BestVPNsLAB

Best VPNs for Linux in 2026

By Rowanupdated 5 providers · 20 sourced figures

On Linux, the hard part is often getting the VPN installed at all. A good Linux VPN should offer a real app for your distribution, not just configuration files, keep its kill switch and split tunneling in that app, and say clearly which distributions and processors it supports. This guide compares five providers on what each one says about its Linux app: how you install it, whether it has a window or only a command line, the kill switch, split tunneling and how many devices one plan covers. Every fact comes from the providers’ own pages, and the table shows when each one was checked.

Which VPNs are best for Linux?

#VPNBest forLinux appKill switchSplit tunnelingSimultaneous devices
1Private Internet AccessBest overall for LinuxAn app with a window plus command-line control (piactl); an installer file (.run); Ubuntu 20.04+ LTS, Linux Mint 20+, Debian 11+, Fedora 32+ and Arch Linux; 64-bit x86_64 and ARM64Windows, macOS and Linux (named on each app's page; the macOS and Linux pages also name the Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks traffic while the VPN is off)Windows, macOS, Linux and AndroidUnlimited
2ExpressVPNBest for split tunneling on LinuxAn app with a window or the command line; one installer file, 64-bit systems only; Ubuntu 24.04 LTS+, Debian 12+, Fedora 39+, Linux Mint 22+, Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit (Bookworm+) and Arch LinuxWindows, macOS and Linux (Internet Kill Switch, on by default; it can also block traffic after a manual disconnect), Android, and the Fortify routerWindows (apps and websites, plus an inverse mode that sends only the chosen apps through the VPN), macOS, Linux, Android (per app) and iOS (websites only)10–14 (by plan)
3Proton VPNBest for official Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora repositoriesAn app with a window and a command-line tool; official packages for Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora (the command-line tool also on Arch); a Snap package of the app (no split tunneling, no ARM) and a third-party Flatpak; the latest versions of each distribution are supportedWindows, macOS, Linux (app with a window and command line), iOS/iPadOS and Android (through Android's own setting); the advanced kill switch, which blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off, is on Windows, the Linux app with a window and iOS/iPadOS (beta)Paid plans only: Windows, macOS (experimental, apps only), the Linux app with a window, Android, Android TV and the browser extensions10 (VPN Plus)
4SurfsharkBest for ARM64 and unlimited devicesAn app with a window; .deb, Snap and Flatpak packages (no kill switch in the Flatpak package); tested on Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+ and Linux Mint 20+; AMD64 and ARM64Yes, on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux (Snap and .deb packages; not the Flatpak package). Not in the Fire TV app for Vega OS, where Surfshark lists it as coming soon without a dateBypasser on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS (on iOS it can exclude websites, not apps); the reverse mode, where only the chosen apps use the VPN, is on Android only; the browser extensions can exclude websites only; the split tunneling page does not list LinuxUnlimited
5NordVPNBest for .deb, .rpm and Snap packagesAn app with a window plus command-line control; .deb and .rpm packages and a Snap package; Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, Fedora 43+, Linux Mint 21+ and Raspberry Pi OS; the page does not mention ARMWindows (app-level or system-level), macOS (can name the apps to shut down), Linux, iOS, and Android (through Android's own Always-on VPN setting)Android, Android TV and Windows apps; website exclusions in the browser extensions; not on macOS or Linux (the macOS and Linux download pages, read 2026-11-13, do not mention it)10
Every figure from the provider's own website, checked 2026-11-07 to 2026-11-13. A dash means the provider does not publish it; we don't estimate.

The table shows what each provider says about its Linux app, including the distributions and package formats it lists. A dash means the provider does not publish that detail.

How did we pick these VPNs?

The order is our editorial judgment, based only on facts each provider publishes:

  • A Linux app with a window – every provider here offers its own Linux app, so you do not have to set up the connection by hand. We also noted which ones add a command-line tool for servers and terminal-only machines.
  • Kill switch on Linux – whether the provider names the kill switch for its Linux app, and whether it can also block traffic while the VPN is off.
  • Split tunneling on Linux – whether you can keep some programs outside the VPN. Several providers offer it on Windows but not on Linux, so we checked the Linux app specifically.
  • Distributions, packages and devices – which distributions and processor types the provider lists, how you install the app, and whether your Linux machine takes one of a limited number of slots.

