7 Best VPNs for Linux in 2024
Linux is a secure operating system, but you might need a Linux VPN for extra protection. This is true if you want to keep your Internet traffic safe and get around geo-blocks and censorship. There are many VPNs for Linux, making it tough to choose the right one.
We made it easier for you by testing the top VPNs. After spending hours researching and testing, we found the best eight Linux VPNs. Here’s our list for you.
Best VPNs For Linux in 2024
- NordVPN – best Linux VPN.
- Surfshark – best multi-device VPN.
- PrivateVPN – really fast speeds.
- ExpressVPN – intuitive and very secure.
- Private Internet Access – largest server network.
- CyberGhost – excellent streaming.
- IPVanish – unlimited connections.
How to Pick a Good Linux VPN
Here is what we look for:
- Linux support – the VPN needs to work on the most popular Linux distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Mint. Bonus points if the VPN has a working Linux client so that you don’t need to deal with manual setups.
- Excellent security – good Linux VPNs protect your data with bank-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. Some VPNs also have extra features like perfect forward secrecy, RAM-only servers, and ad blockers.
- Fast speeds – the VPN provider should minimize slowdowns with large server networks. Being able to use fast protocols like WireGuard is also nice.
- P2P support – torrenting is very popular on Linux, so it’s important to pick a VPN that allows P2P traffic on its servers.
- Good value – a Linux VPN should have decent prices, a refund policy, and good customer support. It should also allow 5-7 simultaneous connections or more.
- Streaming support – Linux isn’t excellent for streaming, but you can use Netflix, Roku, and Amazon Prime. A good VPN should unblock geo-restricted sites without any issues.
Linux VPN Comparison Table
VPN Service | Rating | Supported Linux Distro | Headquarters | Simultaneous Connections |
---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | 4.9/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Mint, Kali | Panama | 6 |
PrivateVPN | 4.7/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Mint, Kali | Sweden | 6 |
Surfshark | 4.6/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Mint | The British Virgin Islands | Unlimited |
ExpressVPN | 4.4/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Kali | The British Virgin Islands | 5 |
Private Internet Access | 4.3/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, | The US | 10 |
CyberGhost | 4.2/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Kali | Romania | 7 |
IPVanish | 4.2/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Kali | The US | Unlimited |
HideMyAss! | 4.0/5 | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint | The UK | 10 |
The Best VPNs for Linux – our detailed list:
1. NordVPN
🌐 Website: | nordvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Panama |
📍Servers/Countries: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Get 68% off + 3 months extra |
NordVPN is the top choice for Linux users. It works on many distros like Kali, Fedora, and Ubuntu. The client is easy to use, thanks to a step-by-step guide.
The NordLynx protocol offers great security and speed. It’s based on WireGuard. There’s also a quick-connect feature for fast server connections.
NordVPN provides strong encryption and a kill switch. It also has an ad blocker called CyberSec. The no-logs policy has been audited twice.
It has a huge server network of 5,200+ servers. You can torrent on 4,500+ servers in 60 countries. It works with popular torrent clients.
This VPN unblocks top streaming sites. It offers 24/7 live chat and is affordable. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Thousands of lightning-fast and well-optimized servers
- Unblocks all the major streaming sites
- Fully supports Torrenting and P2P
- Strict no-logs policy and RAM-disk servers
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- Robust security features and military-grade encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks and other online threats
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- No free trial
2. Surfshark
🌐 Website: | surfshark.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 84% Now! |
Surfshark is the best for multi-device use. It allows unlimited connections with one account. You can share the cost with friends to save money.
It has a large server network of 3,200+ servers in 65 countries. All servers support P2P traffic. Surfshark easily unblocks popular streaming sites.
Surfshark offers great security on Linux. It has a no-logs policy and strong encryption. You can also use an ad blocker and connect to double VPN servers for extra security.
The Linux app is simple to use. Surfshark has 24/7 support, cheap prices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- A very affordable VPN provider
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Ad-blocking feature
- Unblocks streaming platforms
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- Allows split-tunneling and has a multi-hop VPN feature
- No-log policy and robust security features
- GPS spoofing on Android devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free version
- Does not allow P2P seeding
3. PrivateVPN
🌐 Website: | privatevpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Sweden |
📍Servers/Countries: | 200 servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 85% Now! |
PrivateVPN is great for fast speeds and streaming. We had fast speeds for download, browsing, and streaming. It has a small server network of 200+ servers in 63 countries.
It allows torrenting on all servers. It works with popular apps like qBittorrent and Deluge.
There’s no dedicated Linux app, but you can set it up manually. Guides are available to help.
PrivateVPN uses bank-grade encryption and OpenVPN. You can manually configure a kill switch. It has a no-logs policy, obfuscation, and leak protection.
You can unblock top streaming sites with this VPN. It offers good customer support, cheap prices, and a 30-day refund.
Pros
- Supports P2P traffic and allows port forwarding
- Unlimited bandwidth and great speeds
- Unblocks most streaming platforms
- Zero-logging policy
- Free Static IP servers
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not as many servers as other VPN providers
- No split-tunneling
4. ExpressVPN
🌐 Website: | expressvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3000+ servers in 94 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | +3 months FREE! |
ExpressVPN is a top choice for Linux users. It has a user-friendly app for Linux. You’ll find features like quick-connect and desktop notifications.
It supports OpenVPN and Lightway, a fast and secure protocol. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, P2P traffic is allowed everywhere.
