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Your One-Stop Guide to Finding the Best VPNs for Linux in 2023
I’ve comprehensively explored, reviewed, and shortlisted the best VPNs for Linux users in 2023.
- NordVPN – Best for all types of internet users who want speed and stability
- ExpressVPN – Best for advanced Linux users looking for #1 privacy protocols
- Surfshark – Best for Linux users on a tight budget
- CyberGhost – Best for gaming and streaming-focused users
- IPVanish – Best for regular users looking for an affordable, all-round VPN
Whether you want to keep cyber threats away from your Linux system, protect your digital data, evade geo-restrictions, or keep your online presence and activities private, a quality VPN or Virtual Private Network is a must-have.
But let’s face it – choosing the right VPN for your Linux OS is not a walk in the park. You need to evaluate several factors and weigh the pros and cons meticulously.
However, today I want to take the burden off your shoulders. I’ve personally reviewed the five best VPNs for Linux users right now. To prepare the carefully-curated list, I’ve evaluated leading VPNs using six parameters:
- The VPN’s compatibility with Linux
- Security
- Speed
- Privacy policies
- Pricing, and
- Customer support
Want to ensure a more secure Linux experience without compromising speed and performance? Let’s find the top Linux VPNs.
The Need for VPNs for Linux
While Linux-based operations systems natively offer various security and privacy features like SSH encryption, SELinux, firewall, and user access control, they’re not always sufficient.
We live in a world where cyber threats, network restrictions, and online activity monitoring tools are everywhere. So you’ll still need a VPN for Linux for things like:
- Extra security: VPNs establish a tunnel between your device and the destination network server. The transferred data is always encrypted end-to-end, preventing any eavesdropping attempts.
- Remote connections: Linux is particularly suitable for use in server environments. Remote access VPNs use encrypted gateways to connect devices with an entire location, a handy tool for remote workers.
- Geo-restrictions: Possibly one of the most paramount reasons to use a VPN – it lets you bypass geo-restrictions and censorships, which are common today.
- Privacy: Using a VPN, you can securely connect your Linux device to the internet, even from public or unknown Wi-Fi networks.
- Better deals: Airlines sometimes offer better discounts for users in particular locations. You can claim those using a VPN.
What to Consider When Choosing a VPN for Linux
When evaluating a VPN for Linux, check out several key factors. It will help you get the most out of your Linux VPN.
- Linux compatibility: The first item on your checklist should be to ensure Linux compatibility. If the VPN is Windows-only or Mac-only, you can cross it off the list.
- Security: Next, look for advanced security features like AES-256 bit encryption, DNS leak protection, or a kill switch. Compatibility with advanced security protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN helps narrow your search.
- Speed: A VPN’s speed depends a lot on its server location. Ideally, you should pick a VPN with servers spread throughout a wide geo-area.
- Privacy policies: Always look for a VPN provider with transparent and well-articulated privacy policies. A no-log approach is preferred as it ensures that the provider won’t share your data with any external parties.
- Pricing: Don’t let a higher price tag deceive you. It doesn’t always mean quality. Instead, check the value it offers to you for the price.
- Customer support: You may need to contact live support to handle your demanding computing and browsing needs. So choose a VPN provider with multiple support channels.
Top Linux VPN Reviews in 2023
Let’s review our top picks for the best VPNs for Linux in 2023.
1. NordVPN – Overall, the Best VPN for Linux in 2023
Best for: All types of internet users seeking a solid and stable VPN for their Linux system.
Compatibility with Linux
Supports all Linux distros apart from TailOS, TempleOS, and Arch.
Security Features
- NordVPN’s Threat Protection works in the background to keep online ads, trackers, and malware at bay.
- Meshnet helps you create and maintain your private network.
- Dark web monitor to provide you with real-time updates on compromised sites.
Speed
You can achieve tremendous speed through over 5,700 NordVPN servers across 60 countries. It also supports smooth streaming and torrenting for up to six simultaneous connections.
Privacy Policies
NordVPN maintains a strict no-log policy. All systems run RAM-only.
Customer Support
- Help center with detailed FAQs.
- Emails for instant access to one-to-one support.
Pricing
Starts from $3.49 per month (2-year plan, $83.76). All plans include a VPN and malware protection.
Don’t forget to check our comprehensive NordVPN review.
2. ExpressVPN - Solid Linux VPN for its Proprietary Lightweight Tunneling Protocol
Best for: Advanced users looking for cutting-edge security and privacy protocols.
Compatibility with Linux
Natively supports several Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Arch, and Raspberry Pi. You can also set it up for other Linux systems.
Security Features
- IP address masking
- Anonymous browsing
- Network Lock for instant kill switch
Speed
Reliable and fast speed through servers located in 94 countries, allowing unlimited switching.
Privacy Policies
Strict zero-logging for traffic, DNS data, or any sensitive information.
Customer Support
- 24/7 support via email and live chat.
- Knowledge base
Pricing
Starts from $8.32 per month (annual plan). Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
3. Surfshark – Excellent for Affordability and Security
Best for: Linux users on a tight budget.
Compatibility with Linux
The GUI version is available for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Debian 11, Mint 20, or later.
