5 Best VPNs for Ubuntu [Complete Setup Guide in 2024]

Last updated: January 25, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
William Sams is an online privacy/security advocate at BestVPN.co, who loves sharing his expert knowledge regarding the latest trends in user privacy, cyber laws, and digital affairs.

Best-VPN-for-Ubuntu-in-USA
Are you wondering what is the best VPN for Ubuntu? We are here to answer your question. Ubuntu is a version of Linux OS. When we compare Linux to other widely used operating systems like Windows and Mac, it’s clear that Linux offers a number of advantages in terms of security and privacy.

But for many users, the biggest advantage of using Linux is the ability to customize every aspect of the operating system to suit their individual needs. So, if you’re a power user who likes to tweak your operating system to perfection, Ubuntu is probably the best choice for you.

But regardless of how safe the Linux system is, browsing on the internet comes with its own risk. Most of the free vpns for Linux are unreliable. This is why a Premium VPN is required to secure your online experience, for example, ExpressVPN.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best VPN for Ubuntu and how you can use it to protect your online privacy.


Quick Overview: The Best VPN for Ubuntu

We tested quite a few VPNs to find the Best VPN for Ubuntu. The following 5 VPNs showed excellent compatibility hence, they are the best Ubuntu VPNs.

  1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Ubuntu: High-speed RAM servers for Ubuntu Clients. 5 Simultaneous connections. 1-Year Plan costs US$ 6.67 /mo .
  2. Surfshark: Fastest VPN for Ubuntu: 3200 servers in 100 countries worldwide. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 2-Year Plan costs US$ 2.49 /mo
  3. PIA: Easy to Use VPN for Ubuntu Users in USA: 35000+ servers in 84 countries worldwide. Unlimited simultaneous connections with 2-Year Plan costs US$2.03/mo.
  4. NordVPN: Secure VPN for Ubuntu OS: 6000+ servers and intuitive applications. Simultaneous connections on 6 devices. 2-Year Plan costs US$ 3.99 /mo
  5. CyberGhost: Great Balance of Price & Value: Dedicated IPs available for Ubuntu users. Simultaneous connections on 7 devices. 3-Year Plan costs US$ 2.03 /mo

For a more detailed analysis of each VPN’s features and performance, check out the Detailed analysis, and for further queries, read FAQs.

Get ExpressVPN for Ubuntu30-day money-back guarantee

Why Do You Need a VPN for Ubuntu?

You need to use a VPN with Ubuntu to get extreme security for use on personal computers, tablets, and smartphones, just like you would on any other Operating System.

Before we discuss the best Ubuntu VPN, here are some reasons why you need a VPN for your Ubuntu device:

  • Online Security and Privacy: VPN encrypts your internet traffic with strong security protocols, making it very difficult for anyone to track your online activity or steal your personal information. Third-party snoopers, including your ISP, will not be able to see what you’re doing online. A VPN conceals your actual IP address while encrypting your online traffic, enhancing privacy and security, and offering protection when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Bypass Censorship: A VPN allows you to bypass government censorship and access websites that are blocked in your country. For example, if you are in a country where the social media app, Facebook, or any other banned website, you can use a VPN to connect to a server outside and access those services.
  • Streaming Support: A VPN also allows you to stream geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Every country has a different library of content on these streaming platforms.
    So, if you want to watch a particular show that is not available in your country, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in another country where the show is available and stream it. Some streaming platforms like Hulu or BBC iPlayer are only available in certain countries. VPN allows you to watch them anywhere in the world.
  • Gaming: A VPN for Ubuntu can also be used for gaming. It allows you to connect to a server in another country and play online games that are not available in your region. It reduces gaming lag and allows torrenting.

5 Best VPNs for Ubuntu [Detailed Analysis – 2023]

Despite its strong security and privacy features and built-in best Ubuntu VPN client, Ubuntu is not immune to the risks and vulnerabilities of the internet. There is still a chance for hackers and snoopers to steal your data.

