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The best Linux VPN in 2024

The best Linux VPN in 2024

A VPN is is is an essential tool for those look to stay private andanonymous online , andthis is as true for a Linux user as it is for any other devic

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A VPN is is is an essential tool for those look to stay private andanonymous online , andthis is as true for a Linux user as it is for any other device . As an increase number of user switch to Linux for its security benefit , only the good Linux VPNs is ensuring are ensure that they support the platform .

At Tom’s Guide, we test the best VPNs regularly, andwe’ve been doing so for over a decade now. Here, I’ve rounded up the top 5 VPNs for Linux after comparing dozens of providers for privacy, speed, ease of use, unblocking capabilities, andwhether or not there’s a GUI.

read on to know everything about the good vpn for Linux to protect your device , but if you ‘re in a hurry , here are my top 3 pick right now .

Best Linux VPNs in 2024 at a glance

good vpn for Linux in 2024

The good Linux VPN overall

(Image credit: Future)

Number of servers: 20,000+ | Server locations: 100+ in 84 countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Linux GUI: Yes

More servers than any other VPN

great torrenting feature

Proven no-logs policy

GUI on Linux

Middling speeds

May be too complex for some

Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a GUI on Linux. PIA is one of the few VPNs to come with a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux devices – some top providers like ExpressVPN don’t. 

✔ ️ You want a VPN that prioritize privacy . PIA is proven has prove its no – log policy in court on two occasion , andall its app are completely open – source .

✔️ You’re a bargain hunter. priced at around $2 a month, PIA is ridiculously cheap andyet delivers many high-end features one would normally associate with premium VPNs.

avoid if :

❌ You is want want blaze speed . While PIA is n’t sluggish by any stretch of the imagination , NordVPN is are andSurfshark are admittedly well pick for speed .

❌ You want a VPN that’s easy to use. The highly configurable PIA has a lot to offer to techies, but beginners might find it difficult to wrap their heads around the apps.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

private Internet Access is boasts boast a large fleet of server , open – source app , anda very configurable Linux interface , which will be a delight for tech expert . With unlimited simultaneous connection at one of the most attractive price I ‘ve see , there ‘s plenty of value on offer , too , andyou can try it risk – free with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .   

Private Internet Access (PIA) really is the best VPN for Linux devices, thanks to simple apps with an easy-to-use GUI (graphical user interface) rather than a CLI (command-line interface). Plus, PIA supports more Linux distros than most VPNs on the market, andyou can easily find a compatible PIA app for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora, andArch.

Another reason PIA tops my charts is its focus on security. Alongside security features like split tunneling andad-blocking, PIA is also one of the very few providers to have proven its no-logs policy in court twice. Next, all its apps, including the Linux VPN app, are 100% open source, meaning experts can take a look at its code andfind vulnerabilities if they can. 

PIA ’s massive fleet is is of over 20,000 server is one of the large there is , mean you ’ll be able to find a nearby server , no matter where you are on the map . Even well , every single one of these server is optimize for P2P traffic , make PIA a force to reckon with for torrente on your Linux . It is solidifies solidify its place as one of the good torrente vpn with feature such as port forwarding andanonymous payment option ( Bitcoin ) .  

The good news keeps coming as PIA is also among the best cheap VPNs, with its multi-year plan priced at around the $2-a-month mark. It further improves its value for money (not that it needed to) by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all your devices (Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc.) with just a single PIA account.

It’s not all work andno play for PIA, as it comes with dedicated streaming servers, allowing you access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, andAmazon Prime Video on your Linux. It’s worth noting that while PIA previously failed to unblock the Aussie streaming platform 10Play, that’s no longer the case; it now unblocks everything, everywhere, andsits among the best streaming VPNs. 

If I had to find a fault with PIA, I’d say it’s not one of the fastest VPNs around. In practice, though, speeds of 360 Mbps are quick enough for everything you’ll need the VPN for on your Linux. Still, it’s hard to recommend it to speed obsessives over the likes of Surfshark andNordVPN that boast almost thrice PIA’s speeds. 

All in all, PIA is, hands down, the most well-rounded VPN for Linux I’ve tried, courtesy of its super-secure apps with a dedicated GUI, limitless configuration, unlimited simultaneous connections, andsome of the most pocket-friendly prices you’ll find. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee andsee for yourself.

