Many VPNs say they support Ubuntu and Linux, but relatively few actually make apps for Ubuntu that offer comparable features to their MacOS and Windows clients. Instead, Ubuntu users are often required to manually configure VPN connections for every server they want to connect to using a third-party VPN app. It’s a tedious process, and doesn’t offer the same benefits as a bespoke app when it comes to speed, security, and convenience.

In this article, we’ll discuss the seven best VPNs for Ubuntu. All of the VPNs we recommend have Ubuntu apps either in command-line or GUI form. They also meet our standards of speed, security, and ability to unblock region-locked content.

If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s a shortlist of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

  • NordVPN: Another command-line app for Ubuntu at a budget-friendly price. Provides strong security and can unblock a wide range of region-locked sites.
  • ExpressVPN: Our top recommendation for Ubuntu. The app uses a command-line interface. Unblocks streaming sites, employs strong security and tops our list of the fastest VPNs.
  • Surfshark: Well-suited to unblocking content from abroad. The command-line Ubuntu app keeps your activity secure and private.
  • Atlas VPN: Strong unblocker of content. Linux Ubuntu app with command-line interface. Unlimited connections and strong security with MultiHop servers.
  • Private Internet Access: Easy-to-use GUI app. Generous server network and up to 10 simultaneous connections. Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
  • ProtonVPN: A privacy-focused provider with an open-source command-line app for Ubuntu.
  • AirVPN: Offers both command-line and GUI apps for Ubuntu. Allows a lot of customization for power users.

Best VPNs for Ubuntu

Not all VPNs work with Linux, and it can take a lot of time to investigate which do. Comparitech has done the hard work for you. We chose these VPNs based on the following criteria:

  • Makes an Ubuntu VPN app
  • Offers strong security and privacy protections
  • Has fast download speeds
  • Can securely access region-locked sites like Netflix
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee

Here is our list of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

1. NordVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top VPN for Ubuntu. It offers fantastic security and unblocking capability. It’s also a great choice for those that want to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many other platforms while traveling abroad.

NordVPN has a dedicated app for Linux users. The Ubuntu app was built with a kill switch, ad blocker, and anti-malware filter. The company operates some 5,000 servers in 60 countries, including some of the more difficult countries like China and the UAE. NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, uses strong encryption with perfect forward secrecy, and protects from data leaks.

Up to six connections are allowed at once. Apps are available for most major operating systems, and there’s a browser extension for Firefox and Chrome.

BEST VPN FOR UBUNTU:NordVPN is the best VPN for Ubuntu. It’s packed with security features and has servers across the world. You can also benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Dedicated Linux app
  • Reliable speeds for streaming
  • Strong security and a zero-logs policy
  • Works with most region-locked streaming sites
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. ExpressVPN

                    Jan 2023
  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN’s Ubuntu app runs from the command line instead of a GUI app, the latter being used for more popular operating systems. Ubuntu users still get all of the same performance and protection, and getting set up and connected is easy.

Apps are available for a slew of different devices if you have others you wish to protect, including certain wifi routers. Up to five devices can connect at a time.

FAST SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is another great choice. This is a great all-round VPN with support for Ubuntu and a wide range of other devices.

  • Fast speeds for downloading and streaming

  • Strong security and no logs

  • Works with most streaming services

  • 24/7 live chat available

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Slightly more expensive than competitors

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

3. Surfshark

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is rare for a paid provider. Apps are available for more mainstream operating systems as well. Round-the-clock live chat support is at your disposal.

BEST BUDGET PICK:Connect as many devices as you want to Surfshark and protect your whole household for a great price. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Smaller server network
  • Some inconsistent speeds

Read our full Surfshark review.

4. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN has its own command-line app for Linux Ubuntu. With it, you can access over 750 servers across dozens of countries including the US and Canada. Speeds are impressive and unlimited bandwidth allows you to stream and torrent without restriction. Atlas VPN can also be noted for its very consistent unblocking. This extends to streaming services including Disney+ and HBO Max.

