How to choose, use and configure a VPN in OpenMediaVault (Guide)

Why These VPNs Shine on OpenMediaVault

OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a Debian-based NAS distribution, managed primarily through its web UI but often administered via CLI. Its package manager is apt, and it usually runs on headless servers or small single-board computers, though some enthusiasts layer lightweight desktop environments such as Xfce, LXDE or KDE on top for occasional local access. OMV users tend to be comfortable with network services, Docker, file sharing (SMB/NFS) and command-line tweaks rather than heavy desktop GUIs. They need VPN clients that install cleanly via apt or official repos, support OpenVPN or WireGuard out of the box, and honour Debian’s stability without pulling in complex dependencies.

Package-friendly: Debian repos or trustworthy .deb installers
Headless operation: CLI utilities or simple config files
OpenVPN amp WireGuard: robust, lightweight protocols for NAS use
Automation: systemd support for reconnect and startup

VPN Comparison Table

Provider	Protocols	CLI Tool	WireGuard	Official Repo
ExpressVPN	OpenVPN, Lightway	proprietary CLI	No (Lightway only)	Custom .deb
NordVPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx)	yes	Yes	Official Debian repo
Mullvad	OpenVPN, WireGuard	CLI via config files	Yes	Community scripts / manual
Private Internet Access	OpenVPN, WireGuard	yes	Yes	Official .deb

Installing and Configuring the Top Picks

Mullvad (WireGuard Method)

Mullvad’s simple WireGuard configs are ideal for Debian-stable systems like OMV.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wireguard resolvconf curl

Generate your WireGuard config on Mullvad’s website (login with your account number), then copy it into OMV:

sudo cp ~/Downloads/mullvad_wireguard.conf /etc/wireguard/mullvad.conf
sudo chmod 600 /etc/wireguard/mullvad.conf

Bring the tunnel up and enable auto-start:

sudo wg-quick up mullvad
sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@mullvad

NordVPN (Debian Repository)

NordVPN provides an official APT repo and a polished CLI that plays nicely with headless servers.

curl -sSL https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb -o nordvpn-release.deb
sudo apt install ./nordvpn-release.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

nordvpn login
nordvpn set autoconnect on
nordvpn connect

Private Internet Access (OpenVPN CLI)

PIA supports WireGuard via its own client, but the OpenVPN route can be managed in pure Debian style.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvpn unzip wget
sudo wget -P /etc/openvpn/client https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/openvpn/openvpn.zip
sudo unzip /etc/openvpn/client/openvpn.zip -d /etc/openvpn/client

Edit /etc/openvpn/client/ca.rsa.2048.crt paths in your chosen .ovpn file (e.g. US East.ovpn), rename it for systemd, then start:

sudo mv /etc/openvpn/client/US East.ovpn /etc/openvpn/client/pia-us-east.conf
sudo systemctl start openvpn-client@pia-us-east
sudo systemctl enable openvpn-client@pia-us-east

Now your OMV box routes traffic securely through the VPN of your choice, all managed in Debian’s familiar apt and systemd ecosystem.

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