Best VPN for Linux in 2026: GUI Apps, Distros and Kill Switches

Why use a VPN app on Linux (and when the built-in client is enough)

A VPN encrypts your traffic and sends it through a server run by the provider, so your internet provider and the network you are on see a VPN connection rather than the sites you visit. For example, on Linux you can do this in two ways.

• The built-in route. Many distributions can connect to OpenVPN or WireGuard servers through NetworkManager. However, you still need a provider’s servers and configuration files. Surfshark notes that Ubuntu’s built-in VPN settings do not include extras such as a kill switch.
• The provider’s app. In contrast, a dedicated app adds a kill switch, a server list, automatic reconnection and, with some providers, split tunnelling. In addition, all five providers below offer a GUI app for Linux, and three also offer a CLI.
• Where it helps most. For example, consider laptops on shared Wi-Fi or home connections where you want more privacy from your ISP. Our public Wi-Fi VPN guide covers the basics.

Check your distro and package format first

Most Linux VPN problems start with an unsupported release. This table shows the minimum versions each provider listed on 6 October 2026. “Not listed” means the provider’s page did not mention that distribution. However, it may still work without official support.

Official sources for this table are listed in Sources below. Surfshark says its app works on most distributions but lists only the ones it has tested.

• Native packages first. For this reason, prefer providers’ own repositories, .deb and .rpm packages for the full feature set. For example, Mullvad and Proton VPN install from their own repositories, and ExpressVPN uses a .run installer.
• Snap and Flatpak can miss features. However, Surfshark’s kill switch is not available in its Flatpak. Similarly, Proton VPN’s Snap lacks some native features, and split tunnelling is not available in the unofficial Flatpak.
• 64-bit and ARM. ExpressVPN and Mullvad state 64-bit only. In addition, Mullvad and Surfshark list ARM64, and ExpressVPN and NordVPN list Raspberry Pi OS.
• Desktop environment. NordVPN lists GNOME and KDE, Surfshark lists GNOME, KDE and XFCE, and Proton VPN’s official support targets GNOME on Debian and Ubuntu.

Kill switch and leak protection on Linux

A kill switch blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops, so your real IP address is not exposed during a reconnect. In addition, all five providers list one for Linux.

• ExpressVPN: an Internet Kill Switch, plus protection against IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks.
• Mullvad: an “advanced kill switch” with tight firewall integration.
• NordVPN: a Kill Switch you can toggle from the GUI or with nordvpn set killswitch on, plus IP and DNS leak protection.
• Proton VPN: a kill switch plus DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
• Surfshark: a kill switch in the Snap and .deb packages, but not the Flatpak.

Split tunnelling on Linux

Split tunnelling lets some apps use the VPN while others use your normal connection. For example, that is handy for local printers, a work tool that blocks VPN addresses or a game that needs your real IP.

• ExpressVPN: rules for specific apps, IP addresses or subnet ranges on supported 64-bit distributions.
• Mullvad: exclude apps in the app, or from the terminal with mullvad-exclude and mullvad split-tunnel. Furthermore, the guide shows how to exclude Flatpak apps.
• Proton VPN (paid plans): exclude or include apps in the GUI. Then restart the affected apps after connecting. However, on Debian, it needs kernel headers and systemd-resolved first.
• NordVPN: no Linux split tunnelling on its feature page. Instead, the Linux app can allowlist incoming ports and subnets.
• Surfshark: Bypasser is listed for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Which Linux VPN fits you

First, check your distro. Next, compare the features you need. Finally, consider your budget.

• Arch Linux: ExpressVPN (latest rolling release) or Proton VPN, whose FAQ lists Arch for its CLI.
• Raspberry Pi or a headless server: ExpressVPN or NordVPN, or CyberGhost’s CLI.
• ARM64 laptop or desktop: Mullvad or Surfshark, which both list ARM64.
• Split tunnelling on Linux: ExpressVPN, Mullvad or Proton VPN (paid).
• Older releases (Ubuntu 20.04, Debian 11): Surfshark’s tested list goes back furthest.
• Many devices: Surfshark (unlimited).
• Start at $0: Proton VPN Free.

How we compared them (official pages only)

Linux support varies far more than on Windows or macOS, so we started with each provider’s official Linux download page, then its support guides, split-tunnelling, pricing and no-logs pages. We opened them on 6 October 2026 from a US connection and recorded what each page states.

• Included: GUI and CLI apps, listed distributions and minimum versions, ARM and Raspberry Pi support, package formats, kill switch, split tunnelling on Linux, device limits, refund windows, published audits and US prices.
• Not included: speed tests, streaming results and hands-on install tests. Because we did not run them, we do not report them.
• Why these five: each publishes a Linux GUI app, a list of supported distributions and a written refund policy. However, CyberGhost is covered in the server section because its Linux app is command-line only.

Linux VPN features compared

Here are the five providers side by side before the detailed cards below. Specifically, each cell summarises what the provider’s own page said on 6 October 2026. Compare the supported distributions, app features and device limits that matter to your setup.

Official sources for this table are listed in Sources below. On narrow screens, scroll sideways to see every column.

5 VPNs to consider for Linux

These five cover the main Linux needs: a GUI for everyday use, a CLI for scripts and servers, wide distro support, ARM builds, split tunnelling and a free starting point. For clarity, they are listed alphabetically. In other words, the numbers show list position only, not scores or a winner. We checked the facts on official pages on 6 October 2026 and did not run speed tests.

1. ExpressVPN – widest distro list, including Arch

2. Mullvad – open source, with ARM64 builds

3. NordVPN – GUI and CLI, with Raspberry Pi OS

4. Proton VPN – a free plan and open-source apps

5. Surfshark – unlimited devices and older distros

How to install a VPN on Linux

Although the exact commands differ by provider, the steps are the same.