There are a number of extra security features that make your Linux browsing even more secure. This includes MultiHop servers which encrypt your data twice and SafeSwap, a feature that rotates your IP address on a regular basis. Of course, all internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also a kill switch and protection from DNS leaks. Notably, Atlas VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:AtlasVPN is available for Linux and provides good speeds as well as strong unblocking. No limit to the number of devices you can connect. Secure browsing with MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Supports many operating systems, Linux included

  • Very strong unblocking of geo-restricted content

  • Connect all of your devices at the same time

  • Lots of extra security features such as MultiHop servers

  • Relatively small server network (roughly 750 servers)

  • Doesn’t provide support for routers

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

5. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access stands out for offering a Linux app with a graphical user interface, making it even more user-friendly. Once you’ve got it installed, you’ll have access to servers in some 84 countries. You can also expect good speeds. Our most recent speed tests measure PIA’s average at 94 Mbps. This makes it highly suitable for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

With PIA, your security is assured thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. However, unlike many Ubuntu VPNs, it also blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Furthermore, it doesn’t keep any logs — not even connection logs. As such, PIA is very much a privacy-friendly VPN, allowing you to stay anonymous online. If you need help, live chat and email support is available 24/7.

BLOCKS MALWARE:Private Internet Access has a GUI app for Linux and lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It’s fast and highly secure with an ad and malware blocker. No logs and offers 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • GUI app makes PIA very easy to use with Linux

  • Speeds are more than fast enough for streaming in high definition

  • High level of security with an ad, tracker, and malware blocker

  • Connect 10 of your devices simultaneously

  • Like many VPNs, it struggles to work in China

  • Quite expensive if you opt for just a single month

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

6. ProtonVPN

Website: www.protonvpn.com

ProtonVPN is a newer provider that hasn’t neglected security-conscious Linux users. The Ubuntu app is open source and works on other distros as well. OpenVPN is the protocol used for all connections. The command-line interface lets you quickly switch between servers.

Security is among the best in the industry. ProtonVPN works with US Netflix as well as a handful of other region-locked sites. It also allows torrenting.

SECURITY FIRST:ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy above all else, but it doesn’t neglect streaming and torrenting. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Security is a top priority

  • Good for Netflix

  • Zero logs

  • No live support

  • Smaller server network

  • A bit more expensive than some rivals

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

7. AirVPN

Website: www.airvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

AirVPN is the only Linux VPN provider on this list to make an Ubuntu app with a graphical user interface, although a command-line version is also available.

AirVPN is built for users who like a lot of control and the ability to tweak the VPN to how they want it. This can be a bit intimidating for novice users, but the security is excellent. A kill switch is included. The company doesn’t store any logs of user activity.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CONNECTION:AirVPN is targeted at tech-savvy power users who value security and privacy.

  • Plenty of tweaks and customization

  • Strong security

  • No logs

  • Not very novice-friendly

  • Smaller server network

  • Support is limited

Read our full AirVPN review.

Can I use a free VPN with Ubuntu?

We recommend steering clear of free VPNs for Ubuntu. Most providers don’t make Ubuntu apps, so setting them up—if possible at all—requires tedious configuration for each server.

On top of that, most free VPN providers aren’t trustworthy. In order to make money, they often invade your privacy instead of protecting it. They might monitor your online activity, for example, and some VPN apps carry malware payloads. Even legitimate free VPN providers tend to cap data transfers or throttle bandwidth.

There are, of course, free VPN apps that don’t include the actual VPN service. If you have an existing VPN server that you are authorized to use, these apps can set up the connection. OpenVPN, OpenConnect, AnyConnect, and Network Manager are all popular VPN clients for Ubuntu, and most are open source. Typically you’ll need the server domain or IP, a username, a password, and a shared secret, but this varies depending on security and protocol.

How do I use a VPN with Ubuntu?

Here’s how to use a VPN with Ubuntu:

  • Choose the best VPN for Ubuntu. We highly recommend NordVPN.
  • Once you’re signed up, head to your VPN provider’s website and look for instructions on how to download the Ubuntu VPN app. This will vary depending on your provider, but you should be able to download the VPN client in your web browser or install it from the command line.
  • Install the app.
  • Run the app as per your provider’s instructions and enter your login credentials.
  • Select a server and connect. Again, this will vary depending on the app, but typically you will have the option to choose from a list of server locations.

Once you’re connected, the VPN will run in the background until you disconnect it. Be sure to check your specific VPN app’s documentation for instructions on things like kill switches, protocols, and DNS servers.

If you only want to protect your web browser’s internet connection, consider using your VPN provider’s web browser extension instead.

See also

  • How to set up uTorrent with Ubuntu
  • Best VPN for Linux