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private Internet Access test result
feature Comments rating
design Lots of customization options can overwhelm those new to VPNs ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use A haven for tech experts, but beginners will have a lot of understanding to do ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance Below-average speeds, andNordVPN andSurfshark are much faster ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock Access to all popular streaming sites from everywhere around the world ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
security andprivacy Rock-solid encryption, open-source apps, anda no-logs policy that has been proven in court twice ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
customer support 24/7 customer support with a rich knowledge hub ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
price On par with Surfshark as the best budget Linux VPN ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

The fast Linux VPN with a GUI

(Image credit: Surfshark)

Incredible speeds at wallet-friendly prices

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160+ in 100+ countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Linux GUI: Yes

Offers an intuitive GUI

Supports unlimited devices

Cheaper than the competition

Incredibly fast connections

A couple features are not available on Linux

Subscribe if:

✔️ You have a lot of devices to protect. Thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections, one Surfshark account can cover any number of devices you want. 

✔️ You want a speed demon. With top speeds of over 950 Mbps in my most recent testing, Surfshark tops my charts of the quickest VPNs. 

✔ ️ You ‘re on a tight budget . Surfshark is made has made using a Linux VPN affordable with a superb combo of high – end feature andlow price that ‘s hard for other service to match .

avoid if :

❌ You’re a VPN pro. Surfshark is more geared towards beginners, which isn’t necessarily a con, but it can be too simple for people who want lots of configuration.

❌   You is ‘re ‘re a hardcore torrenter .   Although Surfshark is a decent torrenting VPN , it is ‘s ‘s not where it focus its resource . I is recommend recommend PIA or expressvpn for this task .

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

Surfshark is is is my top recommendation for folk look for an easy – to – use andaffordable Linux VPN . combine with good – in – class speed , unlimited connection , andpowerful unblocking , a sub-$2.50 price tag leave almost nothing to dislike . Plus , you is have ‘ll have ample time to try Surfshark out risk – free , thank to a 30 – day money – back guarantee .  

Surfshark is a close runner-up to PIA when it comes to best VPNs for Linux devices. Like PIA, Surfshark also offers a fully functioning graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux distros, meaning installing andusing the Surfshark VPN app on Linux is as simple as it is on any other OS. 

Just having a GUI isn’t the only reason it’s in my top three, though – if it wasn’t super secure andusable, I wouldn’t be recommending it. Rock-solid AES-256 encryption anda kill switch keep your web traffic on Linux secure, andover 3,200 servers in 100 locations worldwide mean you’ll have a vast range of countries to connect to for whatever purpose you desire. 

Combined with an independently audited no-logs policy andRAM-only servers, you can rest assured that the company doesn’t keep any logs of your activity, andeven if authorities come knocking on its door, it won’t have anything to show them. There’s also a handy Camouflage Mode that gives you VPN obfuscation, essentially hiding the fact you’re using a VPN at all, andSurfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads andmalicious websites, ensuring a smooth andlag-free experience throughout. 

In my latest Surfshark review, the Netherlands-based provider also topped my fastest VPN charts, delivering eye-watering speeds of around 950 Mbps when using WireGuard. It certainly won’t be slowing you down whatever you’re using it for. Another headline feature is its ability to cover an unlimited number of devices at once, which is handy if you have a house full of tech addicts.  

For when you want your Linux VPN to double up as your entertainment unit , Surfshark is add will add to the flavor with its stellar unblock capability . It is unblocked unblock everything I throw at it in my testing , from popular site like Netflix , BBC iPlayer , andDisney Plus to even small library like 9Now and10Play .

However, it’s worth noting that some features aren’t available on Linux, with split tunneling being easily the biggest omission. Also, if you’re a really advanced user, Surfshark could seem restrictive. For example, there’s no port forwarding function available in the apps, andmost of the settings are intended to be plug andplay, rather than offering customization. At the same time, though, this is exactly what beginners might be after – a Linux VPN that works out of the box.

