Best VPNs for Linux in 2024 – Free & Paid

NordVPN

NordVPN isn’t just the best VPN for Linux; it is one of the best VPN service providers on the current market in many areas. It offers the most advanced security features to ensure Linux users enjoy online security at all times and is an excellent service for people who want more online freedom.

Firstly, the VPN encrypts all internet traffic with AES-256 bit encryption so that no third parties, such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can see what you’re doing online. Moreover, NordVPN offers an array of strong tunneling protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx, which offers fast speeds and a secure connection. As well as this, NordVPN offers a VPN kill switch that completely cuts off your internet access if the VPN connection drops.

NordVPN also offers additional features such as the CyberSec feature, which protects from adware and tracking online. As well as this, its Linux app comes with an Autosuggest feature which suggests commands when using the command line app.

Like any good VPN service, NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy. This means that the VPN service won’t log your real IP address, connection logs, your network traffic, or any other information linked to your VPN use. Better yet, NordVPN was incorporated in Panama, meaning it doesn’t need to abide by strict data retention laws.

Aside from providing privacy and a secure internet connection to Linux users, NordVPN also ensures that they enjoy total internet freedom. The VPN offers more than 5,000 VPN servers worldwide and has obfuscated servers to hide VPN use and enable users to bypass firewalls on international sites.

Not only does NordVPN have obfuscation on its servers, but it offers over 4,000 optimized streaming servers. This means whether you want to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu, you can easily connect to a server and unblock streaming content of your choice.

The NordVPN Linux app is easy to use, and NordVPN has user-friendly apps for other operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Since every NordVPN subscription comes with six simultaneous connections, you can protect your Linux computer and multiple other devices.

Since there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for all new NordVPN subscribers, you can try out the service on your Linux distro and request a refund if you aren’t happy.

Surfshark VPN

Another one of the best VPN services for Linux is Surfshark VPN. This VPN service provider offers a native Linux client, which is easy to install and set up on all Debian-based distros.

There are plenty of great security features, including advanced encryption, a choice of VPN protocols such as the OpenVPN protocol and WireGuard, as well as a network kill switch. All of these essential features ensure that all your internet traffic is protected at all times.

Surfshark also comes with additional features that not all VPN providers offer. These include private DNS servers, which ensure your DNS requests are not leaked.

Along with plenty of security and privacy features, Surfshark VPN has many other offerings that make it an excellent choice for Linux users. Firstly, it comes with support for unlimited devices, meaning you can use it on your Linux system and other devices simultaneously. Secondly, it offers over 3,200 servers across more than 60 VPN server locations, meaning users can overcome many geo-restrictions.

There is support for streaming with Surfshark VPN, and the VPN is well-known for its unblocking abilities. It can bypass blocks on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. Moreover, Surfshark can access blocked social media platforms and even international news sites.

The Surfshark VPN app for other devices comes with great features, making it the perfect VPN for multiple devices. For example, the auto-connect button will automatically connect users to the fastest server nearby. Users can also activate features such as automatically connecting to the VPN when they boot the Linux system or connect to a Wi-Fi network. These features are also available on Surfshark’s mobile apps for Android and iOS and its clients for Windows and Mac.

One of the most appealing things about Surfshark VPN is its low prices. On long-term plans, users can access all of the above features for a little over $2 per month, which is extremely cheap.

CyberGhost VPN

Whether you use Linux Ubuntu or Linux Mint, it doesn’t matter; CyberGhost offers a compatible Linux client for all Linux systems and is an excellent option for gamers or streaming fans due to the unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds on offer.

CyberGhost offers an extensive VPN server network with more than 7,700 servers across over 90 countries, meaning you can play against foreign opponents when gaming and overcome blocks on popular streaming services. CyberGhost is also one of the best VPN services for watching live sports streams online, and the provider can unblock many channels, including ESPN and FOX Sports Go.

The CyberGhost VPN Linux app has a simple command-line interface and is extremely easy to set up. Users simply need to download and run the installer; within a matter of minutes, they’ll be able to use the VPN by using the necessary arguments.

