Best Linux Distributions Compatible VPNs In 2024

In the last few years, Linux’s popularity has grown exponentially, especially in the eyes of privacy-conscious people and professionals interested in customization and operating systems with a strong emphasis on security.

Linux would be an excellent choice for those users who need complete control over the OS and are not willing to be limited by choices that mainstream OS manufacturers like Windows or macOS insist on. But even if one benefits from the intrinsic security of using Linux, one can still be exposed to other ISP tracking, government surveillance, or all other forms of cyber threats. Value for VPNs lies there.

Online activities with Linux are protected by a virtual private network. Suppose you browse the internet, try to access geo-restricted content or make sensitive transactions. All this will be encrypted, and your IP address won’t appear since all your traffic goes through the VPN.

Also, it allows access to bypass censorship and restrictions applied in certain regions, so Linux will gain an additional layer of freedom and security. This article aims to lead you through the best Linux distributions compatible VPNs, so you may well choose the right one according to your needs, whether using Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or even more advanced distros like Arch Linux.

Why Linux Users Need VPNs?

Just like any other type of operating system, Linux users could benefit a lot if they use a virtual private network. The open-source and customizability feature of Linux appeals a lot to users who value their privacy, which means there is great demand for VPNs. Here are three major reasons why Linux users need to use virtual private network services.

Enhanced Security

The principal motive for the Linux user to opt for a virtual private network is to maintain security against internet hackers. This safety is even more important for internet access via public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks like in a coffee shop or an airport, have been reported to be particularly insecure. So hackers can easily intercept your traffic. 

It encrypts all data moving out from a user’s device, making it much more difficult for someone to snoop or steal sensitive information such as passwords, financial details or personal data.

• Encryption: The protocol mostly used, like OpenVPN or WireGuard, is ready in most Linux distros. They provide strong encryption, usually AES-256, so even if the data is intercepted, it will remain unreadable.
• Protection against Hackers: Once the VPN is activated, all internet traffic is transmitted over a secure tunnel; it’s thus relatively impossible for hackers to execute the attacks of Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) or packet sniffing attacks, commonly practiced in an unsecured network.

Geo-Blocked Content

A more important reason why Linux users require virtual private networks is related to geo-blocked content. Geo-blocked content refers to access-restricted content by a particular region or geographical location. A user who needs to find and eventually view such content will have to deploy a virtual private network. Some of the examples of users who require geo-blocked content are:

• Stream Content: Depending on the location of the viewer, different streaming services have different content libraries. For example, Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The user with a VPN can connect to a different country and access its contents.
• Access Blocked Websites in Other Countries: Some websites, like news sites or social media providers, are not accessible in certain countries. It allows users to bypass such blocks by accessing servers hosted in areas where the content is not blocked.

Privacy and Anonymity

Linux users, who tend to care about privacy more because open-source software is privacy-sensitive, also care about online anonymity. In some ways, virtual private networks protect privacy and anonymity, namely.

• ISP Tracking: Without VPN, ISPs can trace what you do, for how long, which sites are visited, and during how much time. Since it encrypts the traffic and hides your IP address, it becomes nearly impossible for ISPs to trace what you do or throttle bandwidths for streaming or torrenting activities.
• Government Surveillance: In other countries, governments monitor internet usage as part of their mass surveillance programs but via VPNs, users’ traffic goes through servers in jurisdictions that are less inclined to keep an eye on these activities.

Popular Linux Distributions

With so many Linux distributions catering to the different needs of users, everyone who is seeking friendliness, stability, advanced features or security will be able to find a Linux distribution that suits their needs. Here is an in-depth analysis of the most popular Linux distributions and why they are good with virtual private network services.

Ubuntu: Widely Supported by Providers

Perhaps it is the most widely used Linux distribution. Ubuntu is loved for its friendly interface and a very strong community. It is also the default choice of many new users looking to get an easy-to-use and software compatible enough for most purposes.

• User-friendly: The GNOME environment that Ubuntu offers is one of the most familiar looking and feels desktops, even for users who are changing their PCs from Windows or macOS.
• VPN Compatibility: Many providers offer native apps or at least have simple and easy installation guides specifically designed for Ubuntu. For example, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark give a complete guide to setting up on Ubuntu.

