Best VPNs for Linux: A Practical Guide

Lots of us run servers, use terminals, or prefer small, tidy GUI tools. The best VPN for Windows won’t always be the best for Linux. Here I pick VPNs that:

• have real Linux support (native apps or clear CLI instructions),
• offer modern protocols like WireGuard (fast and simple),
• include safety features you want on Linux (kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection), and
• don’t force you into awkward manual setups unless you like that sort of thing.

Below are the top picks — short, clear pros and cons for each, plus the Linux-specific notes.

1. Mullvad: Best for privacy-first Linux users

Why it’s here: Mullvad is built for privacy and simplicity. The team favors minimal data collection and straightforward pricing. The Linux app and terminal tools work well with WireGuard and OpenVPN. If you like configuration files and scripts, Mullvad is very friendly.

Linux notes: Mullvad provides step-by-step terminal guides and a WireGuard config generator that works great on Debian/Ubuntu/Fedora systems. If you prefer the command line, this is one of the cleanest experiences. Mullvad VPN

Pros

• Excellent privacy focus and minimal logging.
• Strong, simple WireGuard support.
• Clear terminal documentation.

Cons

• No flashy extra features — that’s intentional.
• Smaller marketing presence than the big brands.

2. Proton VPN: Best for privacy features + polished Linux app

Why it’s here: Proton VPN comes from a privacy-first company in Switzerland. Their Linux apps are mature and include features many Linux users want: WireGuard support, an advanced kill switch, and split tunneling in official builds for major distros.

Linux notes: Proton’s official app supports Ubuntu and Fedora builds (and others through packages), and its docs explain enabling WireGuard or the advanced kill switch. That makes it easy to get a secure, Linux-native setup without hacks. Proton VPN+1

Pros

• Strong privacy posture (Swiss jurisdiction).
• Modern features: kill switch, split tunneling on supported apps.
• Good documentation for Linux users.

Cons

• Some advanced features may be limited to specific packages (not all third-party installs).
• Free tier is limited on features for Linux.

3. NordVPN: Best balance of speed and Linux support

Why it’s here: NordVPN offers a large server network and its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol — fast, stable, and well supported on Linux. They provide .deb and .rpm packages, so installation feels familiar for Debian/Ubuntu and Fedora users.

Linux notes: NordLynx brings the WireGuard speed advantage with Nord’s added privacy techniques. The vendor provides official packages and a CLI/GUI path for popular distros, making it a solid choice for users who want fast connections and wide server coverage. NordVPN

Pros

• Very fast with NordLynx (WireGuard-based).
• Broad server network for reliable connections.
• Official packages for major distros.

Cons

• Slightly more complex feature set if you want advanced privacy tweaks.
• Pricing and promotions change frequently.

4. ExpressVPN: Best for beginners who still use Linux

Why it’s here: ExpressVPN has a polished Linux GUI and strong support for its Lightway protocol (a fast, lightweight protocol similar to WireGuard in goals). They keep the Linux install process simple, and their docs are good for people who prefer a GUI or a guided CLI setup.

Linux notes: ExpressVPN added a GUI for Linux and supports Lightway on many platforms, including Linux. If you want one of the easiest Linux installs and good cross-platform parity, ExpressVPN is a practical pick. ExpressVPN+1

Pros

• Beginner-friendly Linux GUI and CLI.
• Lightway can be very fast and stable.
• Strong reputation and documentation.

Cons

• Cost is generally higher than some competitors.
• Slightly less transparent about internal architecture compared with niche privacy specialists.

5. Surfshark: Best value and unlimited devices on Linux

Why it’s here: Surfshark packs features (split tunneling, obfuscated servers, CleanWeb ad-blocking) and lets you secure unlimited devices. Their Linux app and docs are friendly for users who want a GUI or simple CLI install.

Linux notes: Surfshark offers an intuitive GUI and standard CLI tools. The unlimited device policy is handy if you’re securing multiple Linux boxes or mixed OS environments. Surfshark+1

Pros

• Great value for families or many devices.
• Features like CleanWeb and obfuscation.
• Easy Linux install path.

Cons

• Slightly less “privacy purist” reputation than Mullvad or Proton.
• Some advanced features may vary by distro.

Quick runner-ups (worth a mention)

• Private Internet Access (PIA) — good Linux app and advanced customization; attractive for power users.
• IVPN — small, privacy-first operator with clear policies.

If you want detailed instructions for any of these, I can make distro-specific steps (Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora/RHEL vs Arch) next.

What to look for when choosing a Linux VPN

1. Native Linux support.
   A native .deb/.rpm or a proper Flatpak/AppImage is simpler than manual OpenVPN config. If you prefer the terminal, good docs matter.
2. WireGuard (or equivalent).
   WireGuard is fast and efficient on Linux. Many services offer WireGuard or a WireGuard-based variant. That’s a big plus for speed and battery life on laptops.
3. Kill switch & DNS leak protection.
   On Linux, a kill switch ensures no traffic leaks outside the VPN when it disconnects. Make sure the provider documents how to enable it.
4. Transparent privacy policy.
   Look for minimal logging and a clear jurisdiction if privacy is your priority.
5. Good docs & community support.
   Linux users appreciate clear terminal examples, package repos, and config files.

Quick install tips (Debian/Ubuntu-style example)

These are general steps; check the vendor’s Linux page for exact commands.

1. Add the repo or download the package (many providers have .deb and .rpm downloads).
2. Install the package (example: sudo dpkg -i provider-linux.deb then sudo apt -f install).
3. Enable and start the service (some providers use systemd services).
4. Connect via GUI or CLI. Many provide provider connect commands or wg-quick configs for WireGuard.
5. Test for leaks — use curl ifconfig.me with and without VPN to confirm your IP changed.

If you prefer terminal-only WireGuard configs, services like Mullvad let you generate config files and use wg-quick up /etc/wireguard/mullvad.conf.

Security tips for Linux users

• Use WireGuard where possible for speed, then verify the vendor’s implementation.
• Turn on the kill switch or configure firewall rules to block non-VPN traffic. Proton and others document how to enable stronger kill switches.
• Keep your distro patched. VPNs protect traffic, not unpatched system vulnerabilities.
• For servers: consider running the VPN on the router or use a systemd service to ensure it reconnects on boot.

Final Thoughts: Which one Should You Pick?

• If privacy is your top priority and you like terminal setup: Mullvad. Mullvad VPN
• If you want a polished Linux app with extra privacy features: Proton VPN. Proton VPN+1
• If you want a balance of speed and coverage: NordVPN (NordLynx). NordVPN
• If you want the easiest UX on Linux and strong cross-platform support: ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN+1
• If you want value and unlimited devices: Surfshark. Surfshark+1