Choosing the Right VPN for Ubuntu

Ubuntu’s blend of user-friendliness and Linux power makes it a favourite among developers, sysadmins and desktop enthusiasts alike. With its apt package manager, snaps and rich .deb ecosystem, deployment is straightforward—but you still want a VPN client that integrates cleanly with:

• APT DPKG: Reliable installation and updates via apt.
• Snap: Isolation and auto-updates for distro-agnostic packages.
• NetworkManager plugins: GUI integration in GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce.
• Systemd-resolved: DNS leak protection and split-tunnel support via resolv.conf or Netplan.

Ubuntu users range from CLI purists on Xfce desktops to GNOME aficionados enjoying full GUI. The ideal VPN should offer:

• Native .deb or apt repo
• Optional Snap packages
• NetworkManager plugin for GUI control
• WireGuard/OpenVPN support with systemd integration

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

1. NordVPN – Official Debian repo, NetworkManager plugin, WireGuard-powered “NordLynx”.
2. ProtonVPN – Debian repo pip CLI, strong DNS leak protection, systemd resolver hooks.
3. Mullvad VPN – Official .deb and snap packages, open-source client, excellent WireGuard support.
4. ExpressVPN – Official .deb, proprietary client with NetworkManager integration.
5. Private Internet Access – .deb packages, open-source GUI, PIA NetworkManager plugin.

Comparison Table of Top Ubuntu VPNs

Detailed Setup

1. Installing and Configuring NordVPN

NordVPN offers an official Debian repository and a NetworkManager plugin for GUI control under GNOME or KDE.

Step 1: Add the NordVPN repository and install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl gnupg apt-transport-https
curl -fsSL https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] 
  https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nordvpn network-manager-nordvpn

Step 2: Log in and connect:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn set autoconnect on
nordvpn connect

This also sets up a NetworkManager plugin you’ll see “NordVPN” in your system tray under Network Settings.

2. Installing and Configuring ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN provides both an APT repository and a Python-based CLI tool. We’ll use the official repo for the native package.

Step 1: Add ProtonVPN’s repository:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y wget gnupg2 lsb-release
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
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y protonvpn protonvpn-cli

Step 2: Initialize and connect:

sudo protonvpn init
# follow on-screen prompts to authenticate
sudo protonvpn connect --fastest

Optionally install network-manager-protonvpn for GUI integration in GNOME/KDE.

3. Installing and Configuring Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s snap package is the easiest path and keeps you always on the latest release.

Step 1: Install via Snap:

sudo snap install mullvad-vpn
sudo snap connect mullvad-vpn:network-control
sudo snap connect mullvad-vpn:network-manager

Step 2: Log in and start:

mullvad-vpn login
mullvad-vpn wireguard install
mullvad-vpn connect

If you prefer APT, download the latest .deb from the official Linux page and install with sudo dpkg -i mullvad-vpn_.deb followed by sudo apt -f install.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu’s package ecosystem and NetworkManager make deploying a VPN smooth—just pick a provider that offers first-class .deb or snap support and an NM plugin for your desktop. NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Mullvad stand out not only for their security, but for seamless Ubuntu integration whether you’re on GNOME, KDE Plasma or Xfce.