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Bitmask
Bitmask · founded 2012
What it is
Bitmask is a free, open-source VPN application for protecting online privacy. It runs on Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and in self-hosted setups. The application connects to vetted providers such as Riseup.net and The Calyx Institute. It also includes tools for evading internet controls, while private VPNs can be reached through a discreet URL or invite code. Individuals and collectives can operate private, circumvention-focused VPNs with Bitmask’s self-hostable system. The maker says the applications and server-side components are open source and describes Bitmask as third-party audited. No account is required, and the maker says there are no logs or tracking, although the listed logging policy is minimal logs. Linux support covers the two latest Ubuntu LTS versions; Debian and Arch Linux packaging is unavailable. On Windows, Bitmask has no kill switch, and the maker says that platform is not very well battle tested for DNS or IP leaks. Bitmask was created by the LEAP Encryption Access Project, founded in 2012. The free plan is listed as free.
For and against
For
- Free plan listed as free
- Open-source applications and server components
- Connects to vetted VPN providers
- Supports private self-hosted VPNs
- Available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows
Against
- No Debian or Arch Linux packaging
- Windows has no kill switch
- Windows DNS or IP leak testing is limited
- Listed logging policy is minimal logs
The verdict
Bitmask combines open-source VPN software, provider connections, and self-hosting options across several platforms. Linux packaging and Windows safeguards have stated limitations to consider before choosing it.
Who it suits
Bitmask suits people seeking an open-source VPN with provider choice, censorship-circumvention tools, or self-hosting. It may also fit users who want Android, desktop, or self-hosted access without an account.
Plans and prices
Bitmask
Free to use · connects to vetted providers
Read 12 Oct 2026 · bitmask.net
On the record
- Accounts and tracking
- The maker says Bitmask requires no accounts and has no logs or tracking.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Audit
- The maker describes Bitmask as a third-party-audited tool.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Censorship circumvention
- Bitmask includes tools to evade internet controls, and users can connect to private VPNs using a discreet URL or invite code.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Developer
- Bitmask is created by the LEAP Encryption Access Project, which says it was founded in 2012.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The two latest Ubuntu LTS versions are supported; Debian and Arch Linux packaging is not currently available.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The maker says Bitmask’s applications and server-side components are open source.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Product
- Bitmask is an open-source VPN app designed to help protect online privacy.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Individuals or collectives can run their own private, circumvention-focused VPNs using Bitmask’s self-hostable system.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Support and community
- The maker invites users to contact LEAP on Matrix at #leap:systemli.org and welcomes community contributions, bug reports, and translations.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- VPN providers
- Bitmask connects to vetted providers including Riseup.net and The Calyx Institute.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- The maker says Windows does not yet have a kill switch and describes the platform as not very well battle tested for DNS or IP leaks.bitmask.net · read 12 Oct 2026
