What Is The Best Linux VPN?

When it comes to software, most Linux users get the short end of the stick. Let's face it: most organizations and developers aren't particularly high on the priority list for Linux fans. That's why we went out to find the top VPN services that had taken the time to provide special attention to Linux users. Read our in-depth Linux VPN guide and learn everything about this service, we are quite sure that once you’re done with reading you will know which service suits you best.

Ben Grindlow

Ben Grindlow is the founder of ProXPN, a company that provides reviews about VPN products and services. Ben's interest in cybersecurity and privacy led him to start ProXPN, which has become one of the most well-respected VPN providers in the world. Ben is passionate about his work, and he is constantly exploring new ways to improve ProXPN's in-depth guides.

Last updated: 16:16PM 6/30/2022

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Table of Contents

Linux is an operating system that is utilized in a functional capacity by an insignificant proportion of the total population of the globe. Linux is an operating system that is both open-source and free to use. Finding a virtual private network (VPN) that is compatible with it and functions properly might be difficult because of this.

A significant number of virtual private networks (VPNs) do not offer Linux-compatible software or offer just a limited level of service. There are certain service providers that, to their credit, adopt a different approach. The following is a list of some of the features that are provided by ExpressVPN, which has a big server network and quick connections for Linux users:

Linux is only utilized by a select few users at this time. Users of Linux are regularly forgotten about by those who produce software, which is unfortunate considering the platform's widespread popularity. Those individuals who are responsible for the creation of virtual private networks are also affected by this.

There are not many virtual private networks (VPNs) that provide Linux users with useful apps. It will be more challenging for you to obtain a virtual private network (VPN) that is dependable if you utilize this operating system. You will find out all you need to know about the best virtual private networks (VPNs) for Linux in this post. Following extensive research and evaluation of a broad variety of virtual private networks (VPNs), we have developed a list of recommendations for your use.

The most effective and best VPNs for Linux

Linux and virtual private networks (VPNs) both aim to achieve the same result: to protect your privacy and security. A good virtual private network (VPN) establishes a secure connection between you and the Internet. Currently the best VPNs for Linux in 2022 are:

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. NordVPN
  3. PIA
  4. Mullvad

All of your Internet traffic is routed through a virtual tunnel that is encrypted. When it comes to privacy, pairing your Linux system with a virtual private network (VPN) service is a winning combination.

  • Unfortunately, not all VPN services will be compatible with every Linux distribution. It is critical to understand which VPN will work on which system as well as the various options available.
  • When it comes to quality and usability, there are significant differences between VPN services for Linux users. Because Linux is a collection of operating systems rather than a single operating system, the differences are much greater than with Windows. After all, there are hundreds of different variations on the theme.
  • This involves investing time, money, and effort into customizing the VPN software so that it functions properly on a variety of Linux operating systems. As a result, some service providers choose to offer this in a very limited capacity or not at all.

Users of Linux are in luck since there are a few VPN providers who are devoted to delivering a VPN program of a high quality to Linux users in addition to users of other operating systems.

When searching for the finest virtual private networks (VPNs) to use with Linux, it is essential to take into consideration a variety of different aspects. It is essential for the virtual private network (VPN) to have a Linux client that users may connect to. Furthermore, key factors to take into account include the server network, its level of security, the protocols used, and its functions. The following Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers come in first and second place, respectively, based on these criteria.

1.ExpressVPN for Linux users who want the fastest connection possible.

Available for the following distributions: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, Arch, and Raspbian.

ExpressVPN is without a doubt one of the greatest alternatives for Linux users. ExpressVPN's server network, as well as the exceptional speeds that these servers deliver, are two of its biggest strengths.

Users of a variety of Linux distributions can use ExpressVPN's wide server network, which has been made certain by keeping the settings as basic as feasible.

  • To select a server and link to it, all you have to do is issue a few simple instructions. There are no frills. The ability to turn the kill switch on and off is one example of a basic command.
  • Furthermore, ExpressVPN is a trustworthy VPN. The servers almost always function as intended and make optimum use of your internet connection's capacity.
  • If you don't like the performance of a server, there will always be alternatives. The protection offered by ExpressVPN is also consistently top-notch. We have not yet found any DNS or WebRTC leaks, which is good news.

