If you’re using Linux Ubuntu, it’s important to know that your online activities and communications data can be monitored by third parties if you don’t use a secure VPN. Even though Linux machines are generally more resistant to hacking, local network administrators, ISPs, and government agencies can still access your internet traffic. This is why it’s crucial to choose a VPN that provides robust privacy levels and excellent accessibility, no matter where you are.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of the best VPNs for Ubuntu. We’ve carefully selected VPNs that offer either a full GUI VPN app or a decent command line app, making it easy for you to connect to their extensive VPN network. Our top recommendations boast advanced features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, MultiHop functionality, and obfuscation – directly within their Ubuntu VPN apps. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about VPNs for Ubuntu.
Best Ubuntu VPNs: Detailed reviews
When it comes to selecting the best Ubuntu VPNs, there are several options available. We have reviewed the top VPN providers and analyzed their features to help you choose the one that meets your needs. Here’s what you need to know:
- ExpressVPN: Offers fast speed, excellent security, and a user-friendly interface.
- NordVPN: Provides strong encryption, a vast server network, and an ad blocker.
- CyberGhost: Comes with a kill switch, malware blocker, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Surfshark: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a built-in ad blocker, and a user-friendly app.
Each VPN has its unique features, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs the best.
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is a VPN service that has been operating since 2018. It offers a reliable and versatile service at a very competitive price point. The VPN service has a full GUI app for Ubuntu users, which is a great feature for Linux users.
Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a favorable location for a privacy service. It boasts a solid no-logging policy and operates on a network of diskless servers that can be instantly erased in an emergency. Additionally, it has had a third-party audit of its apps, which means you can trust its privacy and security claims.
The VPN service is available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Linux, and Firesticks. You can also set it up on VPN-compatible routers. The Ubuntu app is similar to its Windows and Mac counterparts, offering strong encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, and a choice of protocols – including OpenVPN and super-fast WireGuard.
Pros:
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Starts at just $2.30 per month
- Has a kill switch for Linux
- Audited no logs policy
- Diskless servers in 100+ countries
- Excellent price point
One of the biggest pros of Surfshark is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you can use it on as many devices as you want without having to worry about any extra fees. Additionally, the VPN service starts at just $2.30 per month, making it one of the most affordable VPN services on the market.
Surfshark also has a kill switch for Linux, which is a great feature for users who want to ensure that their privacy is protected at all times. The VPN service has a fully audited no-logs policy, which means that your online activities are not being tracked or monitored. Surfshark also operates on diskless servers in 100+ countries, which further enhances your privacy and security.
Cons:
- The monthly plan is a bit pricey
- No auto-connect, so you’ll have to reconnect manually when the kill switch kicks in
One of the cons of Surfshark is that the monthly plan is a bit pricey compared to its competitors. However, the VPN service offers excellent value for money, especially if you opt for a longer-term plan. Additionally, there is no auto-connect feature, which means that you will have to reconnect manually when the kill switch kicks in.
Overall, Surfshark is an excellent VPN service that offers great value for money. It has a solid no-logging policy, operates on diskless servers, and has a full GUI app for Ubuntu users. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great option for families and small businesses. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it risk-free and see if it’s the right VPN service for you.
2. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a highly reliable VPN service that has a solid no-logging policy and impeccable provenance. Developed in Switzerland by the team behind ProtonMail, the VPN is protected by strong privacy laws and has undergone a full third-party audit of its service. Proton VPN has highly-advanced apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and various Linux distros, including Ubuntu.
Pros:
- Apps for all platforms and many advanced features
- Kill switch is available on all platforms
- Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting
- Fully audited platform
- Has a basic free plan that you can use on Ubuntu
Proton VPN is an excellent choice for those looking for a VPN that offers advanced features. The VPN has a range of protocols, strong encryption, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, ad blocking, malware filtering, split tunneling, and port forwarding. Its secure core servers are self-owned, and it has servers in 69+ countries, making it great for bypassing censorship and region blocks.
Proton VPN allows you to connect using the WireGuard protocol, which is fast enough for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. It also offers port forwarding, which allows you to more efficiently seed torrents. In our tests, Proton VPN worked to access Netflix US and various other streaming platforms. However, it isn’t as good for accessing streams as our top choice, so it’s best to test it with your subscriptions by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Quite hard for beginners to use
- Live chat is for paid users only (and hard to find)
- A touch pricey
While Proton VPN has many advanced features, it may be quite hard for beginners to use. The live chat feature is only available for paid users, and it can be hard to find. Additionally, Proton VPN is a touch pricey compared to other VPN services.
