How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Archman GNU/Linux (Guide)

Why These VPNs Shine on Archman GNU/Linux

Archman GNU/Linux is a rolling-release, Arch-based distro aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate Pacman’s speed and the customisation flexibility that comes with the Arch ecosystem. Typically you’ll find it running KDE Plasma, XFCE, GNOME or Cinnamon, and users often manage packages via pacman or AUR helpers like yay. Given these technical peculiarities—rolling updates, a DIY spirit and native support for NetworkManager plugins and WireGuard—you want a VPN that integrates cleanly, offers CLI tools for scripting, and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard out of the box. Below are our top picks:

Top VPN Providers for Archman GNU/Linux

After extensive testing on KDE Plasma and XFCE spins, these three stood out:

  • Mullvad – Excellent WireGuard support, CLI friendly, open-source
  • ProtonVPN – Solid NetworkManager integration, official CLI, ideal for privacy-aware users
  • NordVPN – Native Linux client in AUR, wide server network, supports both protocols

Comparison Table

Provider Protocol Support Archman Integration CLI Tool NetworkManager Plugin Jurisdiction
Mullvad WireGuard, OpenVPN Official configs amp AUR packages mullvad-cli No (but easy manual NM import) Sweden
ProtonVPN WireGuard, OpenVPN Official Arch repo amp AUR protonvpn-cli-ng Yes (networkmanager-openvpn) Switzerland
NordVPN NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN AUR package nordvpn-bin nordvpn No (CLI only) Panama

Installation Configuration Guides

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad shines if you prefer WireGuard. You’ll use their CLI and import configs into NetworkManager as needed.

  1. Install dependencies and Mullvad CLI:
sudo pacman -Syu wireguard-tools openvpn
yay -S mullvad-vpn    # AUR helper
  
  1. Log in and retrieve your WireGuard config:
mullvad login YOUR-ACCOUNT-KEY
mullvad generate-wireguard-config --output ~/mullvad-wg.conf
  
  1. Import into NetworkManager:
nmcli connection import type wireguard file ~/mullvad-wg.conf
nmcli connection up mullvad-wg
  

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official CLI and NM plugin make it a breeze on Archman.

  1. Install the CLI tool and OpenVPN plugin:
sudo pacman -Syu protonvpn-cli-ng networkmanager-openvpn
  
  1. Initialize and log in:
sudo protonvpn init
protonvpn-cli login your_proton_username
  
  1. Connect using your preferred protocol:
protonvpn-cli c --sc      # Secure Core
protonvpn-cli c --wg      # WireGuard
  

NordVPN

NordVPN’s AUR package provides a native CLI experience with NordLynx for superb speeds.

  1. Install from AUR:
yay -S nordvpn-bin
  
  1. Enable and log in:
sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd
nordvpn login
  
  1. Connect with NordLynx:
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect
  
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