Each CyberGhost VPN plan allows for up to seven simultaneous connections, meaning you can use CyberGhost on Linux and several other devices. The CyberGhost VPN client for Windows has a graphical user interface and is highly user-friendly, as is the macOS client. There are also apps for iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick TV, Apple TV, and more.

Something that sets CyberGhost apart from other VPNs is its extremely long 45-day money-back guarantee. Most VPN services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it is good to see that CyberGhost has extended this so that users have extra time to try out the VPN service.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers and supports Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, and Raspberry Pi OS. Although it offers a command-line app, this is easy to set up and use to browse the web under one of the VPN server’s IP addresses.

You can connect to over 3,000 VPN servers spread across 160 server locations with ExpressVPN and enjoy lightning-fast speeds at all times, thanks to the Lightway VPN protocol and ExpressVPN’s optimized servers.

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN service for overcoming streaming service barriers, and it can provide access to foreign Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and YouTube content. As well as this, ExpressVPN is a good option for gaming and can help gamers change regions in games and also protect themselves from DDoS attacks with ExpressVPN’s advanced encryption.

As well as AES-256 bit encryption, ExpressVPN also has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy. It also uses only RAM-based servers, meaning that all VPN data is erased from the servers when they are shut off.

ExpressVPN only has a five device connection limit which may be too low for some Linux users with other devices. Fortunately, ExpressVPN can be easily configured to home routers and offers a dedicated router applet. This allows users to bypass the simultaneous connection cap and protect all devices on their network.

With ExpressVPN, users can get access to 24/7 customer support. There is live chat support on the ExpressVPN website, a help section full of guides on using the VPN on Linux, and other topics. Users can also contact the ExpressVPN team by using a support ticket.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN makes the list of the best Linux VPN services thanks to the graphical user interface on its Linux app and the range of features that users have access to. Although ProtonVPN’s dedicated Linux VPN app doesn’t support all current Linux distros, users can still set up a ProtonVPN connection via OpenVPN.

VPN connections are always secure with ProtonVPN thanks to AES-256 bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol over TCP/UDP, an internet kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Users can even route their VPN connections via the Tor network in the Linux VPN app.

Other great features available in the Linux app include the Double VPN feature, called Secure Core VPN. This routes connections via multiple servers in safe locations to ensure an additional layer of privacy protects your internet traffic. Not only this, but the NetShield feature blocks ads that can contain malware or slow down connection speeds.

ProtonVPN also offers P2P support and has specialized servers for torrenting. You can find these directly via the app and connect to one before downloading anything on torrent platforms.

ProtonVPN offers a free VPN service, which might be a good solution for Linux users. However, the free version is limited in a few ways; there is restricted access to just three server locations (in the US, Japan, and The Netherlands), speeds are slower, and there is reduced support for streaming and other data-heavy activities. Fortunately, the free VPN comes with unlimited data and a no-logging policy like the paid plan.

Private Internet Access VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent option for Linux for many reasons. It has easy-to-use Windows, macOS, and Linux apps and apps for Android and iOS devices. It comes with excellent features that will keep your internet use on Linux safe.

PIA offers both AES-128 and AES-256 bit encryption and a choice of tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN and PPTP. However, we don’t advise establishing a PPTP connection solely because this protocol is not as secure as others.

There is MACE, which is PIA’s very-own ad-blocking solution, as well as a kill switch, and leak protection. PIA also employs a no-logging policy, meaning nothing you do while using the VPN service will be monitored, stored, or shared.

Additional features make PIA an optimal choice for users with a remote computer running on Linux software. There is port forwarding, which is great for remote workers and can also help increase download speeds on torrents. As well as this, there is split tunneling, which means you can send some internet activity via the VPN tunnel and others via your regular network.

As mentioned above, PIA can help increase speeds which bodes well for torrenting. PIA supports torrenting across its network and also enables access to a SOCKS5 proxy, which is a good option for internet users who use P2P networking sites on Linux.

Overall, PIA is a good VPN provider for Linux and is a great choice for users who have various other devices, too, since PIA offers support for up to ten devices at one time. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets users see if PIA is right for them before signing up long-term.