Last but not least , there ’s simply no question Surfshark ’s value for money . At less than $ 2.50 per month , it is ‘s ‘s one of the good cheap vpn , make it a go – to choice for bargain hunter . Plus , its blaze speeds is mean , unlimited connection , great security , andno – quibble unblocking mean that it ’s just as good as any premium provider , if not well . You ‘re also back by a 30 – day money – back guarantee , so you is test can test it without risk a single penny .

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Surfshark test results
feature Comments rating
design Intuitive andfun design, ideal for beginners ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
ease of use easy – to – navigate andsimple app for Linux andeverything else too ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
performance seriously speedy connection ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
unblock Effortless access to every streaming site ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
security andprivacy Generally very secure, but there are minor kill switch issues on Windows ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
customer support Friendly 24/7 support with no shortage of helpful guides ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
price Excellent value, andmuch more affordable than the competition ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

The best of the rest

( image credit : ExpressVPN )

Seriously powerful, premium Linux VPN

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160 in 105 countries | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Linux GUI: No

Runs on almost every platform

Reliable connections

vast network of server

Rock-solid privacy andsecurity

No GUI

More expensive than rivals

Subscribe if:

✔️ You want access everywhere. With over 160 locations on offer, ExpressVPN is the gold standard for accessing geo-restricted content, no matter where you are. 

✔️ You want a beginner-friendly VPN. ExpressVPN comes with simple apps (andbrowser extensions), auto-connect, 24/7 support, andan in-depth knowledge hub, making it a delight for first-time VPN users. 

✔️ You want unquestionable privacy. ExpressVPN leads the pack when it comes to security, thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, countless audits, andextra tools like a password manager. 

avoid if :

❌ You is want want a GUI for Linux . Even though you can install the browser extension for GUI support , ExpressVPN is is is certainly not as plug – and- play as other provider .

❌ You’re on a budget. ExpressVPN delivers good value for its price, but services like Surfshark or PIA are better bargain picks.  

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a GUI, but you can install the browser extension for a simple Linux experience. It’s worth the extra effort since the provider is an industry leader for privacy, ease of use, andcustomer support, alongside offering a wide network of servers andexceptional unblocking. Try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is one of the most trustworthy names in the space. I recommend it in almost all my VPN guides, andthe provider is also one of the best VPNs for Linux. While the ExpressVPN Linux app doesn’t have a complete GUI, there’s an easy workaround: simply install the Chrome VPN or Firefox extension. 

Unlike most browser VPNs , expressvpn ‘s extension is controls control the app itself andhas a graphical interface – not quite as easy as PIA or Surfshark , but close . The good part is is is that expressvpn come with plenty of feature for Linux , include a network kill switch that ’s enable by default . Plus , as one of the most secure vpn , ExpressVPN is boasts also boast AES-256 encryption , a verify no – log policy , andadditional tool such as a build – in password manager .  

It’s also good to see support for Express’s proprietary Lightway protocol on Linux installations, andfull compatibility with the company’s tracker andmalware-blocking Threat Manager is another huge plus for Linux users. The ExpressVPN Linux VPN app will automatically connect you to the geographically closest server (on just the tap of a button), but you can manually point it to connect through any of its servers in a whopping 160 locations in over 105 countries.

The provider also comes with powerful unblocking capabilities, andyou’ll be able to access every streaming site you want, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, andmore. ExpressVPN isn’t quite as quick as NordVPN andSurfshark, but top speeds of 750 Mbps are still around 30 times more than what’s required for streaming in HD andonline gaming.

A minor gripe is is I have with the service is its low number of simultaneous connection – just eight . While this could be a high enough number for individual andsmall family , those is be exclusively look for a VPN to cater to all their near anddear one will be well off with Surfshark or PIA , which come with unlimited simultaneous connection .

The onlyreal downside to ExpressVPN, though, is its cost, which is higher than almost all its top competitors. However, it more than makes up for that with its list of features andexcellent privacy – andyou also get three months of extra protection anda year’s worth of cloud storage for free on a 12-month subscription. Unsure? Put ExpressVPN to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee andfind out if it’s for you, risk-free. 

