The best Linux VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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Linux is considered more secure than other operating systems but adding a virtual private network (VPN) to the setup can drastically improve your online privacy and security. Unfortunately, there are quite a few VPN providers that only offer Linux compatibility as an afterthought. When they do, it involves command-line (CLI) software instead of a straightforward graphical user interface (GUI) application. Also, performance on Linux may not be as impressive as it is on Windows and macOS.

When choosing a Linux-compatible VPN it's important to assess easy integration with your favorite distro, especially via native apps. CLI-based VPNs can also work well for power users, but ensure the software includes all the advanced features you expect.

Also: The best VPNs for Android

In our January update, we overhauled our guide to the best Linux VPNs, including copy updates, pricing and deals, and the latest news in the VPN industry.

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What is the best Linux VPN right now?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is our top VPN choice for the Linux ecosystem. We like the simplicity of the Linux client, which offers rich settings to adapt the software for speed, security, and streaming performance. PIA is also one of our favorite cheap VPNs, and new subscribers qualify for a 30-day refund should it fail to meet their expectations on Linux. If you're interested in trying it out, a deal on a three-year plan at $2.03 per month with three months free is available.

At ZDNET, we've been testing VPNs for years and conduct regular tests, including measuring performance and speed, to find the best services today. We recommend VPNs for use cases ranging from day-to-day browsing to travel, and we only recommend services that we have hands-on experience with and are happy to use ourselves. Read on to explore our favorite VPNs for Linux in 2026.

Also: The best Linux laptops we've tested

The best Linux VPNs in 2026

Aside from being one of our picks for the best VPN services, PIA works adeptly with the Linux system.

Why we like it: It offers open-source GUI apps for popular Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, Fedora, and Arch. Terminal commands and manual setups like OpenVPN configuration and network manager are also supported. This makes the VPN appealing to novices and advanced Linux users alike.

The app remains highly customizable on Linux as well as on Windows and macOS, offering AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryptions, split tunneling, a kill switch, and IPv6 leak protection. You can automate VPN connections on Linux with scripts, or even tunnel traffic through specific ports to optimize performance, say when torrenting or gaming online. Modifying MTU settings on the Linux app can also improve connectivity on unstable networks or during peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfers.

Review: Private Internet Access

PIA's server network spans 91 countries, with special coverage in all the U.S. states if you need a local IP address for one of these locations. I experienced middling speeds on Linux, falling behind our fastest VPNs, but no more than a 15% drop on nearby servers with either the WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols.

Who it's for: PIA should suit many Linux users thanks to its distro flexibility and price. We also applaud Pia for its generous multiuser support, allowing you unlimited simultaneous connections with any of its plans.

Extended subscriptions are pocket-friendly, priced at $2.03/month for three years, $3.33 per month for one year, and $12 when paying monthly.

Who should look elsewhere: For some people, it's a deal-breaker that the VPN has its headquarters in the U.S., where companies must adhere to data retention requirements, thereby undermining privacy.

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Mullvad has a lightweight Linux integration that ensures quick speeds that closely match those of industry top performers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Why we like it: I was especially impressed by Linux connections over long distances, which had minimal lag. In comparison, PIA significantly slowed down when I chose server locations far from me.

Mullvad offers Linux GUI app repositories for Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. If you're running a different distro, then .deb files allow for straightforward installation on your system.

Review: Mullvad VPN

Who it's for: Linux users keen on privacy will greatly appreciate Mullvad's robust anonymity features. You won't provide personal information like your email for account creation, and crypto payments are encouraged to avoid leaving traces of your financial data. It also offers unique antitracking technology, like built-in defense against AI-guided traffic analysis (DAITA) and quantum-resistant WireGuard protocol that works on Linux.

Mullvad's pricing model mostly appeals to short-term users. Whether you're in for a month or a year, you'll still pay a fixed price of €5 per month ($5.94), giving you the flexibility to tailor your usage without incurring extra costs.

Who should look elsewhere: While the cost is fixed, it's still expensive. You may want to check out one of my more affordable options.

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Accessing geo-restricted content is a major reason people use a VPN, and NordVPN is relentless about this, including on Linux.

Why we like it: NordVPN supports VPN gateway setup on Linux. You can route traffic from other devices securely on the network or even host private servers. The VPN adds a security layer to your connections. NordVPN's networking feature, Meshnet, also allows seamless sharing of resources between connected devices and can even facilitate low-latency online gaming with friends anywhere in the world.

Additionally, features like obfuscated servers and the recently introduced NordWhisper protocol help to disguise your Linux VPN traffic. It can also get past networks that filter or block VPN connections such as school, cafe, and hotel Wi-Fi.

