Introduction: Why Choose a VPN on ArcoLinux?

ArcoLinux is a rolling-release distribution built on Arch Linux, catering to intermediate and advanced users who love to tinker. It employs pacman for binary packages and taps into the Arch User Repository (AUR) for community-driven software. Common desktop environments include Xfce, KDE Plasma, Openbox and tiling WMs like i3 or BSPWM—each emphasising speed and configurability. As a systemd-based distro, it integrates smoothly with daemons and command-line tools. When selecting a VPN for ArcoLinux, look for:

• AUR availability or easy Arch support
• CLI controls (ideal for lightweight WMs)
• Optional GUI (for Xfce/KDE users)
• WireGuard/OpenVPN support (native to the kernel or via openvpn)
• Good documentation for systemd integration

Most Suitable VPNs for ArcoLinux

After hands-on testing and research, the following providers stand out for ArcoLinux users:

• ProtonVPN – Official CLI, WireGuard OpenVPN, GUI AppImage and AUR package, excellent privacy stance.
• Mullvad – Flatpak/AppImage GUI, WireGuard OpenVPN, official Debian/RPM AUR community scripts.
• NordVPN – Proprietary Linux client with systemd service, WireGuard OpenVPN, available via AUR.

Comparison Table

Installation Configuration

1. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers an official CLI and a GUI AppImage. Here’s how to get started on ArcoLinux:

Install dependencies and the CLI from AUR:

sudo pacman -Syu base-devel openvpn dialog python-pip
# Use your favourite AUR helper, e.g., yay or paru
yay -S protonvpn-cli protonvpn-gui

Login and connect:

# Initialize and log in
protonvpn-cli login your_protonvpn_username
# To connect (defaults to fastest server)
protonvpn-cli c
# For WireGuard
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

Enable auto-connect at boot (systemd):

sudo systemctl enable protonvpn.service
sudo systemctl start protonvpn.service

2. Mullvad

Mullvad’s official Linux package can be installed via AUR or run as an AppImage:

# Install the AUR package
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel
yay -S mullvad-vpn-bin

For AppImage (no install needed):

# Download and make executable
wget https://mullvad.net/download/appimage/mullvad-client-linux.AppImage
chmod  x mullvad-client-linux.AppImage
./mullvad-client-linux.AppImage

Command-line usage:

# Login with your Mullvad account number
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
# Connect to the nearest server
mullvad connect
# Use WireGuard explicitly
mullvad connect wireguard

To run at startup, use a systemd user service (~/.config/systemd/user/):

[Unit]
Description=Mullvad VPN

[Service]
ExecStart=/usr/bin/mullvad-daemon
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=default.target

Then enable:

systemctl --user enable mullvad-daemon
systemctl --user start mullvad-daemon

3. NordVPN

NordVPN provides a proprietary client installation on ArcoLinux is handled via AUR:

sudo pacman -Syu
yay -S nordvpn-bin

Login and basic commands:

# Log in (opens browser or uses token)
nordvpn login
# Connect to best server
nordvpn connect
# Set protocol to NordLynx (WireGuard)
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
# To disconnect
nordvpn disconnect

Enable the systemd service:

sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd

Conclusion

Each of these VPNs integrates well with ArcoLinux’s rolling-release model and systemd infrastructure. ProtonVPN and Mullvad stand out for open-source tooling and WireGuard support, while NordVPN offers a polished proprietary client. Choose based on your privacy priorities, protocol preference and whether you demand a GUI. Happy browsing—securely!