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The Best VPNs for Linux
Our Verdict
The best Linux VPN is Private Internet Access (PIA). It has an excellent GUI compatible with all major Linux distributions and it operates a huge, fast and no-logs server park.
Many VPN companies ignore Linux users, and haven’t developed native VPN Linux clients. We’ve tested 62 VPNs to see which ones actually have software for Linux, and how well it works.
The VPNs we recommend in this guide come with a full GUI (graphical user interface), removing the need for a Terminal command line or complex configuration files.
Summary: The Best VPNs for Linux
Following our tests, these are our most-highly rated VPNs for Linux:
- Private Internet Access: Best Linux VPN Overall
- Proton VPN Free: 100% Free VPN for Linux
- Astrill: Most Advanced VPN for Linux
- TorGuard: Works with the Most Linux Distros
Why Trust Us?
We’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our ratings are based on our own testing results and are unaffected by financial incentives. Learn who we are and how we test VPNs.
Linux VPNs Tested | 62 |
Linux Distros Tested | Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch & Mint |
Total Hours of Testing | 30,000+ |
Linux users often to connect to VPN servers using the OpenVPN, OpenConnect, AnyConnect, and Network Manager clients, which require manual configuration.
All the VPNs we recommend in this guide offer a native Linux application, which requires very little configuration and offers far more features.
Nevertheless, if you still want to manually set up OpenVPN, we have a dedicated section explaining how to install OpenVPN on Linux.
The Best Linux VPNs Compared
Use the table below to compare the top Linux VPNs for the most important features when it comes to Linux:
All of these VPN services are compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions (distros), including Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Mint, and more. They also have applications for all other major devices and platforms.
The Best Linux VPNs Analyzed
1. PIA VPN: Best Linux VPN Overall
Ranked #1 out of 62 VPNs for LinuxCheapest Price $2.03/mo over 28 months See all plans Download Speed 95Mbps Countries with Servers 91 Supported Linux Distros Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, Arch/Manjaro Data Leaks No Logging Policy No Logs Torrenting Unlimited Compatible with - Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
Based on our tests, Private Internet Access is the best VPN for Linux. Its full GUI app offers all the features you’d expect from the Windows version, and it’s easy to set up and use on all popular distributions.
Open-source Linux app with lots of extra features
Not only does PIA’s Linux client look just like its other desktop versions, but it has all the same features, too.
Most importantly there’s a kill switch, meaning you don’t need to spend time in your Linux machine’s Network settings menu. There’s also port forwarding, split tunneling, and PIA Mace (the company’s take on an ad-blocker).
It’s also open source, meaning that every line of code is freely available for curious users and white-hat hackers to scrutinize.
You can use PIA’s own private DNS servers or set up your own, and you have a choice of encryption protocol. OpenVPN is the default, but the newer WireGuard is available too.
One of the fastest VPNs on local connections
Private Internet Access is also a reliably fast VPN – one of the fastest we’ve ever tested, in fact.
However, our testing has found it to be fastest when using OpenVPN. This is pretty unusual, as with other VPNs we usually find that WireGuard is faster than OpenVPN.
It’s not quite as fast as other Linux VPNs over long distances. That’s a shame, as PIA’s network of 18,651 global servers is one of the largest out there.
If you’re connecting to a server near to your real location, though, it’s exceptional. Our most recent testing recorded an average of 95Mbps when downloading.
Truly no-logs, as proved in court
We’ve been fans of PIA’s logging policy for a long time now. Most importantly, it doesn’t log any information whatsoever when you use the VPN.
This no-logs policy has been proven by numerous server seizures and legal subpoenas: every time PIA has revealed zero logs. Its warrant canary, open source coding, and regular transparency reports all help back this up. It’s the perfect choice for any privacy-conscious Linux user.
How to install Private Internet Access on Linux
Setting up PIA on your distro of choice is simple, with only a couple of command lines in the Terminal needed to get up and running. This process should be applicable no matter what version of Linux you’re running.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the PIA Linux install file and run it.
