How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Voyager Live (My opinion)

Top VPN Choices for Voyager Live

Voyager Live, the Debian Sid–based rolling distro with an Xfce desktop, is prized by power users who crave both performance and multimedia support. Its APT package manager, seamless systemd integration, and frequent kernel updates mean you need VPNs that offer robust Linux support, easy Debian or .deb installations, and CLI or GTK front-ends that fit your Xfce workflow.

After testing on Voyager Live 23.04 (kernel 6.2 ), these providers stood out:

NordVPN – native .deb package, sleek CLI, systemd services.
ProtonVPN – official Debian repo, OpenVPN/WireGuard, GTK GUI for Xfce.
Mullvad – flatpak or .deb, powerful open-source WireGuard GUI.
ExpressVPN – native .deb, straightforward CLI, split-tunnelling tweaks.
Private Internet Access – Debian repo, GTK Qt-based GUI, WireGuard support.

Comparison Table

VPN Provider	Protocols	Linux Support	Key Features	Official Site
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Native .deb, systemd service, CLI	Kill switch, auto-connect, double VPN	NordVPN Linux
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	APT repo, GTK GUI, CLI	CROSSFLOW GUI, Secure Core, Tor over VPN	ProtonVPN Linux
Mullvad	WireGuard, OpenVPN	.deb package, Flatpak, GUI	Account-number based, port forwarding, privacy audit	Mullvad Linux
ExpressVPN	OpenVPN, Lightway	Native .deb, CLI	Split tunnelling, media streamer	ExpressVPN Linux
Private Internet Access	WireGuard, OpenVPN	APT repo, GTK/Qt GUI	Ad tracker blocker, port forwarding	PIA Linux

Installing and Configuring the Best Picks on Voyager Live

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s official .deb package and CLI make it a top choice on Voyager’s APT system.

Installation:

# Update package lists
sudo apt update

# Install dependencies
sudo apt install -y ca-certificates curl

# Download the NordVPN .deb installer
curl -sSf -O https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh

# Make installer executable and run
chmod  x install.sh
sudo ./install.sh

# Clean up
rm install.sh

# Log in to your NordVPN account
nordvpn login

# Connect to the fastest server
nordvpn connect

# Or connect to a specific country, e.g., UK
nordvpn connect United_Kingdom

# Enable kill switch (recommended for desktop reliability)
nordvpn set killswitch on

# View status
nordvpn status

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official APT repository provides both CLI and a GTK GUI that plays nicely with Xfce on Voyager.

Installation:

# Add the ProtonVPN repository and key
sudo apt install -y gnupg2 curl
curl -fsSL https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn.gpg

# Add the source list
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn.gpg] https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list

# Update and install
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y protonvpn protonvpn-gui

Configuration and first run:

# Launch CLI
protonvpn-cli login yourusername@domain.com

# Or launch the GTK GUI from the menu: Internet → ProtonVPN
# Connect via CLI:
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

# To use WireGuard
protonvpn-cli connect --protocol wireguard

3. Mullvad (Optional)

Mullvad’s open ethos and WireGuard support make it perfect for those who prefer Flatpak isolation or a native .deb on Voyager.

Installation via .deb:

# Download latest .deb
curl -sO https://github.com/mullvad/mullvad-app/releases/latest/download/mullvad-app_linux_amd64.deb

# Install it
sudo apt install -y ./mullvad-app_linux_amd64.deb

# Remove installer
rm mullvad-app_linux_amd64.deb

Launch Mullvad GUI from your Xfce menu, enter your account number, choose WireGuard, and click “Connect.”

Conclusion

Whether you favour NordVPN’s systemd-driven CLI, ProtonVPN’s polished GTK interface, or Mullvad’s open approach, all three integrate smoothly with Voyager Live’s rolling, APT-centric ecosystem. Pick the VPN that best matches your privacy, speed, and GUI preferences, then follow the simple install routines above to secure your online traffic on this multimedia-friendly Debian Sid derivative.

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