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

Best VPNs Tailored for Enso OS

Enso OS is an Ubuntu LTS–based distribution that focuses on a sleek, intuitive desktop experience—most notably via the Pantheon-inspired “Enso Shell.” Its users range from newcomers who appreciate simplicity to intermediate Linux enthusiasts who like a bit of polish without heavy customisation. Under the hood, it uses APT and dpkg for package management, with full support for Flatpak out of the box. Desktop environments typically centre on a custom GNOME/Pantheon combo, with Plank on the dock and elementary-style system settings.

When choosing a VPN for Enso OS, you want:

Seamless APT or Flatpak installation
A native Linux client (CLI or GUI) that respects the distro’s GTK/GNOME look feel
Reliable kill-switch and systemd integration
Strong support for Ubuntu LTS–based releases

Based on those criteria, the following VPNs stand out.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Linux Client	Install Method	GUI Support	Protocols	Kill‐Switch
NordVPN	Official CLI GUI (GTK)	APT	Yes	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes
ProtonVPN	Official GUI (Flatpak) CLI	Flatpak / APT repo	Yes	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	Yes
Mullvad	Official GUI (GTK) CLI	DEB download	Yes	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes
Private Internet Access	Official CLI Qt GUI	APT	Yes	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes

Installation Configuration

Below you’ll find step-by-step guidance for NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Mullvad on Enso OS. All commands assume sudo privileges.

NordVPN

NordVPN provides an official APT repository and both a native GTK GUI and CLI. It integrates nicely with Enso OS’s look and feel.

1. Add the repository and install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates
wget -qO - https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nordvpn

2. Log in and enable the kill‐switch:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set killswitch on
nordvpn set autoconnect on
nordvpn connect

You can launch the GUI via your Applications menu under “NordVPN.” It will follow your GTK theme and show as a system tray icon.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers both a native GUI via Flatpak and an official APT repository for the CLI. For Enso OS, Flatpak is often the quickest route.

1. Install via Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub ch.protonvpn.ProtonVPN

2. Run the GUI from your Applications menu (“ProtonVPN”) and log in.

Alternatively, CLI via APT:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y wget gnupg
wget -q -O protonvpn-stable-release.deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/pool/main/p/protonvpn-stable-release/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.2-1_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i protonvpn-stable-release.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y protonvpn-cli
protonvpn-cli login YOUR_USERNAME
protonvpn-cli c --fastest

Mullvad

Mullvad’s GTK GUI is well suited to Enso OS. You download their .deb and use dpkg for a clean experience.

1. Download and install the latest Mullvad DEB:

wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest -O mullvad.deb
sudo dpkg -i mullvad.deb
sudo apt -f install        # fixes dependencies

2. Launch “Mullvad” from the Applications menu and enter your account number.

3. Enable the kill‐switch and choose WireGuard for best performance:

mullvad preferences set wireguard true
mullvad preferences set kill-switch true
mullvad connect

Wrapping Up

All three providers—NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Mullvad—offer polished, Ubuntu-compatible clients that integrate smoothly into Enso OS’s Pantheon-inspired desktop. Your choice will depend on preferred protocol, journaled logs, or GUI design, but each of these services will deliver reliable privacy with minimal fuss.

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