The best Linux VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Linux is taken into account safer than different working programs however including a digital personal community (VPN) to the setup can drastically enhance your on-line privateness and safety. Sadly, there are fairly a number of VPN suppliers that solely provide Linux compatibility as an afterthought. Once they do, it includes command-line (CLI) software program as a substitute of an easy graphical consumer interface (GUI) utility. Additionally, efficiency on Linux is probably not as spectacular as it’s on Home windows and macOS.

When selecting a Linux-compatible VPN it is vital to evaluate straightforward integration together with your favourite distro, particularly by way of native apps. CLI-based VPNs may also work effectively for energy customers, however make sure the software program consists of all of the superior options you count on.

Additionally: The very best VPNs for Android

In our January replace, we overhauled our information to the perfect Linux VPNs, together with copy updates, pricing and offers, and the newest information within the VPN trade.

Greatest net providers offers of the week

Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce staff, and could also be unrelated to this text.

What’s the finest Linux VPN proper now?

Non-public Web Entry (PIA) is our high VPN selection for the Linux ecosystem. We just like the simplicity of the Linux shopper, which presents wealthy settings to adapt the software program for velocity, safety, and streaming efficiency. PIA can also be considered one of our favourite low cost VPNs, and new subscribers qualify for a 30-day refund ought to it fail to satisfy their expectations on Linux. Should you’re concerned about attempting it out, a deal on a three-year plan at $2.03 per thirty days with three months free is out there.

At ZDNET, we have been testing VPNs for years and conduct common checks, together with measuring efficiency and velocity, to search out the perfect providers at the moment. We advocate VPNs to be used instances starting from day-to-day searching to journey, and we solely advocate providers that now we have hands-on expertise with and are blissful to make use of ourselves. Learn on to discover our favourite VPNs for Linux in 2026.

Additionally: The very best Linux laptops we have examined

The very best Linux VPNs in 2026

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Other than being considered one of our picks for the finest VPN providers, PIA works adeptly with the Linux system.

Why we prefer it: It presents open-source GUI apps for standard Linux distributions together with Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, Fedora, and Arch. Terminal instructions and guide setups like OpenVPN configuration and community supervisor are additionally supported. This makes the VPN interesting to novices and superior Linux customers alike.

The app stays extremely customizable on Linux in addition to on Home windows and macOS, providing AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryptions, break up tunneling, a kill swap, and IPv6 leak safety. You may automate VPN connections on Linux with scripts, and even tunnel visitors by way of particular ports to optimize efficiency, say when torrenting or gaming on-line. Modifying MTU settings on the Linux app may also enhance connectivity on unstable networks or throughout peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfers.

Evaluate: Non-public Web Entry

PIA’s server community spans 91 nations, with particular protection in all of the U.S. states when you want an area IP handle for considered one of these areas. I skilled middling speeds on Linux, falling behind our quickest VPNs, however not more than a 15% drop on close by servers with both the WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols.

Who it is for: PIA ought to go well with many Linux customers due to its distro flexibility and worth. We additionally applaud Pia for its beneficiant multiuser assist, permitting you limitless simultaneous connections with any of its plans.

Prolonged subscriptions are pocket-friendly, priced at $2.03/month for 3 years, $3.33 per thirty days for one yr, and $12 when paying month-to-month.

Who ought to look elsewhere: For some folks, it is a deal-breaker that the VPN has its headquarters within the U.S., the place corporations should adhere to knowledge retention necessities, thereby undermining privateness.

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Mullvad has a light-weight Linux integration that ensures fast speeds that carefully match these of trade high performers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Why we prefer it: I used to be particularly impressed by Linux connections over lengthy distances, which had minimal lag. Compared, PIA considerably slowed down once I selected server areas removed from me.

Mullvad presents Linux GUI app repositories for Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. Should you’re working a distinct distro, then .deb recordsdata enable for simple set up in your system.

Evaluate: Mullvad VPN

Who it is for: Linux customers eager on privateness will enormously admire Mullvad’s sturdy anonymity options. You will not present private data like your electronic mail for account creation, and crypto funds are inspired to keep away from leaving traces of your monetary knowledge. It additionally presents distinctive antitracking know-how, like built-in protection towards AI-guided visitors evaluation (DAITA) and quantum-resistant WireGuard protocol that works on Linux.

