6 Best VPNs for Ubuntu in 2025

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the easiest ways to stay anonymous online. Now, Ubuntu has a built-in VPN client but it’s quite limited. You’ll gain access to far more features with your VPN’s Linux app. The problem is that few providers support Linux distros like Ubuntu, and even then, they tend to offer less functionality than the same service’s Windows or MacOS apps.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for Ubuntu. All of the VPNs we recommend have Ubuntu apps either in command-line or GUI form. They also meet our standards of speed, security, and ability to unblock region-locked content.

We’ll cover each in more detail shortly, but for now, here’s a shortlist of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

1. NordVPN: Our top Ubuntu VPN. Excellent speeds, plenty of advanced security features, and support for most popular distros. Also includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Ubuntu.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Ubuntu. Works with most streaming platforms, has no connection limit, and follows a strict no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: A reputable service boasting 105+ server locations, a strong set of privacy features, and the ability to beat the world’s strictest online censorship.
4. PureVPN: One of the few VPN services with a GUI app for Ubuntu. Great for streaming and has always-on obfuscation.
5. ProtonVPN: A privacy-focused provider with an open-source Ubuntu app. Delivers excellent connection speeds and uses private DNS servers.
6. Private Internet Access: Easy-to-use GUI app. Includes several advanced features and works reliably with popular streaming services.

Ubuntu VPN testing criteria

Not all VPNs work with Ubuntu, so we started by sorting providers based on whether their Linux apps supported Ubuntu. We then tested them in the following areas:

• Speed: Slow and inconsistent VPNs are a real pain to use. To find the fastest and most stable options, we carried out multiple speed tests for each provider.
• Features: We looked for VPNs with large server networks, router compatibility, split tunneling, and the ability to work in restrictive countries.
• Security and privacy: If you’re using Linux, it’s likely that protecting your connection is important to you. We found the VPNs with the highest levels of safeguards by evaluating them against 16 different security and privacy criteria.
• Ease of use: Manually configuring VPN connections isn’t all that fun, which is why we looked for providers with Ubuntu apps that were easy to install and use. We also considered the user-friendliness of the service overall, which involved evaluating providers against 10 different metrics.
• Streaming: VPNs can provide a way to access more content from your favorite streaming platforms. To find those that worked best, we tested them against nine different metrics.

You can read more about our testing process — and the results of the tests — in the methodology section below.

Best VPNs for Ubuntu compared

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Ubuntu.

Best VPNs for Ubuntu

Let’s take a closer look at our list of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is our first choice for Ubuntu. Its CLI app is easy to install and easy to learn. We were pleased to find that NordVPN’s more advanced features were included in it. For instance, you can securely connect to devices on other networks, use obfuscated servers to bypass country-wide censorship, or turn on automatic tracker and malware blocking.

The provider has roughly 7,300 servers in 118 countries and can access a huge range of geo-blocked content. We successfully used it to access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

Furthermore, it’s one of the quickest VPN services on the market, too, delivering average connection speeds of 186.23 Mbps in our latest round of testing.

We’ve always found NordVPN’s support staff friendly and helpful, and you can get in touch 24/7 via live chat. The provider has a strict no-logs policy that has been verified by multiple independent audits. Its Ubuntu apps keep your traffic safe using 256-bit encryption, IPv6, WebRTC, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

Up to 10 connections are allowed at once. Apps are available for most major operating systems, though you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running on your router.

BEST VPN FOR UBUNTU:NordVPN is the highest-quality VPN for Ubuntu. It’s packed with security features and has servers across the world. You can try it risk-free thanks to NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for Ubuntu. It has a CLI and GUI app for Ubuntu 20.04 or higher, allowing users to connect as many devices as they want simultaneously.

The provider’s network spans 100 countries, more than some pricier competitors. Furthermore, it can reliably access stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

You’ll have no problem streaming in 4K while connected, as Surfshark is very fast. In our tests, the provider averaged 177.81 Mbps.

This VPN offers robust security, with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and automatic malware blocking.

Additionally, it can periodically swap your IP address, giving you even greater online privacy. Surfshark follows a no-logs policy and has undergone several audits to prove it.

