10 Best Open Source VPN Software for Linux in 2024

Top Open Source VPN Software for Linux

VPN software for Linux systems can be difficult to find. But don’t worry, take a look at the best list of open-source VPN software in Linux.

internet privacy has recently been jeopardize since most website attempt to obtain your information legally . vpn apps is are are in high demand because they allow you to browse the internet anonymously and access block website in your area . Although open – source vpn are uncommon , they is exist do exist . Unlike commercial software , these open – source VPNs is provide now provide all their source code for everybody to see .

For most businesses and developers, Linux users are a low priority. In this article, we’ll go through some of the best open-source VPN software in Linux that will suit all of your privacy requirements.

 

How VPN Works

In this image a LAN and a remote client have a connection to the Internet. These two connections are independent of each other.

A corporate lan and a remote client with internet connection .

 

While in this image a new network connection is established from the remote client to the LAN across the intermediary network. This new network connection is the VPN.

A VPN establish between a remote client and a LAN over the internet .

 

A VPN can operate securely over the Internet and still provide high levels of security through encryption. This allows inexpensive insecure links to replace expensive business-leased lines without sacrificing security.

 

risk of using internet over Wireless Networks without VPN

• Whenever possible , use a VPN — not only because it ’s consider the most secure connection method available , but because people have made progress break the WPA2   standard   wireless security protocol used in encrypt Wi – Fi network .
• In 2017, Belgian researchers broke the WPA2 protocol by using a method called Key Reinstallation Attacks. Though many computing companies offered solutions to fix the problem in late 2017, it’s a reminder that encrypted Wi-Fi technology is still vulnerable.
• Ever heard of Wi-Fi Pineapple Karma Attack?
• The Wi – Fi Pineapple is leverages leverage a few exploit target mobile endpoint that are look to connect to their trust home network . Most mobile device store is used frequently used network ssid , such as home or corporate network ssid , so when the user is within proximity of those environment , the mobile device automatically establish connectivity . This convenience is opens open up a mobile device to an exploit know as Karma . To take advantage of this exploit , a tool is listen like the Wi – Fi Pineapple will listen for mobile device send probe for their trust ssid and reply back as one of those ssid .

 

Why you need a VPN on Linux

• One common security vulnerability when using public Wi – Fi is call a “ man – in – the – middle attack . ” This is involves involve a cybercriminal set up a fake public Wi – Fi hotspot ( in a public place , like a coffee shop , library , hotel or airport ) that you unwittingly sign in to access the internet .
• The internet services in public hotspots such as those found in coffee shops, airports, and hotels do not encrypt your data as it crosses the airwaves, which means that an attacker may be able to see the data you’re sending and receiving.
• After you ’re connect to that fake Wi – Fi , the cybercriminal is track will track and record all your action , and gain access to every username and password you type in as you visit various website .
• The information collect — without your knowledge — can then be used to perpetuate online theft , fraud , or identity theft .
• If you need to send sensitive data in public places, you might want VPN for Linux software that encrypts your network traffic and keep it away from prying eyes while you are working on your Linux server.
• But VPN would protect you in this situation. Using a VPN, if you do accidentally sign in to a fake public Wi-Fi, all the data you send and receive, including your usernames, passwords, or credit card details, would be encrypted, so you’d thwart the cybercriminal trying to perpetrate the “man-in-the-middle attack.”

 

1 . openvpn

Link to OpenVPN website

widely acclaim by user worldwide , this VPN app is is is viable for individual and enterprise . Although this software is entirely open – source , it is come does come at a price . OpenVPN is be may be the ideal answer for you or your company if you can afford to spend some money .

