How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Ubuntu DesktopPack (Guide)

Why These VPNs Are Ideal for Ubuntu DesktopPack

Ubuntu DesktopPack is a Debian-based desktop distribution tailored for both newcomers and power users. It relies on APT/dpkg as its primary package manager, with full support for Snaps and Flatpaks out of the box. Typical desktop environments include GNOME (default), KDE Plasma, MATE or Cinnamon. Network configuration is managed via NetworkManager, and many users appreciate CLI tools alongside graphical front-ends for maximum flexibility.

When choosing a VPN for Ubuntu DesktopPack, key factors include:

Debian/Ubuntu-compatible .deb packages or APT repositories
NetworkManager integration for easy GUI control in GNOME/KDE
Dedicated Linux CLI tools for headless or terminal-centric workflows
Advanced features: kill switch, DNS leak protection, auto-connect

Comparison of Top VPNs for Ubuntu DesktopPack

VPN Service	Protocol Support	Installation Method	NetworkManager Integration	CLI Tool	Key Feature
ExpressVPN	OpenVPN, Lightway	DEB APT repo	Yes (GNOME/KDE applet)	expressvpn CLI	Lightway protocol, split tunnelling
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard fork)	APT repo DEB	Yes (GNOME/KDE applet)	nordvpn CLI	NordLynx, Double VPN
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec	DEB APT repo	Limited (NetworkManager plugin)	protonvpn-cli	Secure Core, P2P support
Mullvad	OpenVPN, WireGuard	APT repo DEB	Yes (via nm-openvpn plugin)	mullvad CLI	Account-ID anonymity, WireGuard
Private Internet Access	OpenVPN, WireGuard	DEB APT repo	Yes	piactl	Dedicated PIA MACE (ad-blocker)

Installing and Configuring the Top VPNs

ExpressVPN

Best for: users who want a polished GUI app, Lightway protocol and split-tunnelling.
Prerequisites: Ubuntu DesktopPack with APT access.

1. Download and install the repository key and .deb package:

wget -qO- https://www.expressvpn.com/download/expressvpn_public.key  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.expressvpn.com/ubuntu focal main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/expressvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install expressvpn

2. Activate your ExpressVPN subscription:

expressvpn activate YOUR_ACTIVATION_CODE

3. Connect, list servers and configure auto-connect:

expressvpn list           # List available locations
expressvpn connect uk      # Connect to UK server
expressvpn preferences set split_tunneling true
expressvpn preferences set autoconnect true

NordVPN

Best for: users seeking high speeds with NordLynx (WireGuard) and advanced features like Double VPN.
Prerequisites: Ubuntu DesktopPack, curl, APT with sudo.

1. Add the official NordVPN repository:

curl -s https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

2. Log in and adjust settings:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn set killswitch on
nordvpn set autoconnect on

3. Connect to a server:

nordvpn connect United_Kingdom
nordvpn status

Mullvad VPN

Best for: privacy purists who want anonymous account IDs and a straightforward WireGuard experience.
Prerequisites: Ubuntu DesktopPack, user must generate a Mullvad account ID.

1. Add Mullvad’s APT repository and install:

echo deb https://deb.mullvad.net/ubuntu focal main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
wget -qO- https://deb.mullvad.net/ubuntu/mullvad-repo.gpg  sudo apt-key add -
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-vpn

2. Log in with your Mullvad account ID:

mullvad account login YOUR_MULLVAD_ACCOUNT_ID

3. Connect using WireGuard or OpenVPN:

mullvad tunnel wireguard
mullvad status

Additionally, if you prefer GUI integration, install NetworkManager’s OpenVPN plugin:

sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Conclusion

For Ubuntu DesktopPack users, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Mullvad stand out for their seamless APT-based installation, robust GUI/CLI integration and advanced privacy features. Choose based on your preference for protocol (Lightway, NordLynx, WireGuard), user interface or account anonymity. Each of these VPNs meshes perfectly with Ubuntu DesktopPack’s package management and NetworkManager ecosystem.

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