Although several open-source VPN clients are available for Linux, a native software requires less configuration and offers more capabilities. We found the best VPNs for Linux.
In terms of software possibilities, Linux enthusiasts are sometimes ignored and the same is true for VPN services. Let’s face it: most firms and developers routinely ignore Linux users. However, we have conducted substantial study and testing to address this difference. In this PCZIPPO post, we will you a complete list of the top Linux VPNs.
When connecting to a VPN server on Linux, users prefer OpenVPN, OpenConnect, AnyConnect, and Network Manager. Nonetheless, we aimed higher to find VPN services that offer a flawless plug-and-play local VPN software. Configuration troubles are greatly minimized with these modified VPN, and users can take use of a slew of increased features and benefits that generic VPNs cannot offer.
That is why each VPN suggested in our exclusive list includes a custom VPN’s created specifically for Linux users, assuring a smooth and enjoyable VPN experience.
What makes a good Linux VPN?
Our selection of the top VPNs for Linux is based on the following criteria (which we will explain later):
- A Linux program is available, requiring little or no manual configuration.
- High speeds for streaming and downloading
- Strong online security.
- No activity or IP address logs.
- Unblocks geo-locked websites, apps, and streaming services.
- Good value for money, with discounts for extended subscriptions.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and sends it through an intermediate server in a location of the user’s choice. This provides a variety of advantages, including improved online privacy, increased security when using public Wi-Fi, and the ability to unblock geo-locked sites, apps, and services.
Best VPNs for Linux –
We’ve compared the most significant characteristics of the leading VPNs here.
| TEST WINNERNordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access | ProtonVPN | |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | protonvpn.com |
| Ranking Of Linux VPN: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Supported Devices | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook |
| Activity logs | None | None | No identifying data | No identifying data | None | ||
| Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps | 73 Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
| Total number of servers | 5,700+ | 3,200 | Undisclosed | 7000+ | 200+ | Undisclosed | 3000+ |
The Best Linux VPN’s:
1. NordVPN:
In August 2018, the company created a dedicated Linux app. The command-line app lacks a GUI (graphical user interface), but it is still more easier to set up and use than manually configuring servers. The Linux app has many of the same fantastic features found on other operating systems, such as an automated kill switch, ad blocker, and anti-malware filter. If you like doing things the old-fashioned way, Nord has a large user base of tutorials, including full Linux setup instructions for OpenVPN, IKEv2, and PPTP protocols.
NordVPN, headquartered in Panama, supports up to six simultaneous connections, has a zero-logs policy, and specialized servers for streaming, P2P, and enhanced security. It’s compatible with websites and apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Over 5,200 ultra-fast servers are available in more than 60 countries. Every connection is encrypted with AES 256-bit, and the IKEv2 protocol has perfect forward secrecy, which ensures that no one can decrypt previous sessions even if they obtain the encryption key.
NordVPN Speed Report:
| Website | NordVPN.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 268 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 174 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 147 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of NordVPN:
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on security and privacy.
- Compatible with the most popular geo-locked streaming providers.
- Faster than any of its competitors.
- 24/7 live chat help is available.
- Extensive server network
Cons:
- The program can take a while to connect to the server.
2. Surfshark:
Surfshark users can now use a command-line software for Linux that runs on Debian and Ubuntu distributions. You can choose any of the available server locations from a list and be connected in seconds. Surfshark is great for those who wish to stream while traveling overseas because it allows secure access to services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The service also allows torrenting and does not store any logs.
Surfshark is the only provider on this list that allows an infinite number of concurrent connections per account. That makes it an excellent value if you share with family or housemates. Live chat help is available around the clock.
Aside from Linux, programs are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Surfshark Speed Report:
| Website | Surfshark.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 205 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 168 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of Surfshark:
Pros:
- Unlimited devices
- Perfect for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Lots of security features.
- No logs policy
- 24/7 online support
Cons:
- Occasional slow server, but offers many to choose from in over 100 countries.
3. ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN launched its official Linux app in April 2016. It uses a command-line interface rather than the desktop GUI seen on Windows and Mac, but it is still far easier than downloading and managing config files for each server. The server list is always up to date, and users may easily switch between UDP and TCP using the OpenVPN protocol. ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than some competitors, but it does include a 30-day money-back guarantee and achieved significantly quicker connection speeds in our testing. ExpressVPN supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Kali, and CentOS.
ExpressVPN ranks high on our ranking because it delivers in all major categories, including privacy, speed, and customer service. It also functions consistently with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO.
ExpressVPN Speed Report:
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 253 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 133 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of ExpressVPN:
Pros:
- High speeds for both downloading and streaming video data
- Complete security and privacy
- Significant network spans 94 countries and with over 3,000 servers.
Cons:
- Significantly more costly than competitors
- May not provide sufficient control for elegant users.
