Best VPN for Ubuntu: Fast, Safe & Private Guide

Find the best VPN for Ubuntu with native .deb packages, CLI tools, and full WireGuard support. We compare install methods, protocols and features for Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04.

··8 min read
Top VPNs for Ubuntu
#1NordVPN7,130 servers
#2ExpressVPN3,000+ servers
#3Surfshark4,500+ servers
#4ProtonVPN20,000+ servers
See our methodology

Bottom Line: Finding a VPN for Ubuntu takes more effort than for Windows or macOS. Several providers offer dedicated Linux apps with strong security, reliable speeds, and straightforward setup for Ubuntu desktops.

Ubuntu users face unique challenges when choosing a VPN. Most providers build polished apps for Windows and macOS first. Linux support often arrives later with fewer features. Ubuntu compounds this because its package management, desktop environment, and security framework differ from other distributions.

This guide focuses on what makes Ubuntu different: snap and apt installation methods, GNOME and KDE integration, AppArmor compatibility, and CLI-only options. If you run Ubuntu as your daily driver, these details matter more than generic feature lists.

Why Ubuntu Users Need a VPN

Using a VPN on Ubuntu protects your connection in ways the OS alone cannot. Here are the core reasons:

  • Privacy Protection: A VPN encrypts all traffic leaving your machine. ISPs, network administrators, and third parties cannot monitor your browsing activity. Ubuntu’s built-in firewall (UFW) blocks inbound threats, but it does nothing to hide outbound traffic from your ISP.

  • Access to Geo-Restricted Content: Streaming platforms restrict libraries by region. A VPN routes your connection through a server in another country, accessing content unavailable at your location. Ubuntu users can stream on Firefox or Chromium through a VPN tunnel without extra configuration.

  • Secure Public Wi-Fi: Open networks at cafes, airports, and hotels expose your data to packet sniffing. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that prevents attackers from intercepting credentials or session cookies.

  • Anonymity: A VPN masks your real IP address. This reduces targeted advertising and limits surveillance. Ubuntu users running Tor alongside a VPN gain an additional privacy layer.

Ubuntu-Specific Installation Methods

This section covers the technical details Ubuntu users actually search for. Windows VPN guides do not apply here.

Installing via Snap Package

Several VPN providers distribute their Linux clients as snap packages. Snap handles dependencies automatically and sandboxes the application. To install a VPN snap, open a terminal and run:

sudo snap install provider-name

Snap packages update automatically in the background. They work on Ubuntu 18.04 and later without adding external repositories. ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN both offer snap-compatible packages.

Installing via APT Repository

NordVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost provide .deb packages or dedicated APT repositories. This method integrates with Ubuntu’s native package manager. A typical installation looks like this:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ./provider-name.deb

Adding the provider’s GPG key and repository ensures you receive future updates through apt upgrade. This approach gives you more control over versioning than snap.

Manual OpenVPN or WireGuard Configuration

Some providers do not offer a native Ubuntu app. In these cases, you configure OpenVPN or WireGuard manually. Ubuntu includes OpenVPN in its default repositories:

sudo apt install openvpn
sudo openvpn --config provider-config.ovpn

WireGuard offers faster speeds and lower overhead. Ubuntu 20.04+ includes WireGuard in the kernel. Manual configuration requires downloading .conf files from your provider’s dashboard.

GUI vs. CLI Setup

PIA and CyberGhost provide full graphical interfaces on Ubuntu. NordVPN uses a CLI tool with a tray indicator. ExpressVPN runs entirely from the command line.

If you use GNOME (Ubuntu’s default desktop), the Network Manager VPN plugin lets you import OpenVPN or WireGuard configs directly into Settings > Network. KDE Plasma users can do the same through the Plasma Network Manager widget.

AppArmor Compatibility

Ubuntu ships with AppArmor enabled by default. Some VPN clients require AppArmor profile adjustments to function properly. If your VPN fails to connect after installation, check dmesg for AppArmor denials. Most major providers ship compatible profiles, but manual OpenVPN setups may need a custom AppArmor exception.