Proton VPN has a free plan that works on Linux machines, but it only allows you to connect to three server locations. The free plan provides all of the privacy features you get with a paid account, but it does not include the port forwarding feature and will not access streaming services.
Overall, Proton VPN is a highly reliable VPN service that offers advanced features and excellent privacy protection. It may be a bit challenging for beginners to use, but it’s an excellent choice for those who value privacy and security.
3. ExpressVPN
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and provides fast streaming, ExpressVPN is a great choice. It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and Linux. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out before committing.
Pros:
- ExpressVPN has servers in over 105 countries, giving you plenty of options for accessing content from around the world.
- The infrastructure and policies have been independently audited, so you can trust that your data is secure.
- The servers run on diskless hardware, providing an extra layer of security.
- You can enable a kill switch, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection on Ubuntu to keep your data safe.
- ExpressVPN offers fast speeds that are great for gaming and HD streaming.
Cons:
- ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than some of our other top recommendations.
- Split tunneling is not available for Linux, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
- Some manual setup is required, which can be a bit of a hassle.
ExpressVPN has a command-line interface for Linux, which makes it easy to connect to server locations in over 94 countries. If you prefer a graphical user interface, you can use the browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions remotely manage the ExpressVPN daemon from your browser, making it easy to switch servers and protocols.
ExpressVPN works with around 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and many other popular services. It allows torrenting throughout its network. You can get help with setting it up and using it on Ubuntu with ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat.
ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy, meaning it never tracks what you do online. It underwent a full third-party audit of its apps and infrastructure, so you can trust its privacy and security claims.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a fantastic all-rounder that provides secure access to content from around the world. Its fast speeds and easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable VPN.
4. NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Ubuntu that promises top levels of privacy and security. Based in Panama, the VPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activity remains completely private and secure. NordVPN offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, to guarantee maximum privacy and security, no matter where you are connecting from.
Pros:
- Has a CLI app for Ubuntu, with excellent guides for its command-line app
- Strong encryption and a zero logs policy, advanced security features
- Fully audited apps, networks, and policies
- Diskless servers in 60+ countries
If you are looking for a VPN that offers advanced security features and strong encryption, NordVPN is the perfect choice for you. The VPN has a CLI app for Ubuntu, which allows you to connect to obfuscated servers, turn on the kill switch, and use the double VPN feature. NordVPN also offers a range of advanced security features, including split tunneling, which is available for Windows, Android, and Android TV only.
NordVPN’s diskless servers in 60+ countries provide added security and privacy, ensuring that your online activity remains completely private and secure. The VPN is fully audited, with apps, networks, and policies all audited to ensure maximum security.
Cons:
- Suffered a minor breach on a third-party server in 2018 (led to many network improvements and upgrades)
- Torrenting only supported on some servers
- App can be a little slow
While NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Ubuntu, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. The VPN suffered a minor breach on a third-party server in 2018, which led to many network improvements and upgrades. Torrenting is only supported on some servers, and the app can be a little slow at times.
Overall, NordVPN is a super-secure VPN for Ubuntu that offers robust encryption, a choice of protocols, and a wealth of advanced privacy and security features. Whether you are at home, working remotely, using public WiFi, or using the internet at work, NordVPN keeps your data safe and secure. The VPN is perfect for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and it bypasses VoIP blocks in countries like the UAE and China. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try NordVPN risk-free and experience its advanced privacy and security features for yourself.
5. CyberGhost
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN that offers easy access to streaming services, CyberGhost might be the right choice for you. With its user-friendly interface and categorized list of streaming services, CyberGhost is an excellent option for watching geo-restricted content while on vacation or traveling.
CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers in over 100 countries, making it an ideal choice for streaming in HD, gaming, and downloading torrents. The WireGuard protocol ensures fast speeds, making it one of the best VPNs for gaming even when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Pros:
- Fast speeds for streaming and gaming
- Easy installation and usage on Linux
- Strong encryption and a kill switch for excellent security
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Lacks port forwarding and split tunneling
- MultiHop feature is not available
- May cause Captchas in Google search
While CyberGhost lacks some advanced features, its low cost subscription makes up for it. The VPN still offers a no-logs policy and all the necessary features for online privacy and security, whether you’re at home, work, or using public Wi-Fi.
CyberGhost is compatible with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. It also offers live chat support and an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee. You can even test its command-line app on your Ubuntu machine without any risk.
