Why These VPNs Shine on Springdale Linux

Springdale Linux (formerly PUIAS Linux) is a community rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), using dnf/yum as its package manager. Many users are sysadmins, developers or researchers who depend on stability, SELinux policies and long-term support. Popular desktop environments include GNOME, KDE Plasma and XFCE—but many installations are headless servers or workstations with minimal GUI. In such an ecosystem you need a VPN client that

• Integrates with dnf/yum or provides an RPM repository
• Supports recent kernels (for WireGuard) and SELinux-friendly packaging
• Offers both CLI tools and optional GUI front-ends (NetworkManager plug-ins for GNOME/KDE)
• Has clear documentation for RHEL-based distros

Based on these criteria, the top candidates are:

1. Mullvad VPN – Outstanding WireGuard support, RPM repo and SELinux-enabled packaging
2. Proton VPN – Solid RPM-based client, OpenVPN amp WireGuard, plus a polished CLI
3. NordVPN – Feature-rich CLI, NetworkManager plug-in for easy desktop integration
4. Private Internet Access – Mature OpenVPN support and NetworkManager add-on
5. ExpressVPN – Official RPM with RPM-sanctioned scripts, though GUI installer is a generic shell script

Comparison Table

Installing and Configuring the Top Choices

1. Mullvad VPN

Mullvad offers a dedicated RPM repository for RHEL clones. The client is SELinux-aware and integrates nicely with NetworkManager.

Step 1: Add Mullvad’s repository and import its GPG key:

sudo rpm --import https://mullvad.net/media/app/mullvad-release.gpg
sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/mullvad.repo ltlt EOF
[mullvad]
name=Mullvad VPN
baseurl=https://mullvad.net/media/app/rpm
enabled=1
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://mullvad.net/media/app/mullvad-release.gpg
EOF

Step 2: Install the client and NetworkManager plug-in:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf install mullvad-cli NetworkManager-mullvad

Step 3: Log in and connect:

mullvad account login
mullvad connect

Alternatively, open Network Settings → VPN → Mullvad, and import your Mullvad account credentials there.

2. Proton VPN

Proton VPN provides an official RPM and a CLI tool. Perfect for servers and desktops alike.

Step 1: Add the Proton VPN repository:

sudo rpm --import https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc
sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/protonvpn.repo ltlt EOF
[protonvpn]
name=ProtonVPN Repo
baseurl=https://repo.protonvpn.com/yum/stable/
enabled=1
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc
EOF

Step 2: Install Proton VPN CLI and NetworkManager plug-in:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf install protonvpn protonvpn-cli
sudo dnf install NetworkManager-protonvpn-gnome

Step 3: Initialize and login:

protonvpn-cli login your_username
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

For a GUI approach, launch Settings → Network → VPN → Import from file or select Proton VPN and log in graphically.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN’s RPM installer bundles a polished CLI and an optional NetworkManager plug-in.

Step 1: Download and install NordVPN’s RPM package:

wget https://repo.nordvpn.com/yum/nordvpn-release-el7-3.noarch.rpm
sudo dnf install ./nordvpn-release-el7-3.noarch.rpm
sudo dnf update

Step 2: Install the client and NetworkManager plug-in:

sudo dnf install nordvpn nordvpn-networkmanager

Step 3: Log in and connect:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect

To use the GUI, open your desktop’s Network settings, add a new VPN, and choose NordVPN—credentials and servers list will auto-populate.

Conclusion

Springdale Linux users demand rock-solid packages, seamless SELinux integration and reliable kernel module support. Mullvad, Proton VPN and NordVPN excel in these areas, with dedicated RPM repos and strong CLI/GUI tooling. Whether you’re running a headless server or a GNOME/KDE desktop, these providers will keep your traffic encrypted without you having to wrestle with dependencies or manual builds.