Best VPNs for Linux

4. The 10 Best VPNs for Linux: Full Reviews and In-Depth Analysis

1. NordVPN: Best Overall (Speed & Security via CLI)

NordVPN maintains its position as the top choice due to its commitment to Linux users, blending security and unmatched speed through its custom protocol.

• Linux Client: Dedicated, open-source Command Line Interface (CLI) app. Installation is streamlined via .deb and .rpm packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and others.

• Protocol on Linux: Features NordLynx, NordVPN’s WireGuard-based protocol. This implementation addresses WireGuard’s inherent IP handling concerns by using a double Network Address Translation (NAT) system, guaranteeing a higher level of privacy than a default WireGuard setup.

• Security: Audited no-logs policy, Onion over VPN, and Double VPN features all accessible via the CLI. The kill switch is robust and consistently reliable on Linux.

• Ease of Use: While CLI-only, the commands are intuitive (nordvpn connect [country], nordvpn settings, etc.) and the official documentation is excellent.

• Server Network: A massive network of over 6,000 servers in 61 countries, providing excellent connection options globally.

Verdict: The gold standard for experienced Linux users who prefer an efficient, fast CLI and prioritize audited security and proprietary speed technology.

2. Surfshark: Best for Beginners & Value (Full GUI Support)

Surfshark stands out as one of the few top-tier VPNs to offer a native, fully-featured Graphical User Interface (GUI) application for Linux, making it the most accessible choice for new users.

• Linux Client: Offers both a GUI application (primarily for Ubuntu/Debian) and a CLI tool for more advanced users or other distros. The GUI eliminates the need for any terminal interaction.

• Protocol on Linux: Supports both OpenVPN and the high-speed WireGuard protocol on its Linux apps.

• Value: One subscription covers unlimited devices, a massive advantage for a Linux enthusiast with multiple machines (desktop, laptop, Raspberry Pi).

• Features: The GUI includes features typically reserved for Windows/Mac clients, such as CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker) and MultiHop (Double VPN).

• Privacy: Based in the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, with an audited no-logs policy.

Verdict: The definitive choice for Linux beginners or any user who simply wants the familiar, zero-hassle experience of a desktop application on Ubuntu or Debian.

3. ExpressVPN: Most User-Friendly CLI & Proven Reliability

ExpressVPN is renowned for its speed, global server network, and premium service across all platforms, including a surprisingly user-friendly CLI client for Linux.

• Linux Client: A powerful, minimal-footprint CLI application. While lacking a full GUI, the CLI is extremely simple, essentially acting as a wrapper for the service with commands like expressvpn connect and expressvpn disconnect. It is compatible with a vast array of distributions.

• Protocol on Linux: Supports its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is open-sourced, minimizes code, and is known for maintaining near-native speeds and incredibly fast connection times.

• Compatibility: Excellent compatibility across a wide range of distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, Mint, and even Raspberry Pi (Arm).

• Streaming: Consistently one of the most reliable VPNs for unblocking global streaming services on Linux, thanks to its TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology.

Verdict: Ideal for users who value premium speed and reliable streaming, but are comfortable with a simple, effective command-line interface.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best Open-Source App & Customization

PIA’s commitment to the open-source community is one of its strongest selling points for the Linux user base, offering an audited, highly customizable application.

• Linux Client: Features a fully open-source GUI client that is consistently maintained. This application is available for Debian, Fedora, Arch, and a generic installer for other systems. The GUI is packed with advanced options.

• Customization: Offers extensive control over encryption (AES-128 vs AES-256), handshake, and data authentication algorithms, providing a level of granular control that other providers often hide.

• Transparency: PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested and verified in court cases on multiple occasions, adding a layer of trust appreciated by the privacy-focused Linux community.

• Server Network: Boasts one of the largest server networks in the industry, ensuring minimal congestion and high-speed connections globally. It also supports unlimited devices.

Verdict: The perfect match for the technically inclined Linux user who demands a customizable, open-source GUI and a proven, transparent privacy track record.

5. Proton VPN: Best Free Tier & Privacy Focus (Swiss Base)

Proton VPN is backed by the team behind Proton Mail and is celebrated for its uncompromising focus on privacy and a genuinely useful free tier.

• Linux Client: Provides a native GUI desktop client for major Debian/RPM-based systems and a well-documented CLI. All its apps are open-source and have undergone independent security audits.

