Best VPNs for Ubuntu in 2026

Linux users have been getting the short end of the stick from VPN companies. This is consistently the last major operating system to receive its own app, and many VPNs still require you to manually connect using the command line, despite offering GUI-based apps for other systems. I don’t think that’s good enough, which is why through rigorous testing and first-hand experience, I’ve identified the services that offer the best Linux VPN apps and the most functionality overall.

But first, let’s get on the same page about what we’re looking for. I specifically wanted to find VPNs with native Linux apps — that means no manual configuration and ideally, a graphical app rather than one that forces you to use the command line. I’d prefer if there was functional parity on Linux and other desktop OSs but recognize this isn’t always possible due to differing platform constraints and capabilities.

Here’s a shortlist of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

1. NordVPN The best Ubuntu VPN. Support for various Linux distros and plenty of advanced security features. Works anywhere in the world. A highly-versatile VPN that 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. ProtonVPN A privacy-focused provider with an open-source Ubuntu app. Delivers excellent connection speeds and uses private DNS servers.
4. 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.
5. PureVPN One of the few VPN services with a GUI app for Ubuntu. Great for streaming and has always-on obfuscation. Powerful privacy features.
6. Private Internet Access Easy-to-use GUI app with no connection limit. Packed with advanced settings and able to unblock most streaming sites.

The best Ubuntu VPNs: my testing criteria

My first task was ensuring that providers actually supported Ubuntu. After confirming this, I installed each service and personally evaluated it on more than 30 individual data points covering everything from its performance to how reliably it can access major streaming sites. Here’s a quick breakdown of my testing process:

• Speed: Slow and inconsistent VPNs are a real pain to use. I tested each providers’ speeds multiple times to get the most accurate results.
• Features: Next, I wanted to measure each VPN’s versatility. This involved counting their server locations, looking into whether routers and split tunneling are supported, and checking if the VPN works in high-censorship countries.
• Security and privacy: If you’re using Linux, it’s likely that protecting your connection is important to you. I 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 I looked for providers with Ubuntu apps that were easy to install and use. All in all, I considered almost a dozen different metrics in this category.
• Streaming: Most streaming sites try to block VPNs. I tested each service against a series of notoriously stubborn platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer to see which worked the most reliably.

Find out more by checking out the methodology section at the bottom of this post.

A comparison: The best VPNs for Ubuntu

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

Best VPNs for Ubuntu

Here’s my list of the best Ubuntu VPNs:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my first choice for Ubuntu. It offers both CLI and GUI apps for Linux, with most of the functionality from its Windows and MacOS apps making it across. For instance, you can connect to its obfuscated servers to to bypass country-wide censorship or have the app block ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

This service really does seem capable of anything. Its 9,000+ servers cover 130 countries and work well with tricky-to-access platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Torrenting is supported, there’s a 10-connection limit, and customer support staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat.

NordVPN has a strong reputation where speed is concerned, and it’s easy to see why; following three tests at different times of day, this provider had an average speed of 186.23 Mbps. In other words, NordVPN is one of the quickest VPN services on the market, capable of handling data-intensive tasks without breaking a sweat.

Let’s talk about security for a moment. NordVPN uses unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption by default, which is shored up via DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. You can also access its Tor over VPN servers or use its obfuscated NordWhisper protocol, though split tunneling isn’t supported on Linux just yet. Crucially, NordVPN has been independently-audited to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs.

As well as Linux, NordVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire devices. It can also be manually installed on most routers.

BEST VPN FOR UBUNTU:NordVPN is the highest-quality VPN for Ubuntu. Boasts a large network and very high speeds, plus a powerful security toolkit. You can try it risk-free thanks to NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for Ubuntu. Not only does it offer CLI and GUI-based apps, it’s capable of securing any number of devices at the same time. Experienced users will appreciate that this VPN’s ad and tracker-blocking features weren’t left out of the Ubuntu version, but unfortunately, since the NoBorders mode is missing, Surfshark’s Linux app will not work in high-censorship countries like China.

With thousands of servers spread across 100+ countries, Surfshark can handle virtually any task. I was able to make video calls, play games, and access stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad. Better still, P2P activity is fully-supported so you don’t have to be coy about asking for help (staff are available 24/7 over live chat).

I measured the performance of Surfshark’s American servers at three different times of day, using a 250 Mbps connection. Once all tests were complete, this VPN had an average speed of 177.82 Mbps, meaning you’re not going to struggle with bandwidth-heavy activities like live streaming. However, with 35 Mbps of fluctuation, it could be a little bit more consistent. Here are the full test results:

Aside from the NoBorders mode, most of Surfshark’s privacy tools made it into the Linux version. For instance, it still uses unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Dedicated IP addresses are still available and you can create custom personas to avoid having to provide your own details when signing up for websites. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy in place and has been audited multiple times. Finally, the Rotating IP tool can swap your IP address every few minutes for even greater privacy. Not bad for a cheap VPN, right?

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:Surfshark is the top budget VPN for Ubuntu. It offers blazing-fast speeds and unlimited connections at a very reasonable price. Strong on security and highly-versatile, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN lets you choose between a graphical or CLI-based Ubuntu app. This provider is known for its strong privacy record, so it’s no surprise that most of its anonymity-boosting features are still present in the Linux version. Just be aware that the free plan comes with limitations on speed, unblocking ability, and server choice; I’d suggest upgrading sooner rather than later for the best experience.

