Best VPN for Linux in 2025

As of June 2025, NordVPN remains the best VPN for Linux due to its high compatibility with various Linux distributions, advanced security features, and fastest connection speeds in the industry.

Linux is generally safer than Windows and macOS due to its open-source nature, and this knowledge may make Linux users think that using a VPN is unnecessary. However, the very same open-source nature, which is good for expensive peer review and quick patches, can also make Linux’s vulnerabilities easier to exploit. So, using a VPN to encrypt your traffic and safeguard your data is just as necessary for Linux users as it is for those who prefer other operating systems.

However, not all VPNs are compatible with Linux, so I tested over 20 various providers to find the best Linux VPNs. Continue reading this article to learn more about these select providers and how to use them for optimal performance with the Linux OS.

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Top 5 VPNs for Linux: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall Linux VPN
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fast and affordable Linux VPN with CLI and GUI apps
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Security-oriented VPN for Linux
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   Robust and user-friendly Linux VPN
   8.4
5. Bitdefender VPN

   VPN for Linux that integrates well with endpoint security tools
   8.2

Why do I need a VPN for Linux?

A VPN for Linux is essential for privacy, security, and accessing geo-blocked content from anywhere. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of the main benefits Linux users can expect from using a VPN:

• Privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your real IP address. This makes your online activities almost impossible to see or intercept, which boosts your overall privacy and security online.
• Safe public Wi-Fi. Although public Wi-Fi connections are generally unsafe, with VPN encryption, they can be made safer. So, if you frequently use public Wi-Fi connections, using a VPN is the easiest way to protect your sensitive data from exposure.
• Bypass ISP bandwidth throttling. Some internet service providers are known to throttle bandwidth, especially if you use your network connection for such heavy activities as gaming, torrenting, or streaming. A VPN can encrypt your traffic and make it invisible to your ISP, thus bypassing throttling.
• Bypassing geo-restrictions and internet censorship. With a VPN, you can easily obtain a secure IP address outside of geo-restriction and censorship zones. This way, you’ll be able to unlock otherwise blocked content and reach it in a secure way.
• Secure remote access. If you’re using Linux for work, a VPN can provide a secure method to access work files and networks remotely. This way, you’ll be sure that sensitive company data is safe during transmission.

For the best Linux VPN experience, I recommend using NordVPN. The service offers a CLI app for Linux that closely matches the GUI experience with its functionality. It protects your data with the latest security features and ensures smooth browsing with the highest connection speeds in the industry.

Best Linux VPNs in 2025: detailed list

1. NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Linux
2. Surfshark – user-friendly Linux VPN with CLI and GUI apps
3. Proton VPN – VPN for Linux with robust security features
4. IPVanish – reliable Linux VPN with CLI app
5. Bitdefender VPN – VPN for Linux for advanced OS users

Before compiling my list of the best VPNs for Linux, I tested around 20 popular providers. I checked their Linux compatibility, server networks, and available security features. In the end, I found my top 5 Linux VPNs – you can read their reviews below.

Top 1. NordVPN - best VPN for Linux overall

NordVPN is the overall best VPN for Linux, offering a command-line interface (CLI) application providing features comparable to its graphical user interface (GUI) counterparts. NordVPN supports both .deb and .rpm packages, which makes it compatible with a wide variety of Debian-based and RHEL-based distributions, including Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, Fedora, Qubes OS, CentOS, and openSUSE.

NordVPN server network

NordVPN operates a solid fleet of 7400 servers in over 118 countries. All of these servers, including specialty servers, are available to all Linux users. You can choose from different tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, to access obfuscated servers, NordLynx for optimal speeds and geo-unblocking, and NordWhisper to mask VPN traffic as regular HTTP traffic.

Streaming and torrenting with NordVPN

NordVPN is perfect both for streaming and torrenting, due to its 468Mbps average speeds and up to 94% initial speed retention rate, which I confirmed during my speed tests. As for accessing various streaming platforms, NordVPN easily unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more. I used its P2P-streamlined servers for torrenting and enjoyed both fast performance and total security.

Security and privacy features

Speaking about security, NordVPN is rolling out post-quantum encryption to its Linux client, which will enhance security against future quantum cyberthreats. Meanwhile, your traffic is encrypted with AES-256, your IP address is protected by a kill switch, and your browsing experience is enhanced by Threat Protection, which blocks all ads, malicious websites, and trackers from reaching you.

