5 Best VPNs for Linux for Online Security and Privacy

NordVPN is the best VPN for Linux. It comes with a dedicated Linux app, offers fast speeds, is secure and has been audited multiple times. Try out NordVPN for free through the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Linux is a unique system loved by people who love control. However, that control shouldn’t come at the expense of your online privacy and security. This is why finding one of the best VPNs for Linux is a smart move.

NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Linux because it offers a native app that feels right at home in your terminal. You get full kill switch functionality and WireGuard support without having to wrestle with complex scripts.

Whether it’s NordVPN or any other choice, the bottom line is that you need to secure your Linux at all times. By the end of this, you will know exactly which service fits your Linux setup, so keep reading for more.

Choosing the Best VPNs for Linux: Our Methodology

Choosing a VPN for Linux means looking past marketing claims and focusing on what actually works with your system. Here are the factors that informed our selection process.

• Native Linux App Support: The best VPNs for Linux should offer a native app that gives you control without workarounds. You should be able to connect, disconnect, and switch servers directly from the terminal.

• WireGuard Protocol Availability: WireGuard is now part of the Linux kernel, which makes it the most efficient choice for your system. The best Linux VPN needs to offer WireGuard through its Linux app for smoother functionalities.

• Reliable Kill Switch: A kill switch cuts your internet connection the moment the VPN drops to prevent IP leaks. On Linux, this feature must work with your network manager or firewall settings.

• Installation Process and Package Support: You want a Linux VPN with a straightforward installation command or a repository you can trust. Look for providers that offer packages for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and openSUSE.

• Split Tunneling: The best VPNs for Linux need to have split tunneling for selective routing. This is necessary if you run a local server, use SSH, or need to access devices on your home network.

• Privacy Policy and Independent Audits: A VPN can have the most polished Linux app available, but it all means nothing if the company logs your activity. Look for a clear no-logs policy that has been verified by an independent audit.

5 Best VPNs for Linux You Should Check Out

After testing over 20 virtual private networks on our Linux system, here are the best options you can use.

1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Linux

NordVPN stands out as a top choice for Linux. It brings a polished command-line experience along with a graphical option for those who prefer it. The service is built to work smoothly with your existing setup.

The VPN offers a native app that works on major distributions like Debian 11 or newer, Ubuntu 20.04 or newer, Linux Mint 21 or newer, and Fedora 32 or newer. 

It also supports the GNOME and KDE desktop environments, so you can use it whether you live in the terminal or prefer a GUI. If you run a community-supported distribution, the app may still work, though troubleshooting help is more limited.

NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol, which is their own implementation built around the WireGuard protocol. This combination gives you lower latency and better connection stability compared to OpenVPN. 

Plus, you can enable it with a simple command, and your system will handle the rest without heavy resource use.

You also get a kill switch feature that blocks your device from accessing the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It can be turned on with a single command, and it works through your system’s firewall rules to prevent data leaks. 

Installing NordVPN for Linux is easy and doesn’t require deep technical skills. The installation uses a simple curl or wget command that pulls the official script from NordVPN’s servers. 

There are also .deb and .rpm packages available for Debian and Fedora-based systems, plus a Snap package that includes a graphical interface. The only manual step is adding your user to the NordVPN group and restarting.

NordVPN includes a whitelist feature that lets you decide which applications or IP addresses bypass the VPN tunnel. You can whitelist specific ports or entire subnets using straightforward commands. 

This is useful when you need to run a local server, use SSH, or access other devices on your home network while keeping your VPN active for everything else.

As for privacy, NordVPN operates from Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws or affiliation to the surveillance alliances. Their no-logs policy has been independently verified five times, and we discuss this in our NordVPN review.

2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Linux

When speed is your priority, ExpressVPN stands out among the best VPNs for Linux. It consistently delivers fast connections through its Lightway protocol and optimized server network. 

ExpressVPN works with 64-bit versions of Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 10, Fedora 38, Raspberry Pi OS Buster, Linux Mint 20, and Arch. You get both a full graphical interface and command line control, so you can choose how you want to work. 

The new Qt-based app brings feature parity across all desktop platforms.

ExpressVPN doesn’t have WireGuard. In its place, there’s the Lightway protocol, which is built for speed and reliability. Lightway runs efficiently on Linux systems and includes post-quantum protection by default.

For your security, ExpressVPN includes a Network Lock kill switch that activates automatically when your VPN connection drops. It works by setting firewall rules that block all traffic until the VPN reconnects

On Linux, you can enable the “always on” option to stay protected even when the VPN is disconnected.

Similar to NordVPN, you do not need advanced technical skills to get ExpressVPN running. The installer is a universal script you download from your account page; run one command in the terminal to install it. 

After installation, you log in with a code sent to your email, and the app launches automatically.

ExpressVPN includes split tunneling for Linux, letting you choose which applications or IP addresses use the VPN connection. You can add or remove apps and IP addresses directly through the graphical interface settings.

