Choosing the Right VPN for Ubuntu Studio

Ubuntu Studio, an official Ubuntu flavour tailored for multimedia creation, brings together a low-latency kernel, real-time audio handling (JACK, PulseAudio integration), and desktop environments such as Xfce, KDE Plasma or MATE. Its default package manager is apt (dpkg under the hood), and most users are audio/video professionals who require minimal jitter and rock-solid network performance.

When selecting a VPN for this distro, keep in mind:

• Deb-based packaging: Avoid snaps or flatpaks that might introduce unexpected latency or sandboxing issues.
• WireGuard support: A lean, high-performance protocol that pairs well with real-time audio needs.
• CLI or lightweight GUI client: A small footprint ensures your creative workflow isn’t disrupted.
• DNS leak protection and split tunnelling: Keeps remote collaboration tools (e.g. Pro Tools Cloud, Splice) resolving correctly.

Based on these criteria, the top contenders for Ubuntu Studio are:

• Mullvad VPN – Open-source, .deb packages, first-class WireGuard support.
• ProtonVPN – Official apt repo, CLI tool, modern protocols including WireGuard.
• NordVPN – Well-maintained Linux client, NordLynx (WireGuard fork), extensive server network.
• Private Internet Access – Debian package, PIA MACE (ad/malware blocking), WireGuard.

Quick Comparison

Installation amp Configuration

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s CLI client is lightweight and integrates seamlessly with Ubuntu Studio’s low-latency kernel.

1. Add the Mullvad repository and key:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y gnupg ca-certificates
wget -qO- https://mullvad.net/media/mullvad-keyring.gpg  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg] https://repo.mullvad.net/deb/ubuntu focal main 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
sudo apt update
  

2. Install the client:

sudo apt install -y mullvad-vpn
  

3. Authenticate and connect:

# Replace YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER with the 16-digit code from your Mullvad account
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
mullvad status         # check current status
mullvad connect        # auto-select best server
# or pick a specific country/city
mullvad connect us/new-york
  

4. Enable WireGuard for lower latency:

mullvad settings set protocol wireguard
mullvad relay set wireguard
  

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official apt repository provides a polished CLI alongside WireGuard support.

1. Add ProtonVPN’s repo and key:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y wget apt-transport-https gnupg
wget -q -O protonvpn_public_key.asc https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc
sudo apt-key add protonvpn_public_key.asc
echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt update
  

2. Install the CLI:

sudo apt install -y protonvpn-cli
  

3. Login and connect:

protonvpn-cli login your.proton.username
protonvpn-cli connect         # auto server
# or choose a specific profile
protonvpn-cli connect NL-FREE
  

4. Switch to WireGuard:

protonvpn-cli d              # disconnect first
protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard
  

NordVPN

NordVPN’s Linux client provides both CLI and (optional) GUI, with NordLynx delivering WireGuard-grade performance.

1. Install prerequisites and add repo:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl gnupg
curl -s https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh  sudo bash
  

2. Install the client and login:

sudo apt install -y nordvpn
nordvpn login               # follow prompts in browser
  

3. Set NordLynx and connect:

nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn connect             # quick connect
# connect to a specific country:
nordvpn connect United_Kingdom
  

4. Enable auto-connect on boot (optional):

sudo nordvpn set autoconnect on
  

Each of these VPNs integrates smoothly with Ubuntu Studio’s Debian-based package system and respects the distro’s emphasis on minimal latency. Whether you’re streaming audio sessions across continents or safeguarding creative assets, these solutions will keep your network private, performant and compatible with JACK/PulseAudio workflows.