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

Why These VPNs Excel on SuperX

SuperX, as a Debian/Ubuntu-based distro tailored for both home and development use, comes with APT as its default package manager. Users typically enjoy lightweight environments like “Sala” (its custom DE), Cinnamon or MATE, alongside standard tools such as Synaptic and apt-get. Systemd powers service management, and most networking utilities expect readily available .deb packages or APT repositories.

With those technical particulars in mind, the ideal VPNs for SuperX should:

  • Offer a native .deb or APT repo for seamless installation with apt.
  • Provide both CLI utilities and, ideally, a GTK-based GUI that integrates nicely with Cinnamon/MATE panels.
  • Support modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN) without complex dependencies.
  • Maintain up-to-date Systemd service units for auto-start and reliable kill-switch features.

Based on these criteria, the top contenders are:

Comparison Table

VPN APT Repository GUI Frontend CLI Support Protocols Link
NordVPN Yes, official repo GTK-based desktop client nordvpn CLI OpenVPN, WireGuard NordVPN Linux download
ProtonVPN Yes, official repo QT-based GUI (optional) protonvpn-cli OpenVPN, WireGuard (beta) ProtonVPN Linux guide
Mullvad No repo, direct .deb Electron-based GUI mullvad CLI WireGuard, OpenVPN Mullvad Linux downloads
ExpressVPN Yes, official repo Closed-source GUI expressvpn CLI Lightway, OpenVPN ExpressVPN Linux setup

How to Install and Configure NordVPN

NordVPN’s official APT repository ensures smooth updates and solid Systemd integration on SuperX.

# 1. Add the repository and GPG key
sudo apt update
wget -qO - https://repo.nordvpn.com/gpg/nordvpn_public.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list

# 2. Install the client
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

# 3. Login  connect
nordvpn login
nordvpn set technology wireguard    # optional: choose WireGuard
nordvpn connect

Once connected, NordVPN’s kill-switch and automatic reconnection are managed via systemctl:

sudo systemctl enable nordvpnd
sudo systemctl start nordvpnd
nordvpn set killswitch on

How to Install and Configure ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN provides an official Debian repo plus a fully featured CLI tool. For the GUI, install protonvpn-gui from your favourite APT front-end.

# 1. Add ProtonVPN repo 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

# 2. Install CLI (and GUI optional)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn-cli protonvpn-gui

# 3. Initialize, login and connect
protonvpn init
protonvpn c --fastest

The protonvpn-cli also supports protonvpn s (status) and protonvpn d (disconnect). Kill-switch is auto-enabled.

How to Install and Configure Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s .deb package is straightforward and integrates well into SuperX’s package cache.

# 1. Download the latest .deb
wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest -O mullvad.deb

# 2. Install and fix deps
sudo dpkg -i mullvad.deb
sudo apt -f install -y

# 3. Launch, login and connect
mullvad login                         # follow prompts to paste your code
mullvad connect                       # defaults to fastest server

If you prefer the GUI, simply run mullvad from your application menu it plays nicely under Sala, Cinnamon or MATE panels.

Final Thoughts

On SuperX, having a VPN that plugs directly into APT and provides native service units makes maintenance effortless. NordVPN and ProtonVPN stand out for their packaging quality, comprehensive CLI tools and integrated kill-switch support. Mullvad remains a solid privacy-first alternative, while ExpressVPN appeals to those already invested in the Lightway protocol. Choose the one that best fits your workflow and desktop environment, and you’ll remain both secure and productive on SuperX.

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