Ubuntu Kylin is a derivative of Ubuntu tailored for Chinese-speaking users, featuring the UKUI desktop (a Qt/GTK hybrid) and the apt package manager. Those who choose Ubuntu Kylin often look for tools that integrate neatly with the UKUI interface or remain purely CLI-driven for minimal footprint. Key technical points:

• Package manager: apt (dpkg under the hood).
• Default desktop: UKUI (with optional GNOME or Xfce spins).
• Network stack: full support for WireGuard and OpenVPN.
• Typical users: privacy-conscious, sometimes within networks with strict DPI/firewalls.

We need VPNs that offer:

• Native Debian/Ubuntu .deb packages or an apt repository.
• WireGuard support (low latency, kernel-level performance).
• Command-line tools that work in UKUI’s terminal or optional GTK/Qt GUIs.

Based on the above, the most suitable VPNs for Ubuntu Kylin are:

• NordVPN – solid CLI, apt repo, WireGuard (“NordLynx”).
• ProtonVPN – open-source CLI, WireGuard, easy apt setup.
• Mullvad – privacy-first, good Linux integration, WireGuard.

The top three best overall for Ubuntu Kylin are NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Mullvad. Below are step-by-step installation and configuration instructions for each.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers a dedicated apt repository, a CLI and a simple Qt-based GUI that works nicely in UKUI.

Installation:

wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc
sudo apt-key add nordvpn_public.asc
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
  

Configuration and connection:

# Log in to your account
nordvpn login

# Connect with NordLynx (WireGuard variant)
nordvpn set technology NordLynx
nordvpn connect

# To disconnect
nordvpn disconnect

# View status
nordvpn status
  

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN provides an open-source CLI tool and an optional GTK GUI. It’s well-maintained and supports WireGuard out of the box.

Installation:

# Install repository key and source
sudo apt update  sudo apt install -y wget gnupg
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
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y protonvpn
  

Configuration and connection:

# Initialize the CLI and log in
protonvpn-cli --init

# Connect using WireGuard (fastest)
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

# To disconnect
protonvpn-cli d

# Check connection status
protonvpn-cli s
  

3. Mullvad

Mullvad’s no-logs policy and account-number login appeals to privacy purists. It offers both CLI and a simple Qt GUI.

Installation:

# Add Mullvad APT repository
wget -qO - https://mullvad.net/media/mullvad-release_2023.5.2_all.deb 
   sudo dpkg -i /dev/stdin
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-vpn
  

Configuration and connection:

# Log in with your Mullvad account number
mullvad account login YOUR-ACCOUNT-NUMBER

# Connect (selects best server automatically)
mullvad connect

# For WireGuard only
mullvad connect --wireguard

# Disconnect
mullvad disconnect

# Show status
mullvad status
  

Each of these VPNs integrates cleanly with Ubuntu Kylin’s UKUI environment, offers WireGuard for top performance, and provides straightforward CLI tools for scriptable, minimal setups. Choose the one that best fits your privacy requirements and interface preferences.