1. Check your release. First, run cat /etc/os-release and compare it with the provider’s minimum version in the distro table above.
2. Pick the native package if you can. Next, use the provider’s repository, .deb, .rpm or installer from its official site. However, choose Snap or Flatpak only if you accept the feature gaps listed above.
3. Verify what you download. For example, Mullvad publishes GPG signatures for its packages on its Linux download page, and Proton VPN shows a checksum for its repository package.
4. Sign in and turn on the kill switch. Then check that it is on before you rely on the connection.
5. Set split tunnelling if you need it. Then reconnect so the rules take effect.
6. Test inside the refund window. Finally, check your IP address and DNS with the VPN on, then try your usual apps and network devices.

Servers, Raspberry Pi and headless setups

If the machine has no desktop, you need a CLI, a headless install option or plain configuration files.

• ExpressVPN: lists Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit, and says v5.0 cuts dependencies for headless installs in Docker, containers and minimal servers.
• NordVPN: lists Raspberry Pi OS and has a guide for logging in on Linux devices without a GUI.
• Proton VPN: the CLI covers Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch, and manual OpenVPN or WireGuard setup works on other systems.
• Mullvad: offers configuration files for the official WireGuard clients if you cannot use its app.
• CyberGhost: its Linux app is a CLI for Debian 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 34+, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, and lists desktops, laptops, servers and Linux virtual machines. In addition, plans cover 7 devices.

If the VPN won’t connect on Linux

First, work through these checks before asking support.

• Release too old. ExpressVPN says you must upgrade your OS before installing version 5.0 if it is older than its listed minimum.
• Printers or NAS disappear. NordVPN blocks LAN traffic by default from app version 3.18.4. Therefore, turn on LAN discovery or allowlist the subnet if you need access to those devices.
• No internet after uninstalling. For example, a kill switch may still be active. Proton VPN’s Debian and Ubuntu guide explains how to remove its pvpn- connections with nmcli.
• No tray icon on GNOME. Proton VPN says GNOME needs the AppIndicator extension for its tray icon.
• A feature is missing. First, check whether you installed the Snap or Flatpak version and switch to the native package.
• Slow connection. First, try a nearer server and a WireGuard-based protocol. Our why is my VPN slow? guide lists more fixes.

Free VPNs for Linux

Free options on Linux are thin, so check what you give up.

• Proton VPN Free: works on Linux, covers 1 device and has no data cap. However, split tunnelling needs a paid plan.
• Mullvad: no free plan by design, but the same €5 price every month.
• Unknown free apps and scripts: avoid VPN clients that do not say who runs them, especially when they need root access. Our best free VPN guide explains the trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Official pages checked on 6 October 2026 (IST) from a US connection. They support the tables, provider cards and FAQs above.

Linux download pages and guides

• ExpressVPN Linux page: GUI v5.0, distro minimums, headless installs, kill switch
• Mullvad Linux page: repositories, Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora, x86_64 and ARM64, audits, source code, GPG signatures
• NordVPN Linux page: GUI, distros, 10 devices, leak protection
• NordVPN Linux support guide: CLI, kill switch, LAN discovery, allowlists, headless login
• Proton VPN Linux page: GUI and CLI, official distros, Free sign-up, kill switch
• Proton VPN Debian and Ubuntu guide: repositories, Snap limits, kill switch removal, tray icon
• Surfshark Linux page: tested distros, desktops, AMD64 and ARM64, Flatpak kill-switch note
• CyberGhost Linux page: CLI app, distros, servers and VMs, NetworkManager setup

Split tunnelling

• ExpressVPN split tunneling: Linux rules for apps, IP addresses and subnets
• Mullvad split tunneling guide: Linux app and CLI
• NordVPN split tunneling: Android, Android TV and Windows
• Proton split tunneling guide: Linux GUI on paid plans; not in the unofficial Flatpak
• Surfshark split tunneling (Bypasser): Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Plans, refunds and audits

• ExpressVPN pricing: US prices and renewal
• ExpressVPN devices page: 10, 12 or 14 devices by plan
• ExpressVPN Trust Center: KPMG audits, 2022 and 2025
• Mullvad pricing: €5 flat, 5 devices, 14-day refund, no free plan
• NordVPN pricing: US prices and renewal
• NordVPN no-logs page: six independent reviews, latest by Deloitte in 2025
• Proton VPN pricing: Plus: 10 devices, 30-day refund, US prices
• Proton VPN free plan: 1 device, no data cap
• Proton no-logs audit: Securitum, 2026
• Surfshark pricing: unlimited devices, 30-day refund, US prices
• Surfshark no-logs page: Deloitte, 2023 and 2025

The Bottom Line

The best VPN for Linux is one that officially supports your distro, ships the features you need in the package you actually install, and gives you time to test it. On 6 October 2026, all five offered a Linux GUI, three listed split tunnelling on Linux, and ExpressVPN listed the widest set of distributions, including Arch and Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit.

Practical move:

• ExpressVPN: GUI v5.0, the widest distro list including Arch and Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit, split tunnelling by app or subnet.
• Mullvad: x86_64 and ARM64 packages, split tunnelling in app and CLI, €5 flat, 5 devices.
• NordVPN: GUI plus full CLI, Raspberry Pi OS, obfuscated servers, 10 devices.
• Proton VPN: GUI and CLI, a Free plan on Linux, split tunnelling on paid plans.
• Surfshark: older releases supported, AMD64 and ARM64, unlimited devices.

Check the renewal price at checkout, install the native package where you can, and test your own apps and network devices inside the refund window. This article is general information. It does not include invented speed or performance results.