Best VPN Service Providers for the Linux Operating System

As the name suggests, ProtonVPN comes from the same company that developed Proton Mail. The team, made up of developers from CERN, is devoted to internet security and privacy, in keeping with the legal and ethical attitudes of their host country, Switzerland. Given their technical background, it's no surprise the team took the time to create a fully functional graphic user interface for the Linux version of their VPN. According to the ProtonVPN website, the app is compatible with "Ubuntu 20+, Debian 10+, Fedora 35+, Manjaro and Arch Linux (including their derivatives)."

Users with the aforementioned distros can find installation instructions on the Linux Support Page, while those using other Linux distros can choose utlizie the command-line interface (CLI), or manually set up an OpenVPN connection. There are some drawbacks to the latter two options, obviously. For starters, the CLI doesn't support split-tunneling, and given ProtonVPN's occasional speed issues that could get annoying. The CLI also doesn't run on headless servers, so if you're looking to maintain a fleet, ProtonVPN might be a non-starter. Similarly, if you decide to set up an OpenVPN connection manually, you'll have to keep downloading files as ProtonVPN retires the servers you've selected.

NordVPN is among the very best VPNs on the market today, thanks to its massive server fleet, blazing speeds, competitive pricing, and long list of features. Sports fans will enjoy the "Sports from the Source" streaming system, which allows you to watch official, televised events. Businesses looking for a VPN that offers a static-IP can request one from NordVPN (for an additional montly price). NordVPN's Plus Plan includes the NordPass password-management system. This system allows you to generate and store complex alphanumeric passwords under a single master key or biometric pass, thereby eliminating the need for dozens of sticky notes all over your desk.

Linux users will be happy to learn that NordVPN is compatible with a long list of distos, including Debian, Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, Fedora, QubesOS, RHEL, and more. For each disto category, the NordVPN website has easy-to-follow configuration and setup tutorials. Unfortunately, NordVPN does not offer a Linux-friendly GUI. Users will need to enter commands into the Linux terminal. Nevertheless, in terms of protection, the Linux version is quite versatile, offering NordVPN's Threat Protection Lite, kill switch, and auto-connect features.

Atlas is a freemium VPN service provider with a high-end product. Obviously, the free version isn't nearly as powerful as the paid version, but it's more than enough for the occasional user. The paid version is top-tier, despite costing less than $2 a month. The VPN rarely faces speeds losses over 5%, and the peer-to-peer file-sharing servers and streaming servers make torrenting and streaming an uneventful process. AltasVPN has live support (via chat) for any troubles you might face, though you're not likely to need it. That being said, AtlasVPN is based in the United States, which means it's subject to governmental spying. This is offset by AtlasVPN's no-logging policy, but there are many techies who prefer using one of the VPNs that are not subject to Five Eyes spying.

The AtlasVPN Linux client doesn't offer a GUI, and unfortunately it's only available for Ubuntu-driven devices. The VPN offers most of the key features offered by the other versions, including SafeSwap and MultiHop. The latter is AtlasVPN's version of a double-VPN, while the former is an IP tumbler that rotates (or cascades) your virtual IP with those of other users, making all of you more difficult to identify or locate. This technique helps make up for AtlasVPN's comparatively small server fleet of approximately 1000 servers in 40 or so countries.

PureVPN is was one of the first VPNs to implement an "Always-On" audit program, which is the tech equivalent of random testing for athletes. By allowing auditing firm KPMG unfettered access, PureVPN allays any fears customers might have regarding user logs. Simply stated, if security is a concern, PureVPN might the right VPN for you. PureVPN also has one of the largest server fleets of any major VPN, with over 6500 servers in nearly 80 countries. There are over 2200 servers just in North America, and over 3000 in Europe, though for some reason there are only 4 in the entirety of South America. The fleet includes dedicated p2p servers and streaming servers, and users can even contact PureVPN via the website's server page.

PureVPN is one of the only top-tier VPNs with a graphic user interface (GUI) for Linux. Rather than having to enter a bunch of commands via terminal, enjoy the same ease-of-use Windows and Mac users enjoy. On the other hand, if you actually prefer using a terminal, PureVPN does offer a command-line interface (CLI). The Linux version offers a WireGuard protocol, a kill switch, and access to the aforementioned p2p servers. PureVPN will even recommend the best server for you, based on your current location. If you need special tools, PureVPN offers DDoS protection, dedicated IPs, and port forwarding, at addition prices of course.

StongVPN is one of the oldest VPNs around, and yet it seems not to have garnered much popularity. That's unfortunate, as it is an excellent VPN for streaming and for peer-to-peer file sharing (i.e. torrenting). StrongVPN allows users to connect to as many as 12 devices simultaneously, which means offices in need of secure communications can rely on a single subscription. In addition, StrongVPN has partnered with SugarSync to offer 250 gigabytes of secure cloud storage, at no additional cost. By way of comparison, a free Gmail account comes with 15G, and a "Basic" Google One account comes with 100 GB (and no VPN). On the other hand, StrongVPN's Five-Eyes jurisdiction might be a turn off for some customers.