VPN Services That Work Best on Ubuntu

ExpressVPN Delivers Consistent Speeds on Ubuntu

ExpressVPN provides a command-line client for Ubuntu 20.04 and later. It supports the Lightway protocol, which reduces connection times to under 2 seconds in most cases.

Key Features:

  • AES-256 encryption with a network lock (kill switch) that blocks all traffic if the VPN drops
  • 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
  • No-logs controls assured by KPMG (2025); security audited by Cure53

Ubuntu Installation: Download the .deb package from the official site. Install with sudo apt install ./expressvpn.deb. Activate with expressvpn activate and your license key.

Limitation: No GUI on Ubuntu. All controls run through the terminal. Power users will not mind. Newcomers may prefer a graphical client.

Best For: Users who want fast, audited security and do not mind CLI-only operation.

NordVPN Offers Advanced Security on Ubuntu

NordVPN ships a dedicated Linux app with CLI controls and a system tray indicator for GNOME. It supports NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol that delivers strong speeds with modern encryption.

Key Features:

  • AES-256 encryption, Double VPN (routes traffic through two servers), and Onion over VPN
  • 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
  • Threat Protection Lite blocks ads and malicious domains at the DNS level

Ubuntu Installation: Add NordVPN’s APT repository and GPG key. Install with sudo apt install nordvpn. Log in with nordvpn login and connect with nordvpn connect.

Performance: Double VPN routes traffic through two servers, so expect lower speeds than a standard NordLynx connection.

Best For: Users who want layered security features and a large server network.

CyberGhost Simplifies Streaming on Ubuntu

CyberGhost provides a CLI app for Ubuntu with dedicated streaming-optimized servers. These servers target specific platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

Key Features:

  • AES-256 encryption, automatic kill switch, and zero-logs policy
  • 11,500+ servers in 100 countries (the largest network on this list)
  • Streaming-optimized server profiles labeled by platform

Ubuntu Installation: Download the .deb installer from CyberGhost’s Linux page. Run sudo apt install ./cyberghost.deb. Connect with cyberghostvpn --connect --streaming.

Best For: Users who prioritize streaming access and want the largest server selection.

Private Internet Access (PIA) Provides a Full GUI on Ubuntu

PIA stands out because it offers a complete graphical interface on Ubuntu. No terminal commands required after initial installation.

Key Features:

  • AES-256 encryption with configurable encryption levels (128-bit option for faster speeds)
  • 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
  • Open-source client code published on GitHub for independent review

Ubuntu Installation: Download the installer script from PIA’s website. Run sudo bash pia-linux-installer.sh. The GUI launches from the application menu.

Performance: WireGuard is the faster of PIA’s two main protocols. Its AES-128 option trades some encryption strength for speed.

Best For: New Ubuntu users who want a graphical interface without touching the terminal.

ProtonVPN Prioritizes Privacy With a Free Tier

ProtonVPN offers an open-source Linux client with both GUI and CLI options. The free plan includes servers in 3 countries with no data limits.

Key Features:

  • Free plan with unlimited data (limited to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan)
  • Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden)
  • Full open-source codebase; Proton says its apps have been independently audited

Ubuntu Installation: Available as a .deb package or through the official APT repository. Install with sudo apt install protonvpn-gnome-desktop for the GUI version. CLI users can install protonvpn-cli instead.

Performance: Free servers are shared and limited in number, and Secure Core connections add speed overhead because traffic is routed through multiple hops.

Best For: Privacy-focused users who want a free option or need open-source software.

Ubuntu VPN Comparison Table

VPNUbuntu App TypeProtocolServersKey Security FeatureBest For
ExpressVPNCLI (.deb)Lightway3,000+ in 113 countriesAudited no-logs, kill switchFast streaming and gaming
NordVPNCLI + tray (APT)NordLynx7,130 servers in 150 countriesDouble VPN, Onion over VPNAdvanced security
CyberGhostCLI (.deb)WireGuard9,600+ in 100 countriesStreaming-optimized serversStreaming access
PIAFull GUI (script)WireGuard35,000+ in 104 countriesOpen-source clientNew users wanting simplicity
ProtonVPNGUI + CLI (APT/deb)WireGuardPaid: 3,000+ in 71 countriesOpen-source, free planPrivacy-focused users

How To Choose the Right VPN for Your Ubuntu Setup

When selecting a VPN for Ubuntu, evaluate these factors based on your specific use case:

  • Installation Method: Check whether the provider offers a .deb package, snap, or APT repository. Manual OpenVPN configuration works but adds maintenance overhead. Snap packages auto-update. APT packages give you version control.

