6 Best VPNs to Keep Your Data Safe on Linux

Hi there! As a fellow Linux user, I know you value having control over your computing experience. You likely choose open-source software for greater transparency too. However, Linux alone can‘t fully protect your online privacy – a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is still needed.

Let me explain more about why a VPN is essential on Linux. I‘ll also share my top picks and advice for choosing the best Linux VPN for your needs.

Why Should Linux Users Care About VPNs?

You may wonder if using VPNs is necessary on Linux. After all, Linux offers a more secure environment than Windows out-of-the-box. Here are some key reasons why VPNs are still important:

Mask Your Digital Fingerprint – A VPN hides your IP address, location, device details, and other identifying information that can be used to profile your online activities. It adds an anonymous layer to your internet connection.
Bypass Geoblocks – VPNs let you access region-restricted content by changing your virtual location. Unblock websites and streaming platforms blocked in your country.
Public WiFi Protection – Connecting to public networks is risky – a VPN encrypts your connection to keep your data safe from snoopers and hackers.
Torrent Anonymously – Downloading torrents on Linux reveals your IP address in swarm lists by default. A VPN prevents your piracy activities from being monitored.
Remote Access – VPNs enable secure remote access to your home or work Linux machine for file access or administration.

According to research by Statista, Linux accounts for just around 2% of the desktop OS market as of 2022. But Linux powers 100% of the world‘s top 500 supercomputers and the majority of web servers!

With Linux being a minority desktop OS, privacy tools like VPNs are even more important to avoid standing out. Next, let‘s look at the top VPNs optimized for Linux.

1. NordVPN – My #1 Recommended VPN for Linux

I choose NordVPN as the best overall VPN for Linux without hesitation. After testing dozens of providers over the years, NordVPN stands out in terms of security, speeds, and reliability.

It meets all the criteria for an ideal Linux VPN:

✅ Over 5400 VPN servers in 60 countries
✅ Fast speeds for HD streaming – I get 200-500 Mbps easily!
✅ Watertight 256-bit AES encryption
✅ Strict no-logging policy + offshore company
✅ Apps for ALL major Linux distros
✅ Useful cybersecurity tools like Threat Protection

NordVPN has specialized Linux developers that maintain the NordLynx Linux VPN client. It‘s open-source and available on GitHub. The client offers an easy graphical interface to connect and switch VPN servers on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and other distros.

Under the hood, NordVPN uses industry-standard OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec protocols for encrypted tunnels. You can see the full server list to connect to a certain country or city. Advanced users will like that they provide manual OpenVPN configuration files too.

For the best streaming speeds, connect to NordVPN‘s specialized P2P or Double VPN servers. The CyberSec feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites for safer browsing. There‘s 24/7 live chat support if you ever need help.

Overall, NordVPN is my top recommendation for Linux users prioritizing privacy, speed, and rock-solid reliability.

2. ExpressVPN – Blazing Fast Speeds

If your priority is getting the fastest VPN speeds on Linux, ExpressVPN is a top choice. In my experience testing different providers, ExpressVPN consistently delivers the fastest connection speeds for HD streaming and gaming.

Some key advantages of ExpressVPN on Linux:

Apps for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, CentOS, Fedora, and other distros
Simple one-click connect interface
160 server locations in 94 countries
TrustedServer technology runs VPN servers on RAM, not disks
Unlimited bandwidth, no speed throttling
25Mbps+ speeds achieved on nearby servers

ExpressVPN uses state-of-the-art protocols like Lightway and OpenVPN. There‘s even a hidden .onion site for routing your traffic through the Tor network. Under the hood, they use perfect forward secrecy and AES-256 encryption for an uncrackable VPN tunnel.

The network of 3000+ global servers is optimized for speed and low latency. I can max out my 200 Mbps internet connection when using nearby ExpressVPN servers. Performance is consistently blazing fast for gaming, 4K streaming, and torrenting.

While ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other options, you get what you pay for with the fastest speeds I‘ve tested.

3. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN for Linux

If you‘re looking for an affordable but capable Linux VPN, Surfshark is a great option at just $2.49/month. Despite the low price, Surfshark doesn‘t compromise on security and privacy.

Some advantages of using Surfshark VPN on Linux:

Price from just $2.49/month is super cheap!
3200+ servers in 100+ countries
Unlimited device connections on a single account
RAM-based servers for privacy
Includes ad & malware blocking
30-day money back guarantee

Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands and operates entirely diskless servers for privacy. Strong AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN support, and a private DNS protect your Linux connection.

The Linux client is easy to use, with quick access to change countries, protocols, and view your new virtual IP. Surfshark also offers CLI tools for manual configuration. There are handy install scripts and guides for Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora, and other distros.

Surfshark ticks all the boxes as a private, low-cost Linux VPN option. The unlimited devices policy makes it easy to protect all your gadgets on a single plan.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Most Customizable

Private Internet Access (PIA) is my choice for Linux users that want maximum customization and control over their VPN setup. PIA prioritizes advanced features, strong encryption, and support across different distros.

