Choosing the best VPN for Linux can be a daunting task given the multitude of options available in the market. However, with the right considerations in mind, you can find a VPN service that meets your specific needs while providing the security, privacy, and performance you require. In this article, we’ll explore the top VPN options for Linux based on our evaluations, helping you make an informed decision to safeguard your online activities.
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ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Linux Overall
For Linux enthusiasts seeking a reliable VPN solution, ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice. Despite the common oversight of Linux users in the VPN market, ExpressVPN has prioritized support for various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, and Arch.
One of the key advantages of ExpressVPN is its extensive server network, boasting over 3,000 servers across 160 worldwide locations. This wide coverage ensures fast and reliable connections, ideal for streaming, torrenting, and other online activities.
Security is a top priority for ExpressVPN, offering robust encryption with its 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced performance and security. The VPN’s independently audited no-logging policy ensures user privacy and data protection, backed by RAM-based servers that delete anonymous data at every reboot.
ExpressVPN’s Linux application is easy to set up and use, featuring a terminal-based interface that simplifies server selection and connection. Additionally, the VPN offers 5 simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat support for added reliability and assistance.
Unlike free VPNs with limitations, ExpressVPN provides unrestricted data and speed, ensuring consistent performance across local and distant servers. Its Chrome and Firefox extensions offer a user-friendly GUI while protecting the entire Linux machine, not just browser activity.
In summary, ExpressVPN offers an unparalleled combination of features, security, and support for Linux users, making it the top VPN choice for those seeking a seamless and secure online experience.
2. NordVPN
When it comes to choosing the best VPN for Linux with top-notch security features, NordVPN emerges as a leading contender in the market. With over 12 million users worldwide, NordVPN has established itself as a reliable and user-friendly option for Linux users seeking robust online protection.
NordVPN stands out for its extensive range of features designed to enhance security and privacy for Linux users. Utilizing military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption, NordVPN ensures that user data remains encrypted and safeguarded from potential threats and third-party intrusion.
One of NordVPN’s key strengths is its strict no-logging policy, which has been independently verified through third-party audits. This policy guarantees that NordVPN does not track or store any user browsing history, connection logs, bandwidth usage, or activity data, providing users with peace of mind regarding their online privacy.
In terms of protocol support, NordVPN offers a wide range of options, including IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. This flexibility allows Linux users to select the protocol that best suits their security and speed requirements.
NordVPN also excels in terms of simultaneous connections, allowing users to secure up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN account. This feature enables Linux users to protect multiple devices, including phones, laptops, and desktops, all under one secure connection.
With thousands of servers worldwide, NordVPN ensures fast and reliable connections for Linux users, without any limits on bandwidth usage. These servers are optimized for various purposes, including secure web browsing, P2P sharing, and streaming HD or 4K video content, providing users with a seamless online experience.
Overall, NordVPN offers an excellent combination of security features, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance, making it a top choice for Linux users looking to enhance their online security and privacy.
3. Private Internet Access – Plenty Features with a Full GUI for Linux
When considering the best VPN for Linux users, Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out as a strong contender, offering a wide range of features geared towards privacy and security.
PIA boasts an impressive network of over 20,000 servers spread across 100+ locations worldwide, making it the largest network of servers available for Linux VPN users. This extensive server fleet ensures reliable and secure connections from virtually anywhere on the globe.
One of PIA’s standout features is its commitment to privacy, demonstrated by its no-logs policy, which has been successfully proven in court not once, but twice. This level of transparency and accountability makes PIA a trustworthy option for privacy-conscious users.
For Linux users, PIA offers a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI), which sets it apart from other VPN providers that may require command-line configurations. This GUI is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
In terms of pricing, PIA offers excellent value for money, with subscription plans starting at just over $2 per month. Additionally, PIA allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning users can secure multiple devices under a single subscription without any limitations.
In conclusion, Private Internet Access offers a robust and feature-rich VPN solution for Linux users, with a strong focus on privacy, security, and user-friendliness. With its extensive server network, transparent privacy policy, and affordable pricing, PIA is a compelling choice for anyone seeking reliable online protection.
4. Surfshark – Fastest VPN for Linux
Surfshark emerges as a top choice for Linux users seeking a fast and user-friendly VPN experience. With a fully functional graphical user interface (GUI) specifically designed for Linux devices, Surfshark simplifies the VPN setup process, eliminating the need for complex command-line configurations.
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its impressive speed, clocking in at over 950 Mbps in recent testing. This makes it one of the fastest VPN options available, ensuring smooth and lag-free browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences for users.
In addition to speed, Surfshark prioritizes security and privacy. Utilizing industry-standard AES-256 encryption and offering over 3,200 servers in 100 locations worldwide, Surfshark ensures that users’ online activities remain secure and anonymous.
Surfshark’s Camouflage mode adds an extra layer of security by obfuscating VPN usage, while the CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware, enhancing the overall browsing experience.
Overall, Surfshark offers a compelling combination of speed, security, and user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for Linux users looking for a reliable VPN solution.
5. ProtonVPN – Best Free Pick
ProtonVPN stands out as the top choice for Linux users seeking a reliable and privacy-focused VPN solution, especially with its exceptional free plan. With over 3,000 servers across 68 countries and a maximum device support of 10, ProtonVPN offers robust security features and impressive network coverage.
One of the standout features of ProtonVPN is its fully functional graphical user interface (GUI) designed specifically for Linux devices. This GUI makes it easy for users to control the VPN without the need to memorize complex commands, enhancing the overall user experience.
ProtonVPN’s free plan is particularly noteworthy, offering unlimited data and access to 90+ servers across three locations in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan. While the free plan does not support torrenting and lacks unblocking capabilities, it provides strong security features, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and support for the secure OpenVPN protocol.
Installation of ProtonVPN is straightforward, requiring users to create a free account and download the appropriate app for their Linux distribution. There’s no need to enter commands into the terminal, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.
ProtonVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, outside of the 14 Eyes Alliance, and adheres to a strict no-logging policy, further ensuring user privacy and anonymity. The company’s commitment to privacy was validated in a 2019 court case where it could not provide identifiable information about its customers.
Overall, ProtonVPN is a highly secure and privacy-friendly VPN option for Linux users, offering a reliable free plan with unlimited data and robust security features. Whether you’re looking for a free VPN for browsing or considering a premium subscription for enhanced features, ProtonVPN is a solid choice for Linux users seeking privacy-focused VPN solutions.
In Conclusion…
In conclusion, selecting the best VPN for Linux involves weighing various factors such as security features, ease of use, server coverage, and pricing. Based on the comprehensive analysis of user responses and expert insights provided in this article, it’s evident that each VPN service offers unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. Whether you prioritize security, speed, affordability, or flexibility, there’s a VPN solution available for Linux that aligns with your requirements. By carefully considering your priorities and evaluating the features offered by each VPN provider, you can confidently choose the best VPN for Linux to ensure a secure and private online experience.