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

Why These VPNs Are Ideal for Star

Star is a rolling-release distribution tailored for power users and developers who demand up-to-date kernels, the latest libraries and smooth systemd integration. It uses star-pkg as its native package manager, leveraging a hybrid of AUR-style community repositories and official mirrors. Typical desktop environments include KDE Plasma, XFCE and GNOME, all managed via systemd-resolved for DNS. When choosing a VPN for Star, you want:

Native star-pkg packages or straightforward repository setup
Seamless NM plugin support for KDE/XFCE/GNOME
WireGuard and OpenVPN support with systemd service files
Low-latency, bleeding-edge kernels compatibility

Based on those criteria, the top contenders are:

Comparison Table

Provider	star-pkg Package	CLI Tool	NM Plugin	Protocols	Highlights
Mullvad VPN	mullvad-vpn	Yes	Yes (nm-mullvad)	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Privacy-first, no login
ProtonVPN	protonvpn-cli	Yes	Yes (nm-protonvpn)	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Strong audit history
NordVPN	nordvpn	Yes	No (CLI only)	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN	Custom WireGuard fork
Private Internet Access	pia-client	Yes	Yes (nm-pia)	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Thread-safe DNS
IVPN	ivpn-client	Yes	Yes (nm-ivpn)	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Multi-hop routes, strong privacy focus

Installation Configuration Guides

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad provides an official package in the Star community repo. It integrates with NetworkManager or can run as a systemd service with WireGuard.

1. Add the Mullvad repo (if not in community):

sudo star-pkg repo-add https://repo.mullvad.net/star/community
sudo star-pkg update

2. Install the client and the NM plugin:

sudo star-pkg install mullvad-vpn nm-mullvad

3. Authenticate and connect via CLI:

# You’ll be prompted to scan the QR or paste your Mullvad account code
mullvad login
# Start a WireGuard tunnel
mullvad connect wireguard

4. Or use NetworkManager: open your desktop’s network settings, select “Mullvad VPN” and choose a server.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s official CLI is easy to set up on Star and integrates with systemd-resolved by default.

1. Install the ProtonVPN CLI tool:

sudo star-pkg install protonvpn-cli

2. Initialize and log in:

sudo protonvpn-cli login youremail@example.com
# Follow the browser-based OAuth flow

3. Connect to a high-speed server:

sudo protonvpn-cli c --fastest

NordVPN

NordVPN uses its own daemon nordvpnd, and the CLI tool is packaged for Star. It supports NordLynx (a WireGuard fork).

1. Install the NordVPN package:

sudo star-pkg install nordvpn

2. Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd

3. Log in and connect:

nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology NordLynx
nordvpn connect

You now have a persistent, systemd-managed VPN tunnel on Star, accessible via CLI.

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