It’s not accurate to say there are no great VPNs for Ubuntu, as they do exist. However, with most providers focusing their efforts on more popular operating systems, Linux and its distros often seem like an afterthought. Don’t worry; if you value the unparalleled control and flexibility that Linux offers, you’re not left out when it comes to capable, reliable VPN options. Some VPNs have, in fact, tailored their services to meet the needs of Linux users.
With any of these providers, you’ll get extra layers of privacy, excellent performance, broader access to geo-restricted content, and easy integration with Ubuntu. We’ve done the legwork to curate the best VPN services compatible with Ubuntu in 2026, and in this article, we’ll help you make the right choice.
Why You Need a VPN for Ubuntu
It’s easy to feel invincible as a lover of the Penguin. However, while Linux is arguably the most secure operating system in 2026, it’s not immune to online threats.
Misconfigurations can open you up to hacking and other vulnerabilities, just like any other OS. Besides, when you go online, your activities are still visible to your ISP and other prying eyes.
VPNs were inherently designed to solve these issues. Let’s say you’re using one of the VPNs for Ubuntu we recommend.
When you connect to a server, the VPN redirects your traffic through a secure tunnel to the remote server. In the process, it hides your IP address and encrypts your data, making it unreadable to any onlookers.
That way, you’re pretty close to anonymous and way more secure than before. A solid Ubuntu VPN has other benefits.
It can help you bypass geo-restrictions, granting you access to content and resources in different regions that would ordinarily be blocked.
What’s more, a VPN can help you avoid ISP throttling and network blocks. You can also use a VPN for booking cheaper flights and to snag great deals while shopping online.
The Best VPNs for Ubuntu in 2026: Detailed List
It’s a saturated market. However, many VPN providers don’t offer native Linux apps that support the Ubuntu distribution.
Not the providers below, though. The premium Ubuntu VPNs we’ll discuss balance security, functionality, performance, and compatibility with your favorite distro. They all have apps for the platform, with most offering full-featured GUI apps.
1. ExpressVPN
Our favorite VPN for Ubuntu in 2026 is a big-name provider that has earned a reputation for its reliability, performance, and user-friendly apps: ExpressVPN. Speaking of which, the VPN lets you ditch the command line with its full-featured GUI app for Linux.
That level of accessibility means you shouldn’t have many issues, even if you’re just starting out or are less technically inclined. Ubuntu aside, ExpressVPN also supports Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, and Arch. It’s easy to set up on any platform and offers comprehensive text and video guides to get you started. Should you encounter any problems, the provider has a customer support team available 24/7 to assist you.
ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Building on that, it runs a strict no-logs policy, with several independent audits to back up its claim. You can be sure that details of your online activities won’t end up with third parties.
It’s also stacked with top-notch security features. The gold-standard AES-256 encryption secures your traffic from interception and other online nasties, aided by a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other advanced and extra tools.
ExpressVPN unblocks loads of streaming sites so you can view content and resources curated for other regions. Other network blocks present no hassles to the VPN, either — in fact, our tests pointed to it being one of the best VPN providers for school and restrictive countries. Just connect to any of its 3,000+ across 105 countries, and you can be sure of elevated levels of access.
You can also expect excellent performance. We found that ExpressVPN delivers some of the fastest speeds on the market. That means you can browse, stream, and download files without worrying about your connection crawling to turtle pace.
That being said, all that comes with a high price tag. If you click the button below, however, you can snag its annual plan for 49% off and receive three extra months for free in the bargain.
Pros
- GUI app for Ubuntu
- Supports many Linux distros
- Several independent audits
- Blazing-fast speeds
- Excellent unblocking capabilities
- Free password manager with subscription
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- “Only” eight simultaneous connections
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best ExpressVPN alternative. It has to settle for the second spot on our list of the best VPNs for Ubuntu, primarily because it doesn’t offer a Linux app with a graphics user interface (GUI).
We have to say we find that drawback odd, seeing as the VPN typically puts plenty of effort into its apps. However, you must make do with a command line app on the Linux and Ubuntu platforms. At the moment, at least — a customer service representative hinted that one may be in the works.
