Best VPN Solutions for Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre

Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre is a fully libre, systemd-free distribution aimed at experienced users who appreciate transparency and minimalism. It uses the simple pkg-get package manager, relies on OpenRC for init scripts, and typically runs lightweight desktops such as Xfce, LXDE or minimalist window managers like IceWM. Its pure-libre kernel excludes proprietary modules, so any VPN solution must compile cleanly against the mainline Linux kernel, avoid closed-source drivers, and integrate without NetworkManager or systemd-resolvectl.

After testing various services and tools, three VPNs stand out on Dragora:

• Mullvad VPN – Offers both OpenVPN and WireGuard, ships an open-source CLI, compiles easily on a non-systemd distro and integrates well with pkg-get.
• ProtonVPN – Provides official Linux tools via pip, supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, and its CLI runs without systemd dependencies.
• AirVPN – Renowned for transparent policies, supplies ready-to-use OpenVPN configs and guides, and works seamlessly with the stock openvpn package.

Comparison Table

Installing and Configuring Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s CLI is distributed as a Python package. First ensure you have python3 and pip:

sudo pkg-get update
sudo pkg-get install python3 python3-pip
  

Then install the Mullvad client:

sudo pip3 install mullvad-cli
  

Log in or generate an account number on mullvad.net, then run:

mullvad account reconnect YOUR-ACCOUNT-NUMBER
mullvad connect
  

To use WireGuard specifically:

mullvad tunnel wireguard
  

Configuration files live under ~/.config/mullvad, and you can start/stop the daemon with mullvad commands.

Installing and Configuring ProtonVPN CLI

ProtonVPN publishes an official CLI tool. Begin by installing dependencies:

sudo pkg-get update
sudo pkg-get install python3 python3-pip openvpn wireguard-tools
  

Then fetch the ProtonVPN client:

sudo pip3 install protonvpn-cli
  

Initialize and log in:

protonvpn init
protonvpn login YOUR_EMAIL
  

Connect to a Fastest server or a specific location:

protonvpn c -f
# or
protonvpn c --cc DE
  

This will auto-choose OpenVPN or WireGuard based on your preference set in ~/.config/protonvpn/config.toml.

Using AirVPN with OpenVPN

AirVPN supplies OpenVPN configuration bundles for each server. Install the OpenVPN package:

sudo pkg-get update
sudo pkg-get install openvpn
  

Download your chosen server bundle from airvpn.org, extract it and run:

cd ~/Downloads/airvpn-ovpn
sudo openvpn --config your-server-config.ovpn
  

Enter your AirVPN credentials when prompted. For persistent operation, consider running it in a screen or OpenRC service.

Final Thoughts

On Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre, the absence of systemd and a focus on purity means you’ll rely on straightforward CLI tools and upstream-provided configs. Mullvad and ProtonVPN stand out for their native, libre CLI offerings and support for both modern WireGuard and battle-tested OpenVPN. AirVPN remains an excellent choice if you prefer raw OpenVPN bundles. All three integrate smoothly via pkg-get and existing init scripts, giving you secure tunnelling without compromising Dragora’s libre philosophy.