10 Best VPN for Linux: Secure, Fast, and Reliable Privacy Protection

More than ever, in a world that is becoming more and more global, it is important to safeguard privacy on the internet and ensure security in the internet connection. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective tool to possess, whether you would like to store your information securely on the open Wi-Fi network or visit the content/media that your location or country restricts access to, or even remain anonymous. 

The flexibility and open-source feature of Linux makes it an outstanding platform to install and administer VPN for Linux users. This blog will guide you through the fundamentals of what a VPN is, why it is important in your online security, and how Linux provides you with special opportunities to control and personalize your VPN experience in order to ensure that your digital activities remain secure and confidential. Be you are an amateur or advanced Linux user, this tutorial will assist you learn how you use a VPN to improve your online privacy using Linux.

What is VPN for Linux?

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) Linux is a technology that provides a secure and encrypted tunnel between the Linux device and an external server, effectively hiding the IP address of the user as well as securing data transmission against being spied on and intercepted. It improves privacy on the web by encrypting web traffic, enabling internet users to circumvent the geo-restrictions and censorship, as well as ensuring secure transmission of data products, particularly over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Linux, as open-source, provides strong tools and the ability to arrange VPNs, as command-line programs like OpenVPN, or using graphical interfaces and dedicated Linux VPN applications. Some common VPN protocols on Linux are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPsec, which offer different security to speed, and reliability ratios. The Linux VPN setup needs a privileged user, and a user can utilize the native network managers or third-party VPN clients that are Linux-specific distributions. This renders VPNs on Linux a strong platform for securing online traffic and privacy on an open-source platform.​

Why Use a VPN for Linux?

The advantages of using a VPN with Linux are:

• Privacy Protection A VPN not only conceals your IP address but also encrypts your computing network, making your internet usage anonymous and inaccessible to the Internet Service Providers, advertisers, or government. This is particularly necessary in Linux, where people typically consider privacy to be a significant value.​
• Improved Safety: VPN encryption keeps your data safe and inaccessible to hackers and cybercriminals, particularly when operating under Wi-Fi hotspots in the coffee shop, and minimizes the chances of information capture and attackers, such as DDoS or doxxing.​
• Geo-Restricted Content: Linux users can use a VPN to surmount geographic blocking and censorship to access websites or streaming services that are limited to specific countries through false locality manipulation.​
• Reefers Safe Torrenting: Linux users frequently access the P2P networks to share the ISO files; a VPN will ensure that no one can notice these downloads and avoid any copyright infringement notices.​
• Steer clear of Bandwidth Throttling: Some ISPs limit specific forms of traffic, reducing such undertakings as downloads. VPN masks the nature of your traffic, hence throttling is avoided, and your speed remains the same.​
• Control and Customization: Linux, as an open source system, can provide flexibility to advanced users who can set up a VPN connection according to their needs using the various tools available to them.​
• Secure Remote Access: VPNs can be used to have a secure connection to a company or privately owned networks when a person is away, and prevent the transmission of sensitive data.​

List of 15 Best VPN for Linux

1. NordVPN

Website: https://nordvpn.com

NordVPN Linux is an easy-to-use VPN utility that supports both a command-line interface (CLI) and a full graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux users. It allows access to the internet through a secure and private internet with high levels of encryption and other advanced functions, including an auto-connect, Kill Switch, and Threat Protection. 

The new GUI allows one to easily connect to servers, preferences, and connections without command-line knowledge, and it supports light and dark appearances. NordVPN Linux also functions with the most current protocols, such as NordLynx (built on WireGuard), which enables extremely fast and secure internet connections, with orthodox protocols like OpenVPN. It also has such features as post-quantum encryption, future-proof security, DNS leaks protection, and specialty servers access (Double VPN, P2P, Dedicated IP). It can be installed by users using DEB or RPM packages and can be used with either the GUI or CLI version.

Key features:

• Complete graphics user interface (GUI) of both light and dark modes.
• CGUI Command support with full front-end commands.
• NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol and strong AES-256 encryption.
• Auto-connect and Kill Switch, and Threat Protection.
• These are Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Dedicated IP server support.
• Protection of DNS leakage and no-logs policy.
• Encryption of high-level and NordWhisper to provide high-level security.
• Supports parallel connection of 10 devices.
• Easy to install using DEB, RPM, or Snap packages.
• Supports a wide range of Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.).
• The customer service and community 24/7.