In addition to its app for Ubuntu, Surfshark has apps for every other popular operating system. You can even follow manual setup instructions to install it directly on routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Connect as many devices as you want and browse safely without breaking the bank. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has an easy-to-use app that’s compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 and above. This does a fantastic job of accessing geo-blocked content and worked with every platform we tested it with. Note that ExpressVPN also helps users switch countries on VPN-incompatible devices via its MediaStreamer tool.

The provider offers access to servers in 105 countries, meaning you’ll be able to get a safe and secure connection no matter where you are in the world. Speed-wise, the provider was notably consistent, as you can see from the chart below.

Overall, ExpressVPN’s average speed of 137.35 Mbps makes it suitable for all your online activities, whether that’s streaming in high resolution, gaming or torrenting.

One of the great things about this VPN is that it takes care of things for you. For instance, obfuscation kicks in automatically whenever you need it, and the Threat Protection system blocks malware and malicious sites in the background. Best of all, your internet connection is secured with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and an independently verified no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Ubuntu, five other popular Linux distros, and several different devices, including certain Wi-Fi routers and Raspberry Pi. Up to eight simultaneous connections are permitted at once. This VPN’s customer service team is excellent and highly responsive, standing by via 24/7 live chat to help with any issues.

FAST SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is another great choice. Quick and reliable, with strong encryption and a well-rounded, easy-to-install Ubuntu app. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. PureVPN

PureVPN has a command-line interface and GUI VPN apps that work with Ubuntu. Both flavors are easy to install and use, making PureVPN a great VPN for Linux users, both new and old.

The provider has approximately 6,000 servers in 65+ countries and provides always-on obfuscation for each connection. It’s great for streaming and worked with all major platforms when we tested it.

Speeds were consistently quick, ranging from 130.94 Mbps to 140.22 Mbps in our tests.

PureVPN’s average download speed was 136.74 Mbps, fast enough for interruption-free streaming, gaming or torrenting.  

Features include app-based split tunneling, a choice of three connection protocols, a tracker-blocker, and built-in leak protection.

Subscriptions are great value — particularly the five-year plan. Users are permitted up to 10 simultaneous device connections. Manual router configuration is possible if you want to protect every device on your network while only using one of your 10 allotted connections.

SECURITY FIRST:PureVPN has a GUI Ubuntu app and oodles of speed and functionality. Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in our full PureVPN review.

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5. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN‘s Linux app supports the latest stable Ubuntu LTS version. It’s easy to install and gives users access to the provider’s huge network of 12,000 servers in 117 countries.

Tested speeds were great, and ranged from 140.94 Mbps to 154.32 Mbps. Overall, the provider achieved a solid average of 148.63 Mbps.

This makes ProtonVPN ideal for P2P traffic, video calling, or data-intensive tasks. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously, roughly twice the industry average.

This provider has a robust security offering, shielding your internet traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, ad-blocking, and leak protection.

There’s also an accelerator feature that claims to boost your speeds by up to 400 percent. ProtonVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and accepts Bitcoin, meaning it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to remain anonymous online.

ProtonVPN also works with MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems. Routers are supported too but must be configured manually.

SECURITY FIRST:ProtonVPN emphasizes online privacy above all else, but doesn’t skimp on speed or functionality. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access offers access to servers in 91 countries and is one of the few providers with its own graphical Ubuntu app.

Speed-wise, the provider was a fair bit slower than the other VPNs on this list. Its speeds varied between 39.49 Mbps and 71.01 Mbps, and its average speed was a third that of the combined average speeds of the other providers.

But, before you write PIA off, bear in mind that these other providers are at the top of their game. PIA’s average speed 51.12 Mbps is still more than enough for most online tasks — including streaming in 4K.

While we’re on the subject of streaming, PIA can access a range of popular services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. It even has dedicated streaming servers in countries like the UK and the US.

The provider imposes no bandwidth limits and P2P traffic is allowed on any server. If you need help, live chat and email support is available 24/7.

This VPN clearly values your online security. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, plus users can choose to connect over a different port, thereby beating some forms of VPN-detection.

PIA can even block ads, trackers, and malware automatically, giving you an extra layer of protection when browsing the web. Thanks to its no-logs policy, there’s no need to worry about anyone monitoring your online activities.

Users can connect as many devices as they want via PIA’s apps for Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is required for routers.