There are almost 13,000 servers to choose from, spread across 120+ countries. In practice, this means there’s sure to be one fairly close by, even if you’re visiting somewhere extremely remote. I had no problems accessing region-locked platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu, plus there are servers designed for torrenting. Support is available at all times via live chat and 10 devices can be secured at once.

So what kind of performance is this VPN capable of? To find out, I tested it in the morning, at noon, and in the evening using a 250 Mbps connection (since that’s roughly the average broadband speed in the US). ProtonVPN achieved an average speed of 168.64 Mbps with around 14 Mbps of variability throughout the day. That’s a competitive result, and one that’s quick enough for virtually any task.

This is one provider that doesn’t disappoint where privacy is concerned. ProtonVPN boasts uncrackable ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and an audited no-logging policy. Its Ubuntu apps also offer automatic ad and tracker-blocking as well as access to its multi-hop Secure Core servers. Best of all, this is one of the few VPNs that allows port forwarding, even on Linux. ProtonVPN also accepts Bitcoin, meaning it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to remain anonymous online.

This VPN 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. Easy to use Ubtuntu app that includes all of the tools you’ll need. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has graphical and CLI-based Linux apps that work with not just Ubuntu but also Fedora, Debian, Mint, and Arch. What’s more, almost all of its features made it over from the Windows version, except for its integrated password manager and the ability to control the desktop app via browser extension.

This is, in my professional opinion, one of the easiest VPNs for beginners. It has servers in 105 countries and works in places like China with no additional setup required from the user. Further, ExpressVPN excels at accessing geo-blocked content, working flawlessly with Peacock, Netflix, and more. There’s even a Smart DNS service included so you can stream on devices without full VPN support. If you need help, staff are available via live chat, day or night.

While ExpressVPN isn’t the fastest provider I’ve ever seen, it remains competitive with an average speed of 124.02 Mbps when tested on a 250 Mbps connection. For context, that’s enough to download a 1 GB file in around a minute, and nearly 10 times the recommend speed for watching 4K video. As such, it’s a great option for bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming or torrenting.

There’s very little configuration needed because ExpressVPN automatically obfuscates your traffic as required. Further, its quantum-resistant encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch are all enabled by default. You can activate the Threat Protection system to block ads, malware, and trackers too, and this is one of the only providers that supports split tunneling on its Linux apps. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you and has been audited several times.

Apps are available for Ubuntu, five other popular Linux distros, and several different devices, including certain Wi-Fi routers and Raspberry Pi. Up to 14 simultaneous connections are permitted at once, depending on which plan you choose.

FANTASTIC LINUX APP:ExpressVPN is another great choice. Its Linux app is virtually identical to other desktop versions, it can sidestep extreme digital censorship, and it refuses to compromise on security. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. 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. In fact, this VPN claims to support nearly a dozen distros including Kali Linux, openSUSE, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, and Fedora too!

With roughly 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries, PureVPN gives you plenty of options. It’s streaming abilities are fantastic too, bypassing regional blocking on platforms like ITVX and Hulu. Users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous connections and traffic is obfuscated automatically, meaning you can even browse safely in places where the internet is heavily restricted, like the UAE or China.

I wanted to make sure PureVPN had the speeds needed for everyday usage, so I tested its American servers at various times. With an average speed of 136.74 Mbps and just 10 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, PureVPN isn’t just speedy, it’s also extremely consistent. Whether you’re hoping to stream your favorite shows, play online games, or torrent, this VPN is up to the challenge.

There’s no need to worry about anyone monitoring your activities either. PureVPN was the first provider to undergo an independent audit and prove that it doesn’t keep logs. Its apps boasts 256-bit encryption, a kill switch that’ll stop sending data if your connection drops, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It even supports split tunneling, though you have to specify which apps are encrypted and can’t simply exclude them, which is a minor annoyance.

PureVPN offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. It can even be installed on most routers, just check the website for instructions.

SECURITY FIRST:PureVPN offers GUI and CLI Ubuntu apps with powerful privacy features and automatic obfuscation so you can browse safely anywhere. It’s pretty quick too, and great for streaming. Every subscription comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

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

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access can be used either via the command line or its graphical Linux app. Most of the service’s customization options remained intact, which is always great to see, especially if you’re an experienced user looking for complete control. You can change the protocols, adjust MTU size, and even take advantage of split tunneling. The only downside is that it doesn’t work in high-censorship countries.

This provider has an expansive network, with thousands of servers and over 90 countries to choose from. I’ve had great results using Private Internet Access’ streaming-optimized servers in the UK and the US to unblock platforms like BBC iPlayer and Hulu. There’s no connection limit whatsoever and if you need assistance, staff are ready to help using PIA’s 24/7 live chat service.

This provider wasn’t able to deliver quite the same speeds as others in this list. After testing its American servers three times using a 250 Mbps connection, Private Internet Access delivered an average speed of 51.12 Mbps and almost 30 Mbps of fluctuation. Even at its slowest, this VPN can help you stream live TV, torrent safely, or play online games, but it’s clear that there’s room for improvement.

The good news is that Private Internet Access excels on security. By default, it keeps you hidden from snoopers using unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption (or AES, if you’re using OpenVPN), protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a fully-audited zero-logs policy. There are plenty of customizable settings too, giving you the option to tweak encryption levels, block trackers, or activate the stealth mode. If you’re someone who likes to tinker, PIA might be just what you need.

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.

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. I 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 my 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.

Related:

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

VPN for Ubuntu: FAQs