You’re still covered if you decide to switch to a different distro. Ubuntu aside, NordVPN also allows you to add a VPN on Debian, Elementary OS, Linux Mint systems, and RPM-based distros.
You’re not getting a half-baked offering. Ubuntu users enjoy most of NordVPN’s excellent features, such as Meshnet, which allows you to link devices together and securely share files wherever they are.
NordVPN really steps up Ubuntu’s security game with its high-level features. It implements military-grade encryption to boost your Linux system’s resistance to hacking. We’re especially fans of its Threat Protection feature, which blocks intrusive ads and malicious sites. On top of that, NordVPN comes with an advanced kill switch, uses RAM-based servers, and has an audited no-logs policy.
As the best streaming VPN, it effectively unblocks sites and online services and bypasses geo-restrictions without hassles. A massive network with over 6,400 servers in 111 countries certainly helps. That extensive collection also means congestion isn’t a common issue with NordVPN, and you can enjoy blazing-fast connection speeds.
NordVPN users enjoy competitive pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you take the VPN on a spin before making up your mind. If you’re not thoroughly convinced, you can cancel your subscription and request a full refund.
Pros
- Excellent unblocking
- Fast speeds
- Massive network
- Feature-rich service
- Audited no-logs statement
Cons
- No Linux GUI app
- Pricier renewals
3. Private Internet Access
With its budget-friendly plans, Private Internet Access should be high up your list of choices if you’re not interested in splurging on a quality VPN for Ubuntu. There’s more value where that came from — it’s one of only a handful of VPNs that allow connecting all your devices simultaneously.
We also like Private Internet Access for other reasons. Many VPNs skimp on the design and usability of their Linux apps. However, PIA stands out with a well-designed, fully customizable GUI app with distro compatibility for Mint, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and, of course, Ubuntu. The apps are ready to go, and you can connect to a VPN server with a button click.
All Private Internet Access apps are open-source, which means you can peek under the hood if you know how. Adding to the provider’s commitment to privacy, it has had its no-logs policy, management systems, and infrastructure independently audited.
PIA is both secure and customizable, which should endear it to Linux users who like to tinker. While it comes with AES 128-bit out of the box, you can tweak your encryption levels to the more robust AES 256-bit. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps run through the VPN and which use regular traffic. If you want, you can even customize the VPN’s DNS configuration.
As for accessing geo-restricted content, two features stand out: PIA’s incredibly vast network and its streaming-optimized servers. The former means you’ll always have connection options nearby, and the latter unlocks many streaming libraries and platforms.
PIA doesn’t quite deliver the same speeds as the top VPNs for Ubuntu. However, when you factor in its massive network, 10 Gbps servers, and latency labels for each server location, you get a reliable option for smooth connections and reduced lag. The latter is especially useful if you’re going to use the VPN for gaming since it means you can avoid servers with high ping.
Every Private Internet Access plan has a 30-day refund window attached. That means you can get your money back if you’re unimpressed by the service.
Pros
- Expansive network
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Verified no-logs policy
Cons
- Based in the US
- Inconsistent unblocking
4. Proton VPN
Proton VPN claims to be a trusted and easy-to-use VPN for Linux. The first part is easily believable, especially when you know the VPN comes from the company behind the privacy-focused Proton Mail.
As for useability, it’s up to you to choose between a full GUI app and a lightweight command line interface. Proton VPN officially supports Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, but our research shows it may also work for Mint, Kali Linux, MX Linux, Elementary OS, and Arch Linux/ Manjaro.
Proton VPN has had its no-logs policy and network independently tested by experts. The results show that the provider’s servers are set up to prevent storing any data that could lead back to you.
It’s rare for a VPN, but Proton VPN doesn’t use any trackers on its apps or website — not even Google Analytics. This is reassuring, as it means you can trust the VPN to protect your online activities on Ubuntu or any other operating system.
On top of that, it’s flush with security features, including ultra-secure encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and a VPN ad-blocker that filters out images and scripts from malware-hosting domains. You can rest assured that your online sessions are more secure than ever.
The provider claims to assist you in unblocking popular streaming services, so we evaluated this in our tests with Proton VPN. It impressed us by bypassing geo-restrictions on virtually every streaming service we tried, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and US TV channels from abroad.