Best For: For absolute beginners, aside from Linux newcomers, anyone really would enjoy the stability and ease of this distribution.

Debian: Known for Stability and Open-Source Focus

Debian is the base of many others like Ubuntu, with its reputation on reliability, security, and a commitment to open-source, which makes it apt for desktop and server use.

• Stability: This distribution cares more for stable releases, meaning all packages and features are tested before release.
• VPN Compatibility: A VPN is well supported in Debian, though it has fewer VPN native apps natively installed than Ubuntu; native support exists for OpenVPN, WireGuard and other open-source VPN tools that allow a user to manually configure a virtual private network.

Best for: Those who need stability, enjoy open-source software and require a versatile, trustable operating system.

Fedora: Supports Cutting-Edge Technologies

Fedora is known to accommodate the latest technologies. It is often preferred by developers and tech enthusiasts due to its in-depth involvement with the most recent feature from the open-source world under the sponsorship of Red Hat.

• Developer-Friendly: Fedora is used by developers in general, owing to the close integration of tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and many integrated development environments. Lately, it has updated itself to include new features in Linux.
• VPN Support: Fedora provides a manual installation of OpenVPN and Wireguard and permits the installation of VPN services at the terminal or through GUI tools. The following VPNs, PIA and NordVPN, are already supported by Fedora.

Ideal For: Developers and tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and technologies.

Arch Linux: Ideal for Advanced Users Who Prefer Customization

Arch Linux is rather famous for its flexibility and “rolling release” model. Wherein instead of periodic major releases, packages are updated continuously. Basically, this distribution is ideal for advanced users who want full control over their system.

• Tailorability: Arch is quite customizable. It can be built from scratch. It is thus suitable for users who want to tend to every detail of their OS for their unique needs.
• Compatibility with VPN: The OpenVPN or WireGuard can easily be installed in Arch with help from Pacman, which is used as a package manager in Arch. Apart from this, there are lots of VPN client packages under the umbrella of community-maintained AURs.

Best for: Advanced users who would like to have full control over their Linux systems and do not mind manual configurations.

CentOS: Popular for Enterprise Use

It is developed from Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a community project. CentOS is highly deployed in the server environment because it’s reliable, maintained up to the long term and compatible with enterprise-grade applications.

• Enterprise-Grade Stability: CentOS is highly favored by businesses because of its security and stability in enterprise applications, such as web hosting, databases and cloud services.
• VPN Compatibility: It supports several providers, primarily through manual setup, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2. Because it’s more enterprise-focused, CentOS users typically use enterprise VPN solutions for safe remote work.

Suitable For: Organizations and users who require a robust and secure OS for servers.

Kali Linux: Security-Focused Distribution for Penetration Testing

Kali Linux is designed specifically for professional cybersecurity users and ethical hackers. They will pre-load Kali with a selection of tools that are meant for penetration testing, security auditing, and digital forensics.

• Security-Driven: Kali is the top penetration testing and ethical hacking distribution for security professionals. It offers several tools to try out network security testing, such as Wireshark, Metasploit and Nmap.
• Compatibility with VPN: Because Kali operates from a security-driving perspective, it supports secure VPN setups such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. Activating a VPN on Kali is a wonderful way of ensuring that when performing the penetration test.

Ideal For: This is perfect for security professionals, penetration testers, or anyone working in cybersecurity.

Criteria For Choosing Best VPNs For Linux

While choosing good Linux distributions compatible VPNs, you should check up on a number of important points so that compatibility, ease of use, and security are assured. As the vast majority of Linux users look beyond standard virtual private network services to the best ones available with specific OS support, it is important to consider the following:

Native Linux Support

Look for native Linux apps. Native support makes the installation and management process smoother, thus making it much easier for a user. Some VPNs do offer native command-line interface (CLI) apps for Linux. 

Examples of these are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Server selection and connection management as well as security settings may be considered among their functionalities.

Why It Matters?

While some virtual private networks may support Linux, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is easy for anyone to install them on the operating system. Many of the top-rated providers have dedicated apps that make a big difference when you’re getting started and working your way through your VPN.