Some of the advantages provided by PIA for Linux:

Open source clients for Linux, macOS, Android
10Gbps+ network capacity for super-fast speeds
Port forwarding to optimize P2P downloads
Split tunneling lets you exclude apps from VPN
SOCKS5 proxy for secure web browsing
Interactive CLI for advanced command-line control

PIA has some of the most flexible VPN options I‘ve seen. You can selectively route just certain apps through the VPN tunnel and leave others on your normal connection. Port forwarding is useful to speed up torrenting. The Socks5 proxy adds an extra layer of privacy for web traffic.

Install scripts make it easy to get up and running on distros like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc. PIA uses modern WireGuard in addition to OpenVPN protocols. Up to 10 devices can be protected on a single account.

For advanced Linux users and privacy buffs, PIA‘s extensive configuration options make it a great pick.

5. ProtonVPN – Best Free Linux VPN

For Linux users that want to test out a VPN risk-free, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice. It offers a free plan with unlimited data usage, making it easy to try ProtonVPN on Linux before paying.

Some of the benefits of using ProtonVPN‘s free tier on Linux:

Unlimited bandwidth and data, no annoying limits
Apps for all popular Linux distros
Military-grade AES-256 bit encryption
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) for stronger encryption
Only 1 device allowed, but that‘s fine for testing
Can upgrade to paid plans later if satisfied

ProtonVPN is developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, the encrypted email provider. Like NordVPN and Surfshark, they operate an entirely RAM-based network for privacy.

The Linux client supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. ProtonVPN servers are located in 55 countries currently. Paid plans unlock faster speeds, more servers, and up to 10 device connections.

For Linux users that want a 100% risk-free VPN to start with, ProtonVPN‘s free plan is perfect to test the waters before committing to a paid service.

6. IPVanish – Low Latency for Gaming

Gamers rejoice! IPVanish is a fast VPN optimized for low ping times, making it a top choice for gaming on Linux. The network of 1500+ servers provides lag-free performance for multiplayer titles.

Some of IPVanish‘s gaming-friendly features include:

Apps for Linux gaming platforms like SteamOS
Low latency for real-time gaming without lag
Unlimited bandwidth with no throttling
Fast speeds up to 250 Mbps
Optimized servers in close proximity
VPN configurations for consoles like PS5

IPVanish unlocks geo-restricted gaming content by changing your location virtually. It also adds a layer of security and anonymity. OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec protocols are available with AES-256 encryption.

I like that IPVanish provides Linux installers, guides, and support for niche use cases like gaming. For the smoothest online multiplayer gaming experience on Linux, IPVanish is a good fit.

Choosing the Right Linux VPN – My Advice

All of the VPNs above are great choices and will protect your privacy. But not every VPN fits every user‘s needs. Here are some key factors I consider when advising people on picking the best Linux VPN:

Encryption & Protocols – OpenVPN and IKEv2 are the gold standard and should be supported. Make sure the VPN uses AES-256 bit encryption at a minimum for an uncrackable tunnel.

Speed & Reliability – Faster servers mean better performance for things like 4K streaming and gaming. But large server networks can also create reliability issues. I prefer mid-sized VPNs with 3,000 to 5,000 well-optimized servers.

Pricing – VPN plans range from about $2 to $10 per month generally. Consider trying free trials and money-back periods offered by most vendors to test risk-free on your Linux machine first. Paying yearly often gets you the best value.

Server Locations – Having more server locations in diverse countries provides you more options to change your virtual IP address. But quality matters more than quantity when it comes to servers.

Bandwidth Limits – For heavy downloads and streaming, make sure to choose a VPN with unlimited bandwidth and no throttling or speed caps.

Linux Client – User-friendly Linux GUI apps make connecting easier. But I like having CLI tools available too for advanced configuration options.

Customer Support – Pick a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat support in case you ever need help. I also look for Linux-specific setup guides and troubleshooting.

Privacy Policy – VPNs based offshore in privacy-friendly jurisdictions are safer. Strict zero logging policies are ideal for total anonymity of your online activities.

Choosing the right VPN comes down to your specific needs and priorities as a Linux user. I hope this overview helped explain what to look for in a Linux VPN. Let me know if you have any other questions!

The Takeaway

A trusted VPN is just as crucial on Linux as any other platform. It adds an encrypted tunnel to hide your internet traffic from prying eyes.

After testing tons of VPNs with Linux over the years, I highly recommend NordVPN as the best all-around choice. But ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also excellent options depending on your needs.

Whichever VPN you choose, take advantage of the free trials and guarantees offered to test them risk-free on your Linux machine. A VPN maximizes privacy and security in the cloud-dominated online world we live in.

Stay safe out there! Let me know how you like your new Linux VPN.