4 Best FREE VPN for Linux (2025)

Linux-based OS is always considered more secure against malware and viruses. But security is only one part of the picture. Even if your computer system is secured against various threats, you still need to protect your communications with the rest of the world. Like Windows, Mac, even Linux users are still subjected to intense surveillance and social tracking while browsing the Internet.

To secure your privacy, you need to use the best VPN for Linux-based operating systems tailored for your individual needs and circumstances.

After spending over 110 hours researching, I have reviewed 45+ Best FREE VPN for Linux options, including both free and paid choices. My well-researched and unbiased guide offers trusted insights, revealing the pros and cons of each. This comprehensive review may help you find the perfect VPN for Linux. Read the full article to discover exclusive features and verified recommendations. Read more…

Our Best Free VPN recommendation

Best FREE VPN for Linux: Top Picks!

1) ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Linux I have tried to browse the Internet safely. It allowed me to access music, social media websites, videos, and other content without limits. I particularly liked that this VPN does not log your IP address, browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic destinations, which helped me feel secure online.

This VPN offers online protection using leak proofing and encryption facilities. It helps you stay secure by hiding your IP address and encrypting your network data. This VPN for Linux provides 24/7 assistance via email as well as live chat.

It is one of the best VPNs for Linux that allows you to pay with Bitcoin. ExpressVPN encrypts user web traffic and masks IP addresses. It also helps you to hide your physical location. This Linux VPN service provider offers subscription plans for 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. This VPN offers a smart DNS service to unblock geo-restricted content.

Features:

• Unlimited Bandwidth: ExpressVPN provides unlimited data transfer on Linux, allowing me to stream HD content and download files without limits. I noticed there was no slowdown even during peak hours. I suggest pairing this with a fast local server for the best performance.
• 105+ Server Locations: With servers in 105 countries, I easily accessed geo-restricted sites while traveling abroad. Streaming services worked smoothly without buffering. While using this feature, one thing I noticed was the benefit of saving favorite locations for quicker access.
• AES-256 Encryption: This encryption standard kept my data secure while using public Wi-Fi on Linux. I tested it in multiple environments, and the connection remained stable and private. It adds strong protection without affecting speed.
• No Activity Logs: ExpressVPN’s zero-logs policy gave me confidence while browsing sensitive sites. My activities were not tracked, stored, or sold. This is essential for privacy-focused Linux users like myself.
• Private DNS on Every Server: The VPN runs its own DNS on every server, preventing third-party tracking. I tested DNS leak tools, and no leaks were found. I recommend running periodic leak tests to verify this protection remains active.
• Full Linux Support: ExpressVPN’s command-line interface worked seamlessly on Ubuntu and Fedora during my review. Installation was quick, and updates were frequent. The tool lets you automate connections using CLI scripts, which is handy for regular VPN tasks.

Key Specs:

Server Network:	2000+ servers in 105 countries
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Dynamic
Simultaneous Connection:	8 devices
Free Trial:	30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now!

How to use ExpressVPN for Free:

• Start your risk-free ExpressVPN trial. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no costs.
• ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This VPN service provides flexible pricing plans making it an easy-to-use online privacy tool.

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30-Days Money-back Guarantee

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2) NordVPN

NordVPN is a reliable and secure VPN solution for Linux and other platforms. It offers fast speeds, strong encryption, and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to connect safely. This VPN does not track, log, or share your data, ensuring complete privacy. Its built-in ad and malware blocker creates a safer browsing experience, and P2P support makes it suitable for torrenting.

NordVPN also helps access geo-blocked websites without hassle. I found its performance on Linux smooth and stable, with minimal speed drops. Whether you are concerned about public Wi-Fi or want to browse anonymously, NordVPN covers the essentials. Plans are available for 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years, offering flexibility based on your needs. Overall, it is a strong VPN option for privacy-focused Linux users.

