Linux comes as a better option than any other operating system in terms of your privacy and security. That especially applies to distros like Qubes OS, Tails, Whonix, and Kali. Still, if you take your time to find the best VPN for Linux, that decision will pay off in a big way. That's because aside from securing your privacy, a capable VPN will help you unblock the Web.
As you can imagine, not every VPN is the same - and that's especially true for Linux. Many of them advertise their compatibility with various Linux distros, hiding the fact that you'll need to configure them manually. That's a route you shouldn't take, and we'll show you which VPN services support Linux natively (via command-based or graphical interface).
So, let's waste no more time. After testing more than 60 VPN services in total, we'll highlight the most powerful and capable Linux VPNs you'll find today.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Linux?
You need a Linux VPN if you're after privacy and security on the Web. You'll also need it to unblock websites, bypass censorship, and more. Take a look below.
- Protect Your Digital Privacy: The primary purpose of VPNs is to encrypt your data, hiding your online activities and whereabouts. You'll get to browse the Web without being followed by trackers, as your data will be encapsulated by AES-256 or 128-bit encryption, which is practically uncrackable.
- Bypass Censorship: Some countries regulate the flow of information quite rigorously. Unless you have a VPN, you won't be able to visit certain websites. However, since a VPN gives you a new IP address (based on the location of your chosen server), bypassing geo-blocks becomes a possibility.
- Unblock New Digital Services: Many websites, such as media streaming platforms or online marketplaces, are available in select countries only. Since VPNs bypass geo-blocks, that opens up a new side of the Internet, letting you reach more entertainment and various new digital services.
- Download Torrents Securely: Downloading torrents without a VPN exposes your online traffic, putting you at risk of getting a copyright infringement notice. A capable VPN (especially one with P2P servers) lets you download P2P files without a single worry on your mind. On top of that, many VPNs now scan for malware as well.
Best VPN for Linux
Ready to review your options? If you are, here are the 5 best VPNs for Linux you'll find available today:
- ExpressVPN - Best Linux VPN Overall
- NordVPN - Best Secure VPN
- CyberGhost VPN - Best Streaming-First VPN
- Surfshark VPN - Best Beginner-Friendly VPN
- Private Internet Access - Best Linux VPN With a GUI
1. ExpressVPN - Best Linux VPN Overall
ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs as it brings perhaps the most comprehensive set of privacy-related features. This is an ultra-capable VPN that covers pretty much any platform out there, so it doesn't come as a surprise you'll find it on Linux as well.
This VPN is compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, Raspberry Pi, and Mint. Other Linux distros are not officially supported, but you won't have a problem using ExpressVPN on those. Also, this VPN has a command-line interface, but you can access its graphical user interface via browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox).
You'll get 3,000+ servers, all of which come equipped for securing the Web, streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Also, they all come with automatic obfuscation, which is why ExpressVPN works even on restricted networks. And let's not forget to mention that ExpressVPN features a range of protocols (led by OpenVPN and Lightway) coupled with AES-256 encryption.
Lastly, ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN service. Your personally identifiable data will never reach the VPN's servers, which are based on RAM. So, even if someone breaches ExpressVPN's servers (which is impossible to happen), they won't find any data to extract.
Thinking about getting this VPN for your Linux machine? Explore everything this VPN offers via our full ExpressVPN review.
PROS
- Ultra-secure VPN service.
- More than 160 VPN server locations.
- Easy-to-remember commands.
- Advanced leak protection.
- Helpful customer support.
CONS
- Limited fine-tuning.
LEARN MORE: How to Install ExpressVPN on Linux / Raspberry Pi / Kali / Mint / Zorin OS / Ubuntu Studio / Qubes OS / Peppermint OS / Parrot Security / Maui / Lubuntu
2. NordVPN - Best Security-First VPN
NordVPN has been around for quite some time, known for its security-focused features. As you can imagine, it offers a fully-functional (command-line) app that's very simple to download, install, and use on Linux. On top of that, it works on Debian, Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, Qubes OS, and more.
This VPN offers installers (DEB and RPM packages) specifically made for Linux users to make the installation faster and more streamlined. You can finish setting up the VPN in only a couple of minutes of your time. And then, you'll have full access to NordVPN's 5,000+ servers spread across 60 countries.
If you decide to use NordVPN, you'll get to count on AES-256 encryption. Then, you can easily switch between TCP and UDP protocols, letting you choose between connection speed and security. You'll also find a kill switch that protects you if something happens to your VPN connection.
Based on our tests, we recommend NordVPN for regular Web browsing, streaming media, and downloading torrents. Even though it's heavily oriented towards security, this VPN is great for a wide range of use cases, which is why it's one of the best VPNs for Linux right now.
There's plenty more to learn about this VPN. So, make sure to read our NordVPN review.
PROS
- Ultra-strong encryption.
- No data logging whatsoever.
- Suitable for media streaming.
- Fast to develop new features.
- Always-available customer support.
CONS
- Can be overwhelming for newbies.
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Streaming-First VPN
Romanian VPN provider CyberGhost is one of the most popular options right now, particularly for VPN users in the eastern hemisphere. It is also a very intuitive VPN for Linux that's known for measuring up to the specific needs of Linux users.
Just recently, CyberGhost VPN released an updated Linux app that gives you an option to choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard. No matter which protocol you choose, you'll find an unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption algorithm, strong enough to keep away even the most aggressive trackers.
This CLI (command-line interface) app is also known for its ease of use. CyberGhost has put a lot of effort into creating a Linux app that actually looks good (even though it doesn't have a GUI). You can remember various commands easily, using which you'll reach more than 7,000 servers in 90+ countries.