ExpressVPN's main drawback is its high cost when compared to other VPN providers. However, for the money, you get a true excellent VPN provider that is fully compatible with the Linux operating system. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free without any obligations.

2.NordVPN offers enhanced security as well as a plethora of features.

Available for the following operating systems: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, OpenSUSE, RHEL, and QubesOS.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are very similar in many ways. Both VPN providers have a large server network, fast servers, and the ability to run on a variety of different operating systems. Despite this, there are a few distinctions. ExpressVPN is slightly faster, but NordVPN provides you with a greater number of options.

Unlike ExpressVPN, which only allows you to select a server and activate the kill switch, NordVPN provides you with a plethora of additional security and privacy configuration options.

  • If you use NordVPN on Linux, for example, you can configure the following features: the kill switch, auto-connect, custom DNS servers, protocol selection, obfuscated servers, and a dedicated IP address, among others.
  • The majority of Linux users will not consider these additional features to be an unnecessary extravagance. Obfuscated servers, cybersecurity, and custom DNS servers are all excellent options for those who value their privacy above all else.

Despite its extensive feature set, NordVPN is simple to use on Linux. The terminal commands are logical and intuitive in their execution. Those experiencing difficulties can refer to the numerous guides available.

The only disadvantage of NordVPN, as with ExpressVPN, is the fact that it is relatively expensive. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers a variety of special promotions to help you save money on your subscription, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3.Private Internet Access (PIA) is a cheap but high quality Linux VPN

Available for the following distributions: Ubuntu, Debian (Fedora), Arch, and Debian (Sid) (Slackware).

There is a possibility that NordVPN and ExpressVPN have the greatest server networks, speeds, security, and marketing, but this does not necessarily mean that they are the most costly. But Private Internet Access has carved out a special place for itself in the competitive market for VPN services.

Even on Linux-based computers, the user interface of this trustworthy, privacy-focused, and cost-effective virtual private network (VPN) program is intuitive. In point of fact, the program that is only available for Windows at PIA is also compatible with Linux. This is especially helpful for people who are just starting out with Linux or who have only a little bit of prior experience working with the operating system.

  • There are fewer servers at PIA than at NordVPN and Express VPN, which is a disadvantage. The servers are also not as fast as they could be, but for the majority of users, this is not an issue.
  • As long as the servers are reliable and stable, everything is fine. As it pertains to PIA, this is unquestionably true. The speeds of PIA servers are satisfactory, and they rarely experience fluctuations in performance or security issues such as DNS leaks.

What you lose in terms of speed, you make up for in terms of the amount of money that you can keep in your wallet. In point of fact, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the most cost-effective virtual private network (VPN) option available from among these options.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the PIA package includes a plethora of other functions. You will not be exposed to malicious software, trackers, or adverts if you use the program “mace.” You even have the option to set up a SOCKS5 proxy in addition to configuring your own DNS servers. In a nutshell, Private Internet Access (PIA) is among the most reputable, cost-effective, and user-friendly providers of virtual private networks (VPNs) for Linux users.

4.Mullvad, one of the better Linux VPNs

Available for the following distributions: Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

A strict ‘no log' policy is enforced by Mullvad, which also provides a separate user interface (UI) for Linux users. Mullvad makes it incredibly simple to install and configure a virtual private network connection.

Having created an account and received your login code, you can then download the'repository' from the Linux page of the website. After that, you open the app and select a server. That is all there is to it. Mullvad's ease of use makes it the ideal VPN for Linux users who are new to the operating system.

  • Its server network is not as large as that of NordVPN or Express VPN, but it is still one of the best server networks available for Linux users. Mullvad has over 400 servers in 39 countries to choose from.
  • These servers are extremely fast as well as extremely secure. They only use the OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols, which are the most secure protocols currently available on the market. Mullvad also has its own bridge servers, which allow it to get around restrictive firewalls.