StrongVPN offers several Linux options, with the most versatile being their OpenVPN option. You'll find OpenVPN setups for Mint, Unbuntu, Fedora, CentOS 8, and Manjaro. There's also an OpenVPN for Fruho and Pritunl GUIs. This includes the Linux Command Line for Ubuntu 17, and via Network Manager for 18.0 and up. Those running Ubuntu 18 and up, you'll also have access to IKEv2, IPSec (using the ShrewSoft VPN Access Manager), and L2TP. Lastly, there is a PPTP version compatible with Debian, Ubuntu, and Mint (command line). Unfortunately, those looking for WireGuard on Linux will need to look elsewhere.

PrivateVPN seems to be focused more on quality than on quantity. The company only operates around 250 servers, but they are intelligently distributed throughout 60+ countries. The VPN's speeds are quite good, with minimal speed losses in North American, and below-average speed losses in Europe and Asia. Users should have no trouble using this VPN for unlocking and streaming on Netflix, downloading files, and circumventing government firewalls such as the China's notorious "Golden Shield."

On the website, you'll find setup guides for the various PrivateVPN versions offered for LInux. The guides are divided into three categories: Debian based (Ubuntu and Mint), RedHat based (Fedora and CentOS 8), and Arch based (Manjaro). In each case, you'll find OpenVPN and WireGuard versions, as well as a L2TP version for Ubuntu and an AnyConnect version for Fedora. For those who prefer to use a CLI, there are OpenVPN CLIs for Ubuntu and Cent, and a WireGuard CLI for Manjaro. You can also set up a Network Manager TAP or TUN. If you find yourself struggling at any point, the staff at PrivateVPN are ready to connect with you via TeamViewer.

The VPN industry can be divided into two groups: VPNs based in Switzerland, and those based anywhere else. That might seem like an oversell, but the reality is Switzerland's privacy laws are among the strictest in the world. The Swiss Constitution and privacy-related legislations proscribe government access to private information without extreme justification. Whether you're talking about banking accounts, email accounts, or VPNs, Switzerland is the land of privacy. VyprVPN is one of the best VPNs based in Switzerland, and that alone makes it worth using. But VyprVPN also offers a feature-rich VPN, with split-tunneling, DNS leak protection, and a stealth protocol called "Chameleon."

The Linux version VyprVPN is designed to work with Ubuntu, and you can choose between a CLI, an OpenVPN setup, and a PPTP VPN setup. There are setup guides for each version, but unfortunately there are no GUIs or other distros. This is unfortunate, because it means Linux users won't have access to the proprietary Chameleon protocol—one of the best features the company offers. By extension, it means Linux users won't have a way to get around the Great Firewall of China. Given the commitment to privacy expressed by VyprVPN's parent company, Golden Frog, one can only assume a more advanced Linux version is on the way.

CyberGhost is a server powerhouse, with a fleet of 10,000 servers and growing. The distribution of servers over 90 countries makes CyberGhost one of the most easily accessed VPNs in the world. Furthermore, CyberGhost accepts requests for server locations via their website. It should come as no suprise, therefore, that CyberGhost has drawn over 40 million registered users. If you're as "hyper-paranoid about your privacy" as they are, consider using one of their "NoSpy" servers. These are servers to which only CyberGhost staff have access. The added 75 cents per month is costs to access these servers is worth it, as they offer better speeds, more bandwidth, and a dedicated uplink.

The Linux version of CyberGhost is compatible with Ubuntu (versions 16.04, 18.04, and 19.04), Fedora (versions 29, 30, 31), Mint 19, CentOS 17, Pop!_OS, and Kali. To make things easier, CyberGhost has a helpful setup video on their website. To find it, go to the very bottom of the homepage and select "VPN for Linux." There you'll find a setup guide, as well as the video. The Linux version doesn't have a graphic user interface, so you need to be comfortable with command lines. You'll also need to remember (or jot down) the country codes for the various servers. The default protocol is OpenVPN, but you can also use WireGuard, setting CyberGhost above several of its competitors.

ZoogVPN is a small-scale but effective VPN, with approximately 50 locations worldwide. There are 10 servers in the United States, 4 in Germany, 3 in the UK, and 2 in Italy, Turkey, India, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan. There are also numerous countries with one server. Despite the relatively small server fleet, ZoogVPN has dedicated servers for peer-to-peer file sharing (torrenting), as well as servers for gaming and for streaming. ZoogVPN also offers access to obfuscated servers designed to crack the toughest blockades. This service, known as ZoogShadowing, provides customers with Manual IPs that work in China, the UAE, Iran, Qatar, and similarly restrictive countries.

ZoogVPN has a few options for Linux users. There are versions for Manjaro, Mint, Ubuntu, Debian, Mageia 8, and MX. The VPN runs on either the OpenVPN protocol or on IKEv2. You can find instructions on how to set up the VPN on the ZoogVPN website by going to the Help Center and searching for "Linux." Alternatively, you can scroll to the bottom of the homepage, select "VPN for Linux," and then select the "Setup VPN Now" button with the Linux icon. Unfortunately, there is no GUI for the Linux version.