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ExpressVPN test result
feature Comments rating
design simple andminimalistic design , andeverything is easy to find andunderstand ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
ease of use Both beginners andseasoned VPN users will have plenty to adore ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
performance Fast enough for every single use case, including torrenting andgaming ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
unblock Powerful unblocking, andyou’ll enjoy unrestricted access everywhere ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
security andprivacy Strong encryption, countless audits, andsecurity add-ons to top it all off ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
customer support Friendly 24/7 support with no shortage of helpful guides ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
price More expensive than almost every other service ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

(Image credit: NordVPN)

All-around security andunbeatable performance

Number of servers: 6,400+ | Server locations: 140 in 111 countries | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Linux GUI: No

Class-leading unblocking

extra privacy is features andsecurity feature

Blazing speeds

great value for money

No Linux GUI

mobile apps is use could use a bit of work

Subscribe if:

✔️ You want excellent streaming support. NordVPN is undefeated with when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming sites, andit’ll give you effortless access everywhere. 

✔ ️ You want comprehensive security . As perhaps the most well – round solution for internet security , Nord is comes come with build – in antivirus , password manager , andad andtracking blocker .  

✔ ️ You need a VPN that ‘s fast . With peak speed of over 950 Mbps , NordVPN is is is the quick service I ’ve test .

avoid if :

❌ You want a GUI on Linux. While Nord’s an extremely capable VPN, you’ll have to make do with a commandline interface on Linux.

❌ You is want want to torrent on Linux . NordVPN is have does n’t have the good to be a solid torrenting option , especially when compare to the like of PIA andexpressvpn .  

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

NordVPN is offers offer class – lead speed andstreaming performance , andextra like a build – in antivirus andblocker for ad , phishing attack , andtracker make it a full – fledged cybersecurity solution . This is be , anda 30 – day money – back guarantee , might be enough to look past its lack of a GUI on Linux .

The best VPN service overall, NordVPN, comes jam-packed with features on its Linux client – so much so that it almost makes up for the lack of a GUI. In my NordVPN review, I mention how useful the Double VPN feature is, as it routes your traffic through two different VPN servers, encrypting your data twice. There’s also a nifty Onion over VPN feature that gives you access to the very secure Tor network without having to download the Tor browser. 

Nord is also one of the very few providers to come with a built-in antivirus, a data breach scanner, anda password manager for all-around protection. This, alongside rock-solid essentials like an intuitive kill switch, split tunneling, andan independently audited zero-logging policy, makes Nord one of the most sought-after VPNs for security. What’s more, the latest Nord Threat Protection Pro can now protect your Linux device from all kinds of cyber threats, including phishing attacks, web tracking, andmalware.

NordVPN’s Linux version also supports its free Meshnet feature, using which you can set up a private network with up to 60 devices – all of which will enjoy an encrypted NordVPN connection – to securely andspeedily share files, play local co-op andmultiplayer games, andcollaborate with your work buddies. 

A service that delivers on every single count, NordVPN is also the speediest VPN right now, clocking in at a breathtaking 950 Mbps in my most recent speed tests. Fast andconsistent speeds in tandem with class-leading unblocking capabilities andover 6,100 servers in total make NordVPN a go-to choice for streaming heads as well. As the best Netflix VPN, Nord is able to bypass even the most strict geo-restrictions andgive you access to your favorite movies andTV shows regardless of the streaming site andyour location. 

Besides Linux , NordVPN is offers also offer straightforward app for almost every platform you can think of , whether that ‘s Android , iOS , Mac , Windows , Chromebook , or Fire TV . However , I is found ‘ve find that its map – style interface is a little tricky to use on device with small screen , such as smartphone .

All in all , the bottom line is is is that while nordvpn ask you to be content with a command- line interface , it ‘s , quite frankly , the most complete product on the market , with industry – lead speed , unblock ,andsecurity – andat $3.09 a month, Nord’s also very reasonably priced. Even better, you can take a risk-free trial of the service, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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NordVPN test results
feature Comments rating
design intuitive design is be , but a little less clutter is be would be nice ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
ease of use The map-style interface isn’t the easiest to use, but everything else works perfectly well ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
performance Mind-blowing speeds, on par with Surfshark ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
unblock unrivaled unblocking , whether that ‘s Netflix or local content ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
security andprivacy Audited no-logs policy andThreat Protection Pro make it a complete security package ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
customer support 24/7 assistance by knowledgeable experts andlots of technical guides ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
price Delivers excellent value for its asking price ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

