Best VPNs Tailored for Xubuntu

Xubuntu’s appeal lies in its lightweight Xfce desktop, snappy performance on modest hardware and the trusty apt package manager. Yet when it comes to securing your traffic, not all VPNs play equally well with Debian-based distros. You need a provider offering native .deb packages or a simple APT repository, command-line tools that integrate neatly into scripts or cron jobs, and minimal desktop dependencies to avoid dragging in bloated GNOME/KDE libraries. Here’s a shortlist of VPN services that meet those criteria:

• ProtonVPN — Official Linux CLI, native APT repo, WireGuard OpenVPN support.
• NordVPN — Polished Debian package, simple commands, obfuscated servers, WireGuard (NordLynx).
• Mullvad — Sturdy WireGuard focus, distributes .deb clients, privacy-first approach.
• Private Internet Access — CLI GTK front-end, large server network, supports both protocols.
• ExpressVPN — Official Debian package, straightforward script, trusted brand.

Why These VPNs Work on Xubuntu

• APT-friendly: All above offer official .deb packages or repositories, avoiding manual extraction and dependency hell.
• Lightweight: CLI tools dominate, letting you run with minimal Xfce integration—no heavy Qt or GTK libraries forced upon your system.
• Scriptable: Ideal for cron jobs or headless servers connect/disconnect commands can be wrapped in shell scripts.
• Protocol Support: OpenVPN WireGuard both available, so you can choose performance vs. compatibility as needed.

Comparison Table

Installation Configuration Guides

1. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s CLI is rock-solid and officially maintained. It integrates seamlessly via APT.

# Import the official repository key
wget -q -O - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -

# Add the ProtonVPN repo to your sources list
sudo add-apt-repository deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main

# Update and install
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn-cli

# Initialize (login via browser prompt)
protonvpn-cli login your_username

# Quick connect to the fastest server
protonvpn-cli c

To connect to a specific country, use protonvpn-cli c --cc US or list servers with protonvpn-cli s.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s Linux client is simple and reliable. It creates a /etc/apt/sources.list.d entry for updates.

# Download and install the NordVPN repo package
wget -qO nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/n/nordvpn-release/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb

# Update and install the client
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

# Login
nordvpn login

# Connect to the nearest server
nordvpn connect

# To use NordLynx (WireGuard)
nordvpn set technology nordlynx
nordvpn reconnect

3. Mullvad

Mullvad excels if you prefer pure WireGuard. Its .deb includes both CLI and a lightweight Qt GUI.

# Download and install Mullvad’s repository package
wget -qO mullvad.deb https://mullvad.net/media/software/deb/mullvad-client-deb_latest_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i mullvad.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-daemon mullvad-gui

# Start the daemon and login with your account number
sudo systemctl enable --now mullvad-daemon
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER

# Connect via CLI
mullvad connect

# Or use the GUI: 
# Launch “Mullvad VPN” from your Xfce menu

With these three setups you’re covered both in headless servers and on your desktop. Each integrates natively into Xubuntu’s package system, plays nicely with Xfce, and offers rock-steady CLI tools so you can manage your VPN connections without unnecessary overhead.