Protocols Supported

Amongst so many differences, VPN protocols are important to performance and security in handling a transaction. Linux users use most of the protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

• OpenVPN: This protocol has been recognized for its balance between security and speed. Most Linux VPN configurations, whether manual or automated, usually rely on this protocol.
• WireGuard: A very recent, relatively lightweight protocol with even higher speeds and easier setup. It became popular really quickly because it is easy and efficient so lots of VPNs started to use this as default.
• IKEv2: Pretty much used for mobile applications and most distributions of Linux support this protocol.

Why Does It Matter?

This gives options as far as the protocol is concerned, allowing for focusing on either speed or security based on what the given needs are. For example, WireGuard may become your go-to for streaming, but you need the best security​ to provide with OpenVPN.

Ease of Installation

Configuring the best VPNs for Linux is easy or hard, depending on whether the provider offers useful setup guides or a native GUI client with which to set up the server.

• Easy Configuration: All these providers, such as ExpressVPN and Surfshark, provide step-by-step guides that should likely make it possible for any user to get started with a VPN, even in the absence of a native app.
• GUI Clients: Some VPNs offer Linux GUIs, but most users still use CLI-based applications or rely on manual configuration guidelines. Users migrating from other operating systems can find it cozy to work in a familiar interface because of GUI-based VPN options.

Why Does It Matter?

Easy installation saves you time and avoids the VPN hassle of a complicated setup. If command-line interfaces make your skin crawl, pay attention to which providers offer extensive instructions or GUI clients.

Server Locations

The number and diversity of server locations are necessary for the performance and access of geo-restricted content. Large global networks will allow connections to different regions, making servers speedful, lowering latency in particular, and unlocking content from other countries.

• Wide Server Range: A broad server network ensures that regardless of what the user wants to stream, game or access websites blocked in their country, they will find a fast and geographically suitable server.

Why Does it Matter?

The more dispersed the server locations, the quicker a VPN is likely to be, especially if you need access to servers located in specific countries to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Hulu.

Security Features

Linux users are always concerned about their privacy and security. Thus, the VPN should possess many features, such as kill switches, DNS leak protection, and a no-log policy.

• Kill Switch: It kills your internet if the VPN connection suddenly drops without you noticing which ensures you do not leak information.
• DNS Leak Protection: It prevents your DNS requests from leaking out and your ISP will trace what you are doing on the Internet.
• No-Logs Policy: The VPN service should keep no record of your activities. These no-log policies, which are supported by independent audits, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN, make sure that nothing flows out even while you are browsing through a VPN. That safeguards your privacy and prevents any data leak.

Why Does It Matter? 

Without these features, your data could be exposed even while using a VPN. These tools protect your privacy and prevent data leaks.

Performance

It may not be of particular relevance to you, but it is a great consideration to try the VPN on your Linux if you are going to use it for streaming, gaming or P2P. Since a VPN is encrypted, your internet connection would sometimes slow down. However, services differ in their optimized performance.

• Speed: Providers such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN always keep up a high speed when linking up to very distant servers through advanced protocols like NordVPN’s WireGuard-based NordLynx.
• Latency and Reliability: When you want to play a game, video conference, and so on, you need the minimum latency possible. The higher the latency of a VPN, the smoother connectivity it ruins and, of course, where lag comes in.

Why Does It Matter?

Performance issues can manifest either in the form of slow speeds or latency and if such an activity is bandwidth-intensive, such as streaming or online gaming, it could potentially destroy the experience altogether.

Best Linux Distributions Compatible VPNs

Choosing the right Linux distributions compatible VPNs matters a lot in ensuring privacy, security, and ease of use. With this, here are some of the best VPNs for Linux, basing compatibility, security features and user-friendliness in their ranking.

ExpressVPN

Among the other VPNs supported in almost all Linux distributions, ExpressVPN comes with a CLI-based app that is simple to install and configure. It is suitable for both experienced and beginner users of Linux.