Security Features
- Instant kill switch
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- WireGuard support
Speed
Great speed through 3200+ RAM-only servers from over 100 countries, offering unlimited bandwidth and device installations.
Privacy Policies
Strict no-log policy
Customer Support
- Help Center
- 24/7 Email and live chat
Pricing
Starts from $2.39 per month (24-month plan). 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our detailed Surfshark review.
4. CyberGhost – Excels at Unlocking Region-locked Contents
Best for: Gaming and streaming-focused users looking for ultra-fast speed.
Compatibility with Linux
Natively works with Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Kali, CentOS, and PoP! OS.
Security Features
- Comprehensive Wi-Fi protection
- 256-bit AES encryption
- DNS and IP leak prevention
Speed
Excellent and reliable speed through 9,807 servers across 91 countries and 116 locations. You can also get past ISP throttling.
Privacy Policies
CyberGhost doesn’t collect any identifiable data.
Customer Support
- 24/7 live support
- Customer support resources
Pricing
Starts from $2.11/month (27-month plan), 45-day money-back guarantee.
Don’t forget to check out our detailed CyberGhost VPN.
5. IPVanish – Reliable Linux VPN with Prompt Customer Support
Best for: Regular users looking for an affordable, all-round VPN.
Compatibility with Linux
Compatible with Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, Lubuntu OpenVPN, and PoP! OS OpenVPN.
Security Features
- Unmetered connections
- WireGuard protection
- Prevents ISP tracking
Speed
Reliable, high-speed connection and unlimited bandwidth through over 2,200 servers in over 75 locations.
Privacy Policies
Independently verified no-log policy.
Customer Support
- 24/7 live chat
- Phone support during business hours
- Customer resources
Pricing
Starts from $2.92 per month (24-month plan)
Here’s our full IPVanish VPN.
Linux VPN: Comparison Table
The following table will help you compare our top picks side-by-side:
VPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | IPVanish |
Compatibility with Linux | Most Linux distros | Six Linux distros (native client) | Three Linux distros (native) | Six Linux distros (native client) | Five Linux distros (native client) |
Security Features | Threat Protection, Meshnet | RAM-only Trusted Server | AES-256-GCM | Comprehensive Wi-Fi protection | Prevents ISP tracking |
Speed | Over 100 Mbps | Over 100 Mbps | Over 100 Mbps | Over 100 Mbps | Over 100 Mbps |
Privacy Policies | No-log, RAM-only | Zero-log | RAM-only servers | Zero identifiable data | Independently verified no-log policy |
Pricing | Starts from $3.49/month | Starts from $8.32/month | Starts from $2.39/month | Starts from $2.11/month | Starts from $2.92 per month |
Customer Support | Email and resources | 24/7 live support | 24/7 email and live chat | 24/7 live support | Live chat and phone |
Our Rating | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
Guide: How to Set Up a VPN on Linux
You can directly install the VPN application using the provider’s VPN client or the OpenVPN configuration files. OpenVPN serves as a bridge between your system and the VPN client.
Here are some quick steps to set up a VPN on your Linux system using OpenVPN. The following process works for Ubuntu systems:
- Most modern Linux distros have OpenVPN preinstalled. Check it by using the Terminal. Shortcode for the terminal is Ctrl+Alt+T.
Use code: <$ sudo apt-get install openvpn> (without <>) - Now install the network manager package, for which the code looks like this:
$ sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome - Now, get your OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN client or provider. Ideally, it comes in a Zip or compressed archive, which you can Unzip by:
$ unzip filename.zip - Go to the Network tab and find the Add VPN option.
- Use the import button to find out the configuration files and add them.
- Use your username and password (provided by your VPN provider) to activate the VPN.
- Afterward, you can activate or deactivate the VPN connection from the network manager.
Other Security Measures for Linux Users
While VPNs protect your online privacy, you can further solidify your network security and privacy. Here’s how:
- Use a properly configured firewall.
- Keep your Linux distro and software packages up-to-date, as they regularly provide patches against ongoing security risks.
- Use strong, alphanumeric passwords with symbols and characters.
- Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever possible, preferably with SSH keys.
- Limit the use of sudo permissions as much as possible.
Conclusion
Each Linux VPN I tested for this comprehensive overview brings something unique. NordVPN has seized the top spot as the best VPN for Linux in 2023 due to its lightning speed, feature-rich offerings, and smooth compatibility with Linux.
Investing in a top-tier VPN is a small price to pay to ensure a safer, unrestricted, and more secure online experience.
FAQs
Does Linux have a built-in VPN?
No, Linux distros don’t include a native or built-in VPN. However, most Linux distros support tunnel protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN, which lets you connect to an external VPN server.
Does Linux need a VPN?
While Linux offers many security features, users still need a VPN for enhanced online privacy, bypassing censorships, or seizing better location-specific airfare deals.
How do I install a VPN on Linux?
You can install VPN on Linux using the OpenVPN application by obtaining the OpenVPN configuration file from a VPN provider like NordVPN. Many providers also let you install the VPN client directly using a Linux terminal and configuration package.
