Not many VPNs make apps for Ubuntu. A lot of VPNs claim to support Linux-based operating systems on their websites, but unlike Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS, there’s usually no app available. That means users must configure the VPN manually using a third-party client.
Manual setup is a tedious process, requiring a new configuration for every VPN server you want to connect to, and users miss out on many of the features built into other operating systems’ apps.
In this article, we’ll exclusively recommend VPNs with Linux apps that actually work on Ubuntu. Some are command-line apps and others have graphical user interfaces (GUIs), but all of them will save you a ton of time and frustration. All of the servers come preconfigured, and you benefit from the security and convenience features that you’d miss out on with a third-party app.
If you don’t want to read the full article, here’s a shortlist of the best Ubuntu VPNs:
- NordVPN – EDITOR’S CHOICE Our top recommendation. Command-line app with high speeds, easy to use, and unblocks lots of streaming sites. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark A great budget choice for Ubuntu users. Fast speeds, unblocks streaming sites, and hardened security, all in a convenient command-line app.
- ExpressVPN Command-line app for Ubuntu that unblocks streaming sites, provides excellent security, and offers decent speeds.
- CyberGhost Easy-to-use command-line app with strong security and good for unblocking streams from abroad.
- ProtonVPN Open-source command-line app with an emphasis on privacy.
In addition to having an app, all of the VPNs we recommend meet the following criteria:
- Fast connections
- Strong, leak-proof encryption
- Unblocks region-locked websites, apps, and streaming services
- Keeps no identifying logs
- Money-back guarantee
Best VPNs for Ubuntu
All of these VPNs make command-line apps for Ubuntu, which conveniently come with all servers configured and ready to use with the latest and greatest security updates and new features. Unlike other operating systems, however, there’s no graphical user interface (GUI), so the apps must be controlled via the Ubuntu terminal.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best Ubuntu VPNs in 2021:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is our top pick! It’s command-line app for Ubuntu comes with all the great features you get on more mainstream operating systems: a kill switch, ad blocker, and malware blocker, among others. A single plan allows up to six simultaneous connections.
Why do we recommend it?
NordVPN is recommended for Ubuntu due to its user-friendly command-line app, and rich feature set including a kill switch, ad blocker, and malware protection, all presented in a visually appealing manner.
NordVPN stores no logs of your activity and allows torrenting. It can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming sites from anywhere in the world. Connections are protected by 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
Who is it recommended for?
NordVPN is recommended for users of varying experience levels, from beginners to advanced, and is suitable for individuals as well as small to large companies seeking robust VPN features for Ubuntu.
For companies, a common reason to use NordVPN on Ubuntu is to establish secure remote access for employees working from home or traveling. NordVPN can provide a secure and encrypted connection to the company’s network, ensuring that sensitive corporate data remains protected while employees access it from Ubuntu-powered devices remotely.
BEST VPN FOR UBUNTU: NordVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and performs well in terms of security and streaming. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark
Need a good Ubuntu VPN on a budget? Surfshark has some of the cheapest plans we’ve seen from a reputable provider. Notably, Surfshark gives users an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, making it an ideal option for a family or group of housemates. It’s great for streaming and unblocks Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu, among others.
Who do we recommend it?
Surfshark is recommended for Ubuntu users due to its budget-friendly pricing, unlimited simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services, making it a cost-effective and feature-rich choice for Linux users.
Torrenting is allowed. Connections are protected by 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and leak protection.
Who is it recommended for?
Surfshark is recommended for a broad range of users, regardless of company size, as it offers a budget-friendly option with unlimited simultaneous connections. Its user-friendly command-line app and strong encryption make it suitable for both beginners and experienced Linux users.
BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark offers an excellent service at a low price, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN was one of the earliest VPN providers to make an app for Ubuntu. Although it costs a little more than some rivals, you get excellent quality of service, fast speeds, unmatched security, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. Live customer support is available around the clock. Up to five simultaneous connections are allowed. ExpressVPN operates servers in 94 countries.
Why do we recommend it?
ExpressVPN is recommended for Ubuntu users due to its early support for the platform, providing a high-quality command-line app with fast speeds, robust security features, and reliable unblocking of streaming services, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a premium VPN experience on Linux.
The command-line app comes equipped with a kill switch, leak protection, and strong encryption. Torrenting is allowed and ExpressVPN never records any identifying logs.
Who is it recommended for?
ExpressVPN caters to users with varying levels of experience, from beginners to advanced users, thanks to its user-friendly interface and strong security features. This versatility makes it suitable for both individual users and businesses seeking reliable VPN protection on the Ubuntu platform.
