NordVPN Doubles Down on Linux: Open Source GUI and Snap Integration Announced
Published
- Open-Source Release: NordVPN’s Linux GUI code is now public on GitHub for transparency and collaboration.
- Snap Integration: The updated Snap package includes the GUI, simplifying installation and automatic updates.
- Community Focus: NordVPN aligns with Linux values of openness while keeping its core infrastructure proprietary.
NordVPN has announced that its Linux application is taking a major step forward. The company has officially open-sourced its graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux. Alongside this, the GUI is now available through Snap, simplifying installation and updates across various Linux distributions.
The move aligns with Linux’s long-standing values of openness as well as community collaboration. According to NordVPN, the decision reflects a shared belief in transparency and accessibility for users and developers alike.
Why NordVPN Open-Sourced Linux GUI and Added Snap Support
Since the release of the Linux GUI in May 2025, adoption has grown rapidly. In just over three months, NordVPN reports a 70% increase in daily active Linux devices, indicating strong demand for a user-friendly yet secure VPN experience.
Building on that momentum, NordVPN is taking two major steps:
- Open-sourcing the Linux GUI – The source code is now available on GitHub for anyone to view, compile, and improve. This adds to the existing open-source CLI (command-line interface), which has been public for years.
- Updating the Snap package – The NordVPN Snap package now includes the GUI, allowing users to install it easily on any distribution with Snapd enabled.
These updates aim to enhance transparency, accessibility, and trust among Linux users, while inviting community contributions to improve the app.
What’s Changing – and What’s Not
The GUI and CLI for Linux are now open source, with detailed compilation instructions available on GitHub. Users can review the code, submit feedback, or suggest enhancements.
However, NordVPN’s core VPN infrastructure, authentication systems, as well as backend services will remain proprietary to protect security-critical components.
For installation, users can now install NordVPN through Snap with a single command:
sudo snap install nordvpn
The Snap version supports automatic updates, reducing the need for manual intervention and helping ensure users run the latest version. Other installation methods will continue to be supported for those who prefer them.
What It Means for Linux Users
NordVPN says its decision is guided by two principles - transparency and accessibility.
- Transparency: The public release of the GUI’s source code allows developers to test, audit, and enhance the app.
- Accessibility: Snap simplifies the installation and update process, ensuring a consistent experience across Linux distributions.
NordVPN emphasizes that open-sourcing the GUI doesn’t mean compromising on security. The company maintains strict code reviews, automated checks, and encourages responsible disclosure to keep the platform secure.
Looking Ahead
NordVPN views this as the start of deeper collaboration with the Linux community rather than a final milestone. The company is encouraging contributions, including bug reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests, through its GitHub repository.
NordVPN users can now explore the open source Linux GUI source code on GitHub or install the Snap package to experience the latest version of NordVPN on Linux.
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