Best VPNs for Ubuntu in 2024: Tried and tested

If you don't use a secure VPN for Ubuntu, third parties can monitor your online activities and communications data. Protect yourself online with the best VPNs for Ubuntu.

Want to encrypt the internet traffic leaving your Linux Ubuntu computer? Although Linux machines are ‌more resistant to hacking, it's important to note that local network administrators, ISPs, and government agencies can still monitor your internet traffic. Unless you use a secure VPN for Ubuntu, third parties can monitor your online activities and communications data.

Many VPNs don't support Ubuntu, so pick carefully. In this guide, we have recommended VPNs with either a full GUI VPN app for Ubuntu or a decent command line app. This makes using the VPN easy and means you don’t have to rely on a third-party VPN client to connect.

The best VPNs for Ubuntu can be installed with just a few commands, granting you complete access to their extensive VPN network. You can get robust privacy levels and excellent accessibility, no matter where you are. 

Our top recommendations boast advanced features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, MultiHop functionality, and obfuscation – directly within their Ubuntu VPN apps. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about VPNs for Ubuntu.

Below, you'll find a quick overview of the most secure Ubuntu VPNs. Each of our recommendations has a strict no-logs policy and offers a range of dependable VPN protocols to choose from. 

Our favorite VPNs for Ubuntu have GUI apps, which makes it easy to access all the VPNs’ features and server locations without typing in commands each time you connect. This saves time, makes you more secure, and is better value for money.

If you want specific features like port forwarding (particularly useful for torrenting on Linux) or simply want to know more about each VPN, scroll down. The in-depth summaries later in this guide explain everything required to pick the right Ubuntu VPN for your needs.

The best VPNs for Ubuntu:

1. Surfshark: The best VPN for Ubuntu. Surfshark has a full GUI app for Linux that is easy to use, fast, and reliable. Provides a kill switch, split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation. Allows unlimited connections with a single account. Works with Netflix and other popular platforms. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ProtonVPN: A highly advanced VPN with a full GUI app for Ubuntu. Provides a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, port forwarding, DNS leak protection, Secure Core servers, and MultiHop connections. No logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: It has a GUI extension for Chrome and Firefox that lets you control the main VPN client. Comes with a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and native obfuscation for OpenVPN.
4. NordVPN: Has a command line Ubuntu app with native ad blocking, malware filtering, servers in 60+ countries, a kill switch, double VPN, and obfuscation. Fast NordLynx protocol and OpenVPN. Works with streaming services like Netflix US. 
5. AtlasVPN: A decent VPN for streaming on Ubuntu. Not as advanced as some of our other recommendations, but offers a cheap plan that works to access tons of international streaming services. No logs, strong encryption, and built-in ad blocking. 

Summary Table

Choosing a dependable VPN can be a headache if you are new to VPNs, or don't know how to tell their features apart. Many VPNs exaggerate the level of service they provide, falsely claiming to be the fastest or most secure. This makes picking a decent VPN for Ubuntu even harder. 

Many VPNs currently advertised online have issues such as DNS leaks, weak or badly implemented encryption, or other vulnerabilities that make the VPN unfit for privacy and security purposes. 

In this guide, we have done the hard work for you, by picking through a long list of market-leading VPNs in search of providers that offer reliable features and security for Linux users. Below, you can see some of the criteria we use to make our picks:

• Works on Linux Ubuntu, preferably with a GUI app
• Fast speeds for streaming
• Global server network
• Allows torrenting
• No logging policy
• Works with popular platforms like Netflix US
• Strong encryption protects against tracking
• Protects you against hackers on public WiFi
• Value for money and an excellent feature set

Best Ubuntu VPNs: Detailed reviews

In the following section, you'll find detailed overviews of features available with the best Ubuntu VPNs. While all our suggestions prioritize maximum security, each VPN has its distinct advantages. Our summaries highlight the specific attributes of each Linux VPN and explain which features set each provider apart.

Surfshark has been around since 2018 and offers a versatile and reliable service at an extremely competitive price point. Best of all? It has a full GUI app for Ubuntu users!

Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a great place for a privacy service. It has a solid no-logging policy and runs on a network of diskless servers that can be instantly erased in an emergency. It has had a third-party audit of its apps, which means you can trust its privacy and security claims.

Apps are available for Ubuntu, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Firesticks. You can set it up on VPN-compatible routers. The Ubuntu app is similar to its Windows and Mac counterpart, offering strong encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, and a choice of protocols – including OpenVPN and super-fast WireGuard.