• CLI-Based App: With a CLI app, it is easy for users to install and thus manage the VPN from the terminal, hence the simplification.
• Security Protocols: AES-256 encryption is used and it supports OpenVPN and Lightway. Its main feature includes a kill switch that will ensure your privacy.
• Privacy Features: No logging is tolerated under its strict no-logs policy. This means no user data is being stored and it also works from the British Virgin Islands, which is out of reach of surveillance alliances like Five Eyes.

Best for: Users who are looking for a VPN that works reliably, quickly and securely on most Linux distributions.

NordVPN

NordVPN is the other choice that is considered the best for Linux users; it natively supports Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora. It offers CLI-based applications and easy access to all kinds of advanced features, so it can be done for those who wish to have a fair balance between ease of use and high-end security.

• Advanced Security: NordVPN’s CyberSec blocks malware, ads, and phishing attempts, and with its Kill Switch, your internet connection is protected, even in the unlikely event that the VPN disconnects.
• Protocols Supported: NordLynx is a new NordVPN protocol built on WireGuard with the aim of achieving the highest possible speeds and security, along with OpenVPN, of course.
• Privacy: It has a very strict no-logs policy and also has independent audits that prove that the company keeps no logs, thereby leading to it being a very trustable VPN solution for those who are serious about the security of their data on a Linux operating system.

Ideal For: Privacy-sensitive users who also require great performance and advanced security features.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access is known for its reputation among Linux users as being confidentiality-oriented and configurable to an extreme. It supports native platforms such as Ubuntu, Debian, Arch and Fedora.

• Protocols: PIA supports OpenVPN as well as WireGuard. This allows its subscribers to choose between speed and security.
• No Logs Policy: PIA maintains some of the strongest no-logs policies within the industry, meaning it retains no data on user browsing or information.
• Tweakability: There are several levels of encryption a user can customize. This flexibility might especially prove useful for Linux users who require certain configurations for optimal performance or heightened security.

Good To Use For: Users with powerful privacy requirements who need customization​

Surfshark

Surfshark is an affordable provider that delivers great features without losing anything. Surfshark is the best VPN for Linux as it supports easy setup on all major distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora.

• Unlimited devices: Surfshark allows unlimited device connections from one account, which will be a great advantage for users who have plenty of devices.
• Security Features: It uses AES-256 encryption, supports the WireGuard protocol, and incorporates the kill switch for extra safety.
• Price: Surfshark offers one of the lowest prices on the market, making it a solution available for anyone on a budget.

Best For: Budget-conscious users who want a good VPN with strong privacy features.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is strong on its privacy emphasis and open-source ethos. It supports Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian, Fedora, etc. In addition to CLI app integration with the Linux environment.

• Open-Source: It is an open-source VPN application that has been dedicated a lot to the commitment of open-source development. Its code is present in the public domain to verify its security practices.
• Core Secure Servers: ProtonVPN routes user traffic through core secure servers located in privacy-friendly countries, adding an extra layer of defense against network attacks.
• Robust Encryption: ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption while providing support with OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Best For: The users who are preferably interested in open-source software and demand more security features.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost supports CLI and GUI for Linux, so you can use the application if you like graphic interfaces. It is very well suited for torrenting and streaming with servers that are quite well-optimized for these purposes.

• Streaming Friendly: CyberGhost provides well-optimized servers for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
• Easy Setup: The VPN provides GUI apps that you can use for Ubuntu and Fedora and that support a visual configuration process for such users who want to use it visually.
• Privacy: CyberGhost has a no-logs policy. It doesn’t monitor and save users’ activities.

Best For: Users who require CLI and GUI support, especially those who stream and torrent.

How Do You Install VPNs On Different Linux Distributions?

The installation of Linux distributions compatible VPNs depends on your Linux distribution and whether the provider supports native deployment. Below are the step-by-step instructions for VPN installation on a number of Linux distributions, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.