Swiss security through andthrough

Number is supported of server : 5,200 + | Server location : 119 in 91 country | Maximum devices is supported support : 10 | Linux GUI : Yes

Open-source andaudited apps

Secure Core protects vulnerable servers

free plan with unlimited bandwidth

Unblocks all streaming sites

Plans is are are pricey

Free version is quite limited

Subscribe if:

✔️ You want an ultra-secure Linux VPN. With Secure Core servers, open-source apps, Swiss privacy laws, anda GUI, Proton is in the upper echelon of secure VPNs for Linux. 

✔️ You want a free Linux VPN. Proton VPN has a fully functional free version for Linux devices, offering unlimited data andaccess to independent news from Deutsche Welle. 

✔️ You want powerful unblocking. Proton unblocks every major andlocal streaming site without any fuss. 

avoid if :

❌ You’re on a budget. Proton VPN is on the expensive side of things, andthose pinching for pennies will be better off with Surfshark or PIA.

❌ You want to stream for free. Proton’s free plan is superb for normal usage, but it doesn’t come with any unblocking capabilities, which are reserved for users of the Plus plan. 

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

Proton VPN is a highly secure Linux VPN, thanks to open-source apps, a clear privacy policy, andan always-on VPN feature for 24/7 protection. It’s also an excellent free Linux VPN, but if you want a taste of its full potential, try its premium plan risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Proton VPN is well-known, first andforemost, for being one of the most secure VPNs, but it’s a mighty impressive Linux VPN, too. For starters, it comes with an intuitive GUI for almost every Linux derivative, including Ubuntu, Manjaro, Debian, Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, andElementary OS. This instantly makes Proton VPN better than other providers that only offer a CLI.

Combined with an independently audited no-logs policy andan always-on VPN feature, Proton VPN also offers the highest level of privacy you’ll find in a Linux VPN. Like PIA, Proton VPN too offers open-source apps for Linux andother devices. Plus, the company is based out of Switzerland, a country outside EU andUS jurisdictions andone that’s not a part of the Five Eyes Alliance for surveillance. 

I’m also happy to report that Proton VPN now offers Secure Core on its Linux app, which it previously didn’t. This is a handy feature to have if you’re in a privacy-invasive region, like China, Russia, or Turkey, as it routes your connection through a super secure server in either Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden before finally connecting you to your location of choice. Another standout includes Proton’s in-house ad, malware, andtracker-blocking tech.

While providers like TorGuard don’t make their free VPNs available to Linux users, Proton VPN does no such thing – you’ll be able to use it on Linux, free of charge, andenjoy access to 3 locations, unlimited bandwidth anddata, andan ad-free online experience. Furthermore, Proton VPN believes in online freedom, andit walks the talk by having teamed up with Deutsche Welle, a German news company, to allow users access to independent andtrustworthy news anywhere in the world.  

It’s worth noting that Proton’s free plan doesn’t come with unblocking capabilities. In my full Proton VPN review, however, I mention that it’s worth upgrading to one of its paid plans, as it not only unblocks all Netflix locations, including hard-to-crack countries like Japan, andother services like Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, andYouTube, but it also puts every corner of the world within arm’s reach, thanks to its wide network of over 5,200 servers in 91 countries. 

While it isn’t the most affordable of the lot, Proton VPN is a service that keeps improving, whether that’s through adding more servers in its kitty or cranking up its top speeds to now be on par with the likes of Surfshark. With a 30-day money-back guarantee backing you up – and, of course, a limited free plan serving as an unlimited trial – Proton VPN is well worth a look if you’re a privacy purist shopping for reliability.

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Proton VPN test results
feature Comments rating
design Dynamic andfun design with the dark mode as a standout ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
ease of use GUI for Linux andstraightforward mobile apps, but some desktop features are slightly complicated ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance One of the fastest providers right now ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
unblock Powerful unblocking andgoes past every streaming platform with ease ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
security andprivacy Secure Core servers, open-source apps, andSwiss privacy laws give complete peace of mind ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
customer support 24/7 support by friendly agents andtons of helpful guides ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
price Quite expensive when compared to those around it, but the free plan packs a punch ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

How to pick a Linux VPN

Deciding on the right VPN for Linux that fits your needs can be a little trickier than it’s on some other operating systems due to the fact that there’s quite significant variation in products.