The VPN offers excellent value for money, not only because it starts at just $2.40 per month – but because you can also install and use it on an unlimited number of devices. You can use it at home, at work, on public WiFi – and share your account with friends and family.

A split tunneling feature lets you direct some traffic through the VPN while using your regular IP address for other tasks. Surfshark has servers in 100+ countries, so you can get an IP address in a huge number of different locations. It can access streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many others.

Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, and you can get help with setting up and using the VPN thanks to its 24/7 live chat support. You can test it risk-free, and compare it to any other VPN that interests you, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST VPN FOR UBUNTU: Surfshark offers strong encryption, a system-level kill switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, diskless servers, and a fully audited no-logs policy. Fast WireGuard connections make it great for torrenting or streaming on your Ubuntu computer. Unlimited connections. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it yourself. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

Proton VPN is perfect if you’re looking for a highly reliable VPN that has impeccable provenance. The service was developed in Switzerland by the team behind ProtonMail, a private email service that was previously endorsed by Edward Snowden. It has a solid no-logging policy, so it never retains any records of what its users do while connected. 

Being based in Switzerland means the VPN is protected by strong privacy laws. The apps are open source, and Proton has undergone a full third-party audit of its service. This means you don’t have to take any of its privacy or security claims on faith alone.

The VPN has highly-advanced apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and various Linux distros, including Ubuntu. The Ubuntu app has a full GUI, making it super simple to switch servers and use all the VPN's premium privacy and security features. 

This includes a choice of protocols, strong encryption, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, ad blocking, malware filtering, split tunneling, and port forwarding. Its secure core servers are self-owned, but not diskless like the two VPNs above.

Proton VPN has servers in 69+ countries and is great for bypassing censorship and region blocks. You can connect using the WireGuard protocol, which is fast enough for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. Proton allows port forwarding, which allows you to more efficiently seed torrents.

In our tests, Proton VPN worked to access Netflix US and various other streaming platforms. It isn't as good for accessing streams as our top choice, so test it with your subscriptions by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you are looking for a free VPN, Proton lets you connect to three server locations without paying a dime. Although the free plan provides all of the privacy features you get with a paid account, it does not include the port forwarding feature and will not access streaming services.

HIGHLY ADVANCED: Proton VPN has a free plan that works on Linux machines. Apps come with strong encryption, a kill switch, MultiHop, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. Port forwarding is available on the paid plan only. Excellent choice for torrenting. Works to watch Netflix US with the paid plan only. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

ExpressVPN makes our list despite lacking a full GUI client for Ubuntu. The VPN has a command-line for Linux, giving you secure access to server locations in 94+ countries. This makes it easy to connect using simple commands.

You can also use the command line app to change the protocol from OpenVPN (which has obfuscation by default) to Lightway – a proprietary protocol designed to give you faster speeds. Plus, you can enable a kill switch from your terminal.

If typing in commands to connect to the VPN is too much trouble, Express has you covered! Its browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide a convenient GUI that remotely manages the ExpressVPN daemon from your browser, even on Ubuntu.

When you use the browser extension, it connects using the protocol you chose in your terminal. It also benefits from the kill switch if you previously enabled it in your terminal.

A no-logs policy means ExpressVPN never tracks what you do online. VPN servers run on diskless hardware. It underwent a full third-party audit of its apps and infrastructure, so you can trust Express’ privacy and security claims.

ExpressVPN works with around 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and tons of other popular services. It allows torrenting throughout its network. You can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Get help with setting it up and using it on Ubuntu with ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat.

FANTASTIC ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is secure and works to stream Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, Sling TV, FOX, NBC, ABC, iPlayer, and many other popular platforms. Zero-logs policy. Obfuscation for OpenVPN. Requires some manual setup, but you can switch servers using the GUI app for Firefox or Chrome. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

NordVPN is superb when it comes to a VPN for Ubuntu. The VPN is based in Panama, which puts it well out of reach of invasive jurisdictions like the US, the UK, and the EU. The VPN adheres to a rock-solid no-logging policy that promises never to retain any records of your home IP, the servers you connect to, or any of your online activity.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and various Linux distros – including Ubuntu. The Linux app doesn't have a GUI interface. However, the VPN has excellent guides for its command-line app. The Ubuntu CLI app lets you connect to obfuscated servers, turn on the kill switch, and use the double VPN feature. The split tunneling feature is available for Windows, Android, and Android TV only.

A choice of protocols, including OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, are available. This ensures you will get top levels of privacy whether you are at home, working remotely, using public WiFi, or using the internet at work. If you want faster speeds, you can use its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is a super-speedy WireGuard fork specifically designed to give you better performance for streaming in HD, playing games, and downloading torrents.

