instance recommendation to run a private vpn

You have the native AWS Client VPN offering.

Is there a reason for functionality or cost not to go down this route?

You’ll have the overhead to patch your OS and VPN software if hosted on an EC2.

There are also 3rd party offerings in marketplace such as Aviatrix https://aws.amazon.com/quickstart/architecture/aviatrix-user-vpn/ which I’ve used and works really well.

Requirements:

• Instance Type: Depending on your expected load and number of connections, a t2.micro or t3.micro might suffice for a small number of users. However, you might want to scale up if you're expecting heavier traffic.
• Security Group Settings: Ensure that the necessary ports for your VPN server are open. For OpenVPN, this would typically be UDP 1194 (by default), and for WireGuard, it would be UDP 51820 (by default).
• VPC & Networking: Ensure your instance is associated with a public IP if you want to connect from external networks, and the necessary routes are in place.

OpenVPN vs. WireGuard:

OpenVPN is a more mature solution with a longer track record. It's versatile, widely supported, and has a plethora of configuration options. It's known for being secure and reliable. However, some users find it a bit heavier in terms of resource consumption. WireGuard is newer but has gained popularity for being lightweight and fast. It's built into the Linux kernel, which means it's very efficient. It's also easier to set up than OpenVPN and is considered to be very secure, although it hasn't been around as long as OpenVPN.

My choice: OpenVPN

Ubuntu is a solid choice for setting up a VPN server. If you're familiar with Ubuntu, it will make the setup process smoother for you. AWS offers Ubuntu AMIs (Amazon Machine Images) that you can use to quickly launch an instance.

Thanks Gary and Vitor

These are the 2 options for wireguard and openvpn that are free

https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-g2qdwawxwpliq?sr=0-7&ref_=beagle&applicationId=AWSMPContessa

https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-y3m73u6jd5srk?sr=0-1&ref_=beagle&applicationId=AWS-EC2-Console#pdp-pricing

Please advise as to the limit of simultaneous connections Wireguard allows. I understand openvpn allows for 2.

ideally, I would like to conect my home and my two sisters homes to the vpn using openwrt routers. the max devices from the three connections should not exceed 20

Am I on the right path here for my use case?