The best Linux VPN in 2024 (2024)

A VPN is an essential tool for those looking to stay private and anonymous online, and this is as true for a Linux user as it is for any other device. As an increasing number of users switch to Linux for its security benefits, only the best Linux VPNs are ensuring that they support the platform.

At Tom's Guide, we test the best VPNs regularly, and we've been doing so for over a decade now. Here, I've rounded up the top 5 VPNs for Linux after comparing dozens of providers for privacy, speed, ease of use, unblocking capabilities, and whether or not there's a GUI.

Read on to know everything about the best VPNs for Linux to protect your device, but if you're in a hurry, here are my top 3 picks right now.

Best Linux VPNs in 2024 at a glance

Best VPNs for Linux in 2024

The best Linux VPN overall

Private Internet Access (PIA) really is the best VPN for Linux devices, thanks to simple apps with an easy-to-use GUI (graphical user interface) rather than a CLI (command-line interface). Plus, PIA supports more Linux distros than most VPNs on the market, and you can easily find a compatible PIA app for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, and Arch.

Another reason PIA tops my charts is its focus on security. Alongside security features like split tunneling and ad-blocking, PIA is also one of the very few providers to have proven its no-logs policy in court twice. Next, all its apps, including the Linux VPN app, are 100% open source, meaning experts can take a look at its code and find vulnerabilities if they can.

PIA’s massive fleet of over 20,000 servers is one of the largest there is, meaning you’ll be able to find a nearby server, no matter where you are on the map. Even better, every single one of these servers is optimized for P2P traffic, making PIA a force to reckon with for torrenting on your Linux. It solidifies its place as one of the best torrenting VPNs with features such as port forwarding and anonymous payment options (Bitcoin).

The good news keeps coming as PIA is also among the best cheap VPNs, with its multi-year plan priced at around the $2-a-month mark. It further improves its value for money (not that it needed to) by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all your devices (Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc.) with just a single PIA account.

It’s not all work and no play for PIA, as it comes with dedicated streaming servers, allowing you access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video on your Linux. It’s worth noting that while PIA previously failed to unblock the Aussie streaming platform 10Play, that’s no longer the case; it now unblocks everything, everywhere, and sits among the best streaming VPNs.

If I had to find a fault with PIA, I'd say it's not one of the fastest VPNs around. In practice, though, speeds of 360 Mbps are quick enough for everything you’ll need the VPN for on your Linux. Still, it’s hard to recommend it to speed obsessives over the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN that boast almost thrice PIA’s speeds.

All in all, PIA is, hands down, the most well-rounded VPN for Linux I’ve tried, courtesy of its super-secure apps with a dedicated GUI, limitless configuration, unlimited simultaneous connections, and some of the most pocket-friendly prices you’ll find. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself.

The fastest Linux VPN with a GUI

Surfshark is a close runner-up to PIA when it comes to best VPNs for Linux devices. Like PIA, Surfshark also offers a fully functioning graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux distros, meaning installing and using the Surfshark VPN app on Linux is as simple as it is on any other OS.

Just having a GUI isn't the only reason it's in my top three, though – if it wasn't super secure and usable, I wouldn't be recommending it. Rock-solid AES-256 encryption and a kill switch keep your web traffic on Linux secure, and over 3,200 servers in 100 locations worldwide mean you'll have a vast range of countries to connect to for whatever purpose you desire.

Combined with an independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, you can rest assured that the company doesn't keep any logs of your activity, and even if authorities come knocking on its door, it won't have anything to show them. There’s also a handy Camouflage Mode that gives you VPN obfuscation, essentially hiding the fact you're using a VPN at all, and Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads and malicious websites, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience throughout.

In my latest Surfshark review, the Netherlands-based provider also topped my fastest VPN charts, delivering eye-watering speeds of around 950 Mbps when using WireGuard. It certainly won't be slowing you down whatever you're using it for. Another headline feature is its ability to cover an unlimited number of devices at once, which is handy if you have a house full of tech addicts.

For when you want your Linux VPN to double up as your entertainment unit, Surfshark will add to the flavor with its stellar unblocking capabilities. It unblocked everything I threw at it in my testing, from popular sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus to even smaller libraries like 9Now and 10Play.

However, it’s worth noting that some features aren't available on Linux, with split tunneling being easily the biggest omission. Also, if you're a really advanced user, Surfshark could seem restrictive. For example, there's no port forwarding function available in the apps, and most of the settings are intended to be plug and play, rather than offering customization. At the same time, though, this is exactly what beginners might be after – a Linux VPN that works out of the box.

