NordVPN is the best VPN for Linux. Its native app now pairs a full GUI with a capable command-line client, NordLynx gave me 92 Mbps on Arch Linux, and obfuscation, Double VPN, and a kill switch work from the terminal as well as the desktop.
If not NordVPN, try Surfshark for a polished desktop app on unlimited devices, ExpressVPN for unparalleled speeds, Private Internet Access for a full-fledged Linux GUI, and ProtonVPN for P2P/Tor/streaming servers.
After arming you with the Best Linux VPN, I’ll illustrate the procedure to set it up on Linux – so keep reading!
Top 3 VPNs for Linux (October, 2026)
Surfshark
Best for multi-device Linux homes
- Sleek Linux GUI
- Static IP and CleanWeb
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
NordVPN
Best for Linux, GUI or terminal
- Native GUI plus full CLI
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- Double VPN and obfuscated servers
ExpressVPN
Best for fast Linux streaming
- Fast Lightway protocol
- GUI app and command-line client
- Obfuscation and P2P support
Most Linux VPN services are underpowered, rarely updated, and only have a handful of the features present on Windows or macOS. Luckily, the ones on my list are the exception!
Browse the Internet Anonymously and Bypass Geo-Blocking With My Top Linux VPNs
Here are the top highlights of my handpicked VPN services for Linux:
- NordVPN: Achieve Top-Grade Security on Linux
- Surfshark: Best Budget-Friendly VPN for Linux With GUI
- ExpressVPN: Fastest Linux VPN for Uninterrupted Streaming
- Private Internet Access: Most Feature-Rich Linux VPN With GUI
- ProtonVPN: Linux GUI With P2P, Tor, & Streaming Servers
I calculated the average speeds of each VPN using a 100 Mbps connection.
Best VPNs for Linux: Comparisons and In-Depth Reviews
I did the leg work for you and evaluated 15+ Linux-compatible VPNs based on their graphical user interface/command-line interface, Linux-specific features, unblocking capabilities, connection speeds, privacy, P2P support, and other relevant criteria for Linux.
NordVPN - Achieve Top-Grade Security on Linux
| Location | Server Network | User Interface | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | 7,000+ in 150 countries | GUI + command-line | 92 Mbps | Show Offer |
NordVPN is the best VPN for Linux because it feels equally at home in a terminal and on a desktop. I tested its lucid command-line app, and since May 2025 it has added a full GUI on top.
NordVPN’s Linux GUI guide says the CLI must be installed for the GUI to run, and a single package installs both via DEB, RPM, or Snap. It officially supports Debian 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+, Linux Mint 21+, Raspberry Pi OS, and Fedora 43+ on GNOME or KDE. The GUI lets you pick the protocol, jump to Double VPN or Onion over VPN servers, and pause the connection on a timer.
It’s one of only two clients here with an in-house protocol on Linux (ExpressVPN’s Lightway is the other), and I averaged an impressive 92 Mbps download speed on Arch Linux via NordLynx. NordWhisper and OpenVPN over TCP or UDP are there when a network blocks it.
From the terminal, you also get Threat Protection Lite, custom DNS, and a kill switch (“nordvpn set killswitch on”). A few Windows extras (split tunneling, trusted Wi-Fi, Dark Web Monitor) weren’t in the Linux client when I tested it.
Its 7,000+ servers in 150 countries give it the widest reach on this list, so I could access restricted content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and France TV.
Moreover, NordVPN is second to none regarding security due to its unbreakable 256-bit encryption and audited no-logs policy. For an extra hop, enter “nordvpn c double_vpn” to reach its Double VPN servers.
P2P traffic is allowed on its standard servers, so a plain “nordvpn c” is enough before you open qBittorrent. If you’re somewhere with severe restrictions like China, type “nordvpn set obfuscate on” to enable obfuscation.
A single NordVPN subscription safeguards up to ten simultaneous devices, and you can reach out to chat support anytime you experience any issues.
Interested? Take advantage of this fantastic offer on NordVPN to get the best price, with 30 days to claim a refund.
