How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Nitrux (Comparison)

Selecting the Right VPN for Nitrux

Running Nitrux—a Debian-stable derivative with the NX Desktop (a streamlined, KDE Plasma-based experience), Btrfs snapshots via Timeshift and a heavy reliance on AppImage packaging—means you’ll want a VPN that integrates seamlessly with apt, supports WireGuard/OpenVPN, and doesn’t get tangled in bulky GUI dependencies. Typical Nitrux users value portability, modern desktop tooling (Maui Shell experiments aside, most stick to Plasma), and snapshot-friendly filesystems. With that in mind, we’ve picked services that tick these boxes:

Mullvad: A privacy stalwart offering both WireGuard and OpenVPN, easily installed via .deb or manual configs.
ProtonVPN: Official Linux CLI client, Debian repository, works brilliantly on Btrfs snapshots without breaking your system.
NordVPN: Solid CLI tool, Debian package, automatic kill-switch support on systemd.

Comparison Table

VPN	Protocols	Linux Support	CLI Tool	Kill Switch	Repo/AppImage
Mullvad	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official .deb	CLI config files	Yes (WireGuard systemd)	.deb package
ProtonVPN	OpenVPN, IKEv2	Official apt repo	protonvpn-cli	Yes (systemd-based)	apt repository
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	Official .deb	nordvpn	Yes (built-in)	.deb package

In-Depth: Installing Configuring the Top Picks

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s simplicity and open-source ethos make it a perfect match for Nitrux. You can either install their .deb or use WireGuard manually if you prefer building from scratch.

Step 1: Download and install the Debian package

wget https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/releases/latest/download/mullvad-vpn-linux-64.deb
sudo apt install ./mullvad-vpn-linux-64.deb

Step 2: Log in and connect

mullvad account login YOUR_MULLVAD_ACCOUNT_NUMBER
mullvad connect wireguard

The above will bring up a simple TUI, letting you pick countries or cities. To enable the kill switch (blocks all traffic if VPN drops):

mullvad settings set killswitch on

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official CLI client integrates neatly with apt on Debian-based systems and honours Btrfs snapshots without fuss.

Step 1: Add the ProtonVPN repository and key

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

Step 2: Install the CLI client

sudo apt install protonvpn-cli

Step 3: Initialize and connect

protonvpn init
protonvpn connect --fastest

You’ll be prompted for your ProtonVPN credentials on init. The --fastest flag picks the quickest available server. The CLI handles systemd-based kill-switches automatically.

NordVPN

NordVPN’s Debian package is equally straightforward. Though not the top recommendation for APPS on Nitrux, it’s solid if you already have a subscription.

wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/public_key.asc
sudo apt-key add public_key.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
nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology NordLynx
nordvpn connect

NordVPN’s built-in kill switch engages automatically once connected. To verify your interface:

ip a show nordlynx

Wrapping Up

For a distro like Nitrux—where snapshots, AppImage workflows and Plasma integration matter—Mullvad and ProtonVPN stand out. NordVPN remains a reliable fallback. All three respect the Debian underpinnings, integrate cleanly with apt and systemd, and offer robust kill-switch options to keep your browsing airtight.

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