Linux compatibility and price

While NordVPN currently offers only a CLI Linux application, its GUI version is said to be coming to market as early as the first half of 2025. However, even without the GUI, setting up NordVPN on Linux is truly uncomplicated. If you’d like to try it, get a subscription for $3.39/month and check if the service works for you during the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

For more information, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark - fast and affordable Linux VPN with CLI and GUI options

Surfshark is the best VPN for Linux, especially if you’re looking for dedicated CLI and GUI options, depending on your distribution and needs. Currently, Surfshark supports Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer, Debian 11 or newer, and Mint 20 or newer distributions.

Surfshark server network

Surfshark offers a well-rounded fleet consisting of 3200 servers across 100+ countries. For optimal connection speeds, choose the WireGuard tunneling protocol, and if you’re looking for more customization options, you can select OpenVPN or IKEv2. All Surfshark servers are RAM-only for enhanced user privacy.

Streaming and torrenting with Surfshark

I did not notice any issues accessing and streaming on such platforms as Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer with Surfshark. In fact, it unblocked these platforms every time, and I could enjoy smooth streaming due to a 466Mbps average connection speed and a 93% initial speed retention rate. I got these numbers during my testing, but remember, you might get slightly different results depending on your selected server, time of day, and other factors. As for torrenting, Surfshark offers P2P-streamlined servers – you’ll be connected to one of them as soon as the service sees P2P traffic.

Security and privacy features

Besides the usual AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy, Surfshark’s Linux users can also access its CleanWeb feature to block all annoying and potentially dangerous ads and websites. Additionally, I really liked the Bypasser feature, also known as split tunneling, which allowed me to distribute my network connection in the most optimal way. Lastly, you can use the MultiHop feature if you’d like to route your traffic via two servers instead of one for extra security.

Linux compatibility and price

Surfshark is completely compatible with newer Linux distributions, offering its users both CLI and GUI options. Honestly, I found installing and using Surfshark on my Linux-powered computer very easy. If you’d like to try it out, too, you can get a subscription for just $2.19/month. All your purchases will be protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – security-oriented Linux VPN with CLI and GUI setups

Proton VPN is the best VPN for Linux, especially if you need a security-oriented service that offers both CLI and GUI options. The Proton VPN’s CLI version supports a variety of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, Arch Linux, Manjaro, Linux Mint, and openSUSE. As for the GUI, it’s compatible with Debian GNOME, Ubuntu GNOME, and Fedora GNOME distributions. It’s important to note that as of March 31, 2025, Proton VPN has upgraded its OpenVPN infrastructure. Now, its users are required to switch to the official Proton VPN Linux app or manually configure OpenVPN or WireGuard.

Proton VPN server network

Proton VPN operates a massive fleet consisting of 13000 servers in 122+ countries. Interestingly, Proton VPN chose to use bare-metal servers instead of RAM-only servers, claiming they’re just as safe, if not more reliable. If you need specialty servers, Proton VPN offers P2P, stealth, secure core, and excellent Tor over VPN choices.

Streaming and torrenting with Proton VPN

During my speed tests, Proton VPN showed an average connection speed of about 428Mbps with an 88% initial speed retention rate. While this is not as fast as with NordVPN or Surfshark, these speeds still work great for streaming and torrenting. As for geo-unblocking, I tried Proton VPN numerous times with the most popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video, and never experienced any issues in accessing them. Lastly, concerning torrenting, while Proton VPN is great for that, it only allows P2P traffic on dedicated servers.

Security and privacy features

Proton VPN is jam-packed with various security features, starting with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, and ending with NetShield ad blocker and auto-connect at startup. You can also take advantage of the VPN Accelerator feature to boost the speeds of faraway connections up to four times, and you can pin your most often used servers to the system tray for easy access.

Linux compatibility and price

Proton VPN has both CLI and GUI VPN app options for Linux users, making it easy to customize depending on your needs. And if you’re looking for a way to encrypt traffic on all your devices at once, you can set it up directly on your router. Proton VPN is a bit pricier than other VPNs on this list, with subscriptions starting at around $3.59/month. The provider does not offer a free trial but an unpaid version with limited connection points. Lastly, if you do decide to subscribe, all your purchases are always protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Proton VPN review.

Top 4. IPVanish - robust VPN for Linux with CLI setup

IPVanish is a good choice for Linux VPN, as it offers a CLI application compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Linux Mint distributions. Additionally, IPVanish offers a high level of customization with the OpenVPN tunneling protocol and advanced features like split tunneling, which are available in its security features package.

