VPN vs Raspberry Pi 5 Black Friday Deals 2026: Best Offers

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VPN subscriptions and Raspberry Pi 5 boards are different Black Friday 2026 buys: a VPN service encrypts supported device traffic, while a Pi 5 is a compact computer you configure for specific projects. This guide compares both routes so you can spend on the tool that solves your actual problem, rather than treating two unlike products as direct substitutes.

We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across four VPN plans and three Raspberry Pi 5 configurations. My pick for most people is a reputable VPN plan for straightforward privacy on everyday devices; a Pi is the better fit for a detailed network project, a home server or learning Linux.

How We Picked

• Use case: We separated ready-to-use VPN subscriptions from Raspberry Pi boards that require setup.
• Core specifications: We compared supported VPN protocols, encryption details, memory capacity, processor and networking features.
• Setup demands: We considered the steps and extra hardware involved in using a Pi as a VPN gateway or server.
• Owner feedback: We reviewed recurring comments about ease of use, reliability and project flexibility.
• Value over time: We prioritized useful features and clear use cases over a temporary headline promotion.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Product type	Headline specification	Best for
NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan	Everyday privacy	VPN subscription	Up to 10 connections	Multiple personal devices
Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan	Many household devices	VPN subscription	Unlimited connections	Families and multi-device users
Proton VPN Plus 1-Year Plan	Privacy-focused users	VPN subscription	Up to 10 connections	Protocol choice and privacy controls
ExpressVPN Basic 1-Year Plan	Simple VPN apps	VPN subscription	Lightway protocol	New VPN users
Raspberry Pi 5 4GB	Basic projects	Single-board computer	4GB memory	Linux learning and light server use
Raspberry Pi 5 8GB	Versatile builds	Single-board computer	8GB memory	Home projects and VPN gateway experiments
Raspberry Pi 5 16GB	Memory-heavy projects	Single-board computer	16GB memory	Multitasking and larger workloads

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan

The NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan is the best VPN subscription for most households that want a familiar app and broad device support. NordLynx, based on WireGuard, is its standout protocol, and the plan supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Best for: Everyday privacy across phones, computers and tablets

Plan term

1 year

Simultaneous connections

Up to 10

VPN protocol

NordLynx

Encryption

AES-256

Pros

• Straightforward apps for common platforms
• NordLynx provides a modern protocol option
• Supports up to 10 connected devices at once

Cons

• A VPN subscription does not protect devices left outside the VPN connection.

Is NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan is a practical Black Friday 2026 choice for people who want an established VPN app on several devices. The 10-connection allowance and NordLynx protocol make it a useful everyday option, while a Raspberry Pi is better for custom network projects.

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#2

Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan

The Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan is the best VPN subscription for households connecting many personal devices. The Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan's standout feature is unlimited simultaneous connections, which removes a device-count ceiling for one account under the plan's terms.

Best for: Families and users with many connected devices

Plan term

1 year

Simultaneous connections

Unlimited

VPN protocol

WireGuard

Encryption

AES-256

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• WireGuard protocol support
• One plan works across several user devices

Cons

• Account and feature terms should be checked before checkout.

Is Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan is worth considering for a home with more devices than a limited-connection plan comfortably covers. Unlimited simultaneous connections are its clearest advantage. Choose a Raspberry Pi instead when the goal is a configurable computer, not a ready-made VPN app.

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#3

Proton VPN Plus 1-Year Plan

The Proton VPN Plus 1-Year Plan is the best VPN subscription for buyers who prioritize privacy controls and an established privacy-focused provider. The plan supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes access to multiple VPN protocols.

Best for: Privacy-focused users who want extra controls

Plan term

1 year

Simultaneous connections

Up to 10

VPN protocols

WireGuard and OpenVPN

Encryption

AES-256 or ChaCha20 by protocol

Pros

• A strong choice for privacy-minded shoppers
• Supports widely used VPN protocols
• Connection allowance covers several personal devices

Cons

• Some advanced options take time to learn.

Is Proton VPN Plus 1-Year Plan worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Proton VPN Plus 1-Year Plan is a suitable choice for people who want a privacy-oriented provider, multiple protocol options and up to 10 simultaneous connections. A Raspberry Pi offers more room for custom software, but requires configuration and does not replace the VPN service itself.

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#4

ExpressVPN Basic 1-Year Plan

The ExpressVPN Basic 1-Year Plan is the best VPN subscription for buyers who value a polished, simple app experience. Lightway is its standout protocol, designed by ExpressVPN for the provider's service across supported operating systems.

Best for: New VPN users who value simple apps

Plan term

1 year

VPN protocol

Lightway

Encryption

AES-256 or ChaCha20 by protocol

Supported platforms

Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux

Pros

• Lightway is a provider-developed protocol
• Apps cover the major personal computing platforms
• Simple interface suits first-time VPN users

Cons

• Plan features and device limits vary by subscription terms.