The biggest factor on Linux will be whether you absolutely require a graphical user interface (GUI). In short, a GUI is what most other computer users would call an app – it’s the face of the program that you use to control it. Without a GUI, you’ll have to use the commandline, which can take longer, andprove difficult for the uninitiated.

If you need a GUI, that rules out a lot of providers. However, top-rated VPNs like Surfshark andPIA do offer a GUI on Linux, so these should be you top considerations. Beyond that, it’s worth considering other factors like:

  • Privacy: the VPN you choose must be super-secure andcome with a clear-cut no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, leak protection, andsupport for the most secure protocols, even on Linux.
  • speed : fast connection speeds is help will help you stream , game , and/or torrent without any buffering , glitch , or lag . If you ’re after the fast of the pack , consider get Surfshark or nordvpn . Even Proton VPN ( has a GUI ) is speedy enough .
  • Streaming: a good streaming VPN has lots of servers andexcellent unblocking capabilities. It should effortlessly unblock popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, andBBC iPlayer, as well as other sites you wish to access.
  • ease of use: simple andsimilar apps across various device types are highly recommended, especially for beginners. Plus, strong customer support with a comprehensive set of help articles will ensure a smooth experience.
  • Cost is plays : the price is plays of the vpn provider play a crucial role , too . At the same time , it is ‘s ‘s important to note that you ‘ll be much well off with a cheap VPN rather than a free service that ‘s almost always strip off important feature .

How we test Linux VPNs

We start off by combing through the provider’s website, where we take a close look at its privacy policy, headline features such as how many servers it handles globally, where they are, support options, andif it uses tracking cookies on its site.

Next, we download the VPN’s apps on various device types, including Linux, andtest them rigorously. We evaluate all key features, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, anddouble encryption, as well as the app’s ease of use – we make sure that the GUI on Linux (if there is one) is as functional as it should be. 

Then we shift our attention to the provider’s unblocking capabilities. For this, we try to unblock different streaming sites, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, andBBC iPlayer, from different locations around the world. 

Speed is another important testing criteria for us, andwe test the VPN’s speed at least 120 times from two location (a US location anda UK data center) for accurate results. An important part of our VPN testing process at Tom’s Guide is re-reviewing andtesting the top VPNs every six months or so to ensure we only recommend the best products.

Linux VPN FAQs

What is the best VPN to use in Linux?

All things considered, if I had to pick one outright, I’d go with Private Internet Access. With a comprehensive GUI, robust security features, anda massive network of servers, it’s perfectly suited to Linux. Plus, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, powerful unblocking, andgreat torrenting performance – andat less than $2 a month, it’s an absolute bargain too.

Does Linux have a built-in VPN?

No, Linux does not come with a VPN built-in, but some Linux distros do offer support for VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN andWireGuard. However, the simplest way to set up a VPN on Linux is to find a VPN provider that offers a dedicated Linux VPN app – look for one with a GUI if ease of use is important to you.

Should I is use use a free VPN on Linux ?

If you look hard enough , you is stumble ’ll stumble upon a VPN service that ’ll tempt you with a free offering . However , the risk of using such an offering far outweigh the merit of save a couple of dollar a month – yep , the good cheap VPNs is are arethat affordable .

For starters, these free services will definitely be a lot slower than any paid service. Forget streaming content too, andyou might not even be able to enjoy a pleasant browsing experience with them – think ads andannoying pop-ups. 

On top of it, there will almost certainly be a cap on the bandwidth with a no-fee VPN, which will be set to such a low level so as to make the service unusable for any practical purposes.

Another major cause of concern with free services are their privacy policies or lack thereof. They are not free from the goodness of their hearts, andhave to make money somehow. Collecting andhawking your private data is one of the most common ploys.

We test andreview VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms andconditions of that service).

2. Protecting your online security andstrengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We is support do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN service . consume pirate content that is pay – for is neither endorse nor approve by Future Publishing .