Running a rolling-release distribution like Bluestar Linux—an Arch derivative with pacman at its core and AUR support for enthusiasts—means you need a VPN client that integrates smoothly with systemd, NetworkManager and your favourite desktop environment (KDE Plasma, XFCE or GNOME are commonplace). Typical Bluestar users value control over every package they install, so native support (or an AUR helper workflow) is a must. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Package management: Anything that’s available in the official repos or AUR saves you manual compilation headaches.
- NetworkManager integration: Bluestar ships with systemd-resolvd by default, and many users rely on NetworkManager GUI applets in KDE/GNOME/XFCE.
- Protocol support: WireGuard and OpenVPN are most popular WireGuard’s lean codebase and systemd integration appeal to power users.
- CLI vs GUI: Some users prefer the command line, while others want a desktop client with a system tray icon.
Comparison of Top VPN Services for Bluestar Linux
| Provider | Arch Packaging | Integration | Protocols |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Available via AUR (protonvpn-cli-ng) and NetworkManager plugin |
CLI NetworkManager GUI | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Mullvad | Available via AUR (mullvad-vpn) |
GUI client CLI, NetworkManager plugin | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| NordVPN | Available via AUR (nordvpn-bin) |
CLI only, NM integration via script | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN |
| IVPN | Official Arch package | GUI CLI, NetworkManager plugin | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
1. ProtonVPN: Installation Configuration
ProtonVPN is ideal if you want first-class WireGuard support with a network-friendly CLI and optional NetworkManager integration. Here’s how to get it running on Bluestar.
Step 1: Install the CLI from AUR
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/protonvpn-cli-ng.git cd protonvpn-cli-ng makepkg -si
Step 2: (Optional) Install the NetworkManager plugin
sudo pacman -S networkmanager-openvpn networkmanager-wireguard
Step 3: Log in and connect
protonvpn-cli login your_email@example.com protonvpn-cli connect --fastest # or specify a country protonvpn-cli connect --cc US
2. Mullvad VPN: Installation Configuration
Mullvad’s GUI is very polished under KDE Plasma/GNOME/XFCE, and its WireGuard setup is straightforward. You’ll appreciate that the official AUR package wraps everything for you.
Step 1: Install the Mullvad package
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/mullvad-vpn.git cd mullvad-vpn makepkg -si
Step 2: Authorise with your account number (no email required)
mullvad status mullvad login YOUR_MULLVAD_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
Step 3: Connect with WireGuard by default
mullvad connect mullvad status
3. NordVPN: Installation Configuration
If you’re fine with a CLI-only approach, NordVPN’s official Linux client supports NordLynx (their WireGuard variant) and is quite responsive under systemd.
Step 1: Install from AUR
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/nordvpn-bin.git cd nordvpn-bin makepkg -si
Step 2: Enable the systemd service
sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd.service sudo systemctl start nordvpnd.service
Step 3: Log in and connect
nordvpn login nordvpn set technology NordLynx nordvpn connect nordvpn status
With any of these three options, you’ll enjoy robust encryption, seamless integration with Bluestar’s rolling-release workflow and the flexibility to switch between CLI and GUI according to your desktop environment. Pick the one that best matches your workflow, and you’re all set to browse securely.
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