Price: NordVPN is priced at around $3.29 per month, with price cuts based on longer contracts.​

2. Surfshark

Website:https://surfshark.com/download/linux

surfshark vpn for linux is a privacy-oriented vpn client optimized specifically for linux users. it offers a user-friendly graphical interface, command-line functionality, and manual openvpn configuration — making it both convenient and flexible across popular linux distributions such as ubuntu, debian, and mint.

this vpn for linux provides strong encryption and robust privacy protection, featuring unlimited device connections, openvpn and wireguard support, a kill switch to prevent ip leaks, and the cleanweb tool to block ads, trackers, and malware. the surfshark linux application can be easily installed via popular package managers and delivers impressive connection speeds while helping users bypass geo-restrictions for a secure and private internet experience.

Key features:

• client Native GUI and command-line, and manual config options.
• Unlimited parallel connections.
• OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols can be supported.
• Kill switch (block the internet in case of a VPN disconnection).
• CleanWeb advert and tracker blocker.
• MultiHop to achieve privacy with double VPN.
• DNS leak protection
• Simple installation can be done through Snapcraft, Flathub, or a direct package.
• By-passes geo-restrictions hassle-free.
• Strong AES-256-GCM encryption

Price: It begins with less than $3 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.​

3. ExpressVPN

Website:https://www.expressvpn.com/vpn-download/vpn-linux

ExpressVPN Linux is a safe and easy-to-use VPN installable that works with such widely used Linux systems as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Mint, and Arch. It has a smooth graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI) with which a user may be able to have flexible control. Other security features of the Linux app include post-quantum encryption, 

Post-quantum encryption: has a kill switch to prevent data leakage, split tunneling, allowing the user to control the use of the VPN application or IP by application or IP, an Ad blocker, and Threat Manager: further enhances the privacy protection of the user. It helps in the provision of auto-connect on unsecured Wi-Fi and in the customization of light and dark modes, which makes the online usage of Linux devices a smooth process.

Key features:

• Supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Mint and Arch, and Raspberry Pi OS.
• Lightway protocol Post-quantum encryption Future-proof security.
• Privacy settings will be used, such as AdBlock and Threat Manager, to block trackers and malicious websites.
• Always On kill switch to avoid VPN leaks.
• Split tunnel to choose the apps or IPs to go through the VPN.
• Automatic connection to Wi-Fi networks that are not secured.
• Highly customizable dark and light user interface.
• 24/7 live chat support
• Both GUI and command-line interface (CLI) are supported.
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Price: The products of ExpressVPN are priced at $12.95/month, with special offers being available at $9.99/month with a six-month subscription and $6.67/ month with a one-year subscription, with a 30-day money-back warranty.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Website: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/

The best Linux VPN is PIA VPN, which is a privacy-oriented and powerful VPN service that offers high-speed and sensitive encryption as well as a wide range of security benefits that are made specially to suit Linux users. It provides numerous VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, and provides a customizable client with open-source transparency.

PIA has also improved such privacy features as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, and MACE, an advert and tracker and malware blocker. It appreciates anonymity to users, and its no-logs policy is confirmed, allowing users to surf and get around geo-restrictions as well as store personal information on online Linux platforms.

Key features:

• Vigorous encryption algorithms: AES-128 and AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard.
• Authenticated privacy no-logs policy.
• MACE advertisement, surveillance program, and ad blocker.
• Kill switch in case of VPN failure to connect to the network.
• DNS and IPv6 leak protection
• Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and Arch Linux.
• Transparency and security: Open-source VPN client.
• Connection to VPN servers without interruptions to streaming.
• Bears torrenting and P2P traffic.
• Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS).
• Supports up to 10 devices at the same time.
• Split tunneling of traffic to select through VPN.
• Rapid speeds, consisting of more than 35,000 servers in 78 countries.

Pricing: Begins with a two-year plan at $2.91 per month, with monthly plans of about $6.95 per month.