Is ExpressVPN Basic 1-Year Plan worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

ExpressVPN Basic 1-Year Plan is a good fit for shoppers who value an approachable app and the Lightway protocol. Check the current plan details for connection limits and included features. Choose Raspberry Pi 5 hardware when you want a programmable computer rather than a managed VPN service.

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#5

Raspberry Pi 5 4GB

The Raspberry Pi 5 4GB is the best entry-level Pi for basic Linux learning, lightweight home-server tasks and simple VPN experiments. The quad-core 2.4GHz processor gives this board a capable foundation for small projects.

Best for: First-time Pi owners and light projects

Memory

4GB LPDDR4X

Processor

2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76

Ethernet

Gigabit

Display output

2 × 4Kp60 micro-HDMI

Pros

• Lower-memory configuration keeps basic projects focused
• Quad-core processor supports general-purpose Linux tasks
• Gigabit Ethernet suits wired network experiments

Cons

• Power supply, storage, case and cooling are separate purchases.

Is Raspberry Pi 5 4GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Raspberry Pi 5 4GB is a sensible starting board for basic Linux use, lightweight server tasks and learning network configuration. The Raspberry Pi 5 4GB's 2.4GHz quad-core processor is capable for small projects. Budget for a power supply, storage and cooling, since the board is not a complete computer.

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#6

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB

The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB is the best Raspberry Pi 5 for most project builders who want headroom for multitasking. The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB's 8GB memory and 2.4GHz quad-core processor suit a desktop experiment, home server or VPN gateway build.

Best for: Versatile home projects and VPN gateway experiments

Memory

8GB LPDDR4X

Processor

2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76

Ethernet

Gigabit

PCIe

PCIe 2.0 x1

Pros

• 8GB memory gives room for broader project use
• Gigabit Ethernet supports wired network setups
• PCIe connection expands accessory options

Cons

• A VPN gateway setup needs networking knowledge and added configuration.

Is Raspberry Pi 5 8GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB is a strong choice for project builders who want a capable board for Linux, home-server jobs or a VPN gateway experiment. The 8GB memory gives useful flexibility. Add storage, power and cooling, and select a VPN provider separately for encrypted service access.

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#7

Raspberry Pi 5 16GB

The Raspberry Pi 5 16GB is the best Pi 5 configuration for memory-heavy experiments and larger multitasking workloads. The Raspberry Pi 5 16GB's 16GB memory pairs with the same 2.4GHz quad-core processor found across the Raspberry Pi 5 family.

Best for: Large multitasking projects and memory-heavy workloads

Memory

16GB LPDDR4X

Processor

2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76

Ethernet

Gigabit

Display output

2 × 4Kp60 micro-HDMI

Pros

• Largest memory capacity in this Raspberry Pi 5 selection
• Useful for projects that run several services together
• Retains the Pi 5 family’s compact board format

Cons

• Extra memory brings little benefit to simple VPN routing alone.

Is Raspberry Pi 5 16GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Raspberry Pi 5 16GB is worth considering when a project needs more memory for multiple services, development tools or heavier multitasking. A basic VPN gateway does not need this much RAM. Select the 4GB or 8GB board for simpler network tasks and reserve 16GB for broader workloads.

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Is a VPN or Raspberry Pi 5 better for privacy?

A VPN subscription and Raspberry Pi 5 solve different privacy jobs in 2026: a VPN encrypts supported internet traffic, while a Pi is hardware you configure. A subscription is the simpler route for protecting a phone, laptop or tablet on public Wi-Fi. The provider operates the VPN network, and you use its app or compatible router setup.

A Pi can run VPN software, route selected network traffic or host a VPN server for remote access. Each option needs setup, maintenance and a clear understanding of the network path. A Pi by itself does not encrypt every device’s internet traffic or provide a commercial VPN network. Choose the subscription for convenience; choose the Pi for control and learning.

Can Raspberry Pi 5 run a VPN?

Raspberry Pi 5 can run VPN software on its 2.4GHz quad-core processor, but the board needs an operating system and deliberate network configuration. A common project turns the Pi into a gateway that routes traffic from other devices through a VPN provider. The Pi then acts as the local network’s small computer, not as the VPN provider.

For a gateway build, plan for a wired Ethernet connection, storage, a reliable power supply and cooling. Follow the selected provider’s supported setup instructions and check that DNS requests travel through the intended tunnel. A VPN app on each device is simpler for most homes; a gateway suits people who want network-wide control and are comfortable troubleshooting.

Can Raspberry Pi 5 replace a VPN subscription?

Raspberry Pi 5 does not replace a VPN subscription when the goal is to use a commercial VPN network, because the board is a computer rather than a service. Running a VPN client on a Pi still requires a VPN provider account and compatible server settings. The Pi supplies a place to run software; the provider supplies the remote VPN endpoint.

