While anything 100% free has downsides, I tested 50+ VPNs to find the best free VPNs for Linux in 2023. However, while these are effective choices, I suggest you consider a low-cost premium VPN to avoid bandwidth, speed, and server restrictions. Based on my tests, ExpressVPN is the best Linux VPN (with Ubuntu Debian, Mint, Fedora support, and more) with no limitations on any features. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test it and easily request a refund if you aren’t satisfied with it. Try ExpressVPN on Linux risk-free
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Linux in 2023
The Best VPNs for Linux (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Linux With Easy Setup and Fast Speeds
Key Features: ExpressVPN’s fast speeds, easy installation, and high-level security make it the best VPN for Linux. It supports Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and various other choices, so it’ll easily work on your preferred Linux distro. Many VPNs neglect Linux, but ExpressVPN’s Linux setup is easy, thanks to the Command-Line Interface (CLI) app. It lets me easily connect to various servers, change protocols, and more. Plus, you don’t have to configure it through Terminal or Network Manager manually. ExpressVPN’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions provide a GUI you can use without entering Terminal commands. Also, by acting as a remote control for your app, the extensions protect your entire Linux device and not just your browser. If you ever need help, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and helpful guides on its website. I was impressed by the simplicity of the instructions — there are guides for OpenVPN, changing DNS settings, and even troubleshooting for different distros. You can access all 3000+ ExpressVPN servers on Linux, and every server supports streaming and torrenting. During tests, ExpressVPN had no issues connecting to Netflix US and other streaming platforms like the following: ExpressVPN provided consistently fast speeds across its global network throughout all my speed tests, even on long-distance servers. The speeds always remained fast enough for HD streaming, fast downloads, and lag-free online gaming. On average, my speed dropped 18% from the baseline, which is barely noticeable. ExpressVPN’s fast speeds are mainly thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway is designed to provide high-quality security while maintaining the fastest speeds. I found that Lightway is the fastest protocol, with both TCP and UDP options available on Linux. I consider ExpressVPN one of the top choices in terms of security and privacy. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy haven without data retention laws. Plus, it offers the following features to keep you safe and anonymous:
AES 256-bit encryption — Industry-standard encryption to safeguard your online activity. TrustedServer technology — RAM-based servers that are wiped clean of all data during regularly scheduled reboots DNS leak protection — Protects your identifying information from leaking online. Threat Manager — Prevents third-party trackers from monitoring your activity and building a profile on you. Built-in kill switch — Instantly disconnects you from the internet to keep you anonymous if the VPN connection drops. No-logs policy — Independently verified policy ensures that none of your activity or browsing information is ever stored on its servers.
Though it isn’t free, ExpressVPN offers multiple affordable plans, including monthly, 6-month, and yearly options. I advise getting the 1-year + 3 months plan as it lets you get a 49% discount and a subscription that’s as low as $6.67 a month. It’s easy to download ExpressVPN on Linux and try it yourself. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test all its features and ask for a refund if you aren’t satisfied. When I tested this guarantee, a support agent took less than 5 minutes to approve my refund, no questions asked. Afterward, I had the money back in my account within 5 days. Try ExpressVPN on Linux risk-free
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Easy Linux Streaming and Torrenting
Key Features: CyberGhost offers a massive network of 9633+ servers, and its streaming-optimized servers make it easy to stream and torrent on Linux. They’re regularly refreshed to ensure fast download speeds and smooth connections, meaning you don’t have to test different servers to find a fast and reliable one. You can even use Terminal commands to access streaming and torrenting server lists. Plus, the Linux configuration is directly available in CyberGhost’s download hub. During tests, I found that CyberGhost offers consistently fast connection speeds, especially on its optimized servers. While they aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN, they’re still impressive, and I didn’t experience slowdowns of more than 25% compared to my base connection speed. So, I could easily stream, torrent, and browse the web without interruption. CyberGhost has the WireGuard protocol, which I recommend with Linux. Although you have to specify this in your Terminal instruction, CyberGhost’s instructions in its Linux setup guides make it super easy to configure. There’s also OpenVPN, but I noticed slowdowns on long-distance servers while using it. So, for the best speeds, always use the WireGuard protocol and a nearby server. Regarding streaming, CyberGhost effectively unblocks a wide variety of platforms, such as the following: CyberGhost also provides a wide variety of features that safeguard your identity and online activity. These include the following:
AES 256-bit encryption — Encrypts your browsing data to keep it safe from prying eyes. Built-in kill switch — Kills your internet connection to keep you anonymous if your internet connection is unstable. NoSpy servers — CyberGhost’s own privacy-focused servers in Romania, where there aren’t any surveillance laws. DNS leak protection — Keeps your identifying information from leaking anywhere online. No-logs policy — Audited by a 3rd party, so you can trust that CyberGhost doesn’t store your browsing activity or connection logs on its servers.