- Open Terminal and enter
cd Downloads
- Enter
sh pia-linux-2.8.1-06335.run
- Enter your password when prompted.
Installation is now complete and all that’s left is to sign in to your PIA account.
2. Proton VPN: 100% Free VPN for Linux
Cheapest Price Free Download Speed 98Mbps Countries with Servers 3 Supported Linux Distros Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, Arch/Manjaro, MX, Kali Data Leaks No Logging Policy No Logs Torrenting No Compatible with - Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
Proton VPN is one of the oldest and most trusted VPNs on the market, and it has given plenty of attention to its impressive full-GUI Linux app.
The app is intuitive to use and delivers incredibly fast speeds on almost every server.
The provider also has an excellent free version, which in our opinion is the best free VPN to use on Linux. It’s user-friendly and delivers very fast speeds, similarly to the paid version.
A lightweight, simple app for multiple Linux distros
The Proton VPN app has always been very straightforward, but its Linux edition is the simplest of them all.
While very stripped-back, the VPN works well. All information and options are available on one screen.
The server select menu, kill switch, Secure Core servers, and Netshield toggles are all clearly displayed and immediately visible.
However, there are no profiles, no protocol select, and no ability to mark your favorite servers.
The Proton VPN Linux app uses a specially modified version of the WireGuard implementation built into the Linux kernel.
You can also use IKEv2 and OpenVPN with manual configuration files, but you won’t get the benefits of the full Proton VPN app that way.
No-logs policy and open-source app
Proton VPN comes with a privacy-focused logging policy. The only data it retains is a timestamp of your last login, which is overwritten every time you log in after that.
In 2019 Proton VPN proved its policy in court, when it was asked to submit user data. Since no relevant data had been stored, it had nothing to hand over.
The final factor that makes Proton VPN such a strong choice for privacy is its jurisdiction.
Being based in Switzerland, which isn’t part of the 14 Eyes and or the EU, makes Proton VPN a very good choice for privacy-conscious users.
Free VPN that works on all major distros
The service’s free VPN software is equally highly secure and compatible with all major Linux distributions.
Setup and compatibility is exactly the same as the paid version. You can install it on the following Linux distros:
- Debian 10
- Ubuntu 20+
- Mint 20+
- MX Linux 19+
- Kali Linux
- Elementary OS 6.0+
- Fedora 31+ (excluding Rawhide)
- Archlinux/Manjaro
There are also OpenVPN and IKEv2 config files, in addition to a CLI installation guide.
Importantly, Proton VPN Free has no data usage cap whatsoever, which is extremely uncommon for a free (safe) VPN.
That said, there are free servers in only three countries, which block P2P traffic and can’t unblock geo-restricted streaming services.
How to install Proton VPN on Linux
Installing Proton VPN and its full GUI app on Linux is simple. It supports a large number of distros, but we’ll use Debian-based instructions for this example. Just follow these steps:
- Download the Proton VPN DEB package and install the repo.
- Open Terminal and run the command sudo apt-get update
- In Terminal run the command
sudo apt-get install protonvpn
If you are running a Linux distro that doesn’t support DEB packages then see Proton VPN’s other install guides.
3. Astrill: Ideal for Advanced Linux Users
Cheapest Price $12.50/mo over two years See all plans Download Speed 92Mbps Countries with Servers 56 Supported Linux Distros Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, RedHat, CentOS Data Leaks No Logging Policy Some User Logs Torrenting Unlimited Compatible with - Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
Astrill is a lot more complex than the other VPNs on this list, but if you’re a confident Linux user then you’ll love it.
The client offers greater levels of customization, including in its protocols, proxies, ports, and encryption standards. In fact, Astrill’s app for Linux is exactly the same as its Windows and macOS apps.