It throws in a free Smart DNS service for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps. Tor over VPN servers let you access the Dark web while concealing your home IP from the entry node.

NordVPN works with popular international streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, ESPN Plus, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. Live chat support is available 24/7 and you can try the VPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

SUPER SECURE UBUNTU VPN: NordVPN offers robust encryption, a choice of protocols, and a wealth of advanced privacy and security features in its VPN for Ubuntu. Keeps your data safe at home and on public WiFi. Works to stream, torrent, and for gaming. Bypasses VoIP blocks in countries like the UAE and China. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

CyberGhost is a fantastic choice if you want a cheap VPN for Ubuntu that makes it easy to see which servers are best for streaming. The apps carefully list streaming services categorized by region and service. This makes it ideal to watch your favorite streaming platforms on vacation, no matter where you're from or what streaming service you are looking for. You'll be able to access geo-restricted content via a wide range of locations. 

The VPN operates more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. The WireGuard protocol makes it a fantastic option for streaming in HD, gaming, and downloading torrents. It's also one of the best VPNs for gaming, even if you're connecting via public Wi-Fi networks. 

The apps are simple to use, but lack some features available in our other recommendations. It has strong AES encryption for OpenVPN, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, ad blocking, and malware filtering. However, you won't find split tunneling, port forwarding, obfuscated servers, MultiHop, Tor over VPN, or other advanced features.

The cheap cost of a subscription offsets its basic feature set, so depending on your personal needs, this VPN may suit you. Also, despite being good for beginners, it still has a no-logs policy and all the features needed for online privacy and security, whether you're at home, at work, or using public WiFi. 

You can use CyberGhost to stream around a dozen different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and many others. It has live chat support and a hugely generous 45-day money-back guarantee. You can test its command-line app on your Ubuntu machine risk-free.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost VPN is cheap considering the number of servers and its ability to access popular streaming services. Has a CLI app for Ubuntu. Works with Netflix US and many other popular streaming services. Fast WireGuard protocol is great for gaming and torrenting. Lacks some advanced features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

AtlasVPN recently began supporting Ubuntu via a command line app. This makes it relatively easy to set up and use the VPN, but you don’t get access to a GUI application. You will need to type in commands to switch servers on your Ubuntu machine. AtlasVPN only supports Ubuntu, so if you are using an alternate Linux distro, you will need to shop elsewhere.

You can set up secure WireGuard connections to servers in 44+ countries, and you can connect using MultiHop or SafeSwap servers with rotating IPs. AtlasVPN for Linux does not currently offer a kill switch, so you will need to subscribe to an alternate service if you want a watertight Linux VPN that is suitable for torrenting.

Atlas is a fast and secure VPN with servers in 44+ countries. It’s a low-cost option for streaming VoD platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer while on vacation.

User-friendly apps are also available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, allowing you to use the VPN across multiple devices, whether at home, at work, or using public WiFi. You can install and use this VPN on an unlimited number of devices, which means you can share your account with friends and family.

The VPN blocks ads and malware, and it is super fast thanks to its WireGuard protocol. It has a solid no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Live chat support is available on its website, but for paying subscribers only. 

FAST SPEEDS: AtlasVPN lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. The kill switch is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android – but not for Ubuntu. Fast WireGuard connections work to watch Netflix and other streaming platforms. Torrenting is allowed, but there is no port forwarding feature. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Ubuntu VPN testing methodology

If you want to know more about how we test and recommend VPNs, you can check out our detailed VPN review process. Our method involves carrying out speed tests, reading the privacy policies, testing the apps for leaks, and checking under the hood to see how that encryption is implemented. We only recommend the safest VPNs available. 

Below, we have included some of the most important features we looked for.

• Robust security: The VPNs we have recommended offer strong security and privacy features, perfect for protecting your Ubuntu device while also gaining access to many popular international services. Our recommendations have strong encryption, modern protocols, well-crafted apps, a functional kill switch, and a defense against DNS leaks. Strong security features are a must. 
• Prioritized privacy: In this guide, we exclusively recommend secure VPNs with a stringent no-logs policy. These VPNs never share your data or keep records of your IP address. Our top picks also have diskless servers that make it easier to erase everything in an emergency.
• Fast servers: Our recommendations all have fast WireGuard connections and high-speed servers that are ideal for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making video calls.
• Global server network: All our recommendations have a massive global server network that provides you with IP address options around the world. They work with many popular streaming services. 
• Cross-platform compatibility: These VPNs work on Ubuntu, and many other platforms to let you enjoy your VPN on every device you own or may purchase in future. You can share your account with friends and family.
• Reliable support: Our recommendations have live chat, email assistance, setup guides, FAQs, and other resources, ensuring you can always get advice with setting up and using the VPN.