Mullvad’s pricing mannequin largely appeals to short-term customers. Whether or not you are in for a month or a yr, you may nonetheless pay a set worth of €5 per thirty days ($5.94), providing you with the flexibleness to tailor your utilization with out incurring further prices.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the fee is fastened, it is nonetheless costly. You could wish to take a look at considered one of my extra reasonably priced choices.

Mullvad VPN options: Simultaneous connections: 5 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fedora, Android TV, Fireplace TV, routers, + browser extension | Nations: 47 | Kill swap: Sure | Logging: Numbered accounts, billing in accordance with legislation | Cash-back assure: 30 days, some cost strategies | Trial: No | Trustpilot ranking: 3.7 | Google Play ranking: 4.3 | App Retailer ranking: 4.1

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Accessing geo-restricted content material is a serious cause folks use a VPN, and NordVPN is relentless about this, together with on Linux.

Why we prefer it: NordVPN helps VPN gateway setup on Linux. You may route visitors from different units securely on the community and even host personal servers. The VPN provides a safety layer to your connections. NordVPN’s networking characteristic, Meshnet, additionally permits seamless sharing of assets between related units and may even facilitate low-latency on-line gaming with buddies wherever on the planet.

Moreover, options like obfuscated servers and the not too long ago launched NordWhisper protocol assist to disguise your Linux VPN visitors. It could actually additionally get previous networks that filter or block VPN connections similar to college, cafe, and resort Wi-Fi.

Evaluate: NordVPN

Who it is for: If you wish to use a VPN for streaming, that is for you. NordVPN works very well with all standard streaming platforms together with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. And when you’re simply searching for IP addresses to browse content material world wide, then NordVPN gives a few of the most in depth server protection on this checklist, spanning over 120 nations.

Whereas NordVPN presents a GUI for some Linux distributions, a few of the app’s options, like Meshnet, nonetheless should be arrange by way of CLI.

The very best deal is $3.39 per thirty days on a two-year plan.

Who ought to look elsewhere: NordVPN is a best choice, however if you would like limitless simultaneous connections, you would possibly desire one other of our suggestions.

NordVPN options: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fireplace TV, tvOS, and routers | Nations: 126 | Kill swap: Sure | Logging: Electronic mail handle and billing data solely | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot ranking: 4.1 | Google Play ranking: 4.6 | App Retailer ranking: 4.7

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IVPN presents you some ways to put in the software program on Linux together with from the repository, binaries, supply code, and the Snap Retailer.

Why we prefer it: Linux customers have loads of choices to discover. The minimalist app makes administration straightforward with out requiring guide command-line or community supervisor operations.

Although IVPN barely will get any mentions in on-line critiques, it is a stable service that’s attentive to Linux customers. It presents the trade normal protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, a kill swap, AntiTracker, DNS/IPv6 leak safety, plus functionalities similar to VPN pause, break up tunneling, and “enable LAN visitors,” which ensures you’ll be able to nonetheless entry assets on the native space community even with the VPN on.

Who it is for: Anybody who desires an anonymized signup for a Linux VPN, with loads of methods to put in it.

Just like Mullvad, you’ll be able to create an account on IVPN with out an electronic mail. Plans are versatile, ranging from $2 for one week, however it’s kind of costly in contrast with the opposite choices on this checklist. A yr’s subscription goes for $60, two years for $100, and three years for $140.

Who ought to look elsewhere: The reasonably priced Commonplace plan is capped at solely two units per account. If this bothers you, look elsewhere.

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If you wish to take a look at out a free VPN on your Linux distro, Proton VPN ought to be in your radar.

Why we prefer it: Proton VPN is a safe, free app for Linux. Contemplating the restrictions of free providers, you are able to do extra with Proton VPN than others, due to limitless bandwidth. This implies you will not be restricted by month-to-month caps. Most free VPNs have a 10GB per thirty days knowledge cap.

It is also open-source and commits to a zero-logging coverage, including belief and peace of thoughts that your knowledge is not being collected or monetized.

