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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

NordVPN 

5700+

59

Yes

Surfshark 

1700+

63

Yes

CyberGhost

5700+

90

No

ExpressVPN 

3000+

94

Yes

Private Internet Access

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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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