A Pi can also host a personal VPN server that lets you connect back to a home network while away. That setup differs from routing traffic through a commercial provider, and the home internet connection remains part of the route. Skip it if you want an easy privacy app without network administration. Choose a Pi server project for remote access to your own devices.

Which Raspberry Pi 5 RAM size should you buy?

Raspberry Pi 5 4GB, Raspberry Pi 5 8GB and Raspberry Pi 5 16GB offer three memory choices for different project sizes. The 4GB board is a sensible start for lightweight Linux tasks, basic network utilities and introductory projects. An entry-level VPN gateway does not need a large memory allocation.

The 8GB configuration gives a useful balance for users who expect to run several services or try desktop use as well as network projects. The 16GB model suits memory-heavy development and multitasking rather than simple routing. All three use a 2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor, so memory capacity—not a different CPU—is the central configuration distinction.

What should you compare for Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday 2026 shoppers should compare VPN plan terms and Raspberry Pi 5 configuration details before choosing a product. For VPN subscriptions, check supported devices, simultaneous connection limits, protocol options, renewal terms and app availability. A familiar interface and clear account terms matter more than a feature list that does not fit your devices.

For a Pi, check memory, included accessories and the exact board configuration. A bare board needs storage, power and a way to keep temperatures controlled under sustained workloads. Compare complete project costs without assuming a starter bundle includes every component. A strong purchase is the one that matches your use case and leaves you with a practical, usable setup.

Buying Guide

Choose a VPN subscription for straightforward device privacy

Select a VPN plan if you want apps for everyday devices and a managed provider network. Confirm platform support, connection limits and included features before selecting a subscription. NordVPN Basic 1-Year Plan is a balanced starting point; Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan suits homes with many devices.

Choose a Pi for network projects and custom control

Select Raspberry Pi 5 when learning Linux, building a home server or experimenting with a VPN gateway is part of the goal. The Pi requires an operating system, storage and configuration. Raspberry Pi 5 8GB is a versatile project board, while a basic gateway build works with less memory.

Match memory to the workload

Raspberry Pi 5 4GB suits introductory tasks and lightweight services. Raspberry Pi 5 8GB adds room for multitasking and broader project use. Raspberry Pi 5 16GB targets heavier workloads; extra memory is not a substitute for a faster network connection or correct VPN configuration.

Check the complete setup before checkout

A VPN plan needs compatible devices and a subscription account. A Pi build needs the board plus storage, power and cooling, and some projects also require network accessories. Verify bundle contents and provider terms so the final selection matches the intended setup, not just the product name.

Decide whether you need a client or a server

A VPN client sends device traffic through a provider’s network. A personal VPN server gives remote access to a home network. Raspberry Pi 5 can participate in either type of project, but the network design and security responsibilities differ. Choose the correct goal before selecting hardware.

FAQ

Is a VPN better than Raspberry Pi 5?

A VPN subscription is better for straightforward encrypted browsing on supported devices, while Raspberry Pi 5 is better for programmable home-network projects. The products are not direct substitutes. A Pi can run VPN software, but commercial VPN access still requires a provider account and network configuration.

Can I use NordVPN on Raspberry Pi 5?

NordVPN can be used in Raspberry Pi-based setups when the operating system, client method and network configuration are compatible. Check NordVPN’s current Linux instructions and account requirements before starting. A Pi setup is more involved than installing a standard VPN app on a phone or computer.

Can Raspberry Pi 5 be a VPN router?

Raspberry Pi 5 can be configured as a VPN gateway that routes traffic from selected devices through a VPN connection. The project requires networking setup, a VPN provider, storage and a suitable Ethernet arrangement. Verify routing and DNS behavior before relying on the gateway for everyday traffic.

Which Raspberry Pi 5 is best for a VPN gateway?

Raspberry Pi 5 4GB is adequate for a basic VPN gateway project, while Raspberry Pi 5 8GB provides more room for added services and experimentation. Choose Raspberry Pi 5 16GB for broader memory-heavy workloads, not solely for VPN routing. Network configuration and connection quality matter more than RAM.

Is Surfshark or a Raspberry Pi better for multiple devices?

Surfshark Starter 1-Year Plan is simpler for protecting multiple supported devices because it provides a VPN subscription with unlimited simultaneous connections. Raspberry Pi 5 can route network traffic after configuration, but it is a project-based solution rather than a ready-to-use VPN account.

What should I buy on Black Friday 2026: a VPN or a Pi?

Buy a VPN subscription on Black Friday 2026 if you want a simple privacy app for personal devices. Choose Raspberry Pi 5 if you want a compact computer for Linux, a home server or a VPN network experiment. Match the purchase to the task, and check plan terms or board accessories.