Last but not least, there’s simply no questioning Surfshark’s value for money. At less than $2.50 per month, it's one of the best cheap VPNs, making it a go-to choice for bargain hunters. Plus, its blazing speeds, unlimited connections, great security, and no-quibble unblocking mean that it’s just as good as any premium provider, if not better. You're also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it without risking a single penny.

The best of the rest

ExpressVPN is one of the most trustworthy names in the space. I recommend it in almost all my VPN guides, and the provider is also one of the best VPNs for Linux. While the ExpressVPN Linux app doesn't have a complete GUI, there's an easy workaround: simply install the Chrome VPN or Firefox extension.

Unlike most browser VPNs, ExpressVPN's extension controls the app itself and has a graphical interface – not quite as easy as PIA or Surfshark, but close. The best part is that ExpressVPN comes with plenty of features for Linux, including a network kill switch that’s enabled by default. Plus, as one of the most secure VPNs, ExpressVPN also boasts AES-256 encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and additional tools such as a built-in password manager.

It's also good to see support for Express's proprietary Lightway protocol on Linux installations, and full compatibility with the company's tracker and malware-blocking Threat Manager is another huge plus for Linux users.The ExpressVPN Linux VPN app will automatically connect you to the geographically closest server (on just the tap of a button), but you can manually point it to connect through any of its servers in a whopping 160 locations in over 105 countries.

The provider also comes with powerful unblocking capabilities, and you'll be able to access every streaming site you want, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. ExpressVPN isn't quite as quick as NordVPN and Surfshark, but top speeds of 750 Mbps are still around 30 times more than what's required for streaming in HD and online gaming.

A minor gripe I have with the service is its low number of simultaneous connections – just eight. While this could be a high enough number for individuals and small families, those exclusively looking for a VPN to cater to all their near and dear ones will be better off with Surfshark or PIA, which come with unlimited simultaneous connections.

The only real downside to ExpressVPN, though, is its cost, which is higher than almost all its top competitors. However, it more than makes up for that with its list of features and excellent privacy – and you also get three months of extra protection and a year’s worth of cloud storage for free on a 12-month subscription. Unsure? Put ExpressVPN to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee and find out if it’s for you, risk-free.

The best VPN service overall, NordVPN, comes jam-packed with features on its Linux client – so much so that it almost makes up for the lack of a GUI. In my NordVPN review, I mention how useful the Double VPN feature is, as it routes your traffic through two different VPN servers, encrypting your data twice. There's also a nifty Onion over VPN feature that gives you access to the very secure Tor network without having to download the Tor browser.

Nord is also one of the very few providers to come with a built-in antivirus, a data breach scanner, and a password manager for all-around protection. This, alongside rock-solid essentials like an intuitive kill switch, split tunneling, and an independently audited zero-logging policy, makes Nord one of the most sought-after VPNs for security. What's more, the latest Nord Threat Protection Pro can now protect your Linux device from all kinds ofcyber threats, including phishing attacks, web tracking, and malware.

NordVPN's Linux version also supports its free Meshnet feature, using which you can set up a private network with up to 60 devices – all of which will enjoy an encrypted NordVPN connection – to securely and speedily share files, play local co-op and multiplayer games, and collaborate with your work buddies.

A service that delivers on every single count, NordVPN is also the speediest VPN right now, clocking in at a breathtaking 950 Mbps in my most recent speed tests.Fast and consistent speeds in tandem with class-leading unblocking capabilities and over 6,100 servers in total make NordVPN a go-to choice for streaming heads as well. As the best Netflix VPN, Nord is able to bypass even the most strict geo-restrictions and give you access to your favorite movies and TV shows regardless of the streaming site and your location.

Besides Linux, NordVPN also offers straightforward apps for almost every platform you can think of, whether that's Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Chromebook, or Fire TV. However, I've found that its map-style interface is a little tricky to use on devices with smaller screens, such as smartphones.

All in all, the bottom line is that while NordVPN asks you to be content with a command-line interface, it's, quite frankly, the most complete product on the market, with industry-leading speeds, unblocking, and security – and at $3.09 a month, Nord's also very reasonably priced. Even better, you can take a risk-free trial of the service, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Proton VPN is well-known, first and foremost, for being one of the most secure VPNs, but it's a mighty impressive Linux VPN, too. For starters, it comes with an intuitive GUI for almost every Linux derivative, including Ubuntu, Manjaro, Debian, Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, and Elementary OS. This instantly makes Proton VPN better than other providers that only offer a CLI.

