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A VPS is the cleanest way to run your own VPN or proxy — you control the server, the logs (there are none unless you make them), and the location. But not every VPS is good for this. Here’s what to look for.

What matters for a proxy/VPN VPS

  1. UDP support — WireGuard and OpenVPN need UDP; make sure the provider doesn’t block it (the big three below all allow it).
  2. Location — pick a datacenter near your target users or the services you’re reaching.
  3. Routing quality — if you’re in mainland China, this is the whole game (see BandwagonHost below).
  4. Port 25 and other ports — not needed for VPN, but some providers block odd ports; RackNerd is notably permissive.

Best all-rounder: RackNerd

For a personal VPN in the US/EU, RackNerd’s 1 GB plan ($21.99/yr) is unbeatable value. WireGuard runs happily on 1 GB, and RackNerd doesn’t block UDP or common ports.

See RackNerd's cheap VPN-friendly VPS

Best for China: BandwagonHost

If you’re in mainland China and want a fast, stable tunnel to the US or elsewhere, BandwagonHost’s CN2 GIA / GIA-E routes are the standard answer. It’s pricier, but you’re paying for the route — which is exactly what you need here.

Check BandwagonHost CN2 GIA plans

A note on legality

Running your own VPN/proxy is legal in most places; what you do with it is your responsibility. This is for privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions on content you own, and securing public Wi-Fi — not for anything illegal.

Bottom line: US/EU personal VPN → RackNerd. Mainland China user → BandwagonHost CN2 GIA.