Simple setup on most popular Linux distros
Astrill has installers on its site for both Debian- and RedHat-based Linux distros. It can also be installed via command line, if you prefer.
Astrill offers full walkthroughs for whatever method you choose, as well as OpenVPN config files if you prefer not to use a GUI at all.
The most customizable VPN on Linux
While some VPNs limit Linux users to just one protocol, Astrill opens up its entire selection to you.
You can choose from popular favorites OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus proprietary options OpenWeb and StealthVPN.
Its additional features include the basics like a kill switch and both app and site VPN split tunneling, but also more advanced options.
Custom DNS, Port 443, custom proxies, and ad block combine to offer a fine degree of personalization within the bespoke Linux Astrill app.
An excellent VPN for torrenting
Port forwarding is another extra feature Astrill offers on Linux, and it helps set it apart when it comes to VPNs for torrenting.
Torrent download speeds were excellent in our testing – it averaged 10MiB/s, which was virtually lossless.
Combine that with an excellent logging policy and Astrill is one of the very best VPNs for torrenting, on Linux or any other platform.
How to install Astrill on Linux
- Download the Astrill Linux installer. The DEB 64-bit package is presented by default but you can find other options by selecting ‘Show more’ just underneath it.
- Once the installer file is downloaded, double click it.
- Follow any prompts that pop up after that, then restart your system once the installation completes.
Note that there’s a command line option for installation on the Astrill website if you would rather do it that way than via an installer package.
4. TorGuard: Most Compatible with Linux Distros
Cheapest Price $1.94/mo over 3 years See all plans Download Speed 94Mbps Countries with Servers 50 Supported Linux Distros Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, RedHat, Fedora, Arch/Manjaro, CentOS, ARM Data Leaks No Logging Policy No Logs Torrenting Unlimited Compatible with - Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
TorGuard is a fantastic choice for confident Linux users who want a safe, reliable VPN that they can fully customize for the ideal privacy and anonymity suite.
While the VPN service provider is one of the most reliable VPNs for torrenting, its unblocking capabilities have worsened significantly over the years.
Loads of installation versions available to download
There’s no need to worry if TorGuard will support your chosen Linux setup. A wide variety of app versions can be downloaded from the TorGuard site, including both 64-bit and 32-bit versions for Ubuntu, RedHat, and ARM.
The full-GUI app looks the same no matter which version you install, and manages to be user-friendly while still offering a wide array of extra features.
Highly-customizable with lots of advanced features
Not only does TorGuard for Linux look the same as the Windows app, but it also offers all of the same advanced features.
One feature we really like is, in addition to the standard kill switch, it also has an app kill switch. Any app you add to this list will be automatically terminated if the TorGuard connection drops, guaranteeing your IP isn’t revealed.
There’s also some very detailed DNS settings (including one with an ad-blocker built in), the ability to add proxy servers, IPv6 leak protection, and port forwarding.
One of the very best VPNs for torrenting on Linux
That port forwarding is a huge factor in making TorGuard one of the best VPNs on the market for torrenting. Only a small handful of VPNs offer it at all.
It can greatly improve your download speeds, which is exactly what we saw when torrenting with TorGuard on Linux. Combined with its excellent logging policy and advanced kill switch we recommend it to any Linux user who does a lot of P2P file sharing but wants a cheaper alternative to Astrill.
Completely no-logs VPN
There is one downside to TorGuard when it comes to privacy, and that is its United States jurisdiction.
However that doesn’t worry us, because TorGuard collects no logs whatsoever. Its privacy policy is short and sweet and, while we would like a little more elaboration, we have no reason to doubt its track record. It made its name as a VPN designed for torrenters who need anonymity – a name we think it is living up to.
How to install TorGuard on Linux
- Choose a TorGuard Linux installer that matches your Linux distribution from the full list on its website.
- Double click the downloaded file and a window should pop up. Click ‘Install’ and enter your login credentials if prompted to.