4. CyberGhost VPN:
CyberGhost just debuted a command-line utility that simplifies setup and connection for Linux users. It supports Ubuntu 19.04, 18.04, 16.04, and Fedora 29 and 30. The command-line program, like others, has no graphical interface and is only accessible via the command line. You can specify how you wish to use the VPN, such as torrenting or streaming, as well as the location. CyberGhost does not retain user logs and uses high encryption and leak protection.
CyberGhost uses the OpenVPN protocol. It has around 10,000 servers in 89+ countries. Connection speeds are adequate, and connections are reliable. Live chat help is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can connect up to seven devices at one time. Apps are also available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
CyberGhost Speed Report:
| Website | Cyberghost.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 392 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 244 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 253 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of CyberGhost:
Pros:
- Properly stream Netflix USA, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Maintains no logs.
- Use up to seven devices concurrently.
- Easy to use, select the activity type and connect to the most relevant server.
Cons:
- Does not constantly work in China.
- No gateway connectivity.
Also Check out : Best VPN For Torrenting
5. PrivateVPN:
PrivateVPN provides a solution that is simple to use and equipped with sophisticated security measures. If you get stuck, free remote support and installation are available.
PrivateVPN now provides a command-line application for Linux. This works for both Ubuntu and Debian. It’s one of the most user-friendly VPNs available, and it includes setup guidelines to make things even faster and smoother. PrivateVPN has a smaller network of about 200 servers, but they are spread over more than 60 countries. Better still, it offers fast, unthrottled connections for lag-free streaming.
This VPN has a number of amazing security features, including military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It also safeguards your privacy with a rigorous no-logging policy. If you have any problems configuring PrivateVPN with Linux, you can contact its live chat and email support. It’s worth noting that free remote help and installation are also accessible.
Aside from Linux, PrivateVPN offers programs for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Indeed, you may manually configure it to work with specific wireless routers.
PrivateVPN Speed Report:
| Website | PrivateVPN.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 94 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of PrivateVPN:
Pros:
- User-friendly, includes instructions for setting up and help for customers
- High-speed servers for streaming and torrenting, with consistent unblocking of prominent platforms.
- The stringent no-logs policy ensures online anonymity.
Cons:
- A less extensive system of servers (around 200 in all)
- Live chat is not accessible for Twenty-four hours per day.
6. Private Internet Access VPN:
Private Internet Access offers coverage in 80 countries, making it ideal for international travel. The process of streaming is really simple, and you may protect up to ten different devices with only one PIA account. Private Internet Access is one of the few VPNs that really provides a full software for Linux. It runs on Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and other operating systems and includes a graphical user interface. It is also totally open-source, ensuring full transparency. This VPN’s network covers 80 countries, making it ideal for international travel. You won’t have any trouble streaming or torrenting because there is no bandwidth throttling.
With a single PIA account, you can secure up to ten devices simultaneously. This VPN provides 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PIA also has a no-logs policy, which means that your personal information remains confidential. There are also other extra add-ons, such as antivirus and dedicated IP address. Need assistance? Live chat assistance is available 24/7.
Aside from a great Linux app, Private Internet Access is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, albeit manual configuration is required for WiFi routers.
Private Internet Access Speed Report:
| Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 93 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 58 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 200 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of Private Internet Access:
Pros:
- Its Linux server software is user-friendly and available in 80 countries.
- Connect up to ten of your devices simultaneously.
- Highly secure, including encryption and a built-in ad blocker.
Cons:
- Not the most effective unblocker of streaming services
- Does not operate reliably in China.
7. ProtonVPN:
For Linux users who value security, ProtonVPN is an excellent solution. Now offers a command-line application for Linux that allows you to view the entire list of servers and manage connections more quickly. The utility is open-source, so you can analyze and edit the code as you see fit. It works with Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux/Manjaro, Kali, and Solus. All connections employ the OpenVPN protocol, which allows you to swiftly switch between servers.
Proton points out privacy in all of its services, including its VPN. You get top-tier security and a stringent zero-log policy. ProtonVPN offers P2P filesharing and is compatible with US Netflix.
ProtonVPN Speed Report:
| Website | protonvpn.com |
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 396 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 274 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 290 Mbps |
Pros And Cons Of ProtonVPN:
Pros :
- Robust security.
- No struggles with Netflix.
- P2P permitted.
Cons:
- Not having any kind of live chat assistance
- A limited selection of servers
What to Consider When Buying a VPN
While most personal VPNs must be user-friendly, Linux users are more prepared to experiment with software. This reality has not gone unnoticed by most VPN companies, who, based on our experiences throughout this review, have put far less work into setup and configuration ease under Linux than you will find in Apple Mac VPNs, VPNs for iPhone, and VPNs for Android. While the instructions are fairly clear in most cases, you should plan to get your hands filthy to get a VPN operating, particularly under Linux.