5. Proton VPN

Website:https://protonvpn.com/linux

proton vpn for linux is a freely available vpn service that provides excellent privacy protection along with a user-friendly graphical interface and command-line interface compatible with popular linux distributions such as debian, ubuntu, and fedora. it offers top-tier security features, including a kill switch that blocks internet access if the vpn tunnel fails, dns leak protection, customizable dns, and ipv6 support.

this vpn for linux uses robust encryption algorithms and maintains a strict no-logs policy. it also includes exclusive features such as the netshield ad and tracker blocker, vpn accelerator to improve connection speed, secure core servers that route traffic through multiple secure locations, and optional port forwarding. suitable for privacy-focused users, proton vpn offers both free and paid plans — the free version has no usage limits, no ads, and no bandwidth restrictions.

Key features:

• Free and externally audited software.
• Built-in support of NetShield ad-blocker/tracker protection.
• Kill Switch in case of VPN disconnect.
• Speed Accelerator with VPN.
• Custom DNS and IPv6 support.
• Multi-hop VPN routing: Secure Core servers.
• Port forwarding capability
• Auto-connect at startup
• Supported with major Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora).
• Swiss jurisdiction privacy on a no-logs policy.
• Tor over VPN support
• Available interfaces: GUI and command-line.
• The Free VPN service has no advertisements or bandwidth restrictions.

Pricing: Proton VPN has a free model that has unlimited bandwidth, and it has a paid Proton VPN Plus model that begins at approximately $10 /month, depending on the added features and superfast servers.

6. Mullvad      

Website:https://mullvad.net/en/

mullvad vpn is a privacy-oriented vpn service designed to offer users secure and anonymous internet access. it employs advanced encryption protocols such as wireguard and openvpn to protect data and mask ip addresses, ensuring enhanced privacy and safety online. mullvad stands out with its anonymous account creation system that requires no personal details or email, along with privacy-focused payment options like cryptocurrencies and cash.

the linux client integrates seamlessly into the system and includes features such as automatic key rotation in wireguard, a kill switch, dns leak protection, and firewall integration. this vpn for linux is built for speed, security, and complete user anonymity. additionally, mullvad also provides vpn for windows and macOS, offering the same high level of privacy, encryption, and performance across all major operating systems.

Key features:

• No-Logs Policy: No activity of the user or identifiable information is recorded.
• Account Number: Anonymous: Customers need to use a randomly generated number to log in, without any email or personal details.
• Strong Encryption AES-256 and WireGuard/OpenVPN.
• DNS Protection and Kill Switch: DNS leaks are blocked, and the web will not be used in the event of the VPN being disconnected.
• On-the-fly rotation of keys: Makes the security even better with periodic key rotation.
• Strict Firewall Integration: Linux firewalls are compatible with it to provide security to connections.
• Multi-platform Support: Linux, Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
• Anonymity of Payments: Accepts vouchers, cash, and cryptocurrencies.Open-source Client Apps: Walshing openness and external scrutiny.
• Server Network: 600 and above servers in 40 plus countries.
• Lockdown Mode: The internet is blocked in case of the loss of the VPN connections.
• Content Blockers: Choice to block advertisements, trackers, social sites, malware, gambling sites, and pornographic sites.

Price: Mullvad VPN offers a fixed price of $5.48 every month, irrespective of the subscription term, but no discounts on the long-term subscriptions, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. AirVPN

Website: https://airvpn.org

airvpn for linux is a vpn provider well-known for its strong focus on privacy and features tailored specifically for linux users. it is a free and open-source linux suite based on a fork of the openvpn 3 library, using airvpn’s own fork, and also supports wireguard through the linux kernel module. the suite includes bluetit, a lightweight daemon for server connectivity and traffic splitting, and goldcrest, a command-line client that ensures full integration with airvpn servers.

this vpn for linux is fast, efficient, and does not rely on heavy frameworks or a graphical interface. it offers robust leak protection, per-application traffic splitting, and compatibility with major linux distributions. airvpn also maintains a high level of security with the chacha20-poly1305 cipher optimized for arm and raspberry pi devices, along with a flexible network lock (kill switch) to prevent any data leaks.

Key features:

• Free and open-source OpenVPN 3 and WireGuard suite
• Bluetit daemon for server connectivity and traffic splitting
• Goldcrest client for full AirVPN server integration
• Lightweight, no heavy framework, tiny RAM footprint
• Full support for Linux x86-64, arm7l, arm64 (Raspberry Pi)
• Robust leak prevention with network lock using iptables, nftables, or pf
• Per-application traffic splitting system
• ChaCha20-Poly1305 cipher for improved performance on non-AES-NI hardware
• Full integration with systemd, SysV init, and chkconfig
• Supports DNS push handling and systemd-resolved
• Command-line usage with an optional full GUI client, “Eddie,” for ease of use

Price: Plans start at approximately $3 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee and offer a 1-day free trial on request.

