Introduction

Running a privacy-conscious setup on SparkyLinux means you’re already comfortable with Debian’s testing branches, APT package management and lightweight desktop environments such as LXQt, Xfce, MATE or KDE. SparkyLinux is known for its rolling-release base, a collection of development and testing packages, and its lean, systemd-driven approach. When choosing a VPN for SparkyLinux, you’ll want a provider that:

• Offers a native .deb package or an APT repository for smooth integration with apt-get or apt
• Provides a command-line interface (CLI) or reliable openvpn/WireGuard® config files
• Runs cleanly under systemd and doesn’t conflict with Sparky’s own network-manager applets

Below are the VPN services that fit these criteria best, with a quick comparison followed by step-by-step install and configuration instructions for the top picks.

Recommended VPNs for SparkyLinux

After testing compatibility, dependencies and CLI usability on Sparky’s rolling-release base, these four stood out:

• NordVPN – Official Debian repo, sleek CLI, systemd-friendly
• ProtonVPN – Secure-core architecture, official APT repo, easy CLI tool
• Mullvad – Privacy-focused, .deb release and OpenVPN/WireGuard® configs
• ExpressVPN – Official .deb package, straightforward CLI, good server coverage

Comparison Table

Installation and Configuration

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers its own APT repository, which makes updates a breeze on Sparky’s rolling base.

Step by step:

# Import the GPG key
curl -sSL https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo apt-key add -

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

# Update and install
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nordvpn

# Login and connect
nordvpn login
nordvpn connect

If you prefer a specific server or protocol:

# List available servers
nordvpn servers

# Connect to a specific country or server
nordvpn connect United_Kingdom
nordvpn set technology NordLynx

2. ProtonVPN

The official ProtonVPN client for Linux is well maintained and uses an APT repository. It integrates with systemd for auto-connect.

# Install dependencies
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y wget gnupg2

# Add ProtonVPN repos
wget -q -O - 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

# Install the client
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install protonvpn

# Initialize and connect
protonvpn init
protonvpn c --fastest

You can also force a WireGuard® connection:

protonvpn c --protocol wireguard --cc GB

3. Mullvad

Mullvad’s .deb package is ideal for Debian-based distros. If you prefer GUI, they also provide a GTK interface.

# Download the latest Mullvad .deb
wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest -O mullvad.deb

# Install and fix dependencies
sudo dpkg -i mullvad.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

# Login with your account number
mullvad account login 

# Connect to the nearest server
mullvad relay set location iso:true
mullvad connect

Alternatively, use OpenVPN config files:

sudo apt-get install openvpn
wget https://mullvad.net/download/openvpn/config/ -O mullvad-configs.zip
unzip mullvad-configs.zip -d mullvad-configs
sudo openvpn --config mullvad-configs/uk-lon-wg01-wireguard.conf

Each of these solutions integrates seamlessly with SparkyLinux’s APT-based system and systemd, ensuring minimal manual juggling of dependencies. Whether you prefer a CLI-driven workflow or a graphical client, you’ll find these VPNs maintain high performance on Sparky’s rolling-release core.