We have not tested any of these VPNs on Linux ourselves, and we hold no other site’s Linux test results, so this page says nothing about speed or streaming. IPVanish has no Linux app on its setup page, only manual setup guides, so it is not on this list.

What are the best VPNs for Linux in detail?

1. Private Internet Access

Best overall for Linux

Visit Private Internet Access

Linux app
An app with a window plus command-line control (piactl); an installer file (.run); Ubuntu 20.04+ LTS, Linux Mint 20+, Debian 11+, Fedora 32+ and Arch Linux; 64-bit x86_64 and ARM64privateinternetaccess.com/download/linux-vpn · checked 2026-11-13
Kill switch
Windows, macOS and Linux (named on each app's page; the macOS and Linux pages also name the Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks traffic while the VPN is off)privateinternetaccess.com/download/windows… · privateinternetaccess.com/download/mac-vpn · privateinternetaccess.com/download/linux-vpn · checked 2026-11-12
Split tunneling
Windows, macOS, Linux and Androidprivateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/spl… · checked 2026-11-12
Simultaneous devices
Unlimitedprivateinternetaccess.com · checked 2026-11-07

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a Linux app with a window, and its piactl command lets you connect and change regions from the terminal without opening the app. PIA’s Linux page names both the kill switch and the Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks traffic while the VPN is off, and PIA lists split tunneling for Linux. It sets no device limit, and it offers versions for both regular PCs and ARM64 machines.

+ Pros

  • An app with a window plus command-line control
  • Advanced Kill Switch and split tunneling both listed for Linux
  • No device limit
  • Versions for x86_64 and ARM64

− Cons

  • One installer file that you run from the terminal, not a package from your distribution’s software center
  • The money-back guarantee is for new subscribers only

Choose it if you want every feature on Linux and the option to script the VPN from the terminal. Skip it if you prefer installing software from a package repository.

2. ExpressVPN

Best for split tunneling on Linux

Visit ExpressVPN

Linux app
An app with a window or the command line; one installer file, 64-bit systems only; Ubuntu 24.04 LTS+, Debian 12+, Fedora 39+, Linux Mint 22+, Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit (Bookworm+) and Arch Linuxexpressvpn.com/vpn-download/vpn-linux · expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-l… · checked 2026-11-13
Kill switch
Windows, macOS and Linux (Internet Kill Switch, on by default; it can also block traffic after a manual disconnect), Android, and the Fortify routerexpressvpn.com/features/network-lock · checked 2026-11-12
Split tunneling
Windows (apps and websites, plus an inverse mode that sends only the chosen apps through the VPN), macOS, Linux, Android (per app) and iOS (websites only)expressvpn.com/features/split-tunneling · checked 2026-11-12
Simultaneous devices
10–14 (by plan)expressvpn.com/pricing · checked 2026-11-12

ExpressVPN’s Linux app comes with a window or works from the command line, and ExpressVPN lists split tunneling for Linux. Its help page says the standard kill switch is on by default, and a setting called “Enable at all times” turns it into an advanced kill switch that blocks all traffic unless you are connected. The installer is a single file for every supported distribution, including Raspberry Pi OS.

+ Pros

  • Split tunneling listed for the Linux app
  • Kill switch on by default, with an advanced mode that blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off
  • One installer for all the distributions it lists, including Raspberry Pi OS

− Cons

  • Lists only recent distribution versions, so check the table before you buy for an older machine
  • Has a device limit that depends on the plan, unlike PIA and Surfshark
  • The money-back guarantee is for new users only

Choose it if you want split tunneling and a strict kill switch in an app with a window. Skip it if your distribution version is older than the ones it lists.

3. Proton VPN

Best for official Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora repositories

Visit Proton VPN

Linux app
An app with a window and a command-line tool; official packages for Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora (the command-line tool also on Arch); a Snap package of the app (no split tunneling, no ARM) and a third-party Flatpak; the latest versions of each distribution are supportedprotonvpn.com/support/linux-vpn-setup · protonvpn.com/download-linux · checked 2026-11-13
Kill switch
Windows, macOS, Linux (app with a window and command line), iOS/iPadOS and Android (through Android's own setting); the advanced kill switch, which blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off, is on Windows, the Linux app with a window and iOS/iPadOS (beta)protonvpn.com/support/what-is-kill-switch · checked 2026-11-12
Split tunneling
Paid plans only: Windows, macOS (experimental, apps only), the Linux app with a window, Android, Android TV and the browser extensionsprotonvpn.com/support/protonvpn-split-tunn… · checked 2026-11-12
Simultaneous devices
10 (VPN Plus)protonvpn.com/pricing · checked 2026-11-07

Proton VPN publishes its own packages for Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora, with the command-line tool also on Arch, so the app installs and updates like other software on your system. The Linux app with a window has the advanced kill switch, which blocks traffic whenever the VPN is off, and split tunneling on paid plans. Proton says it officially supports the latest versions of each distribution, and it has a free plan.