• Privacy Features: Based in Switzerland (outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes). Features unique “Secure Core” servers, which route traffic through high-security data centers (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before connecting to a target server.

• Free Option: The free tier is one of the best available, offering unlimited data (though limited to servers in a few countries) which is a rare find in the VPN space.

• Tor Over VPN: Dedicated servers that automatically route your VPN traffic over the Tor network, a powerful privacy feature integrated into the app.

Verdict: A premium option for the security purist. It’s the go-to choice for those who want an audited, open-source solution with a rock-solid privacy base and a solid GUI experience.

6. Mullvad VPN: The Anonymity Champion for Purists

Mullvad is the VPN of choice for anonymity purists, offering a unique account generation system and a commitment to privacy that is second to none.

• Linux Client: Provides a native, open-source GUI client with full WireGuard and OpenVPN support across Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux.

• Anonymity: You create an account by generating a random 16-digit number, with no email or personal details required. You can pay with cash or cryptocurrency, ensuring maximum anonymity from the moment you sign up.

• WireGuard Integration: Mullvad was one of the earliest adopters of WireGuard and offers highly optimized implementation, making it extremely fast on Linux.

• Price: Offers a single, transparent monthly price globally with no hidden long-term contracts or discounts—a refreshingly straightforward approach.

Verdict: The ultimate VPN for the security enthusiast who demands complete anonymity from sign-up to daily use.

7. CyberGhost: Best for Server Network Scale and Dedicated IPs

CyberGhost provides a massive server network and specialty servers for users with specific needs like streaming, torrenting, or dedicated IP addresses.

• Linux Client: Primarily relies on an efficient, easy-to-use CLI client and provides excellent OpenVPN and WireGuard configurations for Network Manager setup on any distribution.

• Server Network: Boasts one of the largest server networks in the world (over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries). Servers are categorized for streaming (unblocking specific services) and torrenting.

• Dedicated IP: One of the few providers offering optional dedicated IP addresses, which can be useful for server hosting or avoiding common VPN blocks.

• Guarantee: Offers an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing ample time for Linux users to test the service across their various devices and configurations.

Verdict: An excellent choice for users who need access to a vast number of locations or who require dedicated servers for specific tasks like high-speed P2P or streaming.

8. IPVanish: Best for Simultaneous Connections and P2P

IPVanish is a feature-rich and reliable VPN that prioritizes speed and allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices, making it great for a family or a user with multiple Linux machines.

• Linux Client: Offers a dedicated CLI application that is well-maintained and includes a kill switch function, supporting the most popular distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch.

• Simultaneous Connections: Provides Unlimited simultaneous connections, a huge value proposition for the multi-device Linux power user.

• Speed: Consistently delivers high speeds, making it a favorite for P2P and torrenting activities across its global network.

• Security: Fully owns and manages its entire server network, which theoretically adds an extra layer of security by removing third-party involvement.

Verdict: Best for users running VPNs on a high number of devices, especially those heavily involved in P2P file sharing on their Linux systems.

9. PureVPN: Best for Audited Security and Jurisdiction

PureVPN is notable for its position in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and its commitment to transparency through a rigorous always-on audit system.

• Linux Client: Provides a CLI app with support for major distributions, focusing on a clean and simple interface for connection management.

• Jurisdiction and Audits: Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy haven. It was the first VPN to implement an “Always-On” audit policy, allowing a leading auditor to check their systems without prior notice—a high bar for transparency.

• Features: Supports a wide array of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, providing flexibility for different Linux setups (desktop vs. router).

Verdict: Highly recommended for users whose primary concern is verifiable, independently audited security and a safe jurisdiction.

10. PrivateVPN: Best for Global Streaming and Simple CLI

PrivateVPN is a smaller, but highly effective provider that punches above its weight when it comes to consistently unblocking global streaming content.

• Linux Client: Offers a simple, functional CLI application that is easy to install and manage, focusing on stability and core functionality rather than numerous advanced options.

• Streaming Reliability: It excels at bypassing VPN blocks on major streaming platforms, often outperforming larger competitors in this specific area.

• High Speeds: Despite its smaller size, it uses “High Speed Network” connections, ensuring fast and buffer-free streaming and downloading on Linux.

• Setup: The installation guides are straightforward, often providing detailed steps for manual OpenVPN configuration alongside the CLI app for maximum user flexibility.

Verdict: The best niche choice for Linux users whose primary use case is consistently accessing geo-restricted streaming libraries worldwide.