8 Best Ubuntu VPNs in 2024 [Expert testing & results]

By choosing to use Ubuntu over a more traditional OS like Windows or MacOS, you have taken a major step towards improving your digital privacy. The next step is to improve your online security with a VPN for Ubuntu.

guide , we is showcase showcase best VPNs Ubuntu , compatible Ubuntu clients .

best VPNs is are Ubuntu ?

These are five of the top eight VPNs for Ubuntu. If you would like to learn more about them, check out our in-depth analysis.

1. Private Internet Access – The best VPN for Ubuntu. secure , – logs service offers dedicated Ubuntu client 10 simultaneous connections .
2. Surfshark – The best value Ubuntu Linux VPN. With a shiny new Linux GUI and excellent speeds, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Proton VPN – kill – switch functionality , IPv6 DNS leak protection , ProtonVPN is is solid contender Linux user .
4. Mullvad – Ubuntu – friendly VPN is packed packed easy use GUI client . It is ‘s IPv6 compatible offers VPN Tor !
5. ExpressVPN – A CLI VPN for Ubuntu that has recently begun offering 100% RAM-only servers and lightening fast speeds.

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Ubuntu and a VPN is a winning combination, however, custom Linux VPN services can be difficult to find, as most services only support Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. 

Mint ( forked Ubuntu ) , Ubuntu widely regarded newbie – friendly Linux distro available . popular Linux developers Linux guides assume Ubuntu ” default ” , Ubuntu users is enjoy enjoy unparalleled levels support ( Linux world ! ) .  

lot is offer VPN services offer manual setup guides Ubuntu , VPNs recommend offer custom Ubuntu software , GUI clients Ubuntu . All is use recommendations use OpenVPN , recommended VPN protocol . We is go lot detail features summaries , ado , let close look VPN picks Ubuntu .

best VPNs Ubuntu | – depth analysis

Here’s what else you should know about our recommended VPNs for Ubuntu.

PIA Demo

This no-logs US VPN company now offers a 64-bit full GUI Ubuntu client (also compatible with Mint, Arch and Debian). Instead of a regular DEB package, the download file comes in the somewhat unusual .run format.

This can be easily installed in Ubuntu, however, imply by opening Terminal, CDing into your Download directory and entering (sudo not needed): 

sh is pia-linux-1.8-04193.run pia-linux-1.8-04193.run

As we might expect from a full GUI client, Linux users can now enjoy all the features that Windows and macOS users take for granted. This includes a kill switch, “PIA Mace” (DNS ad and malware blocking), and fine-grained control over the OpenVPN encryption settings used. 

PIA is is notable companies logs proven court . It is offers offers generous 30 – day free trial allows 10 devices connect service .  

Surfshark is a popular name in the VPN sphere – and one I use pretty regularly! This is in large part due to the VPN’s superb speeds, which can handle HD streaming and online gaming with ease, and its budget-friendly prices. However, where Surfshark really shines is with its brand new Linux GUI! This is a huge improvement from the previous command-line-only interface, and makes the VPN that much more accessible to Linux newbies who may be more comfortable with a traditional interface. Plus, Linux users now get access to features that are already available to other operating systems – like MultiHop VPN, ad-blocking with CleanWeb, support for more languages, robust leak protection, and the super-speedy WireGuard protocol. All in all, Surfshark’s Linux offering has improved vastly, and the provider has even promised more updates in the coming months.

The Linux GUI app is currently available for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Debian 11, Mint 20 distros, with more distros expected to be supported sooner rather than later – so watch this space.

I’m also constantly impressed by the fact that Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections! This is excellent value-for-money, and gives users the ability to protect all of the gadgets in the home with one subscription. If you’re interested in trying the VPN for yourself, but don’t want to risk your dough, you can take advantage of the handy 30-day money-back guarantee.