In summary, CyberGhost is an excellent choice for beginners who want a budget-friendly VPN that offers easy access to streaming services. Its fast speeds, strong encryption, and user-friendly interface make it a great option for anyone looking for online privacy and security.
6. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a low-cost VPN service that offers fast and secure connections to servers in 44+ countries. It supports various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and Linux. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of using Atlas VPN.
Pros:
- Great WireGuard speeds for streaming in HD, P2P file sharing, and more
- Works with Netflix US and many other streaming platforms
- Allows unlimited connections with a single account
- Kill switch, split tunneling, and MultiHop features
Atlas VPN offers fast speeds for streaming VoD platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It uses the WireGuard protocol, which ensures secure and fast connections. With Atlas VPN, you can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single account. The VPN also offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and MultiHop features.
Cons:
- Based in the United States
- Kill switch leaks momentarily on reconnection
- Basic free plan is not available for Ubuntu users
One of the downsides of Atlas VPN is that it is based in the United States, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This means that the US government can request user data from Atlas VPN. Additionally, the kill switch feature leaks momentarily on reconnection, which can compromise your privacy. Lastly, the basic free plan is not available for Ubuntu users.
AtlasVPN recently began supporting Ubuntu via a command line app. This makes it relatively easy to set up and use the VPN, but you don’t get access to a GUI application. You will need to type in commands to switch servers on your Ubuntu machine. AtlasVPN only supports Ubuntu, so if you are using an alternate Linux distro, you will need to shop elsewhere.
Despite these drawbacks, Atlas VPN is a great option for those who want a low-cost VPN service that offers fast and secure connections. It has a solid no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Live chat support is available on its website, but for paying subscribers only.
In conclusion, Atlas VPN is a reliable VPN service that offers fast and secure connections to servers in 44+ countries. It has some limitations, but overall, it provides good value for money.
Ubuntu VPN Testing Methodology
When testing and recommending VPNs for Ubuntu devices, we follow a rigorous methodology to ensure that we only recommend the safest and most reliable options. Our testing process involves various steps, including speed tests, privacy policy reviews, app leak tests, and encryption implementation checks.
To ensure robust security, we recommend VPNs that offer strong security and privacy features. Our top picks have modern protocols, well-crafted apps, functional kill switches, and defenses against DNS leaks. Our recommendations also have prioritized privacy, with stringent no-logs policies that ensure your data is never shared or recorded.
Fast servers are also a must, and our recommendations all have fast WireGuard connections and high-speed servers that are ideal for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making video calls. Additionally, our recommendations have a massive global server network that provides you with IP address options around the world, making it easy to access many popular streaming services.
Cross-platform compatibility is also important, and our recommendations work on Ubuntu and many other platforms, allowing you to enjoy your VPN on every device you own or may purchase in the future. You can even share your account with friends and family.
Lastly, we ensure that our recommendations have reliable support, with live chat, email assistance, setup guides, FAQs, and other resources available to ensure that you can always get advice with setting up and using the VPN.
In summary, our Ubuntu VPN testing methodology involves prioritizing robust security, prioritized privacy, fast servers, global server networks, cross-platform compatibility, and reliable support. By following this methodology, we can confidently recommend the safest and most reliable VPNs for Ubuntu users.
Ubuntu VPN FAQs
How to Set Up a VPN with Ubuntu?
Setting up a VPN on your Ubuntu system is a straightforward process. Most VPN providers offer detailed installation guides to help you download the necessary config files or GUI applications onto your Linux system. Here are the steps to set up a VPN on Ubuntu:
- Choose a VPN from the recommended list. Surfshark is a top choice due to its fast servers, strong encryption, and feature-packed GUI application for Ubuntu.
- Visit the VPN provider’s website and select a subscription plan. Subscribing for a longer duration will reduce the cost substantially.
- Download and install the VPN software onto your Linux machine. Follow the provider’s detailed installation guide.
- Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials from sign-up.
- Choose a VPN server location in the app and click connect.
Once the VPN connects, your internet traffic is securely protected inside the encrypted tunnel, and your IP address is protected from the websites and services you visit.
If you face difficulty accessing the services you are interested in while connected to your VPN, we recommend clearing the cookies and cache in your browser, as these can cause streaming services not to work properly with a VPN.
Can You Get a Free VPN for Ubuntu?