Alternatively, you can install via Terminal command line by following the instructions listed here.
Do Other VPNs Support Linux?
Almost every reputable VPN will support Linux, often with Linux-specific setup instructions on their website. Some of these VPNs include:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- PrivateVPN
- IPVanish
- CyberGhost
However, what separates these VPNs to the ones we recommend in this guide is that they do not offer GUIs for Linux.
A GUI, or Graphical User Interface, is what makes an app look like an app. Without one, you have no easy, visually-simple way to interact with a program installed on your device.
VPN clients without a GUI are almost unheard of on operating systems like Windows and macOS, but they’re extremely common on Linux.
So what does a program with no GUI look like? It uses CLI instead – the Command Line Interface. That’s what you see when you open the Terminal on a Linux machine. Rows of plain text on a plain background, with special commands required to perform certain actions.
That makes changing servers and switching extra features on and off a much longer and more technical process than it needs to be.
How to Set Up OpenVPN on Linux
Every VPN we’ve featured in this list uses multiple protocols and a dedicated app for Linux to make the VPN setup and connection process as simple as possible.
However, it’s also possible to create a VPN connection on your Linux machine using nothing more than the Network Manager – Linux’s own built-in networking capabilities.
It’s free, and setup is relatively simple. However, you will need to provide OpenVPN config files for yourself. It’s these config files that allow you to connect to various server locations around the world.
The safest way to get OpenVPN config files is via a premium subscription to a VPN service (almost every provider offers them). There are free ones available online, but there’s no guarantee that they will be secure or private.
These instructions are based on the steps required for Ubuntu users, but they should largely apply for most other distros.
To manually set up OpenVPN on Linux:
- Download an OpenVPN configuration file from a VPN service of your choice. You’ll be able to choose a server location, and potentially other attributes like the protocol and extra features (like ad block). It will have a .ovpn file extension.
- Open the Settings menu, click on the Network tab, then the + icon to the right of the VPN section.
- Select Import from file… and choose the config file you just downloaded. Click Open.
- A screen full of OpenVPN credentials should appear. In the Identity tab under Authentication make sure that Type is set to Password with Certificates (TLS).
- In the corresponding fields, enter your username and password for the VPN which provided you with your .ovpn file. These will likely be unique credentials provided upon the creation of the .ovpn file rather than your usual VPN login details. The same goes for the User key password field.
- Click Add. The OpenVPN connection is now configured and ready to use. It will now appear as a toggle option under the VPN section of the Network settings menu.
- Each individual server location you want access to will need to be added in this manner – there’s no limit to the number you can add.
We cover off this approach, plus other alternatives, in our guide to how to set up your own VPN at home.
How We Test VPNs for Linux
There are a number of bespoke criteria we consider when ranking the best VPNs for Linux.
For Linux specifically, we test each VPN for:
- A full-GUI (graphical user interface), easy-to-use Linux VPN application. (35%)
- Compatibility with a range of Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Manjaro, and more. (20%)
- AES-128/256 encryption and a reliable VPN protocol like OpenVPN. (15%)
- Advanced features like a kill switch, port forwarding, and first-party DNS servers. (15%)
- A privacy policy which retains as few VPN logs as possible. (10%)
- Fast download speeds on all VPN servers. (5%)
To make our recommendations, we’ve tested 62 VPNs in six key categories, rating each category out of 10. We then combine these ratings to calculate an overall Linux rating.
In the table below, we summarize how the best Linux VPNs performed in each category, as well as their overall rating for Linux:
Here’s a full list of the factors we look for when testing the best VPNs for Linux, along with how much of the overall rating they account for:
1. Linux App: 35%
Minimum Requirement: Has a full-GUI app available for Linux.
We Recommend: An intuitive program that is easy to use and resembles its Windows counterpart as closely as possible.
Most VPNs don’t support Linux at all. Of the small number that do, even fewer actually maintain a proper Linux application.