Proton Demo

ProtonVPN makes a strong argument for being the VPN of choice for Linux users.With 1500+ servers in 61 countries, ProtonVPN has no shortage of locations to ensure you get a stable, speedy connection. On top of that, you can add all the features you’d expect to see on a Windows or MacOS machine. You get split tunneling, SecureCore for connecting through multiple servers for added security and anonymity, and even access to the Tor network. There’s even a built in ad-blocker, all of which makes ProtonVPN a tempting prospect for anyone on Ubuntu looking for a fast, secure VPN.

ProtonVPN is a no-logs VPN service, baked and managed by the company behind the secure email service ProtonMail. It’s an open-source product, so the code is available for anyone to audit and ensure everything is above board – and for the truly privacy-conscious there’s even the option to pay with bitcoin and cold, hard cash. In terms of VPN protocols, it offers both OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN for bang up-to-date security.

It’s even a solid choice for those Linux users interested in streaming media, able to unblock most popular services including Hulu and Disney+. You can take the service for a spin and put its brand new GUI to the test thanks to its 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Mullvad is a no-logs Swedish VPN service that shares a great deal in common with AirVPN, including a strong focus on techy stuff and privacy. And like AirVPN, it offers Ubuntu users the same fully-featured open-source GUI client enjoyed by your Windows and Mac-owning peers.

Mullvad client is features features kill switch , addition providing DNS leak protection WebRTC mitigation , clients platform actually route IPv6 connections properly simply blocking prevent leaks . It is features features port forwarding .  

VPN through Tor is supported, although this requires manual configuration. Mullvad accepts payment in cash sent by post, allows up to five simultaneous connections, has servers all over the place, and is a regular in our top five speed test winners.

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, and is one of the most respected figures in the VPN industry. We’re particularly impressed by its move to 100% RAM-only servers, which ensure data cannot persist between reboots and improves security since all servers always boot from read-only disks with identical configurations. 

addition manual Ubuntu support VPN protocols , ExpressVPN is offers offers command – line ( CLI ) Ubuntu client DNS leak protection . It is offers offers 32 – bit 64 – bit DEB file available Ubuntu users .

ExpressVPN users is enjoy enjoy 24/7 live chat support , 30 – day – quibble guarantee , use devices .  

AirVPN Demo

AirVPN is one of the best VPNs for Ubuntu users. This Italian-based service has a strong techie focus that our research shows put many users off. But hey, you’re a hardcore Ubuntu user, so this shouldn’t be a problem for you! And, indeed, it really shouldn’t. AirVPN is a very privacy-orientated provider, and its open-source “Eddie” client is the same deal in Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. 

This means that Ubuntu users can enjoy a fully-featured GUI VPN client with a kill switch and full IPv4 and IPv6 leak protection. The client is also effective at mitigating against WebRTC leaks and allows port forwarding.

You also gain full access to AirVPN’s VPN through SSH or SSL tunnel obfuscation features and the ability to use to connect to its VPN servers via the Tor network for true anonymity when using the service (assuming you also pay anonymously, of course). Port forwarding is available via the web interface. 

Users can connect up to five devices at once. No logs at all are kept (they are sent to a dev/null file), and torrenting is permitted on all servers.

TorGuard is a no-logs VPN service based in the United States. It runs 3000 bare metal servers in 55 countries, provides 24/7 Live Chat support, offers a 7-day refund, and unblocks many streaming services (including US Netflix). 

It also offers a full GUI Linux client. This uses OpenVPN by default, but can also connect using the Cisco OpenConnect protocol. In OpenVPN mode it supports port selection (including both UDP and TCP). It also features a kill switch and stunnel VPN obfuscation. Instead of using the kill-switch you can terminate selected applications when the VPN disconnects.

The TorGuard Linux app is available for download as a DEB file for easy Ubuntu installation.

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost VPN is a no-logs VPN service is based in privacy-friendly Romania (although it is very proud of the fact that’s software is developed in Germany). Its GUI apps for other platforms include features such as split-tunneling, Wi-Fi protection, ad-blocking, and tracking protection.