Combined with an independently audited no-logs policy and an always-on VPN feature, Proton VPN also offers the highest level of privacy you'll find in a Linux VPN.Like PIA, Proton VPN too offers open-source apps for Linux and other devices. Plus, the company is based out of Switzerland, a country outside EU and US jurisdictions and one that's not a part of the Five Eyes Alliance for surveillance.

I'm also happy to report that Proton VPN now offers Secure Core on its Linux app, which it previously didn't. This is a handy feature to have if you're in a privacy-invasive region, like China, Russia, or Turkey, as it routes your connection through a super secure server in either Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden before finally connecting you to your location of choice. Another standout includes Proton's in-house ad, malware, and tracker-blocking tech.

While providers like TorGuard don't make their free VPNs available to Linux users, Proton VPN does no such thing – you'll be able to use it on Linux, free of charge, and enjoy access to 3 locations, unlimited bandwidth and data, and an ad-free online experience.Furthermore, Proton VPN believes in online freedom, and it walks the talk by having teamed up with Deutsche Welle, a German news company, to allow users access to independent and trustworthy news anywhere in the world.

It's worth noting that Proton's free plan doesn't come with unblocking capabilities. In my full Proton VPN review, however, I mention that it's worth upgrading to one of its paid plans, as it not only unblocks all Netflix locations, including hard-to-crack countries like Japan, and other services like Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube, but it also puts every corner of the world within arm's reach, thanks to its wide network of over 5,200 servers in 91 countries.

While it isn't the most affordable of the lot, Proton VPN is a service that keeps improving, whether that's through adding more servers in its kitty or cranking up its top speeds to now be on par with the likes of Surfshark. With a 30-day money-back guarantee backing you up – and, of course, a limited free plan serving as an unlimited trial – Proton VPN is well worth a look if you're a privacy purist shopping for reliability.

How to pick a Linux VPN

Deciding on the right VPN for Linux that fits your needs can be a little trickier than it's on some other operating systems due to the fact that there's quite significant variation in products.

The biggest factor on Linux will be whether you absolutely require a graphical user interface (GUI). In short, a GUI is what most other computer users would call an app – it's the face of the program that you use to control it. Without a GUI, you'll have to use the command line, which can take longer, and prove difficult for the uninitiated.

If you need a GUI, that rules out a lot of providers. However, top-rated VPNs like Surfshark and PIA do offer a GUI on Linux, so these should be you top considerations. Beyond that, it's worth considering other factors like:

• Privacy: the VPN you choose must be super-secure and come with a clear-cut no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, leak protection, and support for the most secure protocols, even on Linux.
• Speed: fast connection speeds will help you stream, game, and/or torrent without any buffering, glitches, or lag. If you’re after the fastest of the pack, consider getting Surfshark or NordVPN. Even Proton VPN (has a GUI) is speedy enough.
• Streaming: a good streaming VPN has lots of servers and excellent unblocking capabilities. It should effortlessly unblock popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, as well as other sites you wish to access.
• Ease of use: simple and similar apps across various device types are highly recommended, especially for beginners. Plus, strong customer support with a comprehensive set of help articles will ensure a smooth experience.
• Cost: the price of the VPN provider plays a crucial role, too. At the same time, it's important to note that you'll be much better off with a cheap VPN rather than a free service that's almost always stripped off important features.

How we test Linux VPNs

We start off by combing through the provider's website, where we take a close look at its privacy policy, headline features such as how many servers it handles globally, where they are, support options, and if it uses tracking cookies on its site.

Next, we download the VPN's apps on various device types, including Linux, and test them rigorously. We evaluate all key features, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, and double encryption, as well as the app's ease of use – we make sure that the GUI on Linux (if there is one) is as functional as it should be.

Then we shift our attention to the provider's unblocking capabilities. For this, we try to unblock different streaming sites, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, from different locations around the world.

Speed is another important testing criteria for us, and we test the VPN's speed at least 120 times from two location (a US location and a UK data center) for accurate results. An important part of our VPN testing process at Tom's Guide is re-reviewing and testing the top VPNs every six months or so to ensure we only recommend the best products.

Linux VPN FAQs