Features:

• Graphical Linux GUI: A newly introduced GUI for Linux eliminates the need for command-line instructions. It lets users connect, manage VPN settings, and view connection details with a clean and user-friendly layout. While testing this interface, I noticed how seamless it felt compared to CLI-only options—perfect for beginners.
• Meshnet Device Networking: Meshnet allows private networking between up to 60 devices without routing through external servers. It is excellent for tasks like gaming, secure file sharing, or even remote coding setups. I recommend setting up custom device names—it made managing multiple connections much easier during my testing.
• Double VPN: This feature encrypts your traffic through two separate VPN servers. It adds an extra level of privacy, especially when dealing with sensitive tasks like whistleblowing or investigative research. While it can reduce speed slightly, the added security layer makes it worth it for high-risk users.
• Dedicated IP Servers: These servers provide a stable IP address that does not change every session. It helps maintain access to platforms that block frequently changing IPs. I used this while managing client accounts and noticed fewer CAPTCHA interruptions and smoother logins.
• Streaming SmartPlay: NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature lets you access restricted content on platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer without any manual setup. It integrates DNS technology to bypass geo-restrictions quickly. The tool lets you switch regions effortlessly, which I found useful for testing content availability across markets.
• Post‑quantum Encryption: The Linux GUI now supports cutting-edge post-quantum encryption to protect against future quantum computing threats. Combined with the NordWhisper protocol, it bypasses censorship efficiently. You will notice faster performance compared to older protocols, especially when switching between heavily restricted networks.

Key Specs:

Server Network:	6400+ servers in 111 countries
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Static
Simultaneous Connection:	10 devices
Free Trial:	30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now!

How to use NordVPN for Free:

• Start your risk-free NordVPN trial. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no costs.
• NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy to use and valuable privacy tool.

Get Free Now >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

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3) Surfshark

Surfshark is a great option for Linux. During my analysis, it offered fast and secure Internet access. It helped me maintain privacy with tunneling protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Surfshark also ensured that my physical location stayed hidden and my sensitive data remained secure.

This VPN allows apps and websites to bypass the VPN blocks. You can protect your identity by hiding your real IP address. It does not log your WebRTC IP and also prevents DNS leaks. Surfshark is a Linux-supported VPN that allows P2P connection on specific servers. It is one of the best VPN services that can block unwanted websites without any hassle. It enables you to share your IP address with other people on the same server. It is one of the best VPNs for Linux, enabling you to bookmark your favorite locations for future use.

Features:

• IP Hiding: Encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address so no one can trace your online identity. It works seamlessly on Linux and is essential for safe browsing. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how stable the connection remained, even when switching servers quickly.
• Unlimited Devices: Surfshark allows you to connect unlimited devices, including Linux desktops, with one account. This is especially helpful if you are running multiple systems or sharing access with family. I suggest installing it on both your Linux and mobile devices to maintain consistent protection across all your connections.
• Easy Linux GUI: The graphical interface on Linux is simple and smooth, even for new users. You can connect, disconnect, and switch servers directly from the tray menu. I have used this GUI on Ubuntu and found the quick-access features like favorites and recent connections very handy.
• Obfuscated Servers/Stealth VPN: This feature hides VPN usage by camouflaging your traffic to look like normal HTTPS traffic. It helps you bypass censorship and surveillance, especially on restrictive networks. I recommend enabling this mode when traveling or using public Wi-Fi in regions with strict digital regulations.
• DNS Leak Protection: With Surfshark, your DNS requests stay secure and private using built-in leak protection. It uses Surfshark’s private DNS on every server—even on Linux. I tested this using a DNS leak checker, and all my queries stayed within the VPN tunnel.
• MultiHop: Surfshark routes your connection through two different servers to double the encryption layer. You can customize this directly in the Linux app or via the CLI. The tool lets you pick country pairs manually, which I found useful for getting around specific region blocks while keeping my real location hidden.

Key Specs:

Server Network:	3200+ servers in 100 countries
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Static
Simultaneous Connection:	Unlimited
Free Trial:	30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now!

How to use Surfshark for Free:

• Start your risk-free trial of Surfshark. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
• Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides different plans for online privacy and protection.

Get Free Now >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

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4) Proton VPN

Proton VPN made a lasting impression during my review process. I was able to connect swiftly and navigate through its Linux setup with ease. The interface is intuitive, and the tool made controlling internet access simple with its smart permanent kill switch. As I carried out my evaluation, I noticed how effortlessly it protected my network even during restarts. That feature is great for anyone who values airtight privacy on Linux. It is also one of the best free tools for staying anonymous online. In my opinion, ProtonVPN delivers professional-grade privacy at no cost. Consultants often use it when working across sensitive client data in remote environments.

