Best Ubuntu VPNs That Works With Linux (& Free Alternatives)

NordVPN

NordVPN boasts an extensive list of high-quality features for Ubuntu users. There is a Double VPN encryption feature that will re-route your data through two different VPN server locations, for an additional layer of security. There is also the option to connect to an obfuscated server location that will mask the fact that you are using a VPN connection to overcome any VPN-bans.

When you install the command-line app for Ubuntu, you’ll also be protected by an integrated kill switch that you can activate in the VPN settings. The kill switch will ensure your web access remains protected even if the VPN connection drops for any reason. If the VPN fails, the kill switch will cease the transfer of any unencrypted file or information so that nothing is ever exposed.

Like all of the best VPNs, once installed, you’ll be protected by military-standard AES-256 bit encryption with secure protocols, including the open-source OpenVPN protocol. There is also support for Tor over VPN to send your data through the encrypted anonymous Tor network for access to Onion sites.

NordVPN even comes with a strict no-logging policy that renowned security company PricewaterhouseCoopers have independently audited. This means you can rest assured that your private data will never be misused or shared when using the Ubuntu VPN.

Nord operates on its own proprietary NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard software and is optimized to provide superfast server connection speeds. This means that you’ll get reliable connection speeds of up to 350Mbps, which is more than enough for most online activities. There is excellent streaming support, too, and the VPN can access the most popular streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.

When it comes to device support, a NordVPN subscription comes with protection for up to 6 devices simultaneously, slightly more than the industry average.

There is a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the product with Ubuntu before committing to a paid plan. Configure and test the VPN on your Ubuntu device, and if you’re not completely happy, request a refund within the first 30 days.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is arguably the best overall VPN service on the market, and it is no different when it comes to Linux distros like Ubuntu. The company is one of the longest-established in the VPN industry, and it is still one of the most popular among users. There is an extensive range of remote servers across 94 countries, powerful security features, an independently audited no-logs policy, and reliable streaming performance.

ExpressVPN also offers first-rate apps for Android and iOS and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that work on Ubuntu. You can also manually select any of its servers across more than 94 countries using a command on the Ubuntu terminal. If you need assistance while setting up the Ubuntu VPN, there is 24/7 live chat and email support.

ExpressVPN comes with a host of advanced features, including a reliable integrated kill switch. There is military-grade AES-256 bit encryption and a 4096-bit RSA certificate and support for a host of powerful protocols.

Users will also have access to Perfect Forward Secrecy technology and use of ExpressVPN’s RAM-only servers, which are built on TrustedServer technology, to ensure no data is ever stored.

The company is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, a country that does not impose strict data retention laws, which is a real draw for any user that wants to remain completely anonymous online. ExpressVPN also offers an independently audited no-logs policy for even more peace of mind. The policy states that the VPN will never monitor or save user activity data or any other personal information, which is good to know.

If you need an Ubuntu VPN for accessing geo-restricted content on sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more, ExpressVPN is an excellent and reliable option. Connection speeds are great, too, meaning that you can stream and game in high-definition on your Ubuntu device, without the need to worry about lagging or buffering.

The only real negative is the cost, which is significantly higher than some of its competitors, but it does arguably make up for that with its first-rate service. There is, unfortunately, no free trial, but there is a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee for all of ExpressVPN’s long-term plans.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is an excellent choice with its long-term plans starting at just $2.49 a month if you are looking for a more affordable VPN option. Fortunately, the low price does not mean there is a lack of features either.

Surfshark delivers a command-line-based OpenVPN product for Linux users. There is an impressive policy that supports an unlimited number of VPN connections too. This means that you can protect your Ubuntu, Windows, macOS, and iOS devices at the same time and even share the product with your friends and family too.

The VPN delivers all of the basics that we have come to expect from a premium VPN service, including military-standard AES-256 bit encryption and over 3000 secure remote servers across more than 65 countries. There is a MultiHop feature, too, that will allow you to reroute your data through multiple servers simultaneously for additional security.

Ubuntu users will also enjoy some advanced settings, including the protection of Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature that blocks malware and ads while you are browsing the web. There is also the option to use the VPN in obfuscation mode to hide the fact that you are using an encrypted VPN connection.

Surfshark offers a transparent no-logs policy that assures the VPN will never store or monitor user activities. Moreover, the company is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, a real positive for security-conscious users.

The VPN is an excellent choice for streaming fans thanks to its support for all popular services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. There is torrenting support, too, across most, although not all, servers. Connection speeds are impressive, especially if you connect with WireGuard, meaning you can stream and game on Ubuntu without lagging or buffering.

Unfortunately, not all of Surfshark’s features are available on Linux distros. Split tunneling is not available, which is disappointing.

IPVanish VPN

Unlike many other Ubuntu VPN services, IPVanish does not limit the number of devices you can protect at one time. This is a major benefit if you own multiple devices, or you want to protect your partner’s or children’s devices too. The VPN offers support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices too. There is support for secure VPN protocols and a network of servers spread across more than 50 countries.

Connection speeds are decent and sufficient for streaming in high-definition and even 4K without lag or buffering. There is also unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t need to worry about how much data you are consuming while watching your favorite overseas Netflix shows.

However, unlike some of the best Ubuntu VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, IPVanish’s Linux app is relatively simple and does not come with many advanced settings. For example, there is no kill switch to protect your data if the VPN connection drops for any reason or VPN obfuscation to mask the fact that you are using a VPN. Linux users cannot access LAN blocking or the OpenVPN Scramble feature that prevents firewalls from preventing VPN connections.

Hotspot Shield VPN

With servers across more than 80 countries, Hotspot Shield users have a wide choice when picking a location. The VPN operates on its own proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which is one of the fastest available. This means that it is an excellent choice for streaming in high-definition or 4K.

Although Hotspot Shield offers an excellent free VPN, there is no support for Linux on the free version. This means that if you wish to test the product, you’ll need to utilize the generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

There are a few downsides to Hotspot Shield, which may put off Ubuntu users. Unfortunately, many of Hotspot Shield’s settings and features are also not available for Ubuntu users, such as split tunneling. Moreover, the VPN claims that it does not monitor or store any user information; however, its privacy policy has not received an independent audit by a third party, which is slightly concerning.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. It delivers excellent streaming performance, reliable connection speeds, and some powerful security features.

If you don’t want to manually install OpenVPN on your Linux device, you can also utilize CyberGhost’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox on your Linux device. This will allow you to alternate between browsers and switch between security protocols with ease. There are apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, and Chrome.

CyberGhost is an excellent choice if you want to install a secure VPN to protect your online activities. There is a strict no-logging policy, military-standard AES-256 bit encryption, and the choice of IPSec/L2TP, OpenVPN, and PPTP protocols. Although it has not yet completed an independent audit, CyberGhost offers a reassuring privacy policy as well as a transparency report which states that it will never store or share customer web data.

Prices start at just $2.25 a month, as long as you are ready to commit to a longer-term subscription plan. You will get a 45-day money-back guarantee.