The glossy GUI app works effectively with GNOME desktop environments on Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora, with distinctive Linux assist options like port forwarding, P2P-optimized servers, and VPN Accelerator that considerably enhance connection speeds.

Evaluate: Proton VPN

Who it is for: Anybody who desires to check and discover VPN utilization with the Linux working system with out signing up for a paid plan.

Though it isn’t one of many least expensive VPNs, Proton additionally has respectable presents for subscriptions on the time of writing, with the perfect being $3 per thirty days on a two-year plan.

Who ought to look elsewhere: If velocity or limitless simultaneous connections are your high priorities, take a look at my different suggestions.

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	Non-public Web Entry (PIA)	Mullvad	NordVPN	IVPN	Proton VPN
Native GUI app for Linux?	✅ Full GUI (GTK)	✅ Sure	✅ Sure	✅ Sure	✅ Sure
CLI app assist	✅ piactl	✅ mullvad	✅ nordvpn	✅ ivpn-cli	✅ protonvpn-cli
Simultaneous connections	Limitless	5	10	Varies (two to seven)	10
Funds plan	$2.03 per thirty days for 3 years	€5 ($5.94) per thirty days	$3.39 per thirty days for 2 years	$140 for 3 years	$3 per thirty days for 2 years
Community	Over 35,000 servers in 91 nations	Over 720 servers in 49 nations	Over 7,400 servers in 118 nations	Over 77 servers in 40 nations	Over 15,000 servers in 120 nations
Specialised servers	Streaming, devoted IP	None	P2P, obfuscated, Onion Over VPN, double VPN	Double VPN	Streaming, Safe Core, P2P, devoted IP
Break up tunneling?	✅ Sure	✅ Sure	✅ Sure	✅ Sure	✅ Sure
Port forwarding?	✅ Sure	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Sure
Jurisdiction	U.S.	Sweden	Panama	British Virgin Islands	Switzerland
Knowledge privateness	No-logging coverage (audited)	No-logging coverage (audited)	No-logging coverage (audited)	No-logging coverage (audited)	No-logging coverage (audited)

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Select this Linux VPN	If you would like…
Non-public Web Entry	A extremely adaptable app to customise your VPN expertise on Linux. PIA is reasonably priced, presents flexibility, stable safety, and affordable speeds.
Mullvad	The precise mixture of velocity and privateness for safe and lag-free searching. The corporate preserves your privateness. Whereas its server community could possibly be improved, it is nonetheless a superb selection.
NordVPN	Robust geo-access capabilities to unlock content material wherever on the planet. There is a sturdy server community, loads of areas to select from, and excessive charges of success when accessing streaming providers.
IVPN	Easy Linux set up choices plus an intuitive app for straightforward management. Whereas it isn’t low cost, the anonymization of signing up and its versatile strategies for Linux set up nonetheless has enchantment.
Proton VPN	A dependable free VPN service for Linux with out bandwidth restrictions. Whereas it’s essential to count on some velocity loss by counting on a small variety of free servers, Proton VPN remains to be an important, privacy-first VPN.

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Native Linux assist: Search for a supplier providing useful Linux software program (GUI- or CLI-based) for simple connection and setting administration. Utilizing a VPN on Linux should not be tough. However a VPN that helps solely guide configurations will be advanced when you’re not tech savvy.
Cross-platform compatibility: Be sure that the VPN works together with your specific Linux distribution, in addition to main programs similar to Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Mint, and Arch, for flexibility.
Safety and privateness: Affirm that sturdy instruments are in place to supply utmost security on Linux together with the superior AES 256-bit encryption. Additionally guarantee trendy protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN are in place, in addition to a kill swap, leak safety, and a verified, reliable no-logs coverage.
Velocity and efficiency: Make sure the app delivers optimum speeds and minimal latency throughout servers to assist bandwidth-intensive searching actions you plan to carry out on Linux.
Streaming and torrenting: Should you’re into content material streaming and P2P file-sharing on Linux, affirm that your chosen VPN service helps these actions, to keep away from inconvenience.
Buyer assist: The assist workers ought to be inside attain, particularly on reside chat. The assistance staff must also be educated about Linux programs to supply significant help everytime you expertise technical challenges with the service.
Cheap pricing: Although some elite providers will be costly, discover a value-for-money VPN with a free trial or a money-back assure, so you’ll be able to attempt the Linux app risk-free earlier than committing to a long-term contract.