When it comes to configuring and troubleshooting, CyberGhost offers various detailed how-to guides for Linux. The guides are text-based, so copying and pasting instructions into the Terminal is easy. Also, CyberGhost’s live chat agents are knowledgeable about Linux and always suggested helpful troubleshooting tips when I contacted them. CyberGhost supports several distros, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, CentOS, POP! OS, and Kali. Even though it’s not totally free, I think the ease of installation and the streaming servers make CyberGhost worth the price. CyberGhost offers multiple plans, which include monthly, 6-month, and 2-year options. The cheapest subscription will cost you $2.19/month thanks to a large 83% discount. However, you can use CyberGhost free for 45 days thanks to its money-back guarantee. I tested the guarantee by asking for a refund over live chat, and the agent approved it within a few minutes. Best of all, I had the money returned in under a week. Try CyberGhost on Linux for free
3. Proton VPN — Dedicated GUI App for Linux With Unlimited Data
Key Features: Proton VPN is the only free VPN with a dedicated Linux GUI, meaning it’s easy to connect to servers and configure your settings. I found this far easier than using the Terminal — it took less than 2 minutes to install and connect to a server. Of course, there are helpful guides on the website if you want to configure it manually. I tested the 3 free servers, and Proton VPN consistently provided impressive connection speeds. I saw drops of around 35% compared to my baseline speed, though it increased to 40% when connected to the long-distance US server. Nonetheless, the speeds remained good enough to browse the web without lag. In terms of security, Proton VPN is top-notch. It provides various features to keep you safe and anonymous online, including the following:
AES 256-bit encryption — Military-grade encryption that secures your online activity. DNS leak protection — Stops your identifying information from leaking online. Built-in kill switch — Kills your internet if the VPN disconnects to ensure you remain anonymous. No-logs policy — Never keeps logs of your browsing activity on any of its servers.
I like that Proton VPN even provides unlimited free data, meaning I could keep my Linux device connected 24/7 to ensure I was safe. Unfortunately, there’s no official torrenting or streaming support. I was occasionally able to access Netflix, but most other streaming services remain blocked. However, I could securely bank online and browse anonymously, and I wasn’t interrupted by ads as Proton VPN’s free plan is supported by paying customers. Proton VPN is available for a range of distros, including Debian, Ubuntu, Mint 20, and more. Plus, there’s the option of setting up a Proton VPN connection using OpenVPN. You have to create an account to use Proton VPN for free, but you don’t need to add any personal or payment information. However, if you decide to get a premium plan, there are multiple options, including monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. You can get its cheapest plan for as low as $4.99 a month at a 33% discount. Also, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the refund amount is based on the unused portion of this 30-day period. Try Proton VPN on Linux for free
4. hide.me — Easy CLI Setup With 10GB Monthly Data Allowance
Key Features: hide.me’s free VPN offers a comprehensive CLI app that’s easy to set up, thus making it ideal if you’re new to using VPNs on Linux. The app also supports a variety of Linux distros, meaning you can configure it with all Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora-based distros. Also, it offers various in-depth setup guides on the website, and customer support is available if you run into issues. During tests, I found that hide.me’s download speeds are fast, but the upload speeds on Linux are slow. So, I struggled to make video calls and play games online without significant lag. Streaming and downloading are prioritized and always seem fast, but hide.me isn’t ideal for making secure Zoom calls or quickly uploading files. Fortunately, hide.me’s Linux CLI is very secure. It’s based on the fast and secure WireGuard protocol and offers a variety of security features like the following:
AES 256-bit encryption — Industry-standard encryption, which shields your online activity. No-logs policy — hide.me will never keep your browsing data or connection logs on its servers. DNS leak protection — Safeguards your identifying information from leaking online. Built-in kill switch — Kills your connection if the VPN disconnects to protect your privacy.
I was pleased to see that hide.me has undergone an independent audit to verify its no-logs policy, so I’m confident in its security and privacy measures. My team and I tested hide.me’s streaming performance as well. While its streaming-optimized servers on the premium plan unblock various platforms, you can only access Netflix US using hide.me’s free VPN. You can easily sign up for an account and get hide.me for free on Linux. It doesn’t require payment details — just a valid email address to verify your account. However, hide.me also offers 1-month, 6-month, and yearly subscriptions if you want the premium plan. You can get the 2-year + 2 months plan for as low as $3.84 a month. Also, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this guarantee myself, and while it took a few hours to get the refund approved, I had my money back in around 7 business days. Try hide.me on Linux for free
5. TunnelBear — Global Server Access and Fast Speeds for Ubuntu Linux Users
Key Features: I really like that TunnelBear’s free Linux VPN lets you access its entire global server network — this is the same level of access as paying subscribers. Plus, it’s an incredibly secure and privacy-focused VPN with multiple features to keep you safe and anonymous such as:
AES 256-bit encryption — Encrypts your browsing data so you can safely surf the web. No-logs policy — Makes sure none of your browsing activities are saved, shared, or sold to third parties. DNS leak protection — Keeps all your identifying information safe and ensures it never leaks online and compromises your identity.
