌ Complex	❌ App-specific

Use Cases

For Developers

Gluetun is an ideal solution for developers who need secure, automated, and repeatable networking environments. By running a VPN inside a Docker container, developers can test, deploy, or manage applications without exposing internal systems or IPs. This ensures consistent, encrypted network connections across development, staging, and production environments — all managed through simple Docker commands.

For Streamers

Gluetun enables seamless access to region-restricted or geo-blocked content by routing your internet traffic through trusted VPN providers. Whether you’re streaming movies, live events, or gaming content, Gluetun maintains stable, high-speed connections while keeping your online activity private. You get full access to global platforms — without compromising on performance or security.

For Privacy Enthusiasts

If online anonymity and data protection are your priorities, Gluetun is built for you. It encrypts all outgoing traffic, masks your real IP address, and integrates DNS over TLS to prevent tracking and data leaks. With Gluetun, you gain total control over your privacy while maintaining a fast, secure, and censorship-free internet experience.

Installation Guide

Setting up Gluetun is fast, easy, and doesn’t require deep technical knowledge. It’s designed to run seamlessly inside Docker, making VPN setup simple and reliable.

Pull the Latest Gluetun Image

Begin by downloading the latest Gluetun Docker image from Docker Hub. This ensures you’re using the most updated version with all the latest security patches and features.

Configure Environment Variables

After pulling the image, configure Gluetun by setting environment variables such as your VPN provider, login credentials, preferred protocol (OpenVPN or WireGuard), and any optional settings like DNS or proxies. These variables define how Gluetun connects to your chosen VPN network.

Create a Docker Compose file

Start the Container

Once configured, run the container using a simple Docker command. Gluetun will automatically connect to your VPN provider and create a secure, encrypted tunnel for your traffic.

Verify the Connection

Finally, confirm that your VPN connection is active by checking the container logs or visiting an IP check website. If configured correctly, you’ll see your VPN’s IP address instead of your local one.

Configuration Options

Gluetun offers extensive configuration options to customize your VPN experience.

Community & Support

Join our growing community of users and contributors.

What Users Say

Frequently Asked Questions