Features:

• Secure Core Servers: You can route your traffic through multiple servers before exiting the Proton VPN network. This adds an extra layer of security by preventing attackers from linking your connection to your true IP address. While testing this, I noticed the connection was slightly slower but worth it for high-risk browsing.
• No‑ads, no‑logs policy: The Linux app provides a clean experience with zero intrusive ads and enforces a genuine no‑logs policy. Your activity remains completely private, backed by strong Swiss privacy laws. I have verified this during independent testing where no user data was stored or traceable.
• Strong encryption defaults: Proton VPN defaults to the strongest encryption settings like AES‑256 and ChaCha20 with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. These standards ensure your traffic stays unreadable even on compromised networks. I recommend sticking with WireGuard if you want the best balance between performance and security on Linux.
• DNS & IPv6 leak prevention: The VPN tunnels both DNS and IPv6 traffic to eliminate potential leaks outside the encrypted channel. This keeps your identity safe from ISPs, trackers, and snooping networks. While using this feature one thing I noticed is that it blocks fallback DNS traffic from certain Linux apps, which strengthens privacy.
• Alternative routing: When Proton VPN servers are blocked by ISPs or firewalls, it reroutes traffic using third-party infrastructure like AWS. This helps maintain access in censored regions. I have personally tested this in restrictive environments and found it reliable for getting back online securely.
• Moderate NAT support: It uses network address translation to improve the VPN experience with services like WebRTC, gaming, or peer-to-peer video calls. This is especially useful on Linux where VPNs often struggle with UDP-based traffic. The tool lets you maintain lower latency in multiplayer sessions compared to many free Linux VPNs.

Key Specs:

Server Network:	6200+ servers in 100+ countries
Split Tunneling:	Yes
Data Allowance:	Unlimited
Torrenting:	Yes
Kill Switch:	Yes
No-logging policy:	Yes
Ip Addresses:	Dynamic
Simultaneous Connection:	10 devices
Free Trial:	30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now!

How to use Proton VPN for Free:

• Visit the official Proton VPN website using your browser
• Click on Get free account Button and create your Proton VPN account
• Get Proton VPN for Linux — a free, open-source VPN with no limits and no privacy-invading ads

Get Free Now >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

Feature Comparison Table

How do I set up a VPN for Linux distros?

Installing a VPN on Linux could be challenging. None of the VPNs for Linux have a simple app with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) like you find on their Windows or Android VPN apps. Fortunately, they have distro-specific installation instructions easily available.

Ubuntu-based distributions are the most popular for Linux. Hence, we will install NordVPN for Ubuntu.

Step 1) Ensure you have curl installed.

Use the command

sudo snap install curl

Step 2) Install NordVPN,

Use this command to install NordVPN

sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)

Note: The installation process will take 2-3 minutes, depending on your network speed

Step 3) Solve the access denied error (If occurs)

If you get the following error then Enter the command,and reboot the machine.

sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER

Step 4) Login into NordVPN using the command

1. nordvpn login

2. Enter your login credentials

Step 5) Connect to a VPN server

Use the following command to connect to a VPN server.

nordvpn connect

Step 6) To Logout use the command

nordvpn logout

Step 7) Check for the available server locations

Use the following command to check all the available server locations

man nordvpn

How Did We Choose Best FREE VPN for Linux?

At BestVPNZone, we are committed to delivering accurate, relevant, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review processes. After spending over 110 hours researching and reviewing 45+ FREE VPN for Linux options, I have provided a well-researched guide, highlighting both free and paid choices. This comprehensive review reveals the pros and cons of each VPN, aiming to help you choose the right one. With numerous options available, it is important to focus on key factors that provide value and security.

• Security Features: We paid attention to encryption protocols, ensuring that data remains safe and secure from all threats.
• Performance: According to our research, it is essential to choose VPNs that provide fast speeds without interruptions.
• Compatibility: The VPN should be easy to install and perfectly compatible with all Linux distributions and versions.
• No-Log Policy: It is best to avoid VPNs that store your data or log your online activity under any condition.
• User Experience: We made sure to shortlist VPNs with a smooth interface and hassle-free setup for Linux beginners.
• Community Trust: Our team chose based on community feedback and consistently positive user reviews across multiple tech forums.

Verdict:

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the most popular VPNs for Linux. All of them come with their own set of features. To assist you in making a choice, here is my verdict.

• ExpressVPN offers a robust and secure network, with dynamic IP addresses and a customizable user experience across 2000+ servers.
• NordVPN excels in privacy, with a great no-logging policy and a top-notch smart DNS feature for content access.
• Surfshark is a cost-effective solution, allowing unlimited device connections while maintaining impressive security and performance standards.

FAQs