Selecting the Right VPN for Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution tailored by System76, renowned for its polished GNOME-derived Cosmic desktop, streamlined apt workflow and native Pop!_Shop. Whether you’re a developer working in Tilix or a designer alternating between Flatpak and native DEBs, you need a VPN that integrates smoothly with NetworkManager, offers a polished CLI experience and respects the Ubuntu 22.04 (or later) underpinnings of Pop!_OS.

Below we explore VPNs that provide:

• Native Debian packages (DEB) or official APT repositories
• NetworkManager GUIs or GNOME Shell extensions for easy toggling
• CLI tools for scriptable setups in a tiling-window workflow
• Strong security defaults compatible with modern Linux kernels

Our picks are NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Mullvad. Each maintains an up-to-date APT repo, offers good GNOME shell integration and caters to the typical Pop!_OS user—someone who values a sleek GUI but doesn’t shy away from the terminal.

Comparison of Top VPNs for Pop!_OS

In-Depth Installation Configuration

1. NordVPN

NordVPN provides an intuitive CLI and a NetworkManager plugin. Here’s how to set it up on Pop!_OS:

1. Add the NordVPN repository and install the package.
2. Authenticate with your Nord account in terminal.
3. Use nordvpn commands or the Pop!_OS system tray to connect.

# 1. Download and add NordVPN GPG key
wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc
sudo apt-key add nordvpn_public.asc

# 2. Add NordVPN repo to APT sources
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list

# 3. Update and install
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

# 4. Log in and connect
nordvpn login
nordvpn connect

For GNOME integration, ensure the NetworkManager plugin is installed:

sudo apt install network-manager-nordvpn
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

You’ll now see NordVPN options in the Pop!_OS system menu under Network.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers both a GUI and a feature-rich CLI. It’s perfect if you prefer a GTK-based application alongside a bash-driven workflow.

1. Enable the official Proton repository.
2. Install the ProtonVPN app and CLI.
3. Use protonvpn-cli to log in and connect, or launch the GUI.

# 1. Add ProtonVPN GPG key and repo
sudo apt install -y gnupg2
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

# 2. Update and install client
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn

# 3. Initialize and login
protonvpn-cli init
protonvpn-cli login YOUR_PROTON_ACCOUNT

# 4. Connect to the fastest server
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

To use the GTK front-end, simply launch protonvpn from your application menu.

3. Mullvad

Mullvad’s strength lies in its open-source ethos and easy WireGuard integration. Pop!_OS users can pick between OpenVPN or the lean Mullvad GUI.

1. Add Mullvad’s APT repository.
2. Install the Mullvad client.
3. Authenticate with your Mullvad account number.

# 1. Add GPG key and repo
wget -qO - https://mullvad.net/media/keys/mullvad-code.gpg 
  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://mullvad.net/download/apt stable main 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list

# 2. Update and install
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-vpn

# 3. Log in and connect
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
mullvad connect

If you prefer NetworkManager with WireGuard, ensure network-manager-wireguard is installed and use the Mullvad app to export a WG configuration.

Conclusion

For Pop!_OS users who prize seamless GNOME-style integration and rock-solid security, NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Mullvad stand out. Each offers easy APT-based installs, CLI control and NetworkManager plugins. Pick the one whose features align with your workflow—whether that’s the double-hop of VPN chaining, the open-source clarity of Mullvad or the full-featured Proton secure core.