Best VPN for Ubuntu – Top Five Tested and Proven VPNs for 2024

The Ubuntu operating system ranks superior in terms of security and resistance to hacks. Despite the security assurance, you still need a virtual private network (VPN). Without the best VPN for Ubuntu, you cannot keep your online traffic away from the prying eyes of the government, network administrators, and internet service providers (ISPs).

VPNs will improve the security of your online activities. You will stay safe from spying by hackers, malicious actors, and anyone who is always snooping around following your digital footprint. A VPN works by encrypting data between your computer and the internet, making it impossible for an unauthorized third party to access your information.

When it comes to Ubuntu, you should be careful when picking a VPN. A majority of the VPNs that work with Ubuntu have poor user interfaces. Others do not have the same features seen with VPNs used for Windows or macOS.

In this article, we will dive into the best VPNs for Ubuntu for added security. Each of these VPNs is carefully picked to ensure you have an easy and secure online experience.

What is Ubuntu?

If you believe in open-source software, then you are most likely using Ubuntu as your default operating system. Ubuntu’s open-source model has made it superior compared to closed-source systems such as Windows and macOS.

Ubuntu runs as a free operating system for Linux that works on a computer or a virtual private server (VPS). Its popularity stems from having a user-friendly interface and regular semi-annual updates that improve security.

Features like strong security, zero fees, and good performance have seen Ubuntu emerge as the most popular Linux-based workstation platform. Despite the growing popularity, Linux has a small market share, which has seen many VPN providers prioritize features for Windows and macOS desktops and laptops.

However, this does not mean there are no good VPNs for Ubuntu. Some VPN service providers have accommodated Ubuntu users, and with a little research, you will find the best services that will add an extra layer of security. If you do not have time to research on your own, we have researched and tested the best VPN for Linux Ubuntu.

Why do you need a VPN for Ubuntu?

Given that Ubuntu is one of the safest operating systems out there, you might be wondering, why do I need a VPN for Ubuntu? Well, despite the robust security, you will still need a VPN for maximum security and keep snoopers at bay.

When you get the best VPN for Ubuntu, you are guaranteed an encrypted internet connection. This tool improves your online security and privacy ensuring hackers will not intercept your data. With a VPN, you will have an added layer of security even when using public Wi-Fi.

While Ubuntu is secure, websites will still access your location data and impose geo-restrictions. A VPN lets you access services and websites that are blocked or restricted in your country. With a VPN, you can set an IP address to any location to access geo-restricted content.

A VPN also hides your IP address, making it impossible for websites and online services to track your location and online activity. This feature improves your browsing anonymity.

Comparing the Best Ubuntu VPNs

Picking the best VPN for Ubuntu can be a headache when you do not know what to look out for. Some VPNs might underwhelm you by performing below expectations. Some offer fewer features than what they advertise.

In this guide, we make it easy for you to pick the best VPN for Ubuntu. We have tested these VPNs for user-friendliness, ease of use, reliability, and security. The below five VPNs are our recommended choice when looking for a VPN that works with Ubuntu.

Comparison Table

VPN	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	Surfshark	ProtonVPN	Private Internet Access
Cheapest Paid Plan	$6.67 per month billed annually	$3.39 per month billed every two years	$2.29 per month billed every two years	€4.99 per month billed every two years	$2.03 per month billed every three years
Logging Policy	No logs policy	No logs policy	No logs policy	No logs policy	No logs policy
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Number of Servers	Over 3000 servers in 105 countries	Over 6,200 servers in 97 countries	Over 3,2000 servers in 100 countries	Over 4,000 servers in over 85 countries	Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries
Simultaneous Connections	Up to 8 devices can connect simultaneously on a single subscription	Up to 6 devices can connect simultaneously on a single subscription	Unlimited simultaneous connections	Up to 10 devices can connect simultaneously on a single subscription	Unlimited simultaneous connections
Money-Back Guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee	30-day money-back guarantee

1.   ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Ubuntu Overall

ExpressVPN ranks as the best VPN for Ubuntu overall. This VPN is compatible with Linux, ensuring you have secure internet access. Its servers are located in more than 94 countries, which play a big role in concealing your internet activity.