NordVPN Installation on Ubuntu

• Open Terminal: Use the Ctrl + Alt + T shortcut to open the terminal.
• Download NordVPN Repository:

• Install the Package:

sudo apt install ./nordvpn_3.10.0_amd64.deb

• Log in to NordVPN:

sudo nordvpn login

• Connect to a Server: You can now connect to a server with:

sudo nordvpn connect

NordVPN automatically connects to the best available server, but you can specify a country:

sudo nordvpn connect us

ExpressVPN Installation on Ubuntu

• Download the ExpressVPN Package: Visit the ExpressVPN Linux page and download the Ubuntu .deb package.
• Install the Package: Navigate to the directory where the package was downloaded and run:

sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_latest_amd64.deb

• Activate ExpressVPN: After installation, activate ExpressVPN with your activation code:

expressvpn activate

• Connect to a Server: You can connect to a server with the following command:

expressvpn connect

Alternatively, specify a location:

expressvpn connect us

Tips: Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN support additional commands like disconnecting, setting a kill switch and customizing preferences via the terminal.

Manual OpenVPN Setup on Debian

• Install OpenVPN: First, make sure that OpenVPN is installed on your Debian system:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install openvpn

• Download OpenVPN Configuration Files: Visit your provider’s website to download the necessary .ovpn configuration files. You can either download them directly through a browser or use wget in the terminal:

• Connect to the VPN: Open the terminal and navigate to the directory containing the .ovpn files. Run the following command to connect to the VPN:

sudo openvpn –config server-config.ovpn

• Enter Your Credentials: You will be prompted to enter your VPN username and password provided by your VPN service.
• Verify the Connection: To verify that you are connected to the VPN, you can use the command:

curl ifconfig.me

This will display your new IP address, confirming that the VPN is active.

Tips: Save your login credentials to streamline future connections, and consider creating a service to auto-start OpenVPN on boot for persistent protection.

Using WireGuard on Fedora: Detailed Configuration Guide

• Install WireGuard: Fedora 32 and above support WireGuard natively, so you can install it using the following command:

sudo dnf install wireguard-tools

• Generate Private and Public Keys: WireGuard requires a pair of keys for secure connections. You can generate them using:

wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey

Make sure to keep the private key secure.

• Obtain Configuration File: Most VPN providers that support WireGuard will give you a configuration file. You can manually create your own /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf file:

[Interface]

PrivateKey = your_private_key

Address = your_vpn_ip_address

DNS = your_dns_server

[Peer]

PublicKey = your_provider_public_key

Endpoint = vpn_server:port

AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0, ::/0

PersistentKeepalive = 25

• Activate WireGuard: Use the following command to bring the WireGuard interface up:

sudo wg-quick up wg0

• Verify the VPN Connection: Check the status of WireGuard and verify the connection:

sudo wg

curl ifconfig.me

Tips: WireGuard offers great speed and performance on Fedora, especially for tasks like streaming and gaming.

Arch Linux VPN Setup: Using NetworkManager

• Install NetworkManager and OpenVPN: Arch Linux users can use NetworkManager for GUI-based VPN setups. First, ensure both NetworkManager and OpenVPN are installed:

sudo pacman -S networkmanager networkmanager-openvpn

• Enable NetworkManager: Start and enable NetworkManager to allow VPN connections:

sudo systemctl start NetworkManager

sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager

• Download VPN Configuration Files: Download the OpenVPN configuration files provided by your VPN service and import them into NetworkManager:

Open the Network Manager GUI. Navigate to VPN Connections > Add a VPN. Select Import a saved VPN configuration and browse to the downloaded .ovpn file.

• Enter VPN Credentials: You will be prompted to enter your username and password for the VPN service. Save the configuration for easy reconnection later.
• Connect to the VPN: You can now connect to the VPN through the NetworkManager GUI. Simply select the VPN connection from your network menu and click “Connect.”

Tips: NetworkManager provides a graphical, user-friendly method of managing VPNs, making it a great option for Arch Linux users who prefer GUI tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The best VPNs for Linux depend on your needs. You may want high speed and security or ease of installation; no matter the need, you are sure to find an ideal provider for your distribution. For those who want high-performance security, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are ideal. ProtonVPN and Surfshark deliver effective privacy features at lower prices than usual.

Ultimately, try the VPNs in this list in action to see how they fit into your daily needs—to bypass geo-blocks, secure your online activities or simply keep your privacy intact—can only be done on an individual basis. A good virtual private network service can make the most of your Linux system while providing maximum protection and maximum performance.