If you want to remain secure and anonymous at all costs, it is imperative to use a VPN. Below is the in-depth analysis of the best VPNs for Ubuntu OS:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Service for Ubuntu

ExpressVPN-in-USA

Key Features:

  • Number of Servers: 3000+
  • Countries: 105+
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 5
  • Price: US$ 6.67 /mo
  • P2P Support: Yes

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Ubuntu because of its 3000+ servers in more than 105+ countries worldwide.

After the provider released its official Linux app for 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. This made ExpressVPN the best VPN for Linux. The software uses a command-line interface (CLI), as compared to a desktop GUI.

Security and privacy:

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for 4chan that employs cutting-edge encryption methods to safeguard your online activities, including AES-256 encryption, protecting you from potential threats, and features a kill switch that ensures your internet connection is severed if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, maintaining your privacy.

The UI and UX are simply amazing and geared for layman users of Ubuntu. You can even get an ExpressVPN free trial for testing the product or avail their 30-day refund policy.

ExpressVPN doesn’t log the customer data and all of its servers run on RAM disks (volatile memory) so your data cannot be logged or tracked. Moreover, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by PwC.

Speed:

To make your browsing and streaming experience smooth ExpressVPN offers great speed, as seen by ExpressVPN speed test. The best VPN for Ubuntu has a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN-speed-test-in-USA

These speed results are enough to stream videos in high resolution.

Ease of use:

ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly app interface for Ubuntu users, providing seamless access to its VPN services, and it allows multiple simultaneous connections, enabling you to protect multiple devices under a single subscription.

Due to its user friendliness, ExpressVPN can also be configured for Raspberry Pi, and it offers a compact solution to secure the specific device and its internet traffic with an extra layer of security, ideal for projects or applications running on the Raspberry Pi. Solidifying it position as the best VPN for Raspberry Pi.

Price:

The only catch; ExpressVPN’s price tag. A 12-month plan will cost you US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial offer, but considering the VPNs reliability and unblocking capabilities, the price is justified. You have the option to cancel ExpressVPN’s subscription anytime.

You can also use the provider to bypass geo-restrictions and content limitations on streaming platforms, making it the best VPN for multiple devices, such as:

For more information, check out this full ExpressVPN review USA.

Pros
  • Multi-Logins on 5 devices
  • Torrenting/P2P is allowed
  • Unblocks American Netflix
  • Covers 160 locations
  • Round-the-Clock Live Support

Cons
  • Plans are Expensive
  • Without a browser extension, the GUI is not accessible.

Get ExpressVPN for Ubunty30-Days Money Back Guarantee

2. Surfshark – Fastest VPN for Ubuntu

Surfshark-in-USA

Key Features:

  • Number of Servers: 3200+
  • Countries: 100
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.3
  • Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited
  • Price: US$ 2.49 /mo
  • P2P support: limited locations

Surfshark is the fastest VPN service for Ubuntu, that offers Linux users a personalized command-line app that is incredibly easy to use and configure for boosting your online security and anonymity.

The provider itself offers plenty of advanced features, remarkable speeds, and unblocking capabilities. For testing the service, you even have a Surfshark free trial available on iOS and Android devices. As for other platforms like Ubuntu, there is a 30-day refund guarantee. You can also cancel Surfshark’s subscription.

You can have an unlimited simultaneous connection with a single Surfshark subscription, so you’ll be able to cover all the devices of your household as Surfshark offers a dedicated app for all the major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. offers fast servers with consistent upload and download speeds.

Security and privacy:

Surfshark is the best VPN for Comcast Xfinity as it utilizes strong encryption methods to ensure data security, offers DNS leak protection to prevent accidental exposure of browsing activity, and features a kill switch that safeguards your internet connection by instantly disconnecting if the VPN connection drops, maintaining your online privacy. Surfshark records no logs and it is covered with a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by Cure53.

Speed:

During our Surfshark speed test, we evaluated the VPN on a 100Mbps internet connection and observed an impressive download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps, ensuring a smooth and seamless browsing experience.

Surfshark-speed-test-in-USA

Ease of use:

Surfshark provides a convenient command-line app for Ubuntu users, enhancing accessibility to its VPN services, and it supports multiple simultaneous connections, enabling you to secure multiple devices concurrently with a single subscription.