During tests, I found that TunnelBear isn’t the fastest VPN. My average connection speed dropped by around 54% compared to my baseline while connected to its servers. Also, TunnelBear only provides 500MB/month of free data, but you can increase your allowance by a few GB by referring friends or tweeting about TunnelBear. TunnelBear is not the best for streaming, but since all its servers are available on the free plan, it can unblock various streaming platforms like: In addition, TunnelBear only officially supports Fedora’s Workstation and Ubuntu. You can still theoretically install it on Ubuntu-based distros like Mint, Zorin, or POP! OS, but you have to be tech-savvy for this. Unfortunately, TunnelBear’s website doesn’t have proper setup guides for Linux installation, and it doesn’t guarantee that its customer support will be able to give advice on specific servers and protocols. You only need an email address to use TunnelBear for free on Linux. However, if you decide to go for one of its paid plans, you’ll find monthly, 1-year, and 3-year offerings. I advise the 3-year plan as it offers a really low price of $3.33/month thanks to a 67% discount. Unfortunately, TunnelBear doesn’t have a proper money-back guarantee, but it does evaluate refunds case by case, so you can try to get one if you’re unsatisfied. Try TunnelBear on Linux for free
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best Free VPNs for Linux
Warning! None of These Free VPNs Work With Linux
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Linux (All Distros)
I tested various VPNs against the following criteria and ranked them according to their performance. I looked at the following things to determine the best free VPNs for Linux:
Speedify
Speedify offers excellent security and privacy, but there’s a 2GB/month data limit. Plus, it’s unreliable at accessing streaming sites, so you’ll be frustrated trying to watch your favorite shows.
VPNBook
VPNBook’s free plan logs more user data than needed, like your IP address and connection timestamps, thus leading to location-targeted ads and pop-ups. This isn’t ideal if you want a free Linux VPN that guarantees online anonymity.
Mullvad
Some sites claim Mullvad is a top free VPN for Linux— but it isn’t free at all! It’s affordable and offers solid security and privacy, but it doesn’t offer a free VPN, so you shouldn’t waste time trying to find one on its website.
100% free — I ensured the free VPNs I recommended don’t ask for card details at any step. Also, I tested the money-back guarantees of paid plans to ensure they were genuine. Linux support — Every VPN I’ve listed works with Ubuntu and OpenVPN, while others also support distros like Debian, Fedora, and Mint. Reliable security and privacy — Every VPN in this article offers top-grade encryption., strict no-logs policies, built-in kill switches, and other features to keep you safe and anonymous online. Servers and speeds — I ran multiple speed tests on each VPN to ensure that their server connections are fast enough for lag-free streaming, browsing, and more.
Use ExpressVPN on Linux risk-free
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Install a VPN on Linux
Install OpenVPN in the Linux Terminal
Install OpenVPN Through Ubuntu
Configure OpenVPN on Linux GUI
Get ExpressVPN for Linux risk-free
What’s the best free VPN for Linux?
Based on my tests, Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Linux. It offers unlimited bandwidth while also working on all popular Linux distros. Unfortunately, Proton VPN free only offers 3 server locations and doesn’t officially support streaming or torrenting. If you want a truly unlimited VPN that works on Linux and offers a large variety of servers, you have to subscribe to a premium VPN. I suggest you try ExpressVPN on Linux because it offers unlimited data for streaming and torrenting with detailed instructions for easy configuration on Linux. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test every feature for yourself and request a refund if you aren’t satisfied.
Are free VPNs safe for Linux?
Some free VPNs are safe to use with Linux, but many aren’t. I learned during my tests that many free Linux VPNs secretly log data and sell it to third-party advertisers, which is a huge breach. This exposes you to ads and web trackers that follow you online, so I strongly suggest never randomly downloading a free Linux VPN without research. If safety is a main priority, you should consider a top-tier premium VPN.
How do I set up a free VPN on Linux?
In most cases, you have to install an OpenVPN client to configure a VPN on Linux. You can do this through the Linux Terminal or some other way, depending on your distro (Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, and Kali have a similar setup). However, note that the OpenVPN client doesn’t have key security features like leak protection or a kill switch. While you can configure these manually, it’s much easier and safer to choose a Linux VPN with built-in security features (like ExpressVPN). For other operating systems like Windows and macOS, we have a list of our top free VPNs across all major systems. Try ExpressVPN on Linux risk-free
Secure Your Linux Device With a VPN
Most free VPNs for Linux aren’t worth your time as their slow speeds, unreliable connections, and tiny data caps make them virtually useless. Worse still, some free Linux VPNs are even hiding malware or logging your data to sell it to third parties. While the best free VPNs for Linux still have limitations, you’ll find each of them easy to configure, and they won’t compromise your security or privacy. However, if you want to avoid restrictions completely, I suggest a low-cost premium VPN like ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN offers unlimited data, lightning-fast connection speeds, and a wide network of 3000+ global servers. It isn’t free, but you can download ExpressVPN on Linux and try it yourself. Its 30-day money-back guarantee means you’ll have a long time to test it and see if it’s right for you. If you aren’t satisfied, getting a full refund is easy, no questions asked.