This VPN service is also easy to use. It has browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox, giving you a convenient GUI that allows you a convenient GUI even with Ubuntu. If you are using the browser extension, you will get a wide array of features.

One of the unique features of ExpressVPN is a kill switch that will automatically shut down your internet connection if there is accidental exposure. The no-logs policy also ensures that this VPN service will not track your online activity or store data that could be shared with third parties.

ExpressVPN has broad coverage, which means you do not have to worry about using it with popular platforms such as Hulu, HBO, iPlayer, etc. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you are also assured of getting a chance to test out the features before you make a purchase.

This VPN service has one of the fastest speeds in the market, ensuring you can access streaming and play online games. The ad blocker feature also comes in handy when you do not want your online activity to be disrupted by ads.

Pros

• It has a no-logs policy
• It has full DNS leak protection
• The ad blocker stops unwanted ads from loading
• It has fast speeds
• It supports streaming services
• It comes with a kill switch

Cons

• The subscription plan is a little pricier than other VPNs

2.   NordVPN – Best Security Features for Ubuntu

NordVPN ranks among the best VPNs for Ubuntu in terms of security features. It is packed with the best tools for protection such as a full DNS leak protection, an audited no-logs policy, and perfect forward secrecy.

When you are using NordVPN to access online platforms, you will enjoy a seamless experience as the platform can block or track ads, while blocking connections to malicious websites. With this VPN service, you are also assured of utmost protection as your online traffic is routed through 2 VPN servers instead of a single one, giving you the utmost security.

It also comes with OpenVPN and AES-256 encryption. With this feature, you are assured of utmost security whenever you use the VPN for added security when teleworking, or when using public WiFi. You also get better performance with this VPN if you are using it for streaming, playing games, and torrenting.

This VPN will also give you a free smart DNS service you can use to stream on devices that do not offer VPN support. You can also use the fast speeds offered by this VPN to access global streaming services like Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, ESPN Plus, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, etc.

Pros

• It has fast speeds
• It comes with an ad blocker
• It lets you block connections to malicious websites
• The double VPN service gives you the utmost protection
• It has competitive pricing plans
• It comes with a free smart DNS service

Cons

• The NordVPN app can be quite slow

3.   SurfShark – Best Reliable VPN service for Ubuntu

The other best VPN for Ubuntu is SurfShark. This VPN service has been in existence since 2018, and it comes with a full GUI app that works with Ubuntu users. This VPN service is based in the British Virgin Islands, which guarantees you of utmost protection.

One feature making SurfShark the best VPN for Linux Ubuntu is the no-logging policy that ensures your data is protected from third parties. It also comes with diskless services that are erased instantly in case of an emergency.

If you are using Ubuntu, it means that you pay much attention to your privacy and security. Surfshark gives you an added layer of protection using a third-party audit of its apps, ensuring extra privacy.

The other features of this app include strong encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and obfuscation. Its servers are spread out across more than 100 countries, ensuring you will get an IP address from different locations.

If you are looking for a VPN that will give you the best value for money, you cannot go wrong with Surfshark. The monthly plans are affordably priced. Moreover, if you face any trouble using this service, you can chat with the live support team that is available 24/7.

Pros

• It has great value for money
• It has a no-logging policy
• It comes with a kill switch and DNS leak protection
• It has a live chat support team
• It allows you to access top streaming platforms

Cons

• You have to reconnect your device manually once the kill switch is enabled

4.   ProtonVPN – Best free VPN for Ubuntu

If you are looking for the best free VPN for Linux Ubuntu, you should consider ProtonVPN. This VPN is highly reliable as it has a robust no-logging policy that does not retain any records of what users do when connected to the service.