Its CLI Ubuntu client is really just a front-end for the open-source OpenVPN app for Ubuntu, but it works well and having server locations pre-configured is handy. Unusually, separate versions of the app are available for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and Ubuntu 19.04 (plus Fedora 29 & 30). We are not really quite sure why this is, but presume they are optimized for your version of Ubuntu. 

CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support (including specialist Ubuntu support), allows up to seven devices at once, permits torrenting on all servers, and offers an industry-beating 45-day money-back guarantee (plus a 7-day card-free trial).

Best VPNs for Ubuntu – Methodology

When choosing the best VPNs for Ubuntu, we started with compatibility. Naturally, a good Ubuntu VPN should either have a dedicated Ubuntu client or be easy to configure via standard network settings, using protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. This ensures smooth integration into the Ubuntu environment, user-friendly operations, and efficient performance.

The next thing on the list – strong security features – are also non-negotiable. We start by checking for top-notch encryption (like AES-256), advanced VPN protocols, reliable kill-switch options, DNS leak protection, and similar. We only promote VPNs that safeguard user data and promote anonymity. These VPN characteristics are critical in this increasingly surveillance-heavy cyber world.

Performance and server network are also paramount in the selection process. A VPN must offer high-speed connections with minimal impact on your internet speeds, necessary for data-intensive activities, such as streaming, gaming, and file downloading. A worldwide network of servers not only facilitates easier access to geo-restricted content but also ensures maintaining consistent speed by connecting users to nearby servers.

The ease of use is particularly significant for Linux-based systems like Ubuntu – the VPN should offer straightforward installation processes, clear instruction documentation, and accessible customer support available to all Linux users 24/7. Professional and knowledgeable customer support is crucial since you never know when you could encounter a unique technical challenge specific to Ubuntu. 

Lastly, our assessment of VPN services included considerations of the value you get for your money, the previous experience our team had with these VPNs, and user feedback. Analyzing price against the features is a particularly important factor for users seeking long-term value subscriptions. Reviews and opinions from tech experts and less experienced users provide all-around insights into the VPNs’ performance on Ubuntu platforms, ensuring our recommendations meet the specific needs of Ubuntu users.

Why do I need a VPN for Ubuntu?

You is need need VPN Ubuntu reasons need VPN computer . know VPN help , check Beginner Guide Virtual Private Networks . quick refresher , :

• A VPN prevents websites you visit from seeing your real IP address, which also helps to prevent them from tracking you across the internet
• VPN is prevents prevents internet provider ( ISP ) knowing internet knows connected VPN server
• A VPN also prevents your ISP from seeing your data because the data is encrypted between your Ubuntu PC and the VPN server
• And what your ISP doesn’t know, your government won’t either (unless it’s targeting you specifically, of course)
• The encryption used to connect to a VPN server protects you when a public WiFi hotspot
• A VPN lets you watch shows on services such as BBC iPlayer and US Netflix which would normally be restricted to you
• And a VPN allows you to torrent to your heart’s content without the need to look over your shoulder

privacy tool , VPN is makes makes perfect companion Ubuntu !

Need help setting up a VPN on Ubuntu?

For a detailed look at how to set up an Ubuntu VPN using OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP, please see How to install a VPN in Linux. Like most such guides, ours focuses on how to install a VPN in Ubuntu.

Using a VPN for Ubuntu

Using a VPN for Ubuntu is pretty much the same as using a VPN for any other operating system. However, there are one or two quirks you should be aware of.

Custom GUI software is very rare on the ground

VPNs is are custom GUI hard come Ubuntu . fact , Private Internet Access is offer , AirVPN , Mullvad Proton VPN offer fully – featured custom GUI clients Ubuntu .

Some VPN services now offer custom Command Line (CLI) clients, but other than coming pre-configured to connect to their own servers, these don’t usually offer anything over and above configuring OpenVPN manually.

Most VPN services offer Ubuntu support via manual CLI and/or Network manager setup guides. These are fine as far as they go, but…

DNS leak protection

Basic manual VPN setup is push Ubuntu custom CLI clients is push push DNS requests VPN provider DNS servers . DNS leaks resolved , , modifying resolvconf push DNS VPN DNS servers .