Companies that deal with sensitive customer information, financial data, or proprietary intellectual property can use ExpressVPN to encrypt their online communications and protect data from potential threats.
Large multinational corporations with a global presence can benefit from ExpressVPN’s extensive server network, allowing employees to connect to company resources from different regions securely.
New businesses often seek cost-effective yet reliable security solutions, and ExpressVPN’s pricing and features are quite appealing to startups.
SECURE VPN FOR UBUNTU: ExpressVPN offers a high-quality experience for a huge range of devices, including Ubuntu. 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s command-line app for Ubuntu that lets you connect based on location, how you want to use the VPN, or what you want to unblock. For example, you can select a server that is specifically designed to unblock Netflix, allow torrenting, or maximize privacy.
Why do we recommend it?
CyberGhost is recommended for Ubuntu users due to its user-friendly command-line app, which offers convenient server selection options for unblocking streaming content, strong encryption, and leak protection. With a focus on both security and streaming accessibility, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between online privacy and content access on Linux.
You can choose from servers located in 89 countries. Speeds are good enough to stream in HD without buffering. Live chat support is available 24/7. Up to seven devices can be connected at once, also CyberGhost doesn’t store any logs and uses strong encryption and leak protection.
Who is it recommended for?
CyberGhost is a versatile choice for Ubuntu users, suitable for streaming enthusiasts, privacy-conscious individuals and businesses, frequent travelers, and casual users seeking a user-friendly VPN. Its varied server selection options cater to different needs, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. Individuals as well as SMBs and large enterprises can enjoy CyberGhost’s strong security and streaming capabilities on the Ubuntu platform.
UNBLOCK STREAMS ON UBUNTU: CyberGhost makes it easy to unblock your favorite streaming service while keeping your data safe. It comes with a hefty 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is primarily focused on privacy, making it great for securing public wi-fi or torrenting. It’s open-source, so you can inspect the app’s source code if you’re so inclined.
Why do we recommend it?
ProtonVPN offers an open-source command-line app, robust encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy, making it an ideal choice for users prioritizing online anonymity and data protection on the Ubuntu platform.
This VPN uses industry-best encryption, leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. It keeps zero identifying logs.
However, if you want to unblock multiple streams, you should probably opt for one of the other providers on this list, but it does unblock Netflix.
Who is it recommended for?
Its focus on privacy makes it appealing to both individuals and small businesses seeking online security and anonymity.
It’s an excellent choice for privacy advocates and security-conscious individuals or businesses. Its open-source, Linux-compatible command-line app caters to advanced users while offering strong encryption and leak protection for sensitive data.
PRIVATE VPN FOR UBUNTU: If you want a VPN with an emphasis on privacy instead of streaming, ProtonVPN has you covered. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to set up and use a VPN on Ubuntu
Depending on your VPN provider, you could either download your VPN app from your provider’s website or install it directly from a terminal command line using apt-get or yum. Consult your VPN provider’s website to find out which you should use.
Once the VPN is set up and installed, you can run it from the terminal. For example, to run ExpressVPN, just open up a terminal and enter …
expressvpn
… to run the app. Each VPN will have it’s own such command.
The app will start up and you’ll need to log in. Again, this differs according to your VPN provider, but you’ll generally need a username and password, and possibly a one-time activation code for the first time you run the app.
Once you’re logged in, you can connect to a server or make changes to your VPN settings, such as the server location, protocol, and autoconnect. Each of these requires a different command that varies by app and provider. You can usually list all of the available functions by prepending the main command with “man” or adding a question mark after the main command, for example:
man expressvpn
From there you can learn the commands to connect, change servers, switch protocols, and so on.
Ubuntu VPN FAQ
Can I use a free VPN with Ubuntu?
We don’t recommend free VPNs under any circumstances, and Ubuntu is no different. First off, very few free VPNs even make apps for Ubuntu. A few free VPN servers are out there that could be manually configured, but I wouldn’t trust them.
Free VPNs have other disadvantages as well. They can be bad for your privacy by injecting ads and harvesting user data to sell to third parties. They tend to impose strict data caps and bandwidth limits. Some are even vehicles for spreading malware.
In short, stick to paid VPNs.
What’s the best open-source VPN app for Ubuntu?
All of the VPNs we recommend above make their own apps for Ubuntu that come preloaded with all of the provider’s servers and app features. But in some cases you might want to manually configure your own VPN.
The best third-party VPN app depends on your exact needs, but here are a few worth looking into:
- OpenVPN – works with the protocol of the same name, available from the official repository
- Network Manager – comes built into Ubuntu, multiple protocols supported
- AnyConnect – a third-party option made by Cisco
- OpenConnect – an SSL VPN client used by many enterprises