How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Artix Linux (Tutorial)

Choosing the Right VPN for Artix Linux

Artix Linux is an Arch-based, systemd-free distribution that caters to experienced Linux users who prefer init systems like OpenRC, runit or s6. You’ll typically find desktops such as XFCE, KDE, GNOME, LXQt or minimalist tiling window managers in Artix setups. Its package manager is pacman, and the Arch User Repository (AUR) remains a vital resource. When selecting a VPN for Artix, you need a provider that:

Offers WireGuard and OpenVPN support without relying on systemd services.
Provides an Arch-friendly CLI or AUR package for easy installation and updates.
Can be configured manually or via a lightweight daemon compatible with your chosen init (OpenRC, runit or s6).

Below are some of the most suitable VPNs for Artix users, along with technical reasons for their fit.

Recommended VPNs Overview

Provider	Protocols	Arch/AUR Support	CLI Daemon	Init Compatibility
Mullvad VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	AUR: `mullvad-vpn`	mullvad-cli	OpenRC, runit, s6
ProtonVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	AUR: `protonvpn-cli`	protonvpn-cli	OpenRC, runit, s6
Private Internet Access	WireGuard, OpenVPN	AUR: `pia-manager`	pia-manager	OpenRC, runit, s6
NordVPN	WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN	AUR: `nordvpn-bin`	nordvpn	OpenRC, runit, s6

Installation Configuration Guides

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is celebrated for privacy and simplicity. The official AUR package provides a CLI client that works seamlessly under non-systemd inits.

1. Install dependencies and the AUR package:

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

2. Log in with your Mullvad account number:

mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER

3. Connect using WireGuard:

mullvad wireguard generate-config
mullvad connect wireguard

4. To run it under OpenRC, add an init script:

# /etc/init.d/mullvad
#!/sbin/openrc-run
command=/usr/bin/mullvad
command_args=connect wireguard
depend() {
  need net
}

Then enable it:

sudo rc-update add mullvad default
sudo rc-service mullvad start

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s CLI tool integrates with NetworkManager or runs standalone, offering both WireGuard and OpenVPN. The AUR package installs the official Python-based client.

1. Install prerequisites:

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

2. Initialize ProtonVPN and login:

protonvpn init
# Follow prompts to enter username/password and select default protocol

3. Connect to the fastest server:

protonvpn c -f

4. For OpenRC service, create /etc/init.d/protonvpn:

#!/sbin/openrc-run
command=/usr/bin/protonvpn
command_args=c -f
depend() {
  need net
}

Enable and start:

sudo rc-update add protonvpn default
sudo rc-service protonvpn start

Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA offers a user-friendly CLI and GUI launcher in AUR. The pia-manager package is init-agnostic and uses Python.

1. Install via AUR:

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

2. Launch and login:

pia-manager
# Follow GUI prompts or use CLI:
piactl login

3. Connect with WireGuard:

piactl set network wireguard
piactl connect

4. For runit, create /etc/runit/sv/pia:

#!/bin/sh
exec piactl connect

Enable it:

ln -s /etc/runit/sv/pia /run/runit/service/

Final Notes

Each of these VPNs plays nicely with Artix’s pacman and AUR ecosystem, and can be integrated into OpenRC, runit or s6 with minimal fuss. Whether you prefer Mullvad’s transparent privacy stance, ProtonVPN’s audit-friendly codebase, or PIA’s proven track record, you’ll enjoy secure, high-speed connections on your Artix system.

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