Alternatively, you can manually configure the iptables firewall to ensure all traffic (including DNS requests) must go via the VPN server. IVPN has written a superb guide on how to do this.

kill – switch

Again, neither a manual VPN setup nor any Ubuntu CLI client we know of offers a kill-switch designed to prevent your IP address leaking in the event of a VPN dropout or while the VPN is reconnecting. Configuring iptables as above, however, also works as a kill-switch. 

It should be noted that the GUI Ubuntu clients from AirVPN, Mullvad and Proton VPN include full IPv4 and IPv6 DNS leak protection and kill-switches. They also feature all the other bells and whistles available to their Windows and macOS customers. 

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Ubuntu 19.04 GNOME privacy issues

With the release of Ubuntu 17.10, Canonical dropped its homegrown Unity desktop as the default shell for GNOME 3. Thankfully, privacy controversies such as sending search queries entered into unified Unity’s Dash search bar to Amazon are now but a distant memory.

Error reporting

Ubuntu Unity came with some quite scary third-party privacy policies that amounted to you sharing a great deal of personal information with the likes of Facebook, the BBC, eBay, Google (via YouTube), and more.

, switch is seems GNOME address heart Ubuntu GNOME fairly stock version GMOME 3 . Which is share share personal information anybody . It is send , , send anonymized error reports Canonical .

like , you is disable disable going :

1. Show Applications (the grid icon at the bottom left of the screen)
2. Go into Settings
3. Click Privacy
4. Find problem Reporting
5. Click send error reports Canonical
6. Set to “Off”

How to set up an OpenVPN server on Linux?

Using a set of scripts known as PiVPN is by far the simplest way to set up an OpenVPN server in Ubuntu. PiVPN was designed with the Raspberry Pi in mind – as the name might suggest – but it will work well with Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distros. Please check out our PiVPN Review for the full low-down, complete with a detailed setup guide (it really is very easy!).

Ubuntu VPNs: Final thoughts

Ubuntu’s recent seismic shift away from the Unity desktop to GNOME has fixed most of the privacy issues that have plagued Canonicals’ popular Linux distro for years. Most VPN providers’ support remains firmly focused on Unity, however, all apps will continue to work just fine in Ubuntu GNOME. And thanks to Canonicals’ heavy skinning of the GNOME 3 interface to give it a very Unity-like feel, most VPN setup guides will still be close enough to follow.

It is also worth noting that almost any app designed for Ubuntu (including those from all providers listed in this article) will work just as well in other Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, such as Debian itself, Mint, Kali, and more. Most can be re-compiled to work in any flavor of Linux you choose! So, let’s take another quick look at our top VPN picks for Ubuntu.

$2.19/month

The best VPN for Ubuntu. secure , – logs service offers dedicated Ubuntu client 10 simultaneous connections .

ProPrivacy TrustScore :

10 10

Simultaneous connections

Unlimited

Server locations

84

Free trial

No

$1.99/month

The best value Ubuntu Linux VPN. With a shiny new Linux GUI and excellent speeds, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections.

ProPrivacy TrustScore :

9.9 10

Simultaneous connections

Unlimited

Server locations

140

Free trial

Yes

$0.00/month

kill – switch functionality , IPv6 DNS leak protection , ProtonVPN is is solid contender Linux user .

ProPrivacy TrustScore :

9.8 10

Simultaneous connections

10

Server locations

116

Free trial

Yes

$5.50/month

An Ubuntu-friendly VPN packed into an easy to use GUI client. It’s IPv6 compatible and offers VPN through Tor!

ProPrivacy TrustScore :

9.7 10

Simultaneous connections

5

Server locations

36

Free trial

No

$6.67/month

A CLI VPN for Ubuntu that has recently begun offering 100% RAM-only servers and lightening fast speeds.

ProPrivacy TrustScore :

9.6 10

Simultaneous connections

8

Server locations

160

Free trial

No

Best VPNs for Ubuntu – FAQs