Mullvad is slightly more expensive than the majority of other VPN providers, with a fixed monthly fee of €5 per month. However, for this price, you will receive a VPN for Linux users that is stable, reliable, and extremely user-friendly. Unfortunately, Mullvad's headquarters are in Sweden, which is a member of the 14-eyes alliance. Taking all of this into consideration, Mullvad can still be a reliable VPN for Linux users.

What factors should consider when selecting a VPN for Linux?

When acquiring a virtual private network (VPN) for Linux-based computers, there are a lot of different considerations that need to be made. It is essential that the virtual private network software you choose is compatible with Linux if you use Linux as your operating system. Additionally, it is important that you pay attention to the protocols that are supported by the distribution that you are dealing with.

In addition, it is essential that the virtual private network service offer Linux consumers an adequate amount of available functions. Last but not least, it is essential to ascertain whether or not the VPN in question is user-friendly and suitable for your needs.

When deciding which virtual private networks (VPNs) are the most suited for Linux, we took all of these factors into account. First, you should determine which aspects are most essential to you, and then choose a virtual private network service that satisfies those requirements. Do you want additional information about where to seek and how to locate what you need? Following this, we will discuss each of the factors in further depth.

Software for the Linux operating system

It is of the utmost importance that the virtual private network service provider offer software that is compatible with Linux. The reality is that this is not necessarily the case all of the time. In addition, software are usually not obtainable for any version of the operating system other than the one for which it was designed. You will be required to manually configure the VPN connection if the VPN service you use does not offer software that is compatible with the Linux operating system you use.

This is an extremely challenging and laborious process that takes a lot of time. In the vast majority of situations, virtual private network software offers a substantially higher level of security. Buying a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that already comes with software for Linux on its own comes highly recommended by our team. You can find out whether or not a certain VPN service provider offers software that is compatible with Linux by reading our in-depth evaluations of VPN services.

Protocols for the Linux operating system

Often, a VPN service provider will only provide a limited number of protocols for Linux users. Typically, only the most frequently used options are listed. This can be inconvenient if you want to use a protocol that is less well-known. In order to determine which protocols are supported by your VPN provider when it comes to Linux specifically, it is a good idea to do some research first.

The protocols can be found in the manuals provided by the VPN service provider. As a side note, we recommend that you use OpenVPN or WireGuard whenever possible, even when using Linux. These are the VPN protocols that are the fastest and most secure. Furthermore, it is supported by the majority of distributions.

Extra options, such as streaming Netflix and downloading torrents

When looking for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Linux, it is essential to take into account the particular demands of your setup. Linux users have access to a limited subset of the standard functionality offered by the vast majority of virtual private network (VPN) service providers.

On a computer running Windows or Mac OS, for example, connecting to a virtual private network (VPN) may make it possible for you to download torrents anonymously. This would not be possible on a computer running Linux, though. The same is true for streaming services like Netflix.

Access to the American version of Netflix is not provided by all virtual private networks (VPNs) for Linux. As a consequence of this, if you want particular features, you should first discover whether or not your distribution supports them.

Make use of a VPN client that has a graphical interface

On Linux, a VPN connection is offered by a number of VPN providers; nevertheless, the majority of the time, you will need to handle this VPN connection through a terminal window. However, in order to use it manually, you will need to have some technical understanding of what are known as ‘command lines,' which is not always an issue. This does not contribute to an easy navigating experience.

If you would rather utilize the software that is offered by a VPN service that is more user-friendly, it is imperative that you pay great attention to the following information. It is important to note that in order to install these programs, you will still need to utilize the terminal. Once they have been deployed, they give the graphic presentation that is already accustomed to the user.

The dangers of using (free) virtual private networks on Linux

There are some virtual private networks (VPNs) that you should avoid at all costs. There are a variety of factors contributing to this. One of these reasons is the upkeep of logs and other records. In the internet world, logs are information files that keep track of information about your internet activity.

  • Once this is done, your IP address can be linked back to you. It is possible to determine your true identity based on these logs. There have even been instances where VPNs have handed over log data to the authorities. If you want to be completely anonymous, you should use a VPN that does not keep logs of your activities.
  • There are a plethora of free VPN services available that may be appealing. Despite this, we frequently advise against using them, in part because many free services keep logs of your activities.

