How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Anarchy Linux (My opinion)

Choosing the Right VPN for Anarchy Linux

Anarchy Linux, as you know, is an Arch-based distribution with the pacman package manager, optional AUR helpers like yay, and systemd as its init system. Users range from those seeking a guided installer for a near-vanilla Arch experience to seasoned Arch veterans who customise every component, be it GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, i3 or any other window manager. Given this technical backdrop, a VPN solution for Anarchy should:

Offer an official Arch Linux package or a stable AUR build for seamless installation via pacman or yay.
Provide a systemd service file or easy systemd integration for reliable autostart on boot.
Support a CLI client, since Anarchy users often prefer terminal-driven workflows, while also offering a lightweight GUI that can drop into Xfce or KDE Plasma.
Be compatible with standard POSIX tooling, network-manager integration and firewall setups (e.g., ufw, iptables).

With these requirements in mind, the three most suitable VPN providers for Anarchy Linux are:

NordVPN – Official Linux client with an Arch AUR package, strong systemd hooks and NetworkManager integration.
ProtonVPN – Official CLI and GUI packaged in AUR, robust OpenVPN/WireGuard support, and systemd service files.
Mullvad – Simple CLI tool, official AUR package, straightforward WireGuard setup and lightweight GTK GUI option.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Arch/AUR Package	Systemd Service	CLI Client	GUI Option	Protocols
NordVPN	aur/nordvpn	Yes (nordvpnd.service)	Yes (`nordvpn`)	Yes (Qt-based GUI)	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)
ProtonVPN	aur/protonvpn-cli-ng, aur/protonvpn-gui	Yes (protonvpn.service)	Yes (`protonvpn-cli`)	Yes (Electron-based GUI)	OpenVPN, WireGuard
Mullvad	aur/mullvad-vpn	Yes (mullvad-daemon.service)	Yes (`mullvad`)	Yes (GTK GUI)	WireGuard, OpenVPN

Installation Configuration Guides

1. NordVPN

The NordVPN AUR package wraps the official client and sets up a systemd daemon. First install with your AUR helper:

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/nordvpn.git
cd nordvpn
makepkg -si

Then log in, enable and start the service:

nordvpn login
sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd

# To connect to a server:
nordvpn connect United_Kingdom

You can also activate the GUI via your desktop menu (works seamlessly under KDE or XFCE).

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers two AUR packages: protonvpn-cli-ng for terminal usage and protonvpn-gui for a desktop client. Install both as follows:

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/protonvpn-cli-ng.git
cd protonvpn-cli-ng
makepkg -si
cd ..
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/protonvpn-gui.git
cd protonvpn-gui
makepkg -si

Initialise the CLI and import your credentials:

protonvpn-cli login your.email@example.com
protonvpn-cli configure

# Example: connect using WireGuard to the fastest server
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest --protocol wireguard

If you prefer a graphical interface, launch ProtonVPN from your application launcher. The service is managed automatically under systemd.

3. Mullvad

Mullvad’s official AUR package registers a daemon and provides both CLI and GTK GUI. Installation steps:

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/mullvad-vpn.git
cd mullvad-vpn
makepkg -si

Enable the daemon and log in with your account number:

mullvad account login YOUR-ACCOUNT-NUMBER

sudo systemctl enable mullvad-daemon
sudo systemctl start mullvad-daemon

# Connect via CLI
mullvad connect

# Or run the GTK GUI
mullvad-gui

Mullvad’s minimal interface integrates nicely on lightweight DEs like XFCE or LXQt, and you can switch protocols in the GUI under “Preferences.”

Whichever VPN you choose, you’ll benefit from strong encryption, stable systemd integration and a straightforward install on Anarchy Linux. Enjoy secure networking, whether you’re tweaking i3 or cruising KDE Plasma in London!

LINUXMIND.DEV