Choosing the Right VPN for Lubuntu

Lubuntu’s blend of the LXQt desktop (or older LXDE) and its apt-based package management makes it a nimble choice for older machines or resource-conscious users. Unlike heavier Ubuntu spins, Lubuntu users often appreciate simplicity and command-line familiarity, though there’s still support for nm-applet and graphical VPN plugins via NetworkManager. When evaluating VPN clients for Lubuntu, look for:

• Official .deb packages or an APT repository (no compiling from source).
• Integration with NetworkManager or a lightweight CLI that plays well in LXQt’s panels.
• Low memory footprint and minimal GTK/QT dependencies beyond what Lubuntu already provides.

Based on those criteria, the top contenders are:

• Mullvad VPN – simple CLI and GUI, provides a deb repo.
• ProtonVPN – officially supports Debian/Ubuntu via an APT repo and offers a lightweight CLI tool.
• Private Internet Access – official Linux client, OpenVPN configs, NetworkManager plugin available.

Comparison Table

Installing and Configuring the Best VPNs on Lubuntu

Mullvad VPN

• Light GUI written in Qt, installs neatly alongside LXQt.
• CLI also available if you prefer terminal control.

To add Mullvad’s repository and install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install gnupg2 curl
curl -fsSL https://mullvad.net/media/mullvad-code-signing.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.mullvad.net/deb/ubuntu (lsb_release -cs) main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-desktop mullvad-client network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Then launch the GUI from the LXQt menu or start the CLI:

mullvad-daemon 
mullvad status
mullvad relay set de frankfurt
mullvad connect

ProtonVPN

• Official CLI tool that works smoothly inside LXQt’s terminal emulator.
• No Electron bloat—just pure Python and simple dependencies.

To install ProtonVPN’s CLI on Lubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wget gnupg
wget -qO - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian unstable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn-cli

After installation, initialise and connect:

protonvpn-cli init
# Enter your ProtonVPN credentials when prompted
protonvpn-cli c --fastest
# or to specify a country:
protonvpn-cli c --cc GB

Private Internet Access (PIA)

• Official PIA client bundles GUI, CLI and NM plugin in one package.
• Fully integrates with nm-applet for quick connect from your panel.

To set up PIA on Lubuntu:

# Download and add PIA’s repository key
wget -qO - https://installers.privateinternetaccess.com/download/pia_public.key  sudo apt-key add -
# Add the PIA repo
echo deb https://installers.privateinternetaccess.com/ubuntu focal main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pia.list
sudo apt update
# Install the PIA client which includes NM plugin
sudo apt install pia-client network-manager-pia

To launch:

pia-client
# Or use the NetworkManager tray icon:
nm-connection-editor
# Find the PIA VPN entry, edit your credentials, then click Connect.

With these options, Lubuntu users have robust, low-overhead VPN solutions that fit neatly into the LXQt workflow without the fuss of compiling or wrestling with heavy desktop libraries.