In addition, free VPNs are generally less secure, have data or speed limits, and can even spread malware in some cases. Furthermore, there are only a few free VPNs that have a Linux application. Instead of using a free VPN, it is preferable to use a relatively inexpensive premium VPN.

What is the purpose of using a VPN on Linux?

There are a variety of reasons to use a virtual private network (VPN). Privacy, security, and freedom are the three most important reasons.

Privacy

Every computer has what is known as an IP address, which is a special address that is only known to that machine. If other people gain access to this address, they will be able to ascertain both your location and identity. Your Internet Protocol (IP) address may be hidden behind a virtual private network, often known as a VPN, which enables you to surf the web freely and anonymously.

You are given the IP address of a server that operates a virtual private network (VPN). This has the practical implication that the websites you go to will no longer be able to identify you when you visit them. While you are surfing the internet, you may improve your level of anonymity by using a virtual private network, sometimes known as a VPN.

Security

Linux is an operating system that may be downloaded free of charge since it is considered “open source.” This indicates that the software that runs the Linux operating system is available to anybody who wants it. As a direct consequence of this, software defects are found and fixed in a more expedient manner. As a direct consequence of this, its level of safety much exceeds that of a great number of other operating systems.

In spite of this, Linux users who use the Internet run the danger of being compromised in terms of their data security. Hackers are able to intercept all of your Internet data and exploit it to their own benefit if you connect to a public Wi-Fi network that is not secured. They will then make a variety of improper uses of the information you have provided. You are safe from this kind of criminal activity if you use a virtual private network, sometimes known as a VPN.

Freedom

You are able to view websites that would not normally be available to you if you have a reliable VPN connection. There are several websites that are inaccessible from certain locations throughout the world. It's possible that this is because of local laws or regulations that prevent access to certain content in the country in which you are now residing.

Using a virtual private network (VPN), you will have the ability to connect to a server located in another nation. After that, the IP address belonging to this server will be given to you. The website that you want to see is now accessible to you as a result of doing this.

Configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Linux

It is only normal for you to want to start utilizing your VPN service as soon as possible after purchasing a subscription to one. Because of this, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide that will take you through the process of installing and setting a VPN program on Linux: Your virtual private network (VPN) account is waiting for you to log in. Your virtual private network (VPN) service provider likely has a webpage that you may use to accomplish this goal.

You should now be able to enter the Linux terminal, and from there, you need to browse to the folder in which the VPN client was downloaded. Engage the ‘install command' for the specific file that you are now focusing your attention on. If the approach described above does not work for you, you will need to begin by decompressing the file.

Launch the program when it has been downloaded and installed, and then log in using the information that you set up for your account. Choose the server you want to connect to, then click the “Connect” button. You have now successfully connected to the virtual private network (VPN)!

Conclusion about Linux VPN software

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a technology that allows you to safely access the internet when you're out and about. Because Linux and a virtual private network (VPN) work well together, they provide excellent security. You'll be considerably more secure as well because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, malware is less widespread on Linux systems than on Windows, but it's still smart to protect yourself.

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PIA, and Mullvad are four VPN providers that are well-suited for use with Linux. ExpressVPN is our top recommendation if you want the fastest speeds possible.

Do you wish to have greater control over your preferences? NordVPN is the ideal alternative. PIA is recognized for providing excellent value and quality services to its clients. Finally, Mullvad may be used to get more anonymity while remaining simple to use.

Frequently asked questions

Our top choice for the finest VPN for Linux is NordVPN. It combines a strong security package with high regard for user privacy.

In this sense, no, Linux does not have a built-in VPN. Most distributions include support for tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN, IPSec, or WireGuard. You'll still need an external server to connect to them, though.

ProtonVPN is a free and unlimited VPN for Linux created by the same team that developed Proton Mail, the world's most popular encrypted email service.

I recommend using a VPN provider's money-back guarantee if one is available. All of them have Linux programs with warranties ranging from 30 to 45 days.

Encryption technology may make or break a VPN. Your privacy is important, and a great VPN will go to any length to preserve it. Instead of sending your Internet traffic through only one server, reliable encryption methods will split it up and send it down numerous pathways.

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