As one of the best VPNs for Linux, ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. Their no-logs policy has been verified multiple times by KPMG, with the latest audit completed in 2025. 

They have published 23 independent audits to date, confirming their systems do not collect activity or connection logs. More on this in our ExpressVPN review.

3. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Connections

Surfshark stands out among the best VPNs for Linux if you have multiple devices to protect. It lets you connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

The service also bundles in extra security tools like antivirus and ad blocking, depending on your plan.

You get a native graphical interface app for Linux that works on Debian 11 or newer, Ubuntu 20.04 or newer, and Mint 20 or newer. It also supports GNOME, KDE, and XFCE desktop environments on both AMD64 and ARM64 architectures. 

In short, you get a full point-and-click experience instead of living solely in the terminal.

Surfshark supports WireGuard, which runs efficiently on Linux kernels for faster speeds and lower resource use. You can select WireGuard directly through the graphical app or configure it manually if you prefer. 

The VPN protocol choice helps you balance speed and battery life, especially on laptops.

There’s also a kill switch that automatically cuts your internet connection whenever the VPN drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address from leaking out during network interruptions. 

It is a standard feature in the app and works silently in the background without requiring constant attention.

Surfshark for Linux is easy to install. You can get the graphical installer or the terminal commands from the Surfshark website. Once installed, the app launches like any other program, and you log in with your credentials.

However, Surfshark does not explicitly list split tunneling for Linux in its main features. The documentation suggests this feature may be limited to their Windows and macOS apps. 

If selective routing is critical for your workflow, you may need to rely on manual configuration or consider a different Linux VPN.

Surfshark operates under a no-logs policy that has been audited by Deloitte. They also publish a Canary warrant statement to show they have never shared user data with government agencies. 

These audits confirm their systems are configured to avoid storing your activity or connection logs. More in our Surfshark review.

4. CyberGhost – Expansive Server Network

CyberGhost brings one of the largest server networks to the table, making it a strong contender for the best VPNs for Linux. You get access to thousands of servers spread across 100 countries.

The VPN offers a native command-line interface app for Linux, not a graphical one. It works with 64-bit versions of Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 29 through 31, CentOS 7, and PopOS. 

You also get both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with the Linux app. WireGuard gives you faster speeds and lower resource usage. You can select which protocol to use based on your need for speed or compatibility.

The kill switch is also included and works by cutting your internet if the VPN connection drops for extra anonymity. It is a standard part of the service and you can read more on that in our CyberGhost review.

To set up CyberGhost VPN on Linux, simply download the correct version for your distribution, then run “sudo bash install.sh” to get it running. The installer pulls in OpenVPN as a dependency, so you do not have to track that down separately.

The Linux CLI for CyberGhost app does not list split tunneling as a feature. That functionality is reserved for their Android and Windows apps.

CyberGhost operates under a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times. They also use RAM-only servers, meaning all data is wiped on reboot. 

Their transparency reports and audits confirm they do not store your activity or connection data.

5. Private Internet Access – Full GUI Support

Private Internet Access offers an open-source Linux app that gives you a full graphical interface. It also supports command-line control for those who want a more involved way of using the VPN on Linux.

WireGuard is also fully supported and is the recommended protocol for speed. You can select it right from the app interface with a single click. This gives you faster connections and better battery life on your Linux laptop.

Additionally, you get a system-level kill switch, which is the most reliable kind. It blocks all traffic outside the VPN tunnel, even if the app itself crashes. You turn it on in the settings menu, and it works silently in the background after that.

PIA doesn’t need you to be a coding expert to run it on Linux PCs. You can download the required .deb or .rpm package straight from the PIA website. Just double-click it, and the package manager handles the rest. 

Split tunneling is available in the Linux PIA app, letting you choose which applications bypass the VPN. You can also use Shadowsocks which works alongside obfuscation. 

PIA also has a no-logs policy that has been verified by Deloitte and tested in actual court cases. Their apps are open source and have passed independent security audits.

You get real accountability because the code and the infrastructure have both been examined.

Why You Need a VPN for Linux

You might think Linux is secure enough on its own. But your privacy still needs protection. A Linux VPN hides your IP address from websites and your internet service provider. 

It also lets you bypass censorship and geo blocks. Without it, your online activity is visible to anyone watching.

So why use a VPN for Linux? Because your data matters. Even on a secure operating system, your connection can be intercepted. A VPN encrypts everything you do. That means no one can see what sites you visit or what you download. You get true VPN privacy.

Secure Your Linux Today

The best VPNs for Linux all come down to how well they fit your setup and protect your data. You need strong protocol support, a working kill switch, and a client that runs smoothly in your terminal. 

NordVPN checks these boxes with its native app, fast NordLynx protocol, and verified no logs policy.

At the same time, other providers like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and PIA bring their own strengths. Some focus on speed, while others offer full GUI support or unlimited connections. 

You should match these features to your daily use. Once you do that, choosing from the best VPNs for Linux becomes a clear and confident decision.

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