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

Introduction

Running Lunar Linux—an LFS-based, source-oriented distribution—you’re already accustomed to compiling most of your software from scratch and managing packages via the native lunar toolchain (commands like lunar install, lunar update). Typical desktop environments on Lunar include lightweight options such as Openbox, Fluxbox or XFCE, though you can certainly build KDE or even GNOME if you’re feeling ambitious. Lunar’s strengths—fine-tuned optimisation, maximal control, and a highly technical userbase—mean that any VPN solution should integrate cleanly into an openvpn or WireGuard workflow, avoid relying on heavy desktop GUIs, and offer a straightforward CLI or source build.

Top VPN Recommendations for Lunar Linux

ProtonVPN – Offers both OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus an official Python-based CLI. Ideal for users wanting an audited, open-source background.
NordVPN – Provides a polished shell-script installer and supports OpenVPN/WireGuard. Great for a quick setup without wrestling with source builds.
Mullvad VPN – Fully open source, with downloadable OpenVPN and WireGuard config files. Perfect if you prefer compiling clients yourself or just using configs with your existing tools.

Comparison Table

VPN	Protocols	CLI Support	Official Linux Package
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes (protonvpn-cli)	Python-based CLI
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Yes (shell script)	Install script
Mullvad VPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	No dedicated CLI, but configs available	Tarball or config files

Installing and Configuring ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official CLI client works well on a source-based system like Lunar. You’ll compile dependencies via lunar and then install the client with pip.

1. Install system dependencies:

sudo lunar install python3 python3-pip openvpn wireguard-tools

2. Install the ProtonVPN CLI using pip:

pip3 install --user protonvpn-cli

If pip3 can’t write globally, ensure ~/.local/bin is in your PATH. You can add:

echo export PATH=HOME/.local/bin:PATH >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

3. Initialize and log in:

protonvpn init
# Follow prompts to enter your ProtonVPN credentials

4. Connect to a server:

protonvpn c --fastest

Replace --fastest with -r or -p as needed. To disconnect:

protonvpn d

Installing and Configuring NordVPN

NordVPN provides a convenient installer script that detects your distro. On Lunar, it’ll lay down the CLI binary and systemd service files. You’ll just need curl and sudo.

1. Ensure prerequisites:

sudo lunar install curl

2. Run the NordVPN installer:

bash 
3. Log in and accept the EULA:
nordvpn login

A browser window will open complete the login flow, then return to your terminal.
4. Connect to a server:
nordvpn connect

By default this picks the fastest server. You can also specify a country code or specialty, for example:
nordvpn connect us
nordvpn connect --group double_vpn

5. Disconnect when done:
nordvpn disconnect

Conclusion
While Lunar Linux’s source-based philosophy demands a bit more hands-on configuration, both ProtonVPN and NordVPN deliver first-class CLI tools and protocol support (OpenVPN, WireGuard). Mullvad remains an excellent choice if you prefer raw config files. Whichever you choose, these services integrate smoothly with Lunar’s minimalist environments and your existing openvpn or wg-quick workflows.

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