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:
- NordVPN official website – Robust APT repo, polished GUI, full CLI support, strong WireGuard implementation.
- ProtonVPN official website – Native Debian package, systematic CLI (protonvpn-cli), optional GUI client, excellent privacy credentials.
- Mullvad VPN official website – Straightforward .deb downloads, simple CLI, WireGuard-first approach.
- ExpressVPN official website – Comprehensive Linux support with .deb, custom service unit, no-frills CLI, closed-source GUI.
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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