5 Best VPNs for Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Kali, More)
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There are a number of detailed criteria we consider when ranking the best VPNs for Linux.
For Linux specifically, we’re testing:
- Full GUI, Linux VPN app is easy to use. (35%)
- Compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Manjaro, and more.
(20%) - AES-128/256 encryption and reliable VPN protocol like OpenVPN.
(15%) - Advanced features like kill switch, port forwarding and DNS server selection.
(15%) - A privacy policy that keeps as few VPN logs as possible.
(10%) - High download speeds on all VPN servers.
(5%)
Here is a full list of the factors we look for when testing the best VPNs for Linux, along with how much of the overall rating they represent:
1 Linux VPN Client: 30%
Minimum requirements: It has a full GUI application available for Linux.
We recommend: The program is intuitively easy to use and is as similar to its Windows counterpart as possible.
Most VPNs do not support Linux at all. Of the small number that do so, fewer actually maintain a proper Linux application.
These VPNs will be content to offer a basic CLI (Command Line Interface) setup that is unintuitive and slow to use.
Every VPN featured in this list has a Linux app with a full GUI. This means that it looks and works just like the VPN client on Windows or macOS.
This is the main criterion we use when rating VPNs for Linux. It should be easy to install (with minimal CLI work required), and easy to use.
The closer a VPN app is to its Windows or macOS counterpart, in terms of ease of use and features, the higher the score. All the VPNs on this page treat Linux users with proper respect, and offer high-quality custom applications.
2 Linux distro compatibility: 20%
Minimum requirements: A 64-bit Debian installer is available.
We recommend: It contains installers for as many distros as possible, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
While the vast majority of the Linux market may use Debian or Ubuntu, there are still millions of users on other Linux operating systems.
It is important for VPN providers to cater to all the most popular distributions. This means not only Debian variants, but Fedora/Redhat and Arch/Manjaro as well.
We also take into account the architecture of the application. There is a good chance that your computer is running the 64-bit version of Linux, but if you are a 32-bit user, we also make sure you have a VPN that supports your device.
3 Encryption and security: 15%
Minimum requirements: OpenVPN and AES-128 encryption.
We recommend: A selection of protocols (including WireGuard), as well as AES-256 encryption.
No matter what operating system you have chosen, having a secure and properly encrypted VPN is always important.
Linux is compatible with all popular mainstream VPN protocols, so the perfect Linux VPN gives you an in-app choice.
The bottom line we’re looking at is OpenVPN – the most popular protocol on the market that we believe strikes the perfect balance between speed and security. WireGuard and IKEv2 are also popular on Linux – both are excellent options.
Every VPN on this page also offers AES-128, AES-256 encryption, or a choice between the two. It is virtually impenetrable, which means that all of your VPN traffic is protected.
4 advanced features: 15%
Minimum requirements: VPN kill switch to prevent IP leaks.
We recommend: Useful extras like split tunneling, custom DNS configuration, tracking blockers, and more.
This is one area where making sure you have the right VPN app for Linux makes a big difference.
The best VPNs for Linux have a wide range of additional features – just like their counterparts on the most popular desktop operating systems.
VPN kill switch is the least we can expect. Without an internet connection, your IP address can be left exposed in case the VPN connection drops at any time.
We are looking for more advanced features as well. Some VPNs offer privacy extras like built-in ads and tracker blocking. Others may have port forwarding feature to help you torrent faster.
5 – Registration Policy and Jurisdiction: 10%
Minimum requirements: Keep minimum records.
We recommend: No personal information is logged, with other data immediately deleted, from a company in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Without a VPN, your ISP can see every website you visit and every file you download. But with a bad VPN, all you do is hand that information over to a different company instead.
The least we can expect from any VPN is not to keep any logs that could link your browsing activity. It is essential, in the event of a server breach, that any stored information be completely anonymous.
The best VPNs do not store any data at all, although this is rare. A large number of them keep nothing more than aggregate metadata – general server usage statistics which are an anonymous collection of data from a large number of users.
Jurisdiction is also important. Ideally, the VPN location you choose will be in a privacy-friendly country. This means that nowhere is part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, Fourteen Eyes, or the European Union.
6 connection speeds: 5%
Minimum requirements: Fast and stable speeds on local connections.
We recommend: Unnoticeable drop in download speeds locally, with faster speeds when connecting to international sites.
A VPN will always affect your internet speeds, but the best thing is to do it as little as possible.
Upload speeds are important for file sharing, ping is important for gaming, but our primary focus is on download speeds.
When connecting to a server in the same country you live in (or a foreign city near you), the speed drop should be practically unnoticeable while you browse the internet as usual.
Top-tier VPNs will also give you great speeds for long-distance connections. This can allow you to unblock region-exclusive sites or services as if you were in the country where they reside.
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