  • Desktop Environment Support: GNOME users benefit from providers with system tray integration or Network Manager plugins. KDE Plasma users should verify Plasma widget compatibility. i3 or Sway users will likely prefer CLI-only tools.

  • Encryption and Protocols: Every provider on this list supports AES-256 encryption. The protocol matters more for daily use. WireGuard and Lightway deliver faster speeds than OpenVPN. Check that your chosen provider supports WireGuard on Linux.

  • Server Coverage: More server locations means more options for bypassing geo-restrictions. PIA leads with 35,000+ servers. CyberGhost covers 100 countries. Choose based on which regions you need access to.

  • Speed Requirements: If you stream 4K content or game online, prioritize providers with a WireGuard-based protocol and a large server network. Free tiers (like ProtonVPN’s) work for browsing but struggle with high-bandwidth tasks.

  • Privacy Policy: Look for no-logs policies that providers say were independently audited. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN all say they have commissioned third-party audits. PIA’s open-source client allows community verification.

  • Customer Support: NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer 24/7 live chat. CyberGhost and PIA provide email and chat support. ProtonVPN relies on email tickets. Fast support matters when troubleshooting Ubuntu-specific issues like AppArmor conflicts or DNS leaks.

Final Verdict

Running a VPN on Ubuntu protects your privacy, accesses restricted content, and secures public network connections. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, and ProtonVPN each handle Ubuntu differently. ExpressVPN and NordVPN suit users comfortable with the terminal. PIA and ProtonVPN provide graphical interfaces. CyberGhost targets streamers with optimized server profiles.

Choose based on your priorities: speed (NordVPN, #1 of 22 in our Speed Lab), privacy (ProtonVPN’s open-source code), ease of use (PIA’s GUI), or server variety (CyberGhost’s 9,600+ servers). Install through your provider’s official .deb package or APT repository. Avoid third-party sources. A properly configured VPN turns Ubuntu into a secure, private platform for any online activity.

Info: Always download Ubuntu VPN software directly from the provider's official website, not from third-party repositories. Several providers — including NordVPN and CyberGhost — offer dedicated Ubuntu apps with GUI support, while others like ProtonVPN and PIA offer GUI clients for Ubuntu too. ExpressVPN uses a command-line client on Linux.

Resources for this page

Charts and reference images from our research, free to view and share.

  • Ubuntu VPN troubleshooting diagram showing AppArmor blocking a VPN tunnel with clues in kernel logs.
    On Ubuntu, AppArmor can block VPN behavior while the useful clue appears only in kernel logs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does using a VPN on Ubuntu differ technically from Windows or macOS?

Ubuntu VPN setup differs mainly in installation method. A snap package sandboxes the app and auto-updates without adding external repositories, an APT repository with a .deb file integrates with Ubuntu’s native package manager, or you configure OpenVPN or WireGuard manually via terminal. Ubuntu also enables AppArmor by default, which can block a VPN client lacking a compatible profile until you check dmesg for denials.

What’s the difference between installing a VPN via snap versus NordVPN’s APT repository on Ubuntu?

Snap packages sandbox the app and update automatically in the background without adding external repositories, working on Ubuntu 18.04 and later; ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN both ship snap-compatible packages. NordVPN instead uses a dedicated APT repository and GPG key, installed with sudo apt install nordvpn, giving you more granular control over versioning through apt upgrade.

What should I do if my VPN fails to connect on Ubuntu after installation?

Check dmesg for AppArmor denials first, since Ubuntu enables AppArmor by default and some clients need adjusted profiles to function. Most major providers, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, ship compatible AppArmor profiles out of the box, but manual OpenVPN or WireGuard configurations built from downloaded .conf files sometimes require a custom AppArmor exception to connect properly.

Does Ubuntu’s built-in UFW firewall protect my privacy the same way a VPN does?