BLOCKS MALWARE:Private Internet Access has a GUI app for Linux and lets you secure an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. An excellent option for almost any task. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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How do I use a VPN with Ubuntu?

New to Virtual Private Networks and not sure where to begin? Here’s how to use a VPN with Ubuntu:

1. Choose the best VPN for Ubuntu. We highly recommend NordVPN.
2. Once you’re signed up, head to your VPN provider’s website and look for instructions on how to download the Ubuntu VPN app. This will vary depending on your provider, but you should be able to download the VPN client in your web browser or install it from the command line.
3. Install the app.
4. Run the app as per your provider’s instructions and enter your login credentials.
5. Select a server and connect. This changes your IP address and encrypts your data, rendering it unreadable. The exact steps will vary from one VPN to another but in our experience, you just select a server location and run the connection command
6. Once you’re connected, the VPN will run in the background until you disconnect it. Be sure to check your specific VPN app’s documentation for instructions on additional online security tools like kill switches, protocols, and stealth modes.

Methodology: Finding the best Ubuntu VPNs

There are hundreds of VPNs out there, but many of them don’t support Linux and some of those that do fail to properly secure your internet connection. With that in mind, we tested providers against a range of criteria in the following categories:

Speed

Sluggish VPNs can drag your connection down to the point where it becomes almost unusable. To ensure we only recommended providers capable of decent speeds, we carried out several tests over the course of a day: one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the afternoon.

We rate-limited our own connection to simulate that of the average user in the US, where the median download speed is 279.9 Mbps. We measured our speeds while connected to each provider’s US servers using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app .

Once we’d gathered the results, we averaged them and converted them to a score out of 10 relative to the other providers.

With a perfect score of 10, NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. Surfshark, with a score of 9.4, also performed notably well. Both providers are great at if you want to preserve your base connection speed — which is especially important if you’re starting out with a particularly slow connection.

Features

We started by ensuring that providers had a Linux app that supported the Ubuntu OS. Ideally CLI and GUI versions were available that maintained most of the functionality of the Windows or MacOS apps.

We then scored providers on the number of servers they had and the overall spread of these servers. VPNs change your IP address, so a wider range of locations means you can access heaps more content. In addition, the closer your chosen server, the more reliable your connection.

Next we scored providers on whether they had obfuscation that could successfully disguise VPN traffic in countries such as China. Providers were also scored on whether they worked with routers and allowed split tunneling.

All of these scores were combined to generate an overall score out of 10. A high score means providers have features that make the VPN useful in diverse range of situations.

As you can see from the above, NordVPN’s score of 9.7 was highest. Surfshark, ExpressVPN and PureVPN were the next-best options as they all had a score of 9.5. All four providers have well-built apps for Ubuntu, and work well in restrictive countries. NordVPN wins out though, thanks to its better spread of servers.

Security and privacy

We require a high level of security before recommending VPNs, so private DNS servers, 256-bit AES encryption, no-logs policies, and stealth modes are considered essential. Many providers offer more than this, as you can see in the table below.

To make a quick comparison of providers possible, each of the metrics used above was assigned a score. We combined this to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider.

NordVPN and Surfshark each scored 9.5, primarily thanks to their robust encryption, audited no-logs policies, and RAM-only servers. ProtonVPN and PIA also scored highly.

Ease of use

Anything that makes the VPN easier to use is greatly appreciated. This could be 24/7 customer service, unlimited connections, or just task-specific servers. You can see how providers performed against each of our test metrics in the table below.

As before each metric was given a score, which we summed to generate an overall score out of 10.

This time, NordVPN and PIA were the highest-scoring providers — each with an impressive 9.6. Both VPNs have user-friendly Ubuntu apps and a streamlined sign-up and cancellation process.

Streaming

While many providers make a lot of noise about their streaming ability, very few actually work with the biggest streaming platforms. Fewer still offer pro-streaming tools like smart DNS. In our tests, we evaluated providers on these and the other metrics you can see below.

Each metric was again assigned a score, which we summed to create an overall score out of 10 for each VPN.

The top streaming providers — NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN — all had a score of 9.2. All three excel at accessing the most stubborn platforms and can help VPN-incompatible devices access geo-restricted services, too.

VPN for Ubuntu FAQs

Related:

• How to set up an OpenVPN connection in Ubuntu
• A guide to Linux security
• How to check for viruses on Linux