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest privacy laws globally. Therefore, you are assured that its claims on privacy and security are not false or exaggerated.

This VPN comes with a free version and a premium version. If you choose to go premium, the VPN will give you access to features such as strong encryption, ad blocking, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, among others.

The VPN has servers across more than 69 countries, and it can also bypass censorship while helping you escape regional censorships and blocks. With port forwarding, ProtonVPN will ensure you can seed torrents efficiently.

If you are looking for a VPN that can help you escape censorship on streaming platforms like Netflix, you cannot go wrong with ProtonVPN. You can also connect with the WireGaurd protocol ensuring you have fast speeds for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

The ProtonVPN free version has limited features compared to the paid version. The free version lets you connect to three server locations without paying anything. However, it does not support some features like streaming and port forwarding.

Pros

• It comes with a free version
• It has DNS leak protection
• It can block ads
• It has a robust no-logging policy
• It has fast speeds for gaming, streaming, and torrenting

Cons

• You cannot access live support with the free version
• It can be hard for beginners to use

5.   Private Internet Access – Best user-friendly VPN for Ubuntu

Private Internet Access (PIA) is also among the best VPNs for Ubuntu. It comes with a customizable app for Linux users, giving them easy navigation. It also has fast encryption levels, giving you fast and secure connections.

With this VPN network, you can access torrenting sites easily. It has a port forwarding feature that allows you to connect to your peers for fast download speeds. What sets PIA aside as the best VPN for Ubuntu is that it allows you to change the layout and the look of the app. It also gives you access to unlimited device connections.

This VPN service also comes with a split-tunneling feature for fast speeds. The feature lets you pick the apps that use the VPN and the ones that do not. It can also split-tunnel IP addresses so you can access specific websites and not entire browsers.

This VPN service also has robust security features like an audited no-logs policy and perfect forward secrecy. It is also open source, allowing anyone to check if there is any vulnerability. PIA comes with an ad blocker to block access to ads, malicious websites, and ad trackers.

Pros

• It comes with an ad blocker
• It has a customizable app for Linux users for user-friendliness
• The port forwarding feature gives you fast connections
• Unlimited device connections
• Robust security features
• It has a port-forwarding feature for torrenting

Cons

• It is not reliable for Netflix and other streaming services

How to Pick the Best VPN for Ubuntu

You should consider several factors when picking the best VPN for Ubuntu to ensure you have the best experience. Below are the factors you can consider:

• Compatibility with Linux – Ubuntu is very specific when it comes to VPNs. Not all VPNs are compatible with Linux. Therefore, when choosing the best VPN for Ubuntu, you should assess whether it has a Linux app, which will give you a user-friendly experience.
• User-friendliness – The VPNs that we have listed above are easy to navigate. In most cases, you will find a detailed installation process on the VPN’s website. If a VPN is easy to use, you are assured of a seamless experience.
• Speed – A VPN should improve your online experience and not hinder it with slow speeds. When choosing a Linux Ubuntu VPN, ensure it can maintain fast speeds across all its servers.
• Security – The best VPN for Ubuntu should come with robust security features. Some of the best security features in VPN apps include a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Price – A good VPN should give you value for money. If you want the best free VPN for Linux Ubuntu, you should pick one like ProtonVPN. However, you should note that free VPNs have limited features compared to paid VPNs.

Wrapping up – The Best VPN for Ubuntu

If you are a Linux Ubuntu user, you pay much attention to your online privacy and security. However, even with Ubuntu’s robust security features, you are still exposed to the prying eyes of your ISP and other third parties. In this case, it is best that you get a VPN.

Some of the best VPNs for Ubuntu are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, and Private Internet Access. These are some of the best VPNs in terms of security and privacy features.

If you are looking for the best VPN for Ubuntu, it is recommended that you consider several factors such as its compatibility with Linux, user-friendliness, security, speed, and price. These features will help you pick the VPN that best works for you.

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