Pros
- Native Linux app with a full GUI and a lucid CLI
- Threat Protection Lite, custom DNS, and a kill switch on Linux
- Fast NordLynx speeds for smooth torrenting and streaming
- Double VPN and obfuscated servers, with P2P allowed on standard servers
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries
Cons
- The GUI needs the CLI installed underneath
- Split tunneling, trusted Wi-Fi, and Dark Web Monitor were missing from the Linux client when I tested it
Surfshark - Best Budget-Friendly VPN for Linux With GUI
| Location | Server Network | User Interface | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 4500+ in 100 countries | GUI | 86 Mbps | Show Offer |
Surfshark is my runner-up for Linux and the one I’d install for someone who has never opened a terminal. Its slick GUI takes convenience and utility to a new level: no commands or cryptic settings to memorize, just a modern UI consistent with the rest of Surfshark’s range.
Linux loyalists now have access to advanced features like Static IPs, Multihop, and CleanWeb, previously available only to non-Linux users.
Surfshark’s setup guide lists Debian 11, Ubuntu 20.04, and Mint 20 or newer, and the app is also published on Snapcraft and Flathub.
The official instructions made it easy for me to install the Surfshark GUI on Ubuntu.
The Surfshark Linux client, however, lacks some features of its Windows app, like Bypasser (Surfshark’s split tunneling isn’t available on Linux) and “Minimize upon startup.”
Interestingly, PIA and ExpressVPN’s newer GUI app do offer split tunneling on Linux.
The IKev2 protocol, supported by macOS, is likewise absent from Surfshark. Still, it isn’t a bummer since I faced no buffering while streaming UHD content via the WireGuard protocol at an average 86 Mbps download speed.
Furthermore, its 4,500+ servers in 100 countries are ideal for accessing international libraries of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on Linux.
All these servers permit P2P sharing with unlimited bandwidth, so you can easily download files via qBittorrent.
Because security is the topmost concern for Linux users, Surfshark secures your connection with the industry standard AES-256-bit encryption and adheres to a no-logs policy. For additional security, activate the VPN kill switch and auto-connect feature.
Surfshark also offers infinite simultaneous connections per account, making it a fantastic bargain if you share the service with family or roommates.
NordVPN stays ahead on reach beyond the desktop: Surfshark’s Linux app expects a GNOME, KDE, or XFCE session, while NordVPN’s CLI also runs on a headless server or Raspberry Pi, and NordLynx was 6 Mbps faster in my tests.
Claim these exclusive Surfshark discounts, with a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it on Linux.
Pros
- An intuitive Linux GUI with Multi-hop, Static IPs, and CleanWeb
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 256-bit encryption with security features like auto-connect, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy
- 4,500+ servers in 100 countries to access geo-restricted content
Cons
- Not the fastest VPN for Linux
- The app needs a GNOME, KDE, or XFCE desktop
ExpressVPN - Fastest Linux VPN for Uninterrupted Streaming
| Location | Server Network | User Interface | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | 113 countries | GUI + command-line | 95 Mbps | Show Offer |
ExpressVPN is the Linux VPN I’d reach for purely to stream 4K content with zero buffering, download files rapidly, and experience load-time-free browsing.
It emerged as the fastest Linux VPN in my tests with 95 Mbps download speed, kudos to the proprietary Lightway protocol.
When I tested it, ExpressVPN was terminal-only on Linux; it has since added a GUI app (March 2025), and the command-line client I used is still there.
You can install the lightweight command line app by following these well-documented guides on several Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, Arch, and more.
I could use all the advanced features of ExpressVPN on Kali Linux, like Threat Manager and Network Lock (kill switch). Port forwarding and split tunneling were the only features missing then, and the GUI app has since added the latter.
It took me a few seconds to connect to any VPN server with “expressvpn connect (country name)” terminal command. If you don’t want to rely on the terminal, install the Chrome or Firefox extension to switch the VPN servers from your browser.
Furthermore, I had a seamless experience switching between the TCP and UDP versions of Lightway and OpenVPN protocols, using simple commands like “expressvpn protocol lightway_tdp” or “expressvpn protocol udp.”