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We use a complete testing process for our VPNs at ZDNET. To shortlist the perfect ones for the Linux OS, we first chosen dozens of respected suppliers. We put in them on three of probably the most generally used distros, Debian, Ubuntu, and Arch, assessing the convenience of setup and stability. This additionally gave us a really feel for the expertise, from the comfort of the GUI shopper and terminal command-line instruments to system integration options like community supervisor compatibility.

To examine the encryption, we captured and inspected VPN connection packets utilizing the Wireshark community protocol analyzer to see that every one knowledge being transmitted wasn’t readable. We additionally checked leak safety and kill swap reliability beneath compelled disconnections, conducting random leak checks throughout a number of servers to make sure the VPN did not expose IP and DNS data.

For efficiency, we first took baseline readings — and not using a VPN — on Linux, utilizing Ookla’s CLI device. We then repeated checks with the VPN related to totally different server areas, benchmarking obtain/add speeds and ping response instances. Subsequent checks with streaming platforms enabled us to decide on VPNs with constant velocity efficiency, in addition to ones which might be dependable for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the identical dad or mum firm as CNET, Ziff Davis.

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Newest information

Proton VPN revealed a brand new product growth roadmap, together with a refresh of its Linux GUI.
Russia launched a contemporary assault towards VPN utilization within the nation.
Surfshark carried out post-quantum safety on the WireGuard protocol.

The Linux system is not resistant to cyberthreats. You will be hacked or monitored by third events when you do not take measures to guard your self. Encrypting your visitors and masking your Linux IP handle with a VPN makes it tough for intruders to intercept and skim communications or hold tabs in your on-line searching habits. That features ISPs that will use this data to limit bandwidth and throttle connection speeds. A VPN can also be an important device for spoofing your location and accessing geo-blocked content material out of your Linux gadget.

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No, Linux working programs do not include a built-in VPN. Nonetheless, they do assist VPN installations. You will must discover a dependable VPN supplier for Linux and set up the shopper or carry out a guide setup utilizing protocol configuration or the community supervisor.

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Sure. VPNs like Non-public Web Entry, Mullvad, Surfshark, and IVPN provide complete GUI shoppers that make managing connections simpler on Linux. Famend suppliers like NordVPN even have hybrid GUI apps wherein sure superior settings and configurations will be established solely by way of the command-line interface.

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Sure, most trendy Linux distros assist VPN set up. Debian and RPM-based programs together with Ubuntu, Fedora, and Mint take pleasure in better flexibility as a result of most VPN suppliers provide devoted set up packages. Should you’re working on a distinct system, Linux built-in networking instruments make it potential to configure a VPN manually utilizing normal protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.

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PIA VPN, Mullvad, NordVPN, and all our beneficial VPNs work on Kali Linux. Any VPN shopper that helps OpenVPN configuration can work on Kali. Obtain the OpenVPN file in .ovpn format from the supplier’s web site and configure it in your Kali system utilizing the command terminal or community supervisor.

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Newest updates

January 2026: In our January replace, we overhauled our information to the perfect Linux VPNs, together with copy updates, pricing and offers, and the newest information within the VPN trade.

Different VPNs for Linux to think about

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As an elite service with seamless multiplatform assist, ExpressVPN is a good possibility for dual-booting Linux and Home windows programs. A two-year, entry-level plan prices $2.79 per thirty days.

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Surfshark has NoBorders and Camouflage modes to bypass VPN restrictions and allow you to entry your favourite on-line providers from any community overseas. The Starter plan prices $2 per thirty days for 2 years.

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IPVanish presents straightforward setup manuals for OpenVPN configurations on Linux-based distros, together with Raspberry Pi OS. The 2-year introductory bundle begins from $2.19 per thirty days.

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If you need to discover the VPN world additional and our high picks for different working programs or use instances, take a look at our information on the perfect VPNs of 2026, or our high picks for journey and streaming.

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