8. TorGuard

Website: https://torguard.net/

torguard vpn for linux is a high-quality privacy solution designed to deliver anonymous and secure internet access on linux-based systems such as ubuntu, debian, fedora, and arch. it includes advanced features like military-grade aes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch to block traffic when the vpn disconnects, and stealth servers to bypass vpn restrictions and censorship.

this vpn for linux also offers multi-hop vpn chains for enhanced anonymity, split tunneling for selective app encryption, and optimized servers ideal for streaming and torrenting without isp throttling. the linux client comes with easy-to-use configuration options, including auto-connect and application-specific kill switches, making torguard a reliable choice for both power users and privacy-focused linux enthusiasts.

Key features:

• Strong data security through military-grade AES 256-bit encryption.
• A kill switch that has a network-wide kill switch and an application-specific kill switch.
• Stealth servers to defeat VPN blocks and deep packet inspection.
• Added privacy through Multi-hop VPN chains.
• Split tunneling to choose the traffic that is to be forwarded via the VPN.
• Streaming and torrenting on optimum servers that do not have any bandwidth restrictions.
• Auto-connect and auto-login for convenience.
• Over 3,000 servers in 50+ countries
• Specialized IP features are supplied.
• Third-party audits, such as independent auditors that the no-logs policy is in place.

Pricing: The plans of TorGuard begin with the Standard plan at 8 simultaneous connections, at $9.99 monthly, then Pro and Premium plans of $12 to $14 simultaneous connections with the same charges of $12 to $14.99 monthly, and with discount options available on annual plans.​​

9. PrivadoVPN

Website:https://privadovpn.com

PrivadoVPN is a convenient and privacy-oriented VPN that offers high-level security using the AES-256 encryption algorithm, a no-logs policy, and is located in Switzerland, which guarantees excellent privacy. It sustains Linux with the compatibility of the popular distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS using the OpenVPN setup or the command-line interface. 

PrivadoVPN also has such features as a kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, split tunneling, and up to 10 simultaneous connections in the free and paid plans, with the former having a 10GB monthly limit on data and the latter being unlimited with additional security options such as an in-built antivirus and ad blocker. It is also capable of unblocking streaming services and provides fast and reliable connections to servers in more than 44 countries.

Key features:

• AES-256 high-security encryption and no-logs.
• Kill switch, DNS leak protection.
• Split tunneling capability.
• Connections with 10 devices at a time.
• Multi-platform (Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS)) support.
• Free plan with 10GB of monthly data.
• International access to servers in more than 44 countries.
• Combined ad blocker and antivirus plans are billed.
• Capability to clear famous streaming websites such as Netflix and Hulu.
• Headquartered in Switzerland, where privacy is highly valued.

Pricing: Paid plans begin at approximately $1.11 per month (24-month plan) with unlimited data and 10 devices connected to it; the monthly plan is about $10.99 per month.​

10. Hide.me

Website: https://hide.me/en/software/linux

hide.me vpn for linux is a command-line vpn client built using the wireguard protocol, designed to deliver fast, secure, and privacy-focused internet access. it is an open-source platform that emphasizes strong security with advanced encryption (chacha20-poly1305), a kill switch to prevent ip leaks, ipv6 support, split tunneling, and dns blocking through its smartguard feature. it also offers enhanced protection via a dedicated routing table, dynamic port forwarding, dns-over-https, and the ability to run as a remotely managed service using a rest api interface.

this vpn for linux prioritizes usability, offering simple commands to connect to vpn servers and manage connections without requiring users to share personal information — even on the free plan. it is ideal for linux users seeking a high level of privacy, control, and flexibility, particularly those comfortable working through the command line.

Key features:

• It is based on the WireGuard protocol of fast and secure VPN connections.
• Pure, or no-binary or no-binaries client.
• ChaCha20-Poly1305 strong encryption.
• Kill switch (StealthGuard) in order to prevent IP leaks.
• IPv4 + IPv6 (dual-stack) and IPv6.
• Split tunneling to direct definite traffic out of the VPN.
• DNS blocking (SmartGuard) of unwanted content.
• Port forwarding (UPnP and NAT-PMP) (dynamic)
• Remote control and automation by use of RESTful API.
• Auto-connect start-up switch.
• Open-source and GPL 2.0 licensed
• Supports a number of 10 devices at a time.
• Freedom of access to well-known streaming sites and uncensored access to the internet.

