How to choose, use and configure a VPN in ClonOS (Comparison)

Choosing the Right VPN for ClonOS

ClonOS is a rolling-release distribution tailored for power users and developers who demand both stability and cutting-edge packages. Under the hood it uses the APT toolchain with custom “clonos-repo” sources, alongside Btrfs snapshots via Snapper and systemd-nspawn for container sandboxes. Typical desktop environments include Sway (Wayland), Budgie and LXQt, though many users prefer tiling window managers. Since ClonOS prioritises modularity, transparent filesystem snapshots and a security-focused kernel patchset, your VPN choice should integrate smoothly with systemd services, respect Btrfs layering and offer a native Debian/Ubuntu-style .deb or generic Linux binary.

The following VPN providers stand out on ClonOS:

Mullvad VPN – Open standards, pre-built Debian packages, seamless WireGuard integration.
ProtonVPN – Native .deb, systemd-managed OpenVPN and WireGuard, strong audit record.
IVPN – Lightweight CLI client, robust multi-hop, supports both protocols with Snapper-friendly configs.
AirVPN – Custom OpenVPN builds, AES-256-GCM, excellent for advanced routing via systemd-networkd.
NordVPN – Official .deb package, easy GUI for Budgie/LXQt, automatic DNS leak protection.

VPN Feature Comparison for ClonOS

VPN Provider	Protocol Support	Native .deb	Systemd Service	WireGuard GUI/CLI
Mullvad VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Yes	mullvad-daemon.service	CLI GUI (via GNOME, Budgie)
ProtonVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)	Yes	protonvpn.service	CLI GUI
IVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Yes	ivpn.service	CLI only
AirVPN	OpenVPN (AES-GCM)	No (generic Linux binary)	airvpn-client@.service	CLI only
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	Yes	nordvpnd.service	CLI GUI

Deep Dive: Installing Configuring on ClonOS

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad provides a .deb that aligns perfectly with your apt workflow and integrates as a mullvad-daemon.service.

Step 1: Add the Mullvad repo

sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list

Step 2: Install the client and enable the service

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-daemon
sudo systemctl enable --now mullvad-daemon.service

Step 3: Authenticate and connect

mullvad account login YOUR-MULLVAD-CODE
mullvad tunnel wireguard up

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official .deb is built with ClonOS’s snapper/Btrfs setup in mind, offering both GUI and CLI tools.

Step 1: Add ProtonVPN’s APT repository

sudo apt install -y curl gnupg curl -fsSL https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc sudo apt-key add - sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list

Step 2: Install ProtonVPN and start the service

sudo apt install protonvpn protonvpn-cli
sudo systemctl enable --now protonvpn.service

Step 3: Login connect

protonvpn-cli login your_username
protonvpn-cli c --fastest

IVPN

With a minimal footprint, IVPN’s CLI client is ideal for ClonOS users comfortable in a terminal.

Step 1: Download and install the .deb

curl -LO https://www.ivpn.net/install/linux/debian/ivpn_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i ivpn_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get -f install

Step 2: Enable the systemd service

sudo systemctl enable --now ivpn.service

Step 3: Authenticate connect

ivpn login
ivpn connect

Conclusion

For ClonOS’s rolling-release, Btrfs-backed environment, Mullvad, ProtonVPN and IVPN offer the smoothest installs, robust systemd integration and strong protocol support. Choose Mullvad for first-class WireGuard, ProtonVPN for audited security and GUI conveniences, or IVPN for a minimalist, CLI-only approach. All three respect ClonOS’s unique snapshot and container workflows, ensuring seamless VPN protection without compromising system integrity.

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