IPVanish server network

IPVanish operates a smaller fleet of 2400 servers in around 109 countries. I like the fact that IPVanish owns and operates all of its servers without any partnerships with various third parties. You can use the servers with OpenVPN tunneling protocol for more customization or WireGuard if you need speedy connections. The service does not offer any specialty servers, so you’ll be using the same ones for all activities.

Streaming and torrenting with IPVanish

During my speed tests, IPVanish showed an average connection speed of around 459Mbps with a 91% initial speed retention rate. Such speeds, even without optimized servers, are perfect for streaming and torrenting. However, for the same reason, when I tried accessing various streaming platforms with IPVanish, I had to switch around the servers until it bypassed geo-locks. As for torrenting, IPVanish is really excellent at it and even offers free SOCKS5 proxy servers to all its clients.

Security and privacy features

While IPVanish might seem like a comparatively small VPN provider, it has all the core security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and additional IP & DNS leak protection measures. Additionally, you can use its Threat Protection feature to block ads and trackers, distribute network traffic with split tunneling, and use the Double Hop to route your traffic through two servers for extra anonymity.

Linux compatibility and price

IPVanish does not offer a GUI application for Linux users, but if you’re comfortable with command-line operations, you’ll find using IPVanish quite easy. IPVanish is also quite affordable, with subscription prices starting at only $2.19/month. And while the provider does not offer a free trial, all your purchases are protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth IPVanish review.

Top 5. Bitdefender VPN - secure Linux VPN for advanced users

Bitdefender VPN is a good choice for advanced Linux users, as the service offers a great level of customization and endpoint security tools integration, but requires advanced knowledge to set up. Bitdefender VPN does not offer direct Linux applications, but users have reported that installing its Windows app using compatibility layers like Wine fetch great results with this VPN.

Bitdefender VPN server network

Bitdefender VPN operates a sizeable fleet of 4000 servers in 50+ countries. In places where server distribution is larger, you can pick a connection spot at the city level, which is great if you’re looking to bypass local blackout restrictions or need a very specific IP address. Although the service does not offer any specialty servers, I found them to be in great working order, especially when used with the Hydra Catapult tunneling protocol available on Bitdefender’s roster. Lastly, Bitdefender does not own its servers; instead, it uses Hotspot Shield’s hardware.

Streaming and torrenting with Bitdefender VPN

Although Bitdefender VPN shows great connection speed averages of around 414Mbps with an 82% initial speed retention rate, the provider’s unclear no-logs policy related to its antivirus software background does not make it an ideal choice for torrenting. However, if you don’t mind, Bitdefender VPN allows P2P traffic on all its servers, and I found they managed torrenting downloads quite well. As for streaming, you might need to switch between servers a bit before you can access popular streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

Security and privacy features

Besides the usual security and privacy features, like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, multi-hop connections, customizable auto-connect, and split tunneling, Bitdefender also offers a comprehensive package of endpoint security tools for Linux users. To use them, you will have to subscribe to Bitdefender’s antivirus software, which will unlock a firewall, advanced threat control, patch management, and network attack defense features in addition to VPN network encryption.

Linux compatibility and price

As I mentioned earlier, Bitdefender does not offer native Linux support, but if you do not mind tinkering with it a bit and using workarounds, then it works fine and offers unique features, such as the endpoint security tools set. You can subscribe to Bitdefender VPN for $2.92/month, try it first with the 7-day free trial, or use the 30-day money-back guarantee for an extended testing period.

For more information, read our in-depth Bitdefender VPN review.

How I tested and selected the best VPNs for Linux in June 2025

To find the best VPNs for Linux, I tested around 20 available services and put them through rigorous testing and reviewing. First, I checked their Linux compatibility and evaluated security features, ease of use, and server networks, just to mention a few criteria. For a more comprehensive look into my testing, read below:

• Linux compatibility (30%). In this case, I preferred VPNs that offer native Linux apps, either CLI, GUI, or both, for optimal performance. If my selected VPN does not offer a native app, I checked if there are workarounds for setup and if such a method is worth it in that particular case.
• Server network and tunneling protocols (20%). I favored VPNs with a larger server network for more connection point options and better compatibility with activities. I also evaluated the availability of specialty servers and modern tunneling protocols, preferring those with WireGuard, NordLynx, and OpenVPN, which allow for the most customization.
• Security features (20%). First, I checked whether my chosen VPNs offer robust encryption, like AES-256 or ChaCha20, ensured they keep your IP address well hidden by performing IP leak tests, and manually checked how responsive the kill switches are. Lastly, I looked for advanced security features, such as ad blockers, split tunneling, and the like.
• Connection speeds (15%). I opted for VPNs showing higher averages than 400Mbps with at least an 80% initial speed retention rate. This was easy to check using the Speedtest by Ookla tool.
• Unblocking capabilities (15%). I checked my selected VPNs’ capabilities at unblocking popular streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video, and selected only those that showed great reliability in this task.