Those VPNs will be content with offering a basic CLI (Command Line Interface) setup that’s unintuitive and slow to use.
Every VPN featured in this list has a Linux application with a full GUI (Graphical User Interface). This means that it looks and operates just like a VPN client on Windows or macOS.
This is the main criterion we use when rating VPNs for Linux. It should be easy to install (with minimal CLI work required), and simple to use.
The closer the VPN app is to its Windows or macOS counterpart, both for usability and features, the higher the score. All of the VPNs on this page treat Linux users with proper respect, delivering high-quality bespoke applications.
2. Linux Distro Compatibility: 20%
Minimum Requirement: Has a 64-bit Debian installer available.
We Recommend: Has installers for as many distros as possible, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch, in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
While the vast majority of the Linux market may use Debian or Ubuntu, there’s still millions of users on other Linux operating systems.
It’s important for VPN providers to cater to all of the most popular distributions. That means not just Debian variants, but Fedora/RedHat and Arch/Manjaro, too.
We also consider app architecture. There’s a good chance your PC runs the 64-bit version of Linux, but if you’re a 32-bit user we also make sure there’s a VPN that supports your build.
3. Security & Technical Features: 15%
Minimum Requirement: OpenVPN and AES-128 encryption.
We Recommend: A selection of protocols (including WireGuard), plus AES-256 encryption.
Regardless of your chosen operating system, a secure and properly encrypted VPN is always important.
Linux is compatible with all popular mainstream VPN protocols, so the ideal Linux VPN will give you a choice within the app.
The minimum we look for is OpenVPN – the most popular protocol on the market and one we believe to strike the perfect balance between speed and security. WireGuard and IKEv2 are also popular on Linux – both are excellent choices.
Every VPN featured on this page also offers encryption via AES-128, AES-256, or a choice between the two. It’s virtually unbreakable, meaning all your VPN traffic is protected.
4. Linux Advanced Features: 15%
Minimum Requirement: VPN kill switch to prevent IP leaks.
We Recommend: Useful extras like split tunneling, custom DNS configuration, tracker blockers, and more.
This is one area where making sure you have a proper VPN app for Linux makes a big difference.
The best Linux VPNs have a broad suite of extra features – just like their counterparts on more popular desktop operating systems.
A VPN kill switch is the very least we expect. Without one your internet connection and IP address could be left exposed should the VPN connection cut out at any time.
We look for more advanced features, too. Some VPNs offer privacy extras like built-in ad and tracker blocking. Others may have port forwarding to help you torrent faster.
5. Privacy & Logging Policy: 10%
Minimum Requirement: Minimal logs retained.
We Recommend: No personal information logged, with other data deleted promptly, from a company in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Without a VPN your ISP can see every website you visit and every file you download. But with a bad VPN, all you’re doing is handing that information over to a different company instead.
The least we expect of any VPN is to not keep any logs that can tie your browsing activity back to you. It’s imperative that, in the event of a server breach of seizure, any information stored is completely anonymous.
The very best VPNs store no data whatsoever, although this is rare. A good number of them keep no more than aggregated metadata – general server usage statistics which are an anonymized combination of data from a large number of users.
Jurisdiction matters, too. Ideally your VPN of choice will be based in a privacy-friendly country. That means nowhere that’s a part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes, or the EU.
6. Speed: 5%
Minimum Requirement: Fast, stable speeds on local connections.
We Recommend: An unnoticeable drop in download speeds locally, with fast speeds when connecting to international locations.
A VPN will always impact your internet speeds, but the very best will do so by as little as possible.
Upload speeds are important for file sharing, and ping matter for gaming, but our main focus is on download speeds.
When connected to a server in the same country as you (or a foreign city close by) the speed drop should be practically unnoticeable as you browse the internet like usual.
Top-tier VPNs will also give you great speeds on long-distance connections. This can allow you to unblock region-exclusive websites or services as if you were in the country they’re based in.