ExpressVPN users also get access to servers in 113 countries, a reach only NordVPN and ProtonVPN beat here, for unblocking foreign content on platforms like BBC iPlayer, France TV, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more.
As all these servers support P2P transmission, I easily downloaded torrents via Tixati. It’s even crowned as the Best VPN for China and North Korea since every server has obfuscation activated by default.
Security-wise, ExpressVPN offers a great deal of protection against intruders with its AES-256-bit encryption, audited no-logs policy, and IP/DNS leak protection.
ExpressVPN has raised its Basic plan to ten simultaneous connections, but it still costs more than Surfshark and PIA. It sits behind NordVPN because Lightway beat NordLynx by just 3 Mbps in my tests, while NordVPN adds Double VPN servers at about the same long-term price.
Luckily, I’ve got these limited-time discounts on ExpressVPN and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Unparallel speeds with Lightway protocol for buffer-free streaming and torrenting
- GUI app plus a lightweight command-line client
- Obfuscation and P2P-enabled servers
- Servers in 113 countries for geo-spoofing
Cons
- No port forwarding on the Linux client
- Pricier than Surfshark and PIA
Private Internet Access - Most Feature-Rich Linux VPN With GUI
| Location | Server Network | User Interface | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The United States | Unspecified | 64-bit GUI | 76 Mbps | Show Offer |
Although some VPN providers don’t give their Linux apps much thought, Private Internet Access’s (PIA) offering stands out by offering a 64-bit full-fledged GUI Linux Client on Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and other distros.
Instead of a typical DEB package, the download files have a unique .run extension. However, following these instructions will streamline the installation.
The PIA Linux version has everything that PIA’s other desktop apps are known for, including a VPN kill switch, PIA MACE (ad blocker), Split Tunneling, MultiHop, Automation, and more. This makes it more feature-rich than NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
However, speed is the department that makes it inferior to other VPN clients.
I averaged a mere 76 Mbps download speed via its WireGuard protocol.
While this is enough speed to handle any online activity you throw at it, it’s still behind the previously listed VPNs.
Furthermore, PIA’s headquarters are in the US (five eyes territory).
Nonetheless, privacy shouldn’t be a concern, as it doesn’t keep records of your online activity and leverages AES-128/AES-256 encryption to secure your connection.
I had a blast streaming geo-blocked content of BBC iPlayer and Hulu on Arch, thanks to PIA’s gigantic sever library across 91 countries.
Besides, all these servers permit P2P traffic, so you can effortlessly download torrents from The Pirate Bay, RARBG, and other sites on Linux.
The best part is that PIA is the most budget-friendly Linux VPN and supports unlimited simultaneous connections like Surfshark.
Here are some showstopper discounts to save more on PIA’s subscription and test it risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- The same functionality seen in Windows or macOS on Linux with a full-fledged GUI
- Linux GUI with PIA MACE, a kill switch, dedicated IPs, split tunneling, automation, and multi-hop
- Infinite simultaneous connections
- Bypass censorship on Hulu and BBC iPlayer with servers based in 91 countries
Cons
- Based in the five eyes territory
- Downloading speeds aren’t on par with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark
ProtonVPN - Linux GUI With P2P, Tor, & Streaming Servers
| Location | Server Network | User Interface | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries | GUI | 73 Mbps | Show Offer |
ProtonVPN is another stunning Linux VPN for streaming and torrenting because it features quick access to P2P, Tor, and streaming servers.
The provider’s Linux client is compatible with several distros, including Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, Fedora, Archlinux, and Manjaro. It even demonstrates separate installation guides for all supported distros.
Although you get a GUI on Linux, it’s nothing like the PIA’s full-fledged GUI. Proton’s Linux app is a stripped-back version with limited settings like Secure Core, Netshield, and a permanent kill switch under a quick access menu.
The features I enjoy using on other versions, like alternative routing, moderate NAT, VPN accelerator, and LAN connections, are not included in the Linux client.
