Choosing the Right VPN for BlackArch Linux

When you’re working on BlackArch Linux—an Arch-based penetration testing distribution tailored for experienced users—you need a VPN solution that integrates seamlessly with pacman (and the AUR), aligns with minimal window managers like i3 or Openbox (though Xfce is also popular), and plays nicely in a rolling-release environment. The ideal candidate offers native Linux support, CLI tools for headless or tiling-window setups, and strong protocol flexibility (OpenVPN, WireGuard). Below are the most suitable VPN services for this distro:

• Mullvad – Offers a straightforward Linux CLI client in the official repos strong WireGuard support minimal dependencies
• ProtonVPN – Provides a CLI utility in AUR and official community repo integrates with NetworkManager strong security focus
• NordVPN – Maintained AUR package offers a user-friendly CLI broad protocol support reliable kill switch
• ExpressVPN – Official .rpm/.deb only, but installable via dpkg-converted packages less native pacman support, but GUI available
• IVPN – AUR package supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard focused on privacy without logs

Comparison of VPN Features on BlackArch Linux

Deep Dive: Installing Configuring Top 3 VPNs

Mullvad

Mullvad is straightforward on BlackArch since it’s in the official repos. It’s ideal for terminal-centric workflows.

Installation:

sudo pacman -Syu mullvad-vpn

Configuration Connection:

1. Authenticate with your account code:

mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
  

2. Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable --now mullvad-vpn
  

3. Connect using WireGuard:

mullvad connect wireguard
  

4. Check status:

mullvad status
  

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s CLI tool in AUR is reliable and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also integrates with NetworkManager for DE environments like Xfce.

Installation:

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

Configuration Connection:

1. Initialize and login:

protonvpn-cli login your_username
  

2. List available servers:

protonvpn-cli list --fast
  

3. Connect (OpenVPN):

protonvpn-cli connect --protocol openvpn
  

4. Optionally enable kill switch:

protonvpn-cli ks --enable
  

NordVPN

NordVPN’s AUR package simplifies installation. NordLynx (their WireGuard variant) offers high speeds and low latency.

Installation:

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

Configuration Connection:

1. Log in:

nordvpn login
  

2. Select protocol (NordLynx recommended):

nordvpn set technology nordlynx
  

3. Enable kill switch:

nordvpn set killswitch on
  

4. Connect to the fastest server:

nordvpn connect
  

All three options integrate well into the minimal, terminal-focused ethos of BlackArch Linux while providing robust encryption and privacy safeguards. Whether you’re running penetration tests or simply securing your network traffic in i3 or Xfce, these VPNs are tailored to fit your workflow without compromising Arch’s rolling-release flexibility.