Best VPN for Elementary OS: Top Picks & Setup

Bottom Line: Elementary OS is Linux-based, so any VPN with solid Linux support will work — the best options offer a clean client that fits elementary OS’s polished interface and can be installed without complex terminal commands.

What about elementary OS? It is a good-looking and easy-to-use computer I can take everywhere. Its architecture is based on a long-established system called Linux. Let us talk about VPNs. Think of it as an internet connection secret tunnel. That is great to keep your information private and secure. We are going to go over some VPNs that support elementary OS. We will discuss why they are good, how to set them up and get you the right one for your needs.

Compatibility Considerations With Elementary OS Distribution

Before we dive into specific VPNs that support elementary OS let us talk about what makes a VPN work well with elementary OS.

Linux support in general

Elementary OS is based on Linux. Any VPN that works well with Linux is a good start. Many VPN companies make special software for Linux systems.

Specific requirements for elementary OS

Elementary OS is a bit different from other Linux systems. It has a special style and way of doing things. The best VPNs for elementary OS will:

Have a client that looks nice on elementary OS
Be easy to install without needing to type complicated commands
Work well with elementary OS’s network settings
Get updates regularly to stay compatible with new versions of elementary OS

We already know what we need to look for. Let us check out some best VPNs for elementary OS.

VPNs That Supports Elementary OS Distribution

Here are the VPNs that support elementary OS Distribution:

ExpressVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
ProtonVPN
CyberGhost
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Mullvad
Windscribe
TorGuard
VyprVPN

Top VPNs For Elementary OS Distribution

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers fast speeds, top-tier security, and one of the best VPNs that support elementary OS. Its easy-to-use app and strong privacy features make it a premium choice for secure browsing and streaming. ExpressVPN is very powerful VPN check out ExpressVPN review to know more about it.

Super fast speeds: Great for streaming videos or downloading files.
Strong security: They have very high security and use strong encryption.
No-logs policy: They do not record any of the stuff that you do online.

Elementary OS compatibility

ExpressVPN works great with elementary OS. It fits nicely with the elementary OS style it looks in the right place.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Very fast
Easy to use
Works with Broadcast services like Amazon Prime

Cons:

It is more expensive than other VPNs
Limit of 8 devices connected at once

2. NordVPN

NordVPN offers strong security, thousands of servers, and one of the best VPNs that support elementary OS. Its features like Double VPN and CyberSec make it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.

Lots of servers: Over 6200 servers in 111 countries
Double VPN: For extra protection, it sends your data to two servers for extra protection
CyberSec: Blocks ads and protects against malware
Onion over VPN: Extra privacy for the privacy-conscious

Elementary OS compatibility

NordVPN has a Linux app that works well with elementary OS. it is not as pretty as the ExpressVPN app but it completes your task.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Strong security features
Lots of servers to choose from
Good value for money

Cons:

The app interface could be nicer on elementary OS
It can get slow often due to high security

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a secure and fast VPN service that comes from the same people. These Are Privacy-Oriented Yield Aggregators and also one of the best VPNs that support elementary OS.

Free tier available: You can use it out without paying them
Secure Core: It is a way of trafficking multiple servers for extra protection
No-logs policy: Doesn’t keep records of your online activities

Elementary OS compatibility

ProtonVPN has a command-line tool for Linux which is part of elementary OS. They also have easy to follow guides for setting it up.

Pros and cons

Pros:

It has very good security
Free option available
Based in Switzerland, which has good privacy laws

Cons:

Fewer server locations than some competitors
No graphical app for elementary OS (yet)

4. Mullvad

Mullvad provides exceptional privacy, a simple setup, and solid compatibility with elementary OS. With no account required and open-source transparency, it’s ideal for users to prioritize anonymity and security.

No account needed: You get a random number instead of making an account
Cash payments accepted: You can pay anonymously
Open-source: Like ProtonVPN, anyone can check their code
Port forwarding: Useful for some advanced users

Elementary OS compatibility

Mullvad has a Linux app that works with elementary OS. It is straightforward to use.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Very privacy-focused
Simple pricing: One plan for everyone
Good speeds

Cons:

Fewer server locations than some other VPNs
Might be too simple for users who want lots of options

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers strong privacy features, a user-friendly interface, and great compatibility with elementary OS. It’s perfect for users seeking customization options and solid online security at an affordable price.