No. UFW, Ubuntu’s built-in firewall, blocks inbound threats from reaching your machine but does nothing to hide your outbound browsing activity from your ISP or network administrators. A VPN encrypts all traffic leaving your device instead, which is why running one alongside UFW covers privacy that the firewall alone was never designed to address.

Can Ubuntu users access geo-restricted streaming platforms without extra configuration?

Yes, most providers route streaming through the VPN tunnel automatically once connected, letting you watch through Firefox or Chromium with no extra setup. CyberGhost specifically labels streaming-optimized server profiles for platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu on its Ubuntu CLI app, while NordVPN and ExpressVPN handle streaming through their standard connection flow instead.

Which Ubuntu-compatible VPNs offer a full graphical interface instead of command-line only?

PIA provides a complete GUI on Ubuntu with no terminal commands required after installation, launched from the application menu once you run its installer script. ProtonVPN also offers a GUI option via sudo apt install protonvpn-gnome-desktop, alongside a separate protonvpn-cli tool. ExpressVPN, by contrast, runs entirely from the command line, while NordVPN uses a CLI tool with a GNOME tray indicator.

How many devices can I run simultaneously across Ubuntu and other platforms?

It varies by provider. NordVPN and ProtonVPN both allow 10 simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN scales from 10 to 14 depending on plan tier, and Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous devices on one account. If you run Ubuntu alongside several other machines or mobile devices, Surfshark’s unlimited allowance removes the device-count math entirely.

Which VPN performs best for Ubuntu users who need fast WireGuard speeds?

NordVPN ranks #1 of 22 in our Speed Lab, aggregated from published third-party tests, using NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol installed via Ubuntu’s APT repository with sudo apt install nordvpn. Surfshark ranks #4 of 22 and also runs WireGuard natively on Ubuntu, making both strong choices if 4K streaming or large file transfers on Linux are priorities.

How do NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN compare on price for Ubuntu setups?

Surfshark is cheapest at from $2.49/month on its longest-term plan, followed by ExpressVPN from $2.99/month. NordVPN and ProtonVPN both start from $3.49/month, the highest of the four. None of these prices depend on your operating system, so Ubuntu users pay the same rate as Windows or macOS subscribers for identical CLI or GUI clients.

What refund window applies if a Linux client doesn’t work out on my Ubuntu machine?

All four providers here, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN, back their plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee regardless of which OS you install on. That gives you a full month to test .deb or APT installation, AppArmor compatibility, and WireGuard performance on your specific Ubuntu version before committing long-term.

How do I import a VPN configuration into GNOME’s Network Manager on Ubuntu?

Open Settings > Network in GNOME, Ubuntu’s default desktop, and use the Network Manager VPN plugin to import OpenVPN or WireGuard .conf files directly without touching the terminal. KDE Plasma users get the same functionality through the Plasma Network Manager widget. This method suits providers without a native Ubuntu app, where you download configs from the provider’s dashboard.

Is ProtonVPN’s free tier usable on Ubuntu, or do I need to upgrade for daily use?

ProtonVPN’s free plan works on Ubuntu through the same .deb package or APT repository as the paid tier, but it limits you to unlimited data on servers in just the US, Netherlands, and Japan. Upgrading accesses ProtonVPN’s full 15,000+ server network across 120+ countries with WireGuard and Secure Core multi-hop routing through privacy-friendly countries.

What encryption and protocol options do these Ubuntu VPN clients support?

Every provider here supports AES-256 encryption as a baseline. NordVPN adds NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol, alongside Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra hops. ExpressVPN runs Lightway, its proprietary protocol. Surfshark and ProtonVPN both use WireGuard natively on Ubuntu, with ProtonVPN also offering Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland.

Have these Ubuntu VPN providers had their no-logs policies independently audited?

All four say so. ExpressVPN commissioned KPMG assurance on its no-logs controls (2025), and Cure53 audited its security. NordVPN says its no-logs claim has been independently audited, and Cure53 audited its apps and infrastructure. ProtonVPN says its no-logs policy was audited by Securitum, and that its open-source apps, including the Linux client, were independently audited. Surfshark says its no-logs setup was audited by Deloitte. Their jurisdictions follow the same order: British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

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