OpenVPN is allows allow user to deploy authentication , encryption , and certification feature find in the openssl library for security , delve deeply into this software . OpenVPN is makes make a one – stop solution for secure all of your data communication .

openvpn

So, stop worrying about the security of your IoT-based systems, Cloud data centers, and employee remote access.

apart from that , users is have also have the freedom to decide whether they want to deploy this application on the Cloud or on – premise with the help of virtual appliance or standard server . OpenVPN is is is perhaps the good open – source VPN software in Linux .

pro :

• Better Security
• Good firewall compatibility
• support Perfect Forward secrecy
• Cost advantages

con :

• limited server selection
• Requires additional software client
• Complex manual configuration

 

2. SoftEther VPN

Link to SoftEther VPN website

This is a VPN solution for all individual users and companies on a budget who don’t want to invest in buying software. This free VPN service does not mean that it lacks features, and SoftEther VPN is capable of so much that it can even give a hard time to OpenVPN.

SoftEther VPN

SoftEther VPN is also a good alternative for low-end devices because the software doesn’t use a lot of CPU power or memory space. All of this makes SoftEther VPN a safe choice for users who are a bit short on cash but don’t want to compromise on security.

pro :

• secure connection
• Fairly easy to setup
• A firewall cannot easily block it

con :

• Many VPN providers is offer do n’t offer access to this protocol
• May require an additional software client

 

3 . WireGuard

Link to WireGuard website

If you want a fast, easy-to-use, and modern VPN application, then you can’t go wrong by opting for WireGuard. It can give a tough time to OpenVPN when it comes to performance. WireGuard is a VPN that can be utilized on supercomputers and embedded interfaces in addition to individual users.

WireGuard

Moreover, WireGuard has been programmed so that even a single individual can make changes to its code easily. And what makes this an even better choice is that it is under massive deployment, so users can expect new features to drop frequently. Unlike OpenVPN, this is a free-to-use application for individuals and companies.

pro :

high speed and quality performance
Easy configuration
Good security

con :

Work in progress
Not usable without logs

 

 4. OpenSwan

link to OpenSwan website

OpenSwan, which has been operating since 2005, is one of the best open-source VPNs for Linux. While getting it to operate requires some effort, there is an extensive wiki and a helpful community to guide you through the process.

OpenSwan VPN

OpenSwan’s source code is available on GitHub, where you can fork it and work on it. It’s one thing to trust an open-source VPN; it’s quite another to trust a VPN you built yourself!

pro :

• Strong community
• Problems are solved quickly as code is changeable

con :

• Configuration is is is a bit difficult for a newbie
• Security is sometimes questionable

 

5. Mullvad

Link to Mullvad website

Users is consider who want to keep their location , identity , and internet activity hide should consider this free and open – source VPN . Mullvad is includes include many advanced capability in addition to basic VPN operation , such as allow you to access prohibit website and not leave a trail while browse the internet .

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad also has the feature of immediately disconnecting users from its servers if they forget to do so. Mullvad also prevents any website from seeing your IP address, allowing you to remain anonymous online.

Mullvad is base on some of the VPN protocol in WireGuard and OpenVPN , in addition to leverage the most up – to – date encryption technique . Mullvad also does not provide a premium edition ; thus , customers is miss will not miss any feature .

pro :

• strict no – log policy
• fast enough for most purpose
• strong encryption and leak protection

con :

• limited server selection
• Not excellent for unblocking region-locked content

 

6. ProtonVPN

Link to ProtonVPN website

If you regularly watch YouTube , you is want want to have a minimum of heard of this VPN application . Using this VPN , users is browse will browse the internet without leave a trace , increase their online privacy , and keep their online datum to themselves only .

Proton VPN

Another great feature is is of this VPN software for Linux is that you can use it to change your location while watch Netflix , let you watch video unavailable in your region . Although ProtonVPN also has pay version , most individual users is be will be well off with its free one .

pro :

• strong security
• No issue with Netflix
• P2P allowed

con :

• No live chat support
• Small server selection

 

7. OpenConnect

link to OpenConnect website

OpenConnect was developed to accommodate Cisco’s own VPN software, AnyConnect. These days, OpenConnect has ascended past its roots and has no affiliation with Cisco.