Ubuntu VPN FAQs

How do I use a VPN with Ubuntu?

All the VPNs recommended in this guide have set-up guides to help you download the necessary config files or GUI applications onto your Linux system. You can head over to the VPN’s website to see these provider-specific instructions. Installing and setting up the VPN will require you to enter a few commands into your terminal, but the process is extremely simple. 

If you opt for one of the top options that has a full GUI client, you won’t need to enter any commands to use the VPN. Below, we have included instructions on how to set up your VPN:

1. Choose a VPN from this guide. We recommend Surfshark because it has fast servers, strong encryption, and an excellent feature-packed GUI application for Ubuntu.
2. Head over to the VPN’s website and choose a subscription plan. Subscribing for longer will reduce the cost substantially. Using our link will also make it cheaper, thanks to our automated discount code.
3. Download and install the Ubuntu VPN software onto your Linux machine (this will usually require you to tap in a few commands). Check with your provider because it will have a detailed installation guide.
4. Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials from sign-up.
5. Choose a VPN server location in the app and click connect.

As soon as the VPN connects, your internet traffic is securely protected inside the encrypted tunnel and your IP address is protected from the websites and services you visit. If for any reason you have trouble accessing the services you are interested in while connected to your VPN; we recommend clearing the cookies and cache in your browser, as these can cause streaming services not to work properly with a VPN.

Can I get a free VPN for Ubuntu?

Two of the VPNs recommended in this guide have a basic free plan. However, only one of those providers makes its service available to Ubuntu users. 

If you are short on cash, you can use Proton VPN to gain access to three server locations, and you can use those servers on an unlimited basis. This will allow you to gain privacy when you need it, without having to purchase a subscription. The nice thing about Proton’s free plan is that it does not prevent Ubuntu users from connecting to its servers, and it provides all the same privacy features you get with a premium account.

Proton’s free tier has several limitations compared to a premium account. The port forwarding feature has been disabled, and the three server locations available are not optimized for streaming, meaning that they are slower and will not work with popular streaming platforms like Netflix.

The benefit of a free VPN for Ubuntu is that you can prevent local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you online. You can also bypass internet censorship (including blocks on news websites and social media services during elections or protests). This is perfect if you live in (or are visiting) a country that enforces overreaching censorship and surveillance.

Although you are free to use the limited free VPN plan recommended in this guide, we strongly urge you to avoid other free VPNs. Many free VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to harvest your data for profiling purposes. Those VPNs will sell your data to third parties to create a revenue stream. That is the opposite of what a reliable VPN does, which is to provide you with online privacy.

In addition, studies have revealed that free VPNs often lack encryption, suffer from IP and DNS leaks, have server and app vulnerabilities, and even hide spyware in their apps. This makes using most of the free VPNs available on app stores a huge threat to your online privacy and the security of your devices.

Are all VPNs compatible with Ubuntu?

No. The vast majority of VPN apps are not compatible with Linux machines. However, it’s often possible to configure a manual connection using a third-party VPN app.

Even VPNs that are compatible with Ubuntu often don’t have a full GUI application. You will need to connect to the VPN and change the VPN’s settings manually using the Command Line Interface (CLI). 

All the VPNs in this guide have either a command line app or a GUI app. You don’t need to use a third-party client to connect to the VPN, which makes the process much easier.

Why do I need a VPN for Ubuntu?

Whether you're connecting to the internet at home, at work, or on public WiFi, it is a good idea to use a VPN if you care about privacy. 

When you connect to the internet, your data must pass over the local network, through the ISP’s gateway servers, and onto the internet on its way to the websites you visit. This allows your data to be tracked and permits WiFi providers, ISPs, and government agencies to snoop on your web visits.

A VPN encrypts your connection to prevent all these third parties from monitoring you online. This provides you with data privacy, allows you to communicate privately, and ensures that your data is protected against eavesdroppers and hackers on local networks (including hackers on public WiFi).

A VPN also conceals your IP address from the websites you visit. This prevents websites from knowing when you return to their website, which eliminates a persistent level of tracking. It also lets you connect peer-to-peer to other internet users safely, protecting your network against hackers when you torrent, for example.

Finally, a VPN lets you pretend to be in a different location. This gives you the opportunity to access regional internet services – or to bypass blocks imposed by local networks or the government. As a result, a VPN can greatly improve accessibility and online freedom on your Ubuntu machine.