Price:

The best part of all: you only have to pay a low US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial offer and have access to over 3200+ servers in 100 countries, which offer exemplary performance. Most of which are even capable of unblocking streaming platforms, such as:

Further information regarding Surfshark is available in the Surfshark review.

Pros
  1. Covers 60+ countries
  2. BVI is a Safe Jurisdiction
  3. Strict No-Logging Policy
  4. Automatic Kill Switch
  5. DDoS Protection

Cons
  1. Limited P2P servers

Get Surfshark for Ubuntu30-Days Money Back Guarantee

3. PIA: Easy to Use VPN for Ubuntu Users

Private-Internet-Access

Key Features:

  • Number of Servers: 35000+ servers in 84 countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
  • Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited
  • Price: 2-Year Plan costs US$2.03/mo

Security and privacy:

Private Internet Access (PIA) employs high encryption methods to safeguard your online data, includes DNS leak protection to prevent inadvertent exposure of browsing activity, and features a kill switch functionality that ensures your internet connection is severed if the VPN connection drops, maintaining your privacy and security.

PIA is super flexible, working on Android, PC, Mac, Linux, even Ubuntu. With this wide range, it’s perfect for securing all your devices. The choice is yours: whether you go for the PC version or opt for the specifically designed PIA on Mac, you’re getting customized security for your device of choice.

Speed:

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers impressive speed performance, with a download speed of 65.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.16 Mbps, ensuring a fast and reliable VPN experience for users.

pia-speed-saudi-arabia-private-internet-access

Conducting a speed test on a 100 Mbps connection with the utilization of the split tunneling functionality in PIA.

Ease of use:

PIA offers a user-friendly GUI app designed for Ubuntu users, simplifying the utilization of its VPN services, and it allows multiple simultaneous connections, ensuring you can safeguard numerous devices simultaneously with a single subscription.

Price:

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a competitive price of $2.11 per month, accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial period, ensuring you can test their VPN services risk-free before committing.

Customer Support:

If you’re experiencing issues with PIA not working in USA, the customer support of PIA is available 24/7 via the live chat option but you can also use the ticketing system to submit a support request. Live chat support ensures that you can promptly get assistance on how to cancel PIA subscription in USA or address any queries you might have regarding the process. You can also find helpful guides and FAQs on the PIA website.

Refer to our Private Internet Access review for more information.

Pros
  1. Protects your online privacy by masking your IP address. 
  2. Encrypts your internet connection, enhancing data security.
  3. Allows access to geo-restricted content and websites. 
  4. Conceals your online activities from ISPs and trackers.

Cons
  1. Might slightly decrease internet speed.


4. NordVPN: Secure VPN for Ubuntu OS

NordVPN-in-USA

Key Features:

  • Number of Servers: 6000+
  • Countries: 61
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.4
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 6
  • Price: US$ 3.99 /mo

NordVPN is a secure VPN for Ubuntu OS and a great option for those who want to leverage maximum security and privacy online. And as there are no data retention laws in Panama, the security factor of NordVPN strengthens further.

Security and privacy:

NordVPN employs robust encryption methods to secure your online activities, provides DNS leak protection to prevent inadvertent data exposure, and features a kill switch that ensures your internet connection is cut off if the VPN connection drops, maintaining your privacy and security.

Speed:

Their Ubuntu command-line app is incredibly reliable, and lightweight, and offers unmatched speeds on all server locations! During our NordVPN speed test we recorded an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection, showcasing the VPN’s impressive speed performance.

NordVPN-speed-test-in-USA

Price:

Priced at a minimal US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial, Ubuntu users of NordVPN get access to over 6000+ servers in 61 countries worldwide. You can even test the service via NordVPN free trial and 30-day refund guarantee. You can cancel NordVPN’s subscription without additional cost or hassle. You can also download NordVPN for Windows.

Ease of use:

NordVPN presents a practical command-line application tailored for Ubuntu users, streamlining the access to its VPN services, and supports multiple simultaneous connections, permitting you to protect multiple devices concurrently with a single subscription.

NordVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and there have been no breaches of trust as far as this claim is concerned. Connection times with the extension were also incredibly fast, and I experienced no downtime when unblocking different streaming platforms, such as:

For more information, check out this full NordVPN review!

Pros
  1. Covers 59+ countries
  2. Dedicated IPs are available
  3. Unblocks US/UK Netflix
  4. Multi-Logins on 6 Devices
  5. Torrenting/P2P is Allowed

Cons
  1. No router app

Get NordVPN for Ubuntu30-Days Money Back Guarantee

5. CyberGhost: Great Balance of Price & Value

Cyberghost-in-USA

Key Features:

  • Number of Servers: 6500
  • Countries: 78
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 7
  • Price: US$ 3.29 /mo

CyberGhost is a great balance of price and value. The prices justify the features and server count it offers. The provider is based in Romania, and it is a renowned choice for unblockers and streamers around the world.

Ubuntu users get a command-line interface app, similar to the offering of all other providers, but with the added benefit of perhaps the largest server network in the industry.

For connectivity, users have access to over 6500 servers in 78 countries worldwide, along with features like 7 simultaneous connections, Wi-Fi protection, and a navigation bar for finding specific servers. The provider even utilizes obfuscation technology for unblocking streaming platforms.

Security and privacy:

CyberGhost employs strong encryption methods to secure your online activities, offers DNS leak protection to prevent potential privacy breaches, and includes a kill switch feature that ensures your internet connection is cut off if the VPN connection drops, maintaining your data’s confidentiality and safety.

Speed:

CyberVPN offers impressive speeds with a download speed reaching 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of approximately 69.34 Mbps, ensuring swift and reliable connectivity for users.

Cyberghost-speed-test-outside-USA

Experience satisfactory streaming speeds while utilizing CyberGhost’s servers.

CyberGhost easily manages to bypass geo-restrictions and VPN bans on Netflix and other popular streaming sites like Voot, Hotstar, Hulu, and HBO Now with ease. In fact, the service offers specialized servers that you can find through the search bar!

Ease of use:

CyberGhost offers a convenient CLI app for Ubuntu users, facilitating easy access to its VPN services, and it supports multiple simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure multiple devices at the same time with a single subscription.

Price:

CyberGhost VPN offers a competitive price of US$ 3.29 /mo , backed by a money-back guarantee, and provides a free trial period, giving users the opportunity to experience its services before making a commitment.

For more information, check out this full CyberGhost review!

Pros
  1. Multi-Logins on 7 Devices
  2. Covers 90 countries
  3. 1-Day Free VPN Trial Available
  4. Dedicated Streaming Servers
  5. Zero WebRTC/DNS/IP leaks

Cons
  1. No independent audits

Get CyberGhost for Ubuntu45-Days Money Back Guarantee

Testing Methodology for the Best VPNs for Ubuntu

As much as we would like, not every VPN performs well with Ubuntu. This is why it is necessary to test VPNs on a different basis and then decide which best Ubuntu VPN server you will opt for. Here are a few things that we kept considering while making our list of recommendations for VPN for Linux Ubuntu.

  • Global Server Network: With a larger VPN server size, you have better access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The best VPNs for Ubuntu should host a large number of servers in each location. This lessens the chance of any one server being hit with a lot of users, leading to slower speeds.
  • Speed: Fast connections are essential regardless of what online activity you’re engaged in. Whether it be streaming, gaming, or simply browsing, the best VPN for Ubuntu delivers fast connection speeds.
  • Value: By comparing the price and features offered, you can determine the value of a VPN service. The best Ubuntu VPN would manage to deliver great features at a low price.
  • Easy to Use and Setup Linux App: Ensure a user-friendly Linux application that is easy to set up, mirroring the functionality of its macOS and Windows counterparts; having a GUI-based app would be particularly advantageous.
  • Security and Privacy: When it comes to security features, you should never settle for less than perfect. Any good VPN provider should have government-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and no logs policy.
  • Streaming: The Media Streaming feature is a must if you are looking for a VPN through which you can watch geo-restricted content. Luckily ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer along with other VPNs on our list, making it the best VPN for Ubuntu.

How Do I Set Up a VPN on Ubuntu?

Follow these simple steps for a smooth Ubuntu VPN setup.