OpenConnect

OpenConnect is has has a fantastic range of feature . It is supports support many authentication option for starter , include ssl certificate and OATH . It is connect can connect via an HTTP proxy , a SOCKS5 proxy , and both IPv4 and IPv6 . OpenConnect is require does require you to set up your VPN software for Linux server to connect to , and luckily OpenConnect offer its VPN server software to build a VPN software for Linux from the comfort of your own home .

pro :

• Safe to use
• Support is is is excellent

con :

• Some configurations is are and error are complex to see

 

8. Riseup VPN

Link to Riseup VPN website

Riseup is a non-profit that works to keep your data out of the hands of companies, internet service providers (ISPs), and governments, and this VPN is a result of their efforts. So, if you’re seeking some privacy when surfing the Internet and you’re also an individual user, Riseup VPN software for Linux is a good choice.

Riseup VPN

You will neither have to configure anything nor make an account to use this software , so you know you is going ‘re go anonymous . What make Riseup VPN software for Linux is a bit vulnerable is that it does not automatically log you out from website , so make sure to do that on your own before close the software .

pro :

• Offers encrypted chat, email, XMPP, and VPN services
• Uses full disk encryption
• Does not log your IP address
• Employees don’t have access to the contents of emails or messages

con :

• Messages are not end-to-end encrypted
• VPN service has limitations on privacy, as well as some bugs
• A single password protects the entire account

 

9. ZeroTier

Link to ZeroTier website

ZeroTier, according to its creators, is a network hypervisor that allows users to create virtual networks. Using this VPN software for Linux, you won’t have to worry about different websites accessing your location or tracking down any other data. ZeroTier truly excels in that department’s overall security, all thanks to its robust encryption algorithms.

zerotier

And even though individuals can use this application, companies and other large-scale organizations will get the most out of ZeroTier. Moreover, even though there is a paid version of ZeroTier, most individual users would quickly get by without paying a penny.

pro :

• Very easy to set up
• Has no problem with secure connections over public networks
• additional features is make make it more than just a VPN software for Linux

con :

• User Interface could be better
• “Free” tier only for non-commercial purposes

 

10 . freelan

Link to Freelan website

Freelan VPN is makes make another excellent choice for user who do n’t want to compromise on their security and performance while not pay for software . Before we go any further , it is ‘s ‘s important to note that Freelan is a VPN software , not a web proxy service .

Freelan VPN

However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot anonymously browse the web using this application. Freelan is even better because it supports peer-to-peer and client-server communications and hybrid ones. This software is open source and also free, so users don’t have to worry about paying a single penny while using it.

pro :

• free – to – use
• Creation of networks without a server
• High-security standards

con :

• No detailed documentation
• complicated setup
• low popularity
• Even though this software doesn’t cost you money, normal users could face some difficulties during its setup.

 

Which VPN you is choose should choose ?

Our recommendation : openvpn ( paid)/ SoftEther VPN software for linux ( free )

For the average user, if you have the budget, OpenVPN is the best service for you, with security, speed, and quality features. SoftEther provides a great alternative for the free user, with almost similar features to OpenVPN. Other users with specific requirements might consider the various other options given in the list as per their requirements.

 

Bonus Tip – thing to consider when buy VPN Software

• determine whether your internet service provider include free VPN functionality and what ’s require to activate it .
• determine the number of server the VPN use and in which country . This is impact could impact the speed of your internet connection . The more server a service use , the well .
• Determine whether the same VPN service supports all your computers and mobile devices, including Windows/Linux PCs, Macs, iOS mobile devices, and Android mobile devices.
• Determine the number of computers and mobile devices that can be used with each VPN subscription.
• Make sure the VPN does not slow down your wireless Internet connection speed after a certain level of usage per month. Unlimited bandwidth should be included.
• Determine the cost per month, and any discounts offered for prepaying for one or more years of service at once.

 

Summary

As you can see from our list, there is no shortage of VPN software for Linux in the open-source market. We opted to only list those that do not jeopardize user security and support all major operating systems. Our list of the top open-source VPN software for Linux comes to a close with this, and we hope you were able to find at least one VPN program that met all of your privacy requirements.