ExpressVPN offers strong security. It uses powerful encryption and has a no-logs policy. It also has a kill switch and full leak protection. Plus, it uses RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy.
Even though it’s pricier, it’s worth it. It unlocks all streaming sites and offers 24/7 live chat. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Works with streaming
- Supports torrenting
- No-logs policy
- TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers
- Premium security features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
5. Private Internet Access
🌐 Website: | privateinternetaccess.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | United States |
📍Servers/Countries: | 30000+ servers in 60+ countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 85% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
PIA has the biggest server network, with over 30,000 servers in 78 countries. All servers support P2P, making fast downloads easy.
Its Linux client is easy to use and works on most distros. It also unblocks popular streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
PIA provides top security features. It has military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy. It also has RAM-only servers and an ad blocker.
PIA is very affordable. It offers 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Thousands of servers
- Great for torrenting and P2P
- Strong security and encryption
- Block ads, trackers, and malware
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Anonymous payment methods
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Based in the US
- Not all streaming services can be unblocked
6. CyberGhost
🌐 Website: | cyberghostvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Romania |
📍Servers/Countries: | 9600+ servers in 91 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 82% OFF +2 months FREE! |
CyberGhost VPN is easy to use on Linux. It has a command-line app for simple setup. The client is straightforward, and there are helpful guides.
It has a huge server network of 7,300+ servers in 91 countries. There are dedicated servers for P2P and streaming, and they refresh their IPs quickly.
CyberGhost VPN offers great security. You can use OpenVPN and WireGuard. It has strong encryption and a no-logs policy. It also has good DNS leak protection and RAM-only servers.
It has 24/7 live chat support, low prices, and a 45-day refund for long-term plans. The monthly plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Good for streaming and torrenting
- WireGuard protocol available
- No Logs
- Offers Dedicated IP option
- Free browser extension
- Torrenting-friendly
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No third-party audits
- Messy app’s interface
7. IPVanish
🌐 Website: | ipvanish.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | United States |
📍Servers/Countries: | 2200+ servers in 75+ countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 67% OFF Coupon |
IPvanish is good for Linux, but it needs manual setup. There are tutorials to help. It allows unlimited connections, so you can use it on many devices.
IPvanish has fast speeds and unblocks most streaming sites. It has 1,900+ servers in 53 countries and supports P2P on all.
It offers bank-grade encryption and lets you use OpenVPN. It also has a no-logs policy and perfect forward secrecy for better security.
IPVanish has good prices, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for its long-term plan.
Pros
- Servers in lots of locations
- Works with Netflix
- Unlimited connections
- Allows torrenting
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Average Speeds
- Keeps connection logs, but deletes after ending the session
Top Linux VPNs – Speed Comparison
Server Connection | Ping | Download Speed |
---|---|---|
Base Test Network | 19 ms | 947 Mbps |
NordVPN | 35 ms | 472.1 Mbps |
PrivateVPN | 55 ms | 240.65 Mbps |
Surfshark | 76 ms | 210.06 Mbps |
ExpressVPN | 77 ms | 204.11 Mbps |
Private Internet Access | 62 ms | 194.56 Mbps |
CyberGhost | 82 ms | 180.22 Mbps |
IPVanish | 79 ms | 154.67 Mbps |
HideMyAss! | 83 ms | 112.49 Mbps |
How to Use a VPN on Linux
- Subscribe to a VPN that has a Linux VPN client or supports manual Linux setups. We recommend NordVPN.
- Follow the VPN provider’s instructions to set up the service.
- Connect to a VPN server.
- Surf the web securely.
Best Linux VPNs FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about Linux VPNs:
Do You Need a VPN for Linux?
Yes, you should use a VPN on Linux. It encrypts your traffic, so no one can listen in. It also hides your IP address, making it hard to track your location. This lets you access geo-restricted sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
VPNs also stop your ISP from slowing down your internet. They keep your P2P downloads private, so no one knows you’re downloading torrents.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Linux?
You can, but it’s not a good idea. Free Linux VPNs are slow, lack security, and can’t unblock streaming sites.
But if you really want a free VPN, try ProtonVPN for Linux. It works on Ubuntu and Fedora and has manual setup options for other distros. The free plan offers servers in three countries, fast speeds, and a no-logs policy. Paid plans add streaming and P2P support, Secure Core servers, and an ad blocker.
Does Ubuntu Have a Built-in VPN?
Ubuntu has a built-in VPN manager called Network Manager. It’s not a VPN itself but a GUI app for network settings. You can use it to manage VPN connections by downloading OpenVPN files from a VPN provider.
Does Kali Linux Come with a VPN?
Kali Linux doesn’t have a built-in VPN. But it does have Network Manager. You can use it to set up VPN connections with OpenVPN files from a paid VPN service.
What’s the Best VPN for Kali Linux?
We think NordVPN is the best VPN for Kali Linux. It’s easy to use, fast, and secure.
PrivateVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and IPVanish also work well on Kali.
What’s the Best VPN for Ubuntu?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Ubuntu in our opinion. It’s easy to use, fast, and secure. Surfshark is a great alternative because it allows unlimited connections with one account.
What’s the Best VPN for Linux Mint?
According to our tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for Linux Mint. It’s easy to use, secure, unblocks top streaming sites, and fast.
Best Linux VPNs – The Bottom Line
All the VPNs in this article are good for Linux. But, it’s up to you to choose the best one. If you’re unsure, try NordVPN.
NordVPN is easy to use on Linux. It’s very secure and has fast speeds. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try it risk-free.
VPN and Privacy Expert