+ Pros

  • Official packages for Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora
  • Advanced kill switch in the Linux app with a window
  • OpenVPN in the Linux app with a window
  • A free plan

− Cons

  • Split tunneling is for paid plans only, and not in the Snap package
  • The Snap package also has no ARM support, and the Flatpak is made by a third party
  • Proton officially supports only the latest distribution versions

Choose it if you run Debian, Ubuntu or Fedora and want updates through your package manager. Skip it if you rely on an older distribution release.

4. Surfshark

Best for ARM64 and unlimited devices

Read reviewVisit Surfshark

Linux app
An app with a window; .deb, Snap and Flatpak packages (no kill switch in the Flatpak package); tested on Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+ and Linux Mint 20+; AMD64 and ARM64surfshark.com/download/linux · checked 2026-11-13
Kill switch
Yes, on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux (Snap and .deb packages; not the Flatpak package). Not in the Fire TV app for Vega OS, where Surfshark lists it as coming soon without a datesupport.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10… · surfshark.com/download/linux · surfshark.com/download/vega-os · checked 2026-11-09
Split tunneling
Bypasser on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS (on iOS it can exclude websites, not apps); the reverse mode, where only the chosen apps use the VPN, is on Android only; the browser extensions can exclude websites only; the split tunneling page does not list Linuxsurfshark.com/features/split-tunneling · checked 2026-11-09
Simultaneous devices
Unlimitedsurfshark.com/features/multiple-devices · checked 2026-11-07

Surfshark’s Linux app has a window and comes as a .deb, Snap or Flatpak package for AMD64 and ARM64 machines. It sets no device limit, like PIA. Surfshark lists the kill switch for Linux in the .deb and Snap packages, not in the Flatpak. Its split tunneling page does not list Linux, so Bypasser, its split tunneling feature, is not something to count on here.

+ Pros

  • An app with a window in .deb, Snap and Flatpak packages
  • AMD64 and ARM64 versions
  • No device limit

− Cons

  • Surfshark’s split tunneling page does not list Linux
  • No kill switch in the Flatpak package
  • Surfshark names Debian, Ubuntu and Linux Mint as tested, not Fedora or Arch

Choose it if you want one plan for every device, including an ARM64 board. Skip it if you need split tunneling on Linux.

5. NordVPN

Best for .deb, .rpm and Snap packages

Read reviewVisit NordVPN

Linux app
An app with a window plus command-line control; .deb and .rpm packages and a Snap package; Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, Fedora 43+, Linux Mint 21+ and Raspberry Pi OS; the page does not mention ARMnordvpn.com/download/linux · checked 2026-11-13
Kill switch
Windows (app-level or system-level), macOS (can name the apps to shut down), Linux, iOS, and Android (through Android's own Always-on VPN setting)nordvpn.com/features/vpn-kill-switch · checked 2026-11-12
Split tunneling
Android, Android TV and Windows apps; website exclusions in the browser extensions; not on macOS or Linux (the macOS and Linux download pages, read 2026-11-13, do not mention it)nordvpn.com/features/split-tunneling · nordvpn.com/download/mac · nordvpn.com/download/linux · checked 2026-11-08
Simultaneous devices
10nordvpn.com/pricing · checked 2026-11-08

NordVPN offers a Linux app with a window plus command-line control, in .deb and .rpm packages and as a Snap. Its Linux download page says you log in through your browser, and the command-line tool connects with a single command. NordVPN lists the kill switch for Linux, but its split tunneling page and its Linux download page do not mention split tunneling for Linux.

+ Pros

  • An app with a window and a command-line tool
  • Packages for both Debian-based and Fedora-style systems, plus a Snap
  • Kill switch listed for Linux

− Cons

  • No split tunneling listed for Linux
  • Its Linux page does not mention ARM processors
  • Has a device limit, unlike PIA and Surfshark

Choose it if you want a choice of package formats and a command-line tool. Skip it if you need split tunneling on Linux.