High-speed 10 Gbps servers ensure you’re not constantly grappling with slow connection speeds. In unstable internet conditions, its VPN Accelerator technology can help squeeze out more juice from your connection.
Proton VPN has a free version for the budget-conscious, which we consider the best free VPN for Linux in 2026. That said, like all free VPNs, you’ll have to lower your expectations since it’s a bare-bones version of the premium plans.
Pros
- Plenty of security features
- Excellent unblocking
- High-speed servers
- Doesn’t tracker browsing
Cons
- Limited free plan
- Less-than-stellar support
5. Surfshark
Wrapping up our list of the best VPNs for Ubuntu is Surfshark, a provider that has rapidly climbed most VPN round-ups thanks to its versatility and reliability.
Like most leading VPNs on this list, Surfshark’s Linux app comes with a GUI, so you can give the terminal some rest. We like how seamlessly you can switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN and browse the server list. Of course, there’s also a CLI version for those who prefer it. Whatever the case, the VPN works on Ubuntu, Debian, and MINT distros.
So, why does Surfshark only occupy fifth place on this list? The thing is, while the VPN’s Linux app is visually appealing and easy to use, it’s missing quite a few features that are available on other platforms. For instance, there’s no Whitelister, the provider’s split tunneling features.
That said, Surfshark doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It ensures your security with bank-level encryption alongside a kill switch that leaps into action when your VPN connection drops. You also get access to CleanWeb, Surfshark’s ad, tracker, malware, and phishing attempt blocker.
Surfshark values your privacy and has a third-party audit of its no-logs policy, server configurations, API, and even employees to prove it. The report is publicly available, so you can check it out if you want. It’s pretty evident that this VPN is all about making sure everything you do online stays your business.
When it comes to bypassing geoblocking, Surfshark operates at the same level as our top VPN for Ubuntu. You shouldn’t encounter any issues unblocking streaming libraries on popular platforms. Surfshark is also a reliable option if you’re looking to watch YouTube TV outside the US.
Since upgrading its entire network, excellent performance has become a mainstay. So, expect stable, seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming on Ubuntu.
We cannot discuss Surfshark without mentioning its incredible value for money. Granted, its monthly plans aren’t as cheap as they used to be, but its longer-term plans are some of the most attractive on the market. Plus, like PIA, you can connect as many devices as you want to your Surfshark account.
Pros
- Linux GUI app
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent unblocking
Cons
- Expensive monthly plan
- Ubuntu app missing some features
- Based in a 9 Eyes country
What We Look for in the Best VPNs for Ubuntu
When picking the top Ubuntu VPNs, we kept an eye on a few key aspects that matter to Linux users. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the factors we focused on:
- Native Ubuntu Support: Many VPNs don’t have native Linux apps to begin with. So, we narrowed down to those that support Ubuntu and other distros. Most of our ranked Ubuntu VPNs have GUI apps, so you’re not limited to the terminal.
- Easy Setup: Supporting Linux and Ubuntu is one thing; seamless configuration is another. Linux can be tedious, so we only selected VPNs with relatively easy setup processes and comprehensive guides.
- Security and Privacy: Non-negotiable, even though we’re dealing with Linux. We looked for VPNs with solid encryption (think AES-256) and other industry-standard and advanced features. Plus, we checked to see if they have a solid no-logs policy so your online activities stay private.
- Fast Speeds: VPNs generally negatively impact your connection speeds, but opting for the fastest providers means you’ll barely notice the effect. The VPNs on this list have fast servers and are well-optimized for speedy connections.
- Streaming: If you’re planning to stream shows and movies, a VPN for Ubuntu that can bypass geo-restrictions is a must. We checked how well each VPN could unblock popular streaming services so you can access content from anywhere.
- Value for Money: Aside from affordable pricing, we also took a close look at what you get for your money — simultaneous connections, money-back guarantees, and the performance-to-price ratio. That’s why ExpressVPN, while expensive, ranks at the top of the list of the best VPN services for Ubuntu.
Should You Use a Free VPN for Ubuntu?
Free VPNs are a gamble on every platform, but especially on Ubuntu. You can