Pricing: Begins at about $4.57 a month with an annual plan with a very large free plan, and with unlimited data with basic usage.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Protocols Supported	Kill Switch	GUI/CLI Support	Unique Features	Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Dedicated IP, Post-Quantum Encryption	10
Surfshark VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	CleanWeb (Ad Block), MultiHop, Unlimited Devices	Unlimited
ExpressVPN	Lightway, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	Post-Quantum Encryption, Threat Manager, Split Tunneling, Auto Wi-Fi Connect	8
Private Internet Access (PIA)	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	MACE (Ad Blocker), Open-Source Client, Split Tunneling, Torrent Support	10
Proton VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	NetShield Ad Blocker, Secure Core Servers, Port Forwarding, VPN Accelerator	10
Mullvad VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	Anonymous Account Number, Firewall Integration, Key Rotation, Open Source	5
AirVPN	OpenVPN 3, WireGuard	✅ Yes	✅ CLI (Eddie GUI optional)	Bluetit Daemon, Goldcrest Client, Network Lock, Per-App Traffic Split	5
TorGuard VPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	✅ Yes	✅ GUI + CLI	Stealth Servers, Multi-hop Chains, Split Tunneling, Streaming Optimization	8–14
PrivadoVPN	OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ CLI	Free Plan (10GB), Ad Blocker, Antivirus Bundle, Streaming Access	10
Hide.me VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✅ Yes	✅ CLI	SmartGuard (DNS Blocker), REST API, Split Tunneling, Dynamic Port Forwarding	10

Conclusion

VPN Linux is a secure, private, and anonymous solution to the internet, as it encrypts the traffic and also hides the IP address; hence is an excellent option to use in secure browsing, accessing geo-restricted material, and bypassing ISP throttling. Many setup methods are available to Linux users, such as OpenVPN, Network Manager, strongSwan to use with IKEv2/IPsec, and third-party VPN applications, and these can be used by users with all levels of skills, such as those who are command-line novices or those who prefer graphical user interfaces.

However, VPNs in Linux may be linked to reduced speeds of connection, require special care, and not all VPNs can be described as guaranteeing a high level of security or privacy, irrespective of being free. Overall, VPN usage on Linux is an effective method of enhancing the privacy and security of online use, but it is necessary to take into account the services of trusted VPN providers, as well as the particulars of the environment, to secure the most effective protection and use.

FAQs

Q.1 What is a VPN, and what is the purpose of using it on Linux?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) can create a secure channel between your computer and the internet, and is privately encrypted, not to mention capable of circumventing geo-restrictions of Linux-based systems.​

Q.2 How do you set up a VPN on Linux?

Linux may be set to make use of VPN either with applications in GUI (like Network Manager) or command-line partners (like OpenVPN). Major steps include:​

• Installation of a VPN client (e.g., OpenVPN with sudo apt-get install openVPN).
• Getting configuration files from your VPN provider.
• Setting up the VPN through the terminal or a network.
• Privacy: Checking and linking your new IP address.

Q.3 What are the common protocols used with VPN under Linux?

Available Linux-compatible popular VPN protocols are:

• OpenVPN: Secure and ubiquitous.
• IPSec/IKEv2: Website-to-website protection with high security.
• WireGuard: New high-performance protocol.
• PPTP/L2TP: It is an older, less secure, that is occasionally used to be compatible.
• SSTP, SSL/TLS, SSH: SSTP and SSH are used on a per-privacy or per-tunneling basis.

Q.4 Is it possible to configure VPN using the GUI with Linux?

Yes, some Linux distributions allow Network Manager to configure VPN through a graphical interface, and thus it is easier to use when one does not want to use the terminal.​

Q.5 What are the typical VPN problems on Linux, and what are the solutions to those?

The common issues are broken connections, certificate errors, frequent disconnections, and permissions. Solutions include:​

• Test internet connection and time of system time.
• Upgrading VPN and network manager extensions.
• Alternation between VPN protocols.
• Reinventing the Network Manager service and your computer.
• Blocked network selection Manual, Use of obfuscated servers.
• Clearing firewall and DNS tables with WebEx commands.