  1. Choose a reputable VPN and sign up for a subscription plan. We recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN on your Linux system.
  3. Launch the VPN and connect to a server location.
  4. You can now browse safely and anonymously on the open web.
Get ExpressVPN for Ubuntu30-Days Money Back Guarantee

How to Enable VPN on Ubuntu Manually?

If you are not looking for dedicated VPN apps for Ubuntu, you can still form a secure connection via a manual setup process. Below we highlight the steps for setting up a PPTP connection on the OS.

  1. Go to “Network Settings” > “VPN Connections” > “Configure VPN”.How-to-Setup-VPN-on-Ubuntu-Manually-in-USA
  2. On the right corner of the pop-up, click on the “Add” option.Best-VPN-for-Ubuntu-Reddit-in-USA
  3. Select the desired connection type by clicking on the drop-down menu.Ubuntu-VPN-Setup-in-USA
  4. Under the “VPN” heading, select “Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)”.How-To-Set-Up-an-OpenVPN-Server-on-Ubuntu-in-USA
  5. Type in any name like “VPN PPTP” and copy/paste server information, username, and password from freevpnaccess.com. Click on the “Advanced” option.ubuntu-vpn-client-in-USA
  6. Tick/Un-tick the options as seen in the screenshot below and then hit the “Ok” button.ubuntu-connect-to-vpn-in-USA
  7. Save all settings you added and press the “Ok” button.ubuntu-vpn-connection-in-USA
  8. Go to “Network Settings”, click on “VPN Connections”, and select “VPN PPTP”.ubuntu-vpn-l2tp-in-USA
  9. You have now established a manual PPTP connection on Ubuntu. Enjoy!

 


Installing VPN Client on Ubuntu

Ubuntu is, by default, a very secure system and that is because you don’t have many authorizations to tinker around with the core system.

So, therefore, installing a VPN client is not such a straightforward process on this OS as compared to, say, when installing VPN clients on Windows or Macs.

And not many providers offer dedicated Ubuntu Clients as they do for other OS, so it’s a bit complex to go through the entire process of setting up a VPN on your Ubuntu.

On Ubuntu, you go with installing VPN clients by way of protocol i.e. PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP etc. and if you need to install a VPN on Ubuntu, you can only install it through a single protocol.

The official troubleshooting website of Ubuntu offers plenty of details about setting up different protocols and clients on the platform. Click on the links below for setting up each on the OS, without any hassle.

Bear in mind it is imperative that you are familiar with the coding used in the command line prompt for installing and configuring VPNs.

  1. Ubuntu PPTP Client
  2. Ubuntu OpenVPN Client
  3. Ubuntu VPN Client Cisco
  4. Ubuntu VPN Client L2TP

FAQs: Best VPN for Ubuntu

When figuring out the Best VPN for Ubuntu, you may come across certain queries/questions that trigger your thought process. Below we have listed some of the most common ones we get:

No, Ubuntu does not have a built-in VPN, but you can always set up manually on your open-source system. Check the compatibility of the VPN provider you are using with Linux.

You can open OpenVPN on Ubuntu by installing the OpenVPN on Ubuntu via CLI. You have to follow the complete procedure for setting up the Ubuntu and you’re good to use.

There are many reasons that could cause a VPN to stop working on Ubuntu. To rectify the issue, consider restarting the VPN GUI app, resetting your network, or changing your VPN provider.

Using a free VPN is neither advised nor recommended. Not only do they provide limited bandwidth that caps your data transfer, but they also have slow speed and limited servers. Free VPNs also put your privacy at risk which makes them dangerous. If you want a VPN that protects your identity, go for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.


Wrapping Things Up

If you want to leverage good security and privacy on your Ubuntu platform, make it a habit to use a VPN. We hope our guide helps you find the best VPN for Ubuntu, according to your needs and budgetary requirements.

We recommend you choose ExpressVPN for your Ubuntu system because of its ultra-advanced functionalities. Other providers are also good enough, and you can choose them based on your preferences.

Feel free to comment below for any suggestions of other VPNs, or if you encounter any problems that require troubleshooting or assistance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *