VPN Solutions Best Suited for BlankOn

BlankOn is a Debian Testing–based distro tailored for Indonesian users, featuring APT as its primary package manager (apt-get/apt), with additional tooling through the in-house “Ark” repository manager. Common desktop environments include GNOME Shell, Xfce, and MATE. Typical users range from power-users comfortable at the shell to educators and small-business administrators who appreciate out-of-the-box multimedia support and Bahasa Indonesia localization. When selecting a VPN, you’ll want:

• Native .deb packages or official APT repositories
• GNOME NetworkManager or CLI tools compatible with systemd-resolved
• Support for modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN) and a choice of GUI/client
• Minimal fuss in adding custom repos or external third-party installers

Based on these criteria, the following VPN providers stand out:

1. NordVPN – Official Debian repo, CLI amp GNOME app, WireGuard-based NordLynx.
2. ProtonVPN – Native Debian packages, integrated GNOME shell extension amp Proton CLI.
3. Mullvad – .deb package via APT repo, GUI based on GTK, solid WireGuard support.
4. ExpressVPN – Official Linux app, supports .deb install and NetworkManager script.
5. PIA – .deb packages, GUI amp CLI, multiple encryption options.

Comparison Table

Installation amp Configuration

1. NordVPN

NordVPN packages are provided via an official APT repository, making it straightforward to install and update alongside your system packages.

To install and connect:

# Add NordVPN repo
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg
curl -sSL https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/gpg  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/deb stable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list

# Install NordVPN
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y nordvpn

# Log in and connect
nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect

If you prefer OpenVPN profiles, export configs from the dashboard and place them in /etc/openvpn/client/, then:

sudo openvpn --config /etc/openvpn/client/us1234.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers a CLI tool and a GNOME shell extension. First, add their APT source:

# Add ProtonVPN repo
sudo apt-get install -y wget gnupg
wget -qO - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian unstable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list

# Install ProtonVPN client
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y protonvpn

Initialize and connect:

# Log in with Proton credentials
protonvpn-cli login your-email@domain.com

# Quick connect
protonvpn-cli c --fastest

# Or specify country
protonvpn-cli c --cc JP

3. Mullvad

Mullvad provides a straightforward repository. You’ll need your Mullvad account number (no email required).

# Add Mullvad repo
echo deb https://repo.mullvad.net/deb/ focal main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
wget -qO - https://mullvad.net/download/deb/public.gpg  sudo apt-key add -

# Install Mullvad client
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y mullvad-vpn

# Log in with your account number
mullvad account login your-account-number

# Connect
mullvad connect

Alternatively, use WireGuard directly by generating a config at Mullvad Account and placing the file in /etc/wireguard/ then:

sudo wg-quick up wg-mullvad

Conclusion

For BlankOn’s Debian-based, GNOME/Xfce environment, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Mullvad offer the smoothest integrations via native .deb packages, CLI/GUI clients, and top-tier protocol support. Whether you favour NordLynx’s performance, Proton’s Swiss privacy, or Mullvad’s anonymity-first approach, each installs cleanly through APT and integrates with both NetworkManager and systemd-based tooling.