Proton VPN offers a basic free plan for Ubuntu users. With this plan, you can gain access to three server locations, and you can use those servers on an unlimited basis. This allows you to gain privacy when you need it, without having to purchase a subscription. The free plan does not prevent Ubuntu users from connecting to its servers, and it provides all the same privacy features you get with a premium account.
However, Proton’s free tier has several limitations compared to a premium account. The port forwarding feature has been disabled, and the three server locations available are not optimized for streaming, meaning that they are slower and will not work with popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
While you are free to use the limited free VPN plan recommended in this guide, we strongly urge you to avoid other free VPNs. Many free VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to harvest your data for profiling purposes. Those VPNs will sell your data to third parties to create a revenue stream. That is the opposite of what a reliable VPN does, which is to provide you with online privacy.
In addition, studies have revealed that free VPNs often lack encryption, suffer from IP and DNS leaks, have server and app vulnerabilities, and even hide spyware in their apps. This makes using most of the free VPNs available on app stores a huge threat to your online privacy and the security of your devices.
Are All VPNs Compatible with Ubuntu?
No, the vast majority of VPN apps are not compatible with Linux machines. However, it’s often possible to configure a manual connection using a third-party VPN app.
Even VPNs that are compatible with Ubuntu often don’t have a full GUI application. You will need to connect to the VPN and change the VPN’s settings manually using the Command Line Interface (CLI).
All the VPNs in this guide have either a command line app or a GUI app. You don’t need to use a third-party client to connect to the VPN, which makes the process much easier.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Ubuntu?
Using a VPN is a good idea if you care about your privacy when connecting to the internet. When you connect to the internet, your data passes over the local network, through the ISP’s gateway servers, and onto the internet on its way to the websites you visit. This allows your data to be tracked and permits WiFi providers, ISPs, and government agencies to snoop on your web visits.
A VPN encrypts your connection to prevent all these third parties from monitoring you online. This provides you with data privacy, allows you to communicate privately, and ensures that your data is protected against eavesdroppers and hackers on local networks (including hackers on public WiFi).
A VPN also conceals your IP address from the websites you visit. This prevents websites from knowing when you return to their website, which eliminates a persistent level of tracking. It also lets you connect peer-to-peer to other internet users safely, protecting your network against hackers when you torrent, for example.
Finally, a VPN lets you pretend to be in a different location. This gives you the opportunity to access regional internet services or to bypass blocks imposed by local networks or the government. As a result, a VPN can greatly improve accessibility and online freedom on your Ubuntu machine.
Did You Know?
Using a VPN will hide your online activity from local networks, ISPs, and government agencies. BleepingComputer recommends using NordVPN, which offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available with three months extra free.
How to Install a VPN on Ubuntu?
Installing a VPN on Ubuntu is a straightforward process. Most VPN providers offer a Linux client that can be easily downloaded and installed on your system. Here are the general steps you can follow:
- Visit your VPN provider’s website and log in to your account.
- Download the Linux client for Ubuntu.
- Open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where the installation file is located.
- Run the installation command using the following syntax:
sudo apt install ./vpnclient.deb - Once the installation is complete, launch the VPN client and log in to your account.
What Are the Top-Rated VPN Services for Ubuntu According to Reddit Users?
According to Reddit users, some of the top-rated VPN services for Ubuntu include:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- Private Internet Access
- ProtonVPN
However, it’s important to note that these are subjective opinions and may not necessarily be the best fit for your needs.
Is There a Native VPN Client Available in Ubuntu, or Do I Need Third-Party Software?
Ubuntu does come with a built-in VPN client called Network Manager. However, it may not support all VPN protocols and may not be as feature-rich as third-party VPN clients. Therefore, it’s recommended to use third-party software for a more comprehensive VPN experience.
Which VPN Offers the Fastest Server Speeds for Ubuntu Users?
The VPN provider that offers the fastest server speeds for Ubuntu users may vary depending on your location and internet connection. However, some VPN providers that are known for their fast server speeds include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
Are There Any Reputable Free VPN Options Compatible with Linux Systems?
While there are some free VPN options available for Linux systems, it’s important to be cautious as they may not be as secure or reliable as paid options. Some reputable free VPN options for Linux systems include ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear.
What Should I Look for in a VPN to Ensure It Works Well with My Ubuntu System?
When choosing a VPN for your Ubuntu system, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- VPN protocol compatibility
- User-friendly Linux client
- Strong encryption and security features
- Fast server speeds
- No-logging policy
- Reliable customer support
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that the VPN you choose will work well with your Ubuntu system and provide you with a secure and reliable online experience.