Last updated 7th June 2023
Choosing the best VPN for Linux
There’s no denying that most VPN services are catered primarily to Windows and macOS. This makes it hard to find a service that gives Linux much of an emphasis, but it’s not impossible. In this article, we’ll help you find the best VPN for Linux by unveiling our top picks, so stick around.
VPN Service | Servers | Countries | Native Linux Client |
5700+ | 59 | Yes | |
1700+ | 63 | Yes | |
5700+ | 90 | No | |
3000+ | 94 | Yes | |
3000+ | 33 | Yes |
The 5 Best VPNs for Linux
1. NordVPN - Best Overall VPN for Linux
NordVPN is a well-rounded VPN service that offers excellent support for all operating systems, including Linux via a native Linux VPN client. The platform sports a command-line interface with an autosuggest functionality for command typing. OpenVPN protocols are utilized by default, but it’s possible to configure the platform manually.
What we like the most about NordVPN is that it offers Linux users the same advanced features found in its Windows and macOS variants, including malware protection, ad-blocking, and quick connect, and automatic kill switch. NordVPN also grants you the ability to switch between UDP and TCP protocols.
NordVPN offers Linux-specific features such as NordLynx for ultra-fast connections. Moreover, it features 24/7 line chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With NordVPN, you get to make use of over 5700 servers in 59 countries.
Pros
- Fast and secure
- Works with routers
- Expansive network
- 24/7 live support
- 30-day guarantee
Cons
- Relatively costly
2. Surfshark - Best Budget VPN for Linux
Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN service that has a native client for Linux. It’s compatible with Debian and Ubuntu devices, and it’s extremely easy to install. The native Linux client utilizes OpenVPN protocols and secure encryption. It offers you the ability to switch between TCP and UDP.
Surfshark offers a command-line interface for Linux users, making it super easy to navigate with the aid of simple commands. The platform has 1700+ servers in 63 countries. It has a very strict no-logs policy, so if you seek anonymity, Surfshark is for you. The service offers 24/7 live chat supports and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Budget-friendly suites
- Supreme anonymity
- User-friendly interface
- 24/7 live chat support
- Unlimited connections
Cons
- A handful of servers are slow
3. CyberGhost - Great Value for the Price
Unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, CyberGhost doesn’t feature a native client for Linux, but it’s still an excellent service for Linus because of its expansive network and functionality. CyberGhost is backed by detailed OpenVPN guides for Debian, Mint, and Ubuntu. Also, it offers PPTP guides for Chakra and Ubuntu.
CyberGhost features a browser extension for Firefox and Chrome, which can be used to switch between protocols or choose numerous servers and countries. Like Surfshark, the platform has a strict no-logs policy, so you’re guaranteed optimal privacy. You can even pay with Bitcoin. The platform offers 24/7 live chat support and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Outstanding security
- PPTP protocol
- Browser extension
- Very easy to use
- 24/7 live support
Cons
- No native Linux client
4. ExpressVPN - Most Versatile VPN
ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN that has a native Linux client and a command-line interface that’s super easy to use. The platform is compatible with Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, and CentOS. You can manually configure ExpressVPN using PPTP and OpenVPN guides. The platform puts a huge emphasis on security and has a strict no-logs policy. It also allows you to use Bitcoin for payments.
ExpressVPN enables you to switch between UDP and TCP protocols with ease. It also flaunts a Smart Location feature as well as secure encryption. To add, it has built-in DNS leak protection, which is hard to find for Linux. ExpressVPN enables you to switch between 3000+ servers in 94 countries. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.
Pros
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 live chat support
- Great compatibility
- Expansive network
- Super-fast servers
Cons
- Relatively expensive
5. Private Internet Access - Ease of Use
PIA is an extremely user-friendly VPN service that has a native Linux client. It utilizes a GUI, so you won’t need to type any commands in order to use it. It flaunts a quick-connect feature for your convenience, but it also enables you to select from over 3,000 servers manually.
This VPN offers built-in DNS leak protection, and it enables you to switch between OpenVPN, PPTP, and IPsec/L2TP. The drawback to using Private Internet Access is that it can’t access popular streaming sites like Netflix. It’s an excellent VPN for torrenting, though, as it offers great P2P support. It doesn’t have a free trial period, but it offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- DNS leak protection
- Graphic user interface
- Plenty of fast servers
- IPsec/L2TP protocol
- Excellent P2P support
Cons
- No streaming sites access
Final Thoughts
There are a few other VPN services that are great for Linux, including ProtonVPN, AirVPN, and IPVanish, but the above-reviewed VPN services are top of the heap, and we’re certain that one of them will meet your needs and budget.
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