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

Best VPNs Tailored for SharkLinux

SharkLinux is a rolling-release distribution derived from Arch Linux, renowned for its cutting-edge packages and performance-orientated design. It uses pacman as its package manager and typically integrates AUR helpers like yay or paru (many users rely on the built-in “sharkman” wrapper). SharkLinux appeals to intermediate and advanced users who appreciate granular control over systemd units, NetworkManager profiles, and modular desktop environments such as KDE Plasma, XFCE, GNOME and lighter WMs like i3.

Given these technical nuances, the ideal VPN solutions for SharkLinux are those offering:

Native or AUR-based packages for pacman or AUR helper installation.
Seamless systemd service integration for easy enablement at boot.
CLI tooling that sits well alongside NetworkManager, plus optional GUI apps for KDE/GNOME.

Based on these criteria, the most suitable VPNs for SharkLinux are:

NordVPN – Official Arch package, strong systemd integration.
ProtonVPN – CLI and GUI via AUR, well-maintained.
Mullvad – Statically linked Linux app, systemd unit included.

Comparison of Top VPNs for SharkLinux

VPN Provider	Installation	Systemd Service	CLI Tool	GUI Support	Key Perks
NordVPN	AUR: `nordvpn-bin` or official repo	Yes (`nordvpnd.service`)	nordvpn CLI	GTK/KDE	Double VPN, obfuscated servers
ProtonVPN	AUR: `protonvpn-cli` amp `protonvpn-gui`	Yes (`protonvpn.service`)	protonvpn-cli	Qt-based GUI	Secure Core, Tor over VPN
Mullvad	Standalone .tar.xz or AUR	Yes (`mullvad.service`)	mullvad CLI	Electron/GTK	Anonymous account IDs, WireGuard

Installing and Configuring the Top VPNs on SharkLinux

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers an official Arch package and handles systemd integration out of the box.

Installation via pacman (official repo):

sudo pacman -Sy nordvpn

If you prefer the AUR binary wrapper:

yay -S nordvpn-bin

Enable and start the daemon:

sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd

nordvpn login
nordvpn connect

To configure auto-connect on network changes, integrate with NetworkManager dispatch scripts or use:

nordvpn set autoconnect on
nordvpn set technology NordLynx

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s CLI and GUI tools are community-provided via AUR. The CLI shines on SharkLinux’s terminal-centric workflows.

Install both CLI and GUI:

yay -S protonvpn-cli protonvpn-gui

Enable the systemd service:

sudo systemctl enable protonvpn.service
sudo systemctl start protonvpn.service

protonvpn-cli login your_email@example.com
protonvpn-cli c

For a desktop session, launch the GUI via your application menu (ProtonVPN).

3. Mullvad

Mullvad’s static binary package works perfectly on SharkLinux. You’ll get a systemd unit and a straightforward CLI.

Using AUR (preferred for updates):

yay -S mullvad-vpn

Or download and extract manually:

wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest -O mullvad.deb
ar x mullvad.deb
tar xf data.tar.xz
sudo cp usr/bin/mullvad /usr/local/bin/
sudo cp -r etc/systemd/system/mullvad /etc/systemd/system/

Enable and start:

sudo systemctl enable mullvad.service
sudo systemctl start mullvad.service

mullvad account login your_account_id
mullvad connect

Wrapping Up

For SharkLinux users, NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Mullvad provide robust systemd integration, CLI tools that play nice with NetworkManager, and optional GUIs for desktop environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME. Choose the one matching your workflow—whether you automate via scripts in a tiling WM, or prefer a button in your system tray.

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