Protect your Linux device with NordVPN

Is Linux VPN legal to use?

Using a Linux VPN, or any other operating system VPN, is generally legal in most countries worldwide, including the US, UK, and Canada. However, some countries limit or completely restrict the usage of VPNs, so you may want to check our VPN legality status by country guide.

While using a VPN to encrypt your traffic and secure your privacy is completely fine, using the technology to access pirated content or commit cybercrime is illegal almost everywhere in the world.

Linux VPN not working: a step-by-step fix

Sometimes, even the best Linux VPNs can run into trouble and decline to work properly. The most common reasons for that are connectivity problems, compatibility errors, and security software interference. Below, you’ll find the most common reasons why a Linux VPN is not working and how to fix it:

• Internet connection issues. If you’re experiencing unstable or slow internet connections, it might be interfering with your VPN performance. Sometimes, disconnecting and reconnecting to the network can solve this issue.
• Software or configuration errors. The problem here could be incorrect VPN settings or outdated software. I recommend updating your VPN to its latest version and double-checking configuration settings.
• Incompatible tunneling protocol. Your network may be blocking certain VPN tunneling protocols. If that’s the case, switching to a different protocol could solve the issue.
• IP or DNS leaks. Your VPN could be causing your IP address or DNS to leak – you can check if that’s the case on ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com websites. If you find a leak, try using a different tunneling protocol or another server.
• VPN server issues. Sometimes, a VPN server can be congested if many users are connected to it. This, in turn, causes the server to diminish in performance. Try switching to another server and see if it helps.

If none of the fixes above solve your VPN performance issues, contact your provider’s customer support. The professional there should be able to help you even with the most complex problems. And, if you keep running into trouble with your current Linux VPN, it may be time to switch to a premium provider that’s truly compatible with the OS, like NordVPN or Surfshark.

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Can I use a free VPN for Linux?

I do not recommend using free VPNs for Linux for a multitude of reasons, including safety. To begin with, free VPNs often come with severe features, data, and bandwidth limitations, even if you come across one that offers a native Linux app. Additionally, free VPN apps may be infected with malware, and if they aren’t, unpaid VPN providers are known to monetize user data. In turn, this would put your personal information at high risk of exposure.

Instead of risking it with dubious free VPNs, I recommend trying out the Proton VPN free version. While it does come with limited functionalities and only 5 connection points, data and bandwidth are unlimited. And, if you’d rather use a premium VPN with a full feature set without paying for it, I advise taking advantage of the free trials and money-back guarantees offered by some of the best VPN providers, such as NordVPN and Surfshark.

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Conclusion

Using a Linux VPN is the easiest way to encrypt your traffic and protect your sensitive data from onlookers and malicious actors. Additionally, a VPN for Linux can provide you with a secure IP address in your chosen location to ensure your privacy, bypass geo-blocks, and internet censorship. However, it’s very important to choose a Linux-compatible, robust VPN for the best performance and a smooth experience.

After conducting my tests and thorough research, I determined that NordVPN is the best Linux VPN. The provider offers a native Linux CLI app, with a GUI app to be released in 2025. Additionally, NordVPN ensures your security with the latest features and provides a smooth browsing experience with the highest connection speeds in the industry.

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FAQ

How can I get a Linux VPN?

To get a Linux VPN, choose a Linux-compatible VPN service, head to its official website, download the app, and install it on your device. I recommend selecting NordVPN as your Linux VPN, as it’s compatible with a multitude of distributions, is easy to set up and use, and ensures your privacy without compromises.

What is the best VPN for Linux?

The best VPN for Linux is NordVPN, as the service is compatible with various Linux distributions, offers a native CLI app, and offers the highest connection speeds in the industry. Additionally, you can take advantage of its advanced security features and try the service for free during the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

Is there a free VPN for Linux?

Yes, there are free VPNs for Linux, but I do not recommend using them unless you can verify their safety. Instead of risking it with potentially dangerous services, I recommend trying the limited-feature Proton VPN free version or taking advantage of NordVPN or Surfshark 30-day money-back guarantee periods and using their full-featured apps for free.