The days of manual installation are largely gone, as VPNs for Ubuntu and other Linux distros are now available. While basic command-line apps are more common, full GUI versions are now starting to emerge.
In this article, we will introduce you to our experts’ top five rated operators so that you can easily find the best VPN for Ubuntu to suit your needs. On top of that, you can check out exactly how VPNs work for Linux distros and why you should be using one in the first place.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a type of software that tunnels and rerouters your online traffic through a private server, rather than your own. This hides your online movements and data from hackers, advertisers, governments and, well, basically everybody else.
As a result, you are much safer and far more private when using a VPN than when you are not. Moreover, you can choose which location you want to browse from when using a VPN. This allows you to bypass geo-blocks, censorship, restrictions, and more.
There are two main reasons, above all else, for why you should use a VPN on your Unbuntu operating system:
Apart from these critical concerns, users will find that the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages when using a VPN.
You may or may not have known that up until a few years ago, the vast majority of VPN apps were not available on Ubuntu and other Linux distros. Instead, you had to work around this by going through a fairly complex manual configuration process.
However, that is no longer the case, as most of the top premium VPNs now have Ubuntu and other Linux-compatible apps and clients available. When it comes to using a VPN for Ubuntu, there are two different types of apps that you will come across:
Apart from the two types of apps you will encounter, another important detail to consider when choosing a VPN app is that your VPN has a kill switch. In general, any time that your Ubuntu-powered device is connected to the internet, you should have your VPN switched on because even the shortest time spent exposed online can increase your risk factor substantially.
But even with your VPN on, there is always a chance that your VPN connection can be cut out. While the chance of this happening is rarer with the best providers, the possibility is still there, so having a killswitch always on will disconnect you from the internet automatically until your VPN regains its connection.
Now that you have an idea of what to expect, let’s take a look at our experts’ five top-rated Ubuntu VPN apps. Following the table below, you can check out our mini reviews detailing what each provider has to offer Ubuntu and Linux distro users specifically.
| Provider | Type of Ubuntu app Interface | Best for | Lowest monthly price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIA | GUI | Security | $2.11 + three months free |
| NordVPN | Command-line | Unblocking ability | $3.99 |
| ExpressVPN | Command-line | All-round performance | $6.67 + three months free |
| Surfshark | Command-line | VPN beginners | $3.22 + two months free |
| Atlas VPN | Command-line | Multi-hop servers | $1.83 + three months free |
Private Internet Access is the only provider on our list to offer a full GUI VPN app for Linux and Linux distro operating systems. As the Linux VPN app is extremely user-friendly and functions well, there is no doubt that this is the best VPN provider for Ubuntu users on the market today.
Once installed, this app gives you access to thousands of Ubuntu VPN servers across 84 countries. Extra features include malware protection, ad blockers, and other military-grade security features. Speaking in more general terms, this VPN is highly rated for its torrenting speed and high level of security protection.
As well as a command-line app that does everything you need, NordVPN also has excellent guides and tutorials for manual installation. If you can look past the lack of a GUI app, NordVPN is packed with amazing features and abilities at a very reasonable price point.
The VPN is reliable, easy to use and generally always stays connected. it provides you with a strong level of security and privacy without having an adverse effect on your connection speed. The only thing that lets it down slightly is its desktop app - but when using Ubuntu, you don’t have to worry about that.
If you don’t mind the premium price point, then this is probably the best VPN to go for. Like most other providers, ExpressVPN uses a command-line interface app on Ubuntu. Once connected, however, it outperforms every other operator, especially in terms of speed.
On top of that, it has excellent unblocking abilities, strong security, privacy and protection. The only reason why it isn’t miles ahead at the top of our list is because of the slightly above-average price point and the five-device-per-account connection limit. That being said, we do believe that a service like this is worth paying for for those who can afford it.
In general, Surfshark is considered to be the best VPN for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use app. While the full GUI software isn’t compatible with Ubuntu, the ease of use still translates to the command-line version. You just need to choose a location from the list, click on it and then you get connected.
Thanks to its great unblocking ability, Surfshark VPN has become popular among streamers and remote workers, as it’s great for accessing home content while based overseas. For a slightly cheaper price, it offers speeds and security features similar to NordVPN.
As another command-line interface, Atlas VPN is also great for unblocking censored and geo-blocked content. Moreover, it has fairly speedy encryption protocols, which are ideal if you are working or using a lot of bandwidth and power. Moreover, the connections always seem to be strong and rarely ever cut out.
What really sets Atlas VPN apart from the others on this list is its multi-hop servers. These reroute your connection through two different servers, which adds an additional layer of security and privacy to make you even less detectable while online.
Once you choose your favorite provider, all that’s left is setting it up. Previously, the manual configuration required to set up a VPN on Ubuntu was a bit of a nightmare. However, even if you still need to do this, providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have easy walkthrough guides and great support to help you out.
That being said, you now only need to do a manual installation for very specific purposes. Setting up your VPN can be done with the following steps:
VPNs for Ubuntu are becoming standard tools for anyone who wants to take their daily online activities to the next level with increased security and privacy. The good news is that there are now plenty of app-based options available for VPNs on Ubuntu, with options designed for every type of user and every type of budget. Many more are bound to be released in the future as well as GUI upgrades. As soon as they do, you can count on us to be the first to let you know, so make sure you come back soon!
See what free VPNs, if any, are available for Ubuntu users here at TheGameHaus.com. Alternatively, you can also check out the best deals and free trials for our top-rated premium VPN providers.
Does the Ubuntu operating system come with a VPN built in? This is just one of the issues and questions that we have addressed in our latest VPN guide here at TheGamehaus.com. So visit our site and find out.
There are many great VPNs that have compatible command-line and even GUI app interfaces for Ubuntu. Check out our list of top-rated providers and find out which VPN is best for you.
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