Review: NordVPN

Who it's for: If you want to use a VPN for streaming, this is for you. NordVPN works really well with all popular streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. And if you're just looking for IP addresses to browse content around the world, then NordVPN provides some of the most extensive server coverage on this list, spanning over 120 countries.

While NordVPN offers a GUI for some Linux distributions, some of the app's features, like Meshnet, still need to be set up via CLI.

The best deal is $3.39 per month on a two-year plan.

Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN is a top choice, but if you want unlimited simultaneous connections, you might prefer another of our recommendations.

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IVPN offers you many ways to install the software on Linux including from the repository, binaries, source code, and the Snap Store.

Why we like it: Linux users have plenty of options to explore. The minimalist app makes management easy without requiring manual command-line or network manager operations.

Though IVPN barely gets any mentions in online reviews, it's a solid service that is attentive to Linux users. It offers the industry standard protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, a kill switch, AntiTracker, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, plus functionalities such as VPN pause, split tunneling, and "allow LAN traffic," which ensures you can still access resources on the local area network even with the VPN on.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants an anonymized signup for a Linux VPN, with plenty of ways to install it.

Similar to Mullvad, you can create an account on IVPN without an email. Plans are flexible, starting from $2 for one week, but it's a bit expensive compared with the other options on this list. A year's subscription goes for $60, two years for $100, and three years for $140.

Who should look elsewhere: The affordable Standard plan is capped at only two devices per account. If this bothers you, look elsewhere.

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If you want to test out a free VPN for your Linux distro, Proton VPN should be on your radar.

Why we like it: Proton VPN is a secure, free app for Linux. Considering the limitations of free services, you can do more with Proton VPN than others, thanks to unlimited bandwidth. This means you won't be restricted by monthly caps. Most free VPNs have a 10GB per month data cap.

It's also open-source and commits to a zero-logging policy, adding trust and peace of mind that your data isn't being collected or monetized.

The sleek GUI app works well with GNOME desktop environments on Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora, with unique Linux support features like port forwarding, P2P-optimized servers, and VPN Accelerator that significantly boost connection speeds.

Review: Proton VPN

Who it's for: Anyone who wants to test and explore VPN usage with the Linux operating system without signing up for a paid plan.

Although it's not one of the cheapest VPNs, Proton also has decent offers for subscriptions at the time of writing, with the best being $3 per month on a two-year plan.

Who should look elsewhere: If speed or unlimited simultaneous connections are your top priorities, check out my other recommendations.

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	Private Internet Access (PIA)	Mullvad	NordVPN	IVPN	Proton VPN
Native GUI app for Linux?	✅ Full GUI (GTK)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
CLI app support	✅ piactl	✅ mullvad	✅ nordvpn	✅ ivpn-cli	✅ protonvpn-cli
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	Five	10	Varies (two to seven)	10
Budget plan	$2.03 per month for three years	€5 ($5.94) per month	$3.39 per month for two years	$140 for three years	$3 per month for two years
Network	Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries	Over 720 servers in 49 countries	Over 7,400 servers in 118 countries	Over 77 servers in 40 countries	Over 15,000 servers in 120 countries
Specialized servers	Streaming, dedicated IP	None	P2P, obfuscated, Onion Over VPN, double VPN	Double VPN	Streaming, Secure Core, P2P, dedicated IP
Split tunneling?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Port forwarding?	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Jurisdiction	U.S.	Sweden	Panama	British Virgin Islands	Switzerland
Data privacy	No-logging policy (audited)	No-logging policy (audited)	No-logging policy (audited)	No-logging policy (audited)	No-logging policy (audited)

Choose this Linux VPN	If you want...
Private Internet Access	A highly adaptable app to customize your VPN experience on Linux. PIA is affordable, offers flexibility, solid security, and reasonable speeds.
Mullvad	The right combination of speed and privacy for secure and lag-free browsing. The company preserves your privacy. While its server network could be improved, it's still an excellent choice.
NordVPN	Strong geo-access capabilities to unlock content anywhere in the world. There's a robust server network, plenty of locations to choose from, and high rates of success when accessing streaming services.
IVPN	Straightforward Linux installation options plus an intuitive app for easy control. While it's not cheap, the anonymization of signing up and its flexible methods for Linux installation still has appeal.
Proton VPN	A reliable free VPN service for Linux without bandwidth restrictions. While you need to expect some speed loss by relying on a small number of free servers, Proton VPN is still a great, privacy-first VPN.

Native Linux support: Look for a provider offering functional Linux software (GUI- or CLI-based) for straightforward connection and setting management. Using a VPN on Linux shouldn't be difficult. But a VPN that supports only manual configurations can be complex if you're not tech savvy.
Cross-platform compatibility: Ensure that the VPN works with your particular Linux distribution, as well as major systems such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Mint, and Arch, for flexibility.
Security and privacy: Confirm that robust tools are in place to provide utmost safety on Linux including the advanced AES 256-bit encryption. Also ensure modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN are in place, as well as a kill switch, leak protection, and a verified, trustworthy no-logs policy.
Speed and performance: Ensure the app delivers optimal speeds and minimal latency across servers to support bandwidth-intensive browsing activities you intend to perform on Linux.
Streaming and torrenting: If you're into content streaming and P2P file-sharing on Linux, confirm that your chosen VPN service supports these activities, to avoid inconvenience.
Customer support: The support staff should be within reach, especially on live chat. The help team should also be knowledgeable about Linux systems to provide meaningful assistance whenever you experience technical challenges with the service.
Reasonable pricing: Though some elite services can be expensive, find a value-for-money VPN with a free trial or a money-back guarantee, so you can try the Linux app risk-free before committing to a long-term contract.

We use a comprehensive testing procedure for our VPNs at ZDNET. To shortlist the best ones for the Linux OS, we first selected dozens of reputable providers. We installed them on three of the most commonly used distros, Debian, Ubuntu, and Arch, assessing the ease of setup and stability. This also gave us a feel for the experience, from the convenience of the GUI client and terminal command-line tools to system integration features like network manager compatibility.

To inspect the encryption, we captured and inspected VPN connection packets using the Wireshark network protocol analyzer to see that all data being transmitted wasn't readable. We also checked leak protection and kill switch reliability under forced disconnections, conducting random leak tests across multiple servers to ensure the VPN didn't expose IP and DNS information.

For performance, we first took baseline readings -- without a VPN -- on Linux, using Ookla's CLI tool. We then repeated tests with the VPN connected to different server locations, benchmarking download/upload speeds and ping response times. Subsequent tests with streaming platforms enabled us to choose VPNs with consistent speed performance, as well as ones that are reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.

Latest news

Proton VPN revealed a new product development roadmap, including a refresh of its Linux GUI.
Russia launched a fresh assault against VPN usage in the country.
Surfshark implemented post-quantum protection on the WireGuard protocol.

The Linux system isn't immune to cyberthreats. You can be hacked or monitored by third parties if you don't take measures to protect yourself. Encrypting your traffic and masking your Linux IP address with a VPN makes it difficult for intruders to intercept and read communications or keep tabs on your online browsing habits. That includes ISPs that may use this information to restrict bandwidth and throttle connection speeds. A VPN is also a great tool for spoofing your location and accessing geo-blocked content from your Linux device.

No, Linux operating systems don't come with a built-in VPN. However, they do support VPN installations. You'll have to find a reliable VPN provider for Linux and install the client or perform a manual setup using protocol configuration or the network manager.

Yes. VPNs like Private Internet Access, Mullvad, Surfshark, and IVPN offer comprehensive GUI clients that make managing connections easier on Linux. Renowned providers like NordVPN also have hybrid GUI apps in which certain advanced settings and configurations can be established only through the command-line interface.

Yes, most modern Linux distros support VPN installation. Debian and RPM-based systems including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Mint enjoy greater flexibility because most VPN providers offer dedicated installation packages. If you're running on a different system, Linux built-in networking tools make it possible to configure a VPN manually using standard protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.

PIA VPN, Mullvad, NordVPN, and all our recommended VPNs work on Kali Linux. Any VPN client that supports OpenVPN configuration can work on Kali. Download the OpenVPN file in .ovpn format from the provider's website and configure it in your Kali system using the command terminal or network manager.

Latest updates

January 2026: In our January update, we overhauled our guide to the best Linux VPNs, including copy updates, pricing and deals, and the latest news in the VPN industry.

Other VPNs for Linux to consider

As an elite service with seamless multiplatform support, ExpressVPN is a great option for dual-booting Linux and Windows systems. A two-year, entry-level plan costs $2.79 per month.

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Surfshark has NoBorders and Camouflage modes to bypass VPN restrictions and let you access your favorite online services from any network abroad. The Starter plan costs $2 per month for two years.

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IPVanish offers easy setup manuals for OpenVPN configurations on Linux-based distros, including Raspberry Pi OS. The two-year introductory bundle starts from $2.19 per month.

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If you would like to explore the VPN world further and our top picks for other operating systems or use cases, check out our guide on the best VPNs of 2026, or our top picks for travel and streaming.

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