We'd especially like to praise CyberGhost's entertainment-related capabilities. This VPN unblocks any streaming platform imaginable. You can even find specialized servers on Linux for streaming, letting you pick a server based on the streaming platform you want to unblock.
Make sure to learn more and explore additional features of this capable Linux VPN via our CyberGhost VPN review.
PROS
- Nicely designed CLI app.
- Supports OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Ultra-tough (AES-256) encryption.
- Works on many Linux distros.
- Very usable for streaming.
CONS
- Can be slow unless optimized.
LEARN MORE: How to Configure, Install & Use CyberGhost VPN on Linux
4. Surfshark VPN - Best Beginner-Friendly VPN
Surfshark might not be the biggest VPN brand out there - but it's poised to become hugely popular soon enough. It checks all the right boxes and brings plenty of value for its price - which is why we believe this VPN to be one of the best VPNs for Linux right now.
If you use Debian or Ubuntu Linux, you're in luck because Surfshark supports those. Even though it comes as a command-line app, it offers a Linux package that simplifies the process of installation. And if you need a GUI app, you can turn to GitHub for that as an independent developer has created a very interesting solution.
Surfshark offers more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. All of those are RAM-based servers, eliminating any chance of your data being collected by the VPN. Also, those are 10 Gbit VPN servers, which is why Surfshark is known for its fast and reliable performance. As per our tests, you can expect minimal throttling even if you don't make any optimizations.
We'll also add that Surfshark is equally capable when it comes to unblocking the Web (it offers 'NoBorders' servers for countries with heavy censorship), streaming media, and downloading torrents. And to top it all off, this VPN brings unlimited simultaneous connections.
In case you think this VPN could be a good fit for your needs, make sure to learn more about it. So, we recommend reading our Surfshark review.
PROS
- Very easy to install and use.
- Fast-performing 10 Gbit servers.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Works on any Debian distro.
- Strict no-logs policy.
CONS
- Limited fine-tuning.
- Can sometimes take a while to connect.
5. Private Internet Access - Best Linux VPN With a GUI
We'll end our list of recommendations with Private Internet Access. This is a highly reputable VPN with a long history of providing high-end features and a high level of customization. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that, unlike other VPN services, PIA offers a GUI for Linux.
First, know that PIA offers Linux apps for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, and Arch. You might be able to use it on more distributions, so make sure to ask PIA's always-helpful customer support. And once you install the app, you'll find a whole range of options to play with, which begins with the VPN's colossal server network.
Private Internet Access has more than 30,000 servers. All of those support protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, both of which are available on Linux. Then, you get open-source apps and a no-logs policy. PIA has nothing to hide, which is how it can promise not to record or store any of your traffic data, ever.
When it comes to more advanced features, you get a kill switch, split tunneling, and even split DNS. That's why we recommend PIA to more advanced users who know how to take full advantage of those features. The only downside is that PIA's performance can be limited unless you optimize the VPN.
Discover more of this VPN's secrets by reading our Private Internet Access review.
PROS
- Offers a GUI on Linux.
- Plenty of advanced features.
- Huge server fleet.
- Flexible encryption options.
- Helpful customer support.
CONS
- Not the best option for streaming.
- Slow unless optimized.
What Makes a Great Linux VPN?
When choosing a Linux VPN, there are some essential specifics to consider that apply to that operating system. So, here's what to look for:
- Reliable Linux Support: As mentioned earlier, many VPNs say they support Linux, only to offer custom configuration options. So, make sure to know what type of software you'll get. Most often, you'll get a CLI application, letting you input commands to connect and disconnect, adjust settings, and similar. Very few VPNs bring a GUI application.
- Linux-Specific VPN Features: If a VPN says it offers a kill switch or split tunneling, that doesn't mean that Linux users will also get those features. If you're unsure about what you'll get, talk to your chosen VPN's customer support team. Ask them what features are specifically available on Linux. Most powerful VPNs will bring a kill switch, split tunneling, anti-malware features, and similar.
- Server Network Size & Type: All VPNs bring standard servers that re-route and anonymize your Web traffic. However, while some VPNs have around 1,000 servers, others might offer 5,000 and more. It matters to know about the size of the server network you'll get, as having more servers typically translates to faster performance. Also, some VPNs offer specialized servers to enhance your privacy, unblock new types of websites, and similar.
- Overall Value: Lastly, know that a capable Linux VPN doesn't have to cost much. Pay attention to their long-term plans, as that's where you'll find hefty discounts.
We have a dedicated guide that offers further assistance in helping you choose a VPN. So, you'll want to check our VPN buyer's guide.
How to Set Up a VPN on Linux?
There are various ways to set up a VPN on Linux, based on your chosen VPN and the Linux distro you use. With that said, here's a general guide:
- Pick a VPN that offers full Linux support, such as ExpressVPN.
- Sign up and then download the VPN's installer (package) for your Linux distro.
- Install the VPN by running its installation file (via the GUI or CLI).
- If required, activate the VPN application using the Terminal.
- And lastly, use the Terminal to initialize the VPN and connect to a server.
As you can see, installing a VPN on your Linux isn't a time-consuming process. Still, you'll want more detailed information, including the codes/commands you need to use. So, turn to our guide on setting up a VPN on Linux (we made sure to cover various Linux flavors).
This is where we end our guide to the best VPNs for Linux. We hope that you've found it to be useful - and that you'll easily decide on which VPN fits your needs in the best way possible.