Look For VPN With GUI
When connecting under Linux, the most common protocol is OpenVPN, however alternative protocols will also function. For Ubuntu users, it’s as simple as running the apt-get command from within the Unity user interface. However, if your terminal skills are rusty, you should brush up on them because some command line typing will be required. There are a few VPN services that have a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, only two of the three Editors’ Choice winners in this VPN (for Linux) review roundup include a GUI. For those who do, it’s critical to assess whether it provides additional benefits such as custom protocols, the ability to detect the fastest available server, and the ability to perform additional configuration tasks such as disabling Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) (which is critical when trying to maintain a secure tunnel).
Consider the types of services you’ll want to use and the programs you’ll be operating. Streaming video from services such as Netflix would necessitate not only speed but also a static IP address, which may increase your monthly costs. Connecting from different countries may have a positive or negative impact on your overall surfing speed, influencing the types of online apps you can run. VPN performance can also differ among various apps, particularly peer-to-peer file sharing, such as BitTorrent, and any type of online gaming.
How To Make A VPN kill Switch In Linux
If the VPN connection ends unexpectedly, the computer will continue to send and receive traffic across your ISP’s unsecured network, possibly without your knowledge. To prevent this behavior, you can create a simple kill switch that disables all internet traffic until the VPN connection is restored. We’ll demonstrate how to create some simple rules using iptables and the Ubuntu Ultimate Firewall (UFW) application. First, write a startvpn.sh script that configures the firewall. These firewall rules only allow traffic over the VPN’s tun0 network interface to reach your VPN’s server.
These firewall rules prevent network traffic from passing over any other network interface. When your VPN disconnects, it disables the tun0 interface from your system, leaving no allowed interface for traffic to pass through, and your internet connection terminates.
When the VPN session is complete, we must delete the rules that enable normal network traffic across our actual network interfaces. The simplest solution is to completely disable UFW. If you already have UFW rules running, create a more elegant tear down script instead. This one removes the firewall restrictions and then terminates openvpn with a script named stopvpn.sh.
If you choose a different method to connect to your VPN, you can remove the last two lines of each script. In such a case, you must remember to manually run the startvpn.sh script before starting your VPN using another method. It is not difficult to remember to run the stopvpn.sh script when your VPN session finishes; you will most likely experience a lack of internet connectivity until you do.
How To Choose Best Linux VPN:
Choosing the best VPN for Linux to meet your needs can be more difficult than on other operating systems due to the wide range of options available.
After privacy, the most important consideration on Linux will be whether you actually need a graphical user interface (GUI). In brief, a GUI is what most other computer users would refer to as an application; it is the face of the program that you use to control it. Without a GUI, you’ll have to utilize the command line, which can be time-consuming and challenging for those unfamiliar with it.
If you require a graphical user interface, many VPN companies, including my top pick, ExpressVPN, are out. Surfshark and PIA, on the other hand, are two of the few Linux GUIs available.
Beyond that, other aspects to consider are streaking unblocking, peak speeds, server locations, and customer support. Overall, Surfshark meets these criteria and would be my first option – but all of the providers mentioned above are outstanding in their own right and may be a better fit for you.
Best Linux VPN FAQ’s:
Qus. Does Linux need a VPN?
Ans. When compared to other operating systems, Linux offers more privacy and security, but it cannot protect you from every attack. Adding a VPN to your PC provides a variety of privacy benefits.
When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through a safe and encrypted tunnel to the VPN server, and then to its intended destination. This means that hackers cannot snoop on your traffic, even if you use sketchy public Wi-Fi, and that your local network and ISP cannot see what you’re doing online.
Meanwhile, whether you’re connected to a P2P torrent peer or a regular website, it will only see the VPN server’s IP address rather than yours. Nobody can tell if you’re downloading that torrent, viewing that website, or doing anything else.
The top VPNs have servers in VPNs all over the world, making them excellent for viewing information that may be restricted in your country. So, whether you want to watch US Netflix or get uncensored news that the government does not want you to read, a reliable VPN can help.
Qus. Can you get a free Linux VPN?
Ans. If you look hard enough, you’ll come across a VPN provider that will tempt you with a free deal. However, the risks of using such an offering much outweigh the benefits of saving a few dollars each month.
For starters, these free services will be far slower than any premium service. Forget about streaming material; you may not even be able to have a decent browsing experience with them. Furthermore, a no-fee VPN will almost probably have a bandwidth cap that is set so low that the service is worthless for any practical uses.
Another important source of concern for free services is their privacy practices, or lack thereof. They are not free from the goodness of their hearts and must find a way to generate money. One of the most prevalent scams is to collect and sell your personal information.
Qus. What is today’s best Linux VPN?
Ans. Surfshark ranks first on my list of Linux VPNs. It offers an excellent (and comprehensive) GUI, as well as a CLI program, and is loaded with security features to keep your device safe.
I really like how fast Surfshark is, which comes in useful when unblocking Netflix (and other popular streaming services) or playing online games. Surfshark is also extremely low-cost, making it an excellent choice for any Linux user on a tight budget.
Thank you For Reading, Happy Computing!
Also Learn: How To Upgrade RAM on a Laptop?
Leave a Reply