How do you set up a VPN on Linux?

  1. Find out which distribution you run. Proton VPN’s guide suggests opening a terminal and running cat /etc/*release, then comparing the name with the distributions the provider lists.
  2. Subscribe to one of the VPNs in the table, then download its Linux app from the provider’s own website. Proton VPN, Surfshark and NordVPN also offer packages, such as a Snap; Proton’s own guides walk you through adding its repository for Debian, Ubuntu or Fedora.
  3. If you downloaded an installer file, as with PIA and ExpressVPN, open a terminal in your downloads folder and run the installer with sh followed by the file name. Enter your Linux password when asked.
  4. Open the app and sign in with the account you created when you subscribed. NordVPN sends you to your browser to finish logging in, and ExpressVPN asks for permission to set up the VPN; click Continue.
  5. Click the app’s connect button, or use the command-line tool if the provider has one, such as nordvpn connect. Choose a location from the server list if you want a specific one.
  6. Check that the app shows you as connected. To double-check, open an IP checker page, such as the ones Surfshark and ExpressVPN run: it should show the VPN’s address, not your own.

Each provider’s help center has a longer guide for its own Linux app, with the settings for the kill switch and split tunneling.

What should you watch out for on Linux?

  • Your distribution may not be officially supported. Each provider lists its own set of distributions and versions, as in the table above. Proton VPN says its app often works on distributions based on Debian and Ubuntu that it does not officially support, but support may be limited. ExpressVPN says it does not officially support distributions it does not list.
  • Snap and Flatpak packages can lose features. Proton VPN’s Snap package has no split tunneling, no Smart Protocol or Stealth, and no ARM support, and its Flatpak comes from a third party. Surfshark’s Flatpak package has no kill switch. Pick the provider’s own package when you can.
  • Split tunneling is often missing on Linux. Surfshark’s split tunneling page does not list Linux, and NordVPN’s Linux page does not mention it. If you need it, choose PIA, ExpressVPN or a paid Proton VPN plan.
  • Not every kill switch blocks traffic while the VPN is off. ExpressVPN’s default kill switch only steps in when the connection drops, unless you turn on “Enable at all times”. PIA and Proton VPN offer an advanced mode in their Linux apps that does the same job.
  • ARM boards and Raspberry Pi. PIA and Surfshark list ARM64 versions, and ExpressVPN and NordVPN list Raspberry Pi OS. NordVPN’s page does not mention ARM in general, and Proton VPN’s Snap package does not support it.
  • Manual setups skip the app. Proton VPN and NordVPN explain how to connect with WireGuard or OpenVPN by hand, and IPVanish offers only manual guides for Linux. A manual connection does not come with the kill switch or split tunneling the providers list for their apps.

FAQ

What is the best VPN for Linux?

PIA is our pick, because its Linux app has a window, a command-line tool, an advanced kill switch and split tunneling, and its plan has no device limit. ExpressVPN is the better fit if you want split tunneling and a kill switch that is on by default.

Is there a free VPN for Linux?

Proton VPN has a free plan, and its Linux app works with it. The free plan covers a single device and leaves out split tunneling, which Proton keeps for paid plans.

Do you need a separate subscription for Linux?

No. With every provider on this page, one subscription covers your Linux machine together with your other devices. PIA and Surfshark set no limit, while ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and NordVPN limit how many devices can connect at once.

Can you set up a VPN on Linux without an app?

Yes. Proton VPN and NordVPN explain how to connect manually with WireGuard or OpenVPN, and PIA offers OpenVPN configuration files. You lose the kill switch and other extras the providers list for their apps, so the app is the simpler choice.

Can you control these VPNs from the command line?

PIA, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and NordVPN say their Linux apps can be used from the command line as well as through a window, which helps on servers and machines without a desktop. Surfshark describes an app with a window on its Linux page.

Do these VPNs work on a Raspberry Pi?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN list Raspberry Pi OS among their supported systems, and PIA and Surfshark offer ARM64 versions of their Linux apps. Check the table for the distribution you run before you buy.

Does a VPN slow down Linux?

A VPN adds a step to every connection, so some slowdown is normal. We have not measured speed on Linux and hold no other site’s Linux speed results, so this page gives no speed figures.