Lots of servers: Thousands of servers in many countries
MACE: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Unlimited devices: you can connect unlimited devices at a time

Elementary OS compatibility

PIA has a Linux app that works with elementary OS. it is easy to install and use with a nice graphical interface.

Pros and cons

Pros:

User-friendly app for elementary OS
Good value for money
Lots of customization options

Cons:

Based in the US where some privacy-focused users do not like
Can be slower than some competitors

Installation and Setup Guide

Now that we have looked at some great VPNs for elementary OS let us talk about how to set them up. The steps are different for each VPN but here is a general guide:

General steps for VPN setup on Elementary OS

Choose your VPN provider and if you have an account, sign up and make an account.
Go to the VPN provider’s website and find their Linux download page.
Look for a .deb file or instructions for Ubuntu. These usually work for elementary OS too.
Then download a VPN client or if you like configuration files then download them.
If you downloaded a .deb file:
- Double-click the file to open it in the AppCenter
- Click on the button that says install and enter your password
If you downloaded configuration files:
- Open the elementary OS network settings
- Click the ”+” to add a new VPN connection
Once installed, you should see the VPN in your network settings or as a new app.
Open the VPN app or go to the network settings to connect.

Provider-specific instructions (brief overview)

Here is a quick look at how to set up each of the VPNs we talked about: ExpressVPN:

Download the file from the website
Install it using the AppCenter
Open the app and enter the activation code

NordVPN:

Download their .deb file
Install using the AppCenter
Open the NordVPN app and log in

ProtonVPN:

Open the Terminal app
Follow ProtonVPN’s guide to install their command-line tool
Use simple commands to connect and disconnect

Mullvad:

Download their .deb file
Install using the AppCenter
Open the Mullvad app and enter your account number

Private Internet Access:

Download their .deb file
Install using the AppCenter
Open the PIA app and log in

Be sure to visit your VPN provider’s website for the latest step-by-step instructions.

Things to Consider When Choosing a VPN for Elementary OS

With everything said finding the right VPN is not easy. Speed is important if you like to stream or download large files. Try to choose a VPN with servers near you for better speed look for VPNs that use modern fast protocols like WireGuard.

Security features

A good VPN should keep you safe online. Look for these security features:

Strong encryption: This scrambles your data so others can not read it
No-logs policy: These VPNs do not store your online activity history
DNS leak protection: This makes sure your website requests are always sent through the VPN

Privacy policies

First, you should read the VPN privacy policy:

What information do they collect about you
How they use that information

Look for VPNs that collect as little information as possible and don’t share it with others.

Pricing

VPNs can range from free to pretty expensive. Here are some pricing tips:

Longer subscriptions (like 1 or 2 years) usually give you a better deal
Be wary of free VPNs - they often have limited features or might sell your data
Look for money-back guarantees so you can try the VPN risk-free
Check if there are discounts for students or special promotions

Customer support

Good customer support can be really helpful, especially when you’re new to VPNs. Consider:

Whether they have 24/7 support
If they offer live chat for quick answers
The quality of their setup guides and troubleshooting articles
Whether they have a community forum where users can help each other

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a Linux-based OS that makes life easier for developers. Its five-star rating takes it to the elite status of our top 5 VPN providers, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN Mullvad, and Private Internet Access (PIA). It is indeed, fast and straightforward provided you have an appropriate app. The Linux app is functional but not great.

Final Verdict

ExpressVPN is Fast and easy to use, but a bit pricey. NordVPN has Lots of servers and strong security, good value. ProtonVPN is Privacy-focused with a free option but no graphical appMullvad is Very private and simple but has fewer server locations. Private Internet Access User-friendly with lots of options and good value If you want the easiest experience and do not mind paying a bit more ExpressVPN is a great choice. Its app works well with elementary OS. For a balance of features and price NordVPN or Private Internet Access are good options. They both have nice apps for elementary OS and offer strong security. You should always make sure that your VPN keeps working well and keeps your data safe online.