How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Linux Mint (My opinion)

Best VPNs for Linux Mint: Tailored for Cinnamon, MATE amp Xfce

Linux Mint users enjoy a stable, Debian/Ubuntu-based platform with the APT package manager, dpkg under the hood, and desktop environments like Cinnamon, MATE or Xfce. Whether you’re a newcomer drawn to Mint’s polished UI or an advanced user tweaking DEB packages, you need a VPN that integrates seamlessly with NetworkManager, offers .deb packages (or easy WireGuard/OpenVPN configs) and respects your privacy.

Why These VPNs Shine on Linux Mint

Native .deb Packages: Many Mint users rely on dpkg -i or an APT repository—avoid manual compilations.
NetworkManager Integration: Mint’s GUI tools (in Cinnamon, MATE or Xfce) make it easier to handle VPN connections if a provider offers a NetworkManager plugin.
OpenVPN amp WireGuard Support: Mint’s kernels ship with WireGuard, and OpenVPN is just an apt install away.
CLI amp GUI Options: Beginners prefer a graphical client, while power users want a feature-rich CLI.
Privacy amp No-Logs Policies: Mint’s community values open-source and no-logs—choose providers audited or based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.

Comparison of Top VPN Providers

Provider	Native .deb / APT Repo	NetworkManager Plugin	OpenVPN amp WireGuard	Dedicated Linux App	No-Logs Policy	Global Servers
ExpressVPN	✔ Custom .deb	✔ via nm-expressvpn	✔ / ✔	✔ GUI amp CLI	Audited	3,000
NordVPN	✔ Official APT repo	✔ nm-nordvpn	✔ / ✔	✔ CLI	Audited amp RAM-disk	5,500
ProtonVPN	✔ Official APT repo	✘ (CLI only)	✔ / ✔	✔ CLI	Strong no-logs	1,800
Mullvad	✔ .deb download	✘	✔ / ✔	✔ GUI amp CLI	Warrant Canary	850
PIA	✔ .deb APT repo	✔	✔ / ✔	✔ GUI amp CLI	Audited	35,000

Installing and Configuring the Best VPNs on Linux Mint

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN supplies a polished .deb and a NetworkManager plugin (nm-expressvpn) for Cinnamon/MATE/Xfce.

Steps:

Download the latest .deb from ExpressVPN.
Install via dpkg and fix dependencies.
Authenticate and connect via CLI or NetworkManager.

# Download the .deb (adjust version as needed)
wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/expressvpn_latest_amd64.deb

# Install package
sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_latest_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

# Log in
expressvpn activate YOUR_ACTIVATION_CODE

# Connect to a server
expressvpn connect UK

# Or use NetworkManager plugin
sudo apt-get install network-manager-expressvpn
nmcli connection import type openvpn file /opt/expressvpn/bin/credentials/openvpn.conf
nmcli connection up id expressvpnonnet

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s official APT repository simplifies updates and offers both CLI and NetworkManager integration via nm-nordvpn.

# Add NordVPN repository sh

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s CLI is ideal for users who prefer terminal control. It uses an official APT repo and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard.

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

# Install the CLI
sudo apt-get install protonvpn-cli

# Initialize (enter ProtonVPN credentials)
sudo protonvpn init

# Connect using the faster protocol
sudo protonvpn c -f

# To use WireGuard (if in your plan)
sudo protonvpn wg-quick --init
sudo protonvpn connect --protocol wireguard

With these setups, Linux Mint users—from beginners on Cinnamon to pros on Xfce—can enjoy seamless VPN protection, integrated updates and a rock-solid no-logs stance.

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