Moreover, Linux users are limited to only the OpenVPN protocol, which delivered an average of 73 Mbps download speeds in my tests (other versions have WireGuard, IKEv2, and Stealth too).
Fortunately, privacy remains the same across all versions, so your connection is secured by AES 256-bit encryption. It also offers DNS/IPv6 leak protection and adheres to a no-logs policy.
Plus, its server library, with 20,000+ servers across 140+ countries, can unblock geo-blocked content seamlessly. These servers facilitate P2P traffic, so I could download several torrents on Debian via Vuze.
Lastly, one ProtonVPN subscription covers up to ten simultaneous devices.
Get this steal deal on ProtonVPN’s subscription, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Smooth streaming/torrenting with P2P, Tor, and streaming servers
- Basic GUI with quick access menu to enable Secure Core, Netshield, and a permanent kill switch
- AES 256 encryption with no-logs policy and DNS leak protection
- 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries for bypassing censorship
Cons
- The Linux client lacks many advanced functionalities
- The only supported protocol is OpenVPN, resulting in mediocre speeds
How to Set up a VPN for Linux?
To install a VPN on Linux, you must run a few commands on the terminal.
I’ll demonstrate this procedure using ExpressVPN on Ubuntu; for NordVPN, my top pick, see my NordVPN Linux guide.
- Buy the ExpressVPN subscription.
- Go to ExpressVPN’s Linux setup page. If prompted, sign in with your ExpressVPN credentials.
- Select your Linux distro from the menu on the right and download its installation file. Debian and Mint users should select Ubuntu.
Copy the activation code from this page, as you’ll need it for the setup later.
- Launch the terminal window. (Ctrl + Alt + T)
- Run the following command:
sudo dpkg -i [installer filename]
- ExpressVPN is now installed on your Linux system, but you still need to activate it by running the following command in a new terminal window:
expressvpn activatePaste the activation code you copied in the third step here and hit enter.
- The VPN is now ready to secure your Linux system. Type in the following command in the terminal to connect to your preferred server location:
expressvpn connect (country name)
How to Set up a VPN Kill Switch in Linux?
To enable ExpressVPN’s kill switch (network lock) in Linux, paste the following command in the terminal and hit enter:
expressvpn preferences set network_lock on
On NordVPN, the equivalent terminal command is “nordvpn set killswitch on”.
Can You Use a Free VPN With Linux?
You could use a free Linux VPN, but it’s generally a bad idea since free VPNs usually come with limited bandwidth, speed throttling, and privacy issues.
Hence, it’s preferable to go with a reliable VPN service like NordVPN, or Surfshark if price comes first.
If you’re cash-strapped, consider using ProtonVPN’s free version.
However, it has numerous restrictions: free servers in ten countries assigned at random, one device, no P2P, and no streaming support.
Therefore, it’s advised to stay away from the free version and invest in the premium plan to enjoy endless secure streaming/torrenting. To make things better, I’ve got a limited-time offer on ProtonVPN’s premium subscription.
FAQ
Does Linux Have a Built-in VPN?
Although many Linux distros offer a built-in VPN feature accessible through the Network Manager, it’s not the same as having a dedicated VPN.
It means you could set up a VPN connection without using a definite app.
Nonetheless, it’ll still require a VPN service provider, and the user must manually configure it. Plus, the experience won’t come close to a commercial VPN’s simplicity and flexibility.
Most users don’t have access to a spare VPN server, let alone one that would let them route their traffic through another country. So, the potential capability is present, but it can’t replace a dedicated Linux VPN client.
Elevate Your Online Privacy on Linux Straight Away!
Getting a VPN for Linux for complete anonymity is a wise move toward your data privacy. It enables anyone to bypass geo-restrictions and download torrents without consequences while protecting against cyber threats.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Linux because it gives you a real GUI and a scriptable CLI in one native app, fast NordLynx speeds, and impenetrable encryption with Double VPN and obfuscation on tap.
So, what’s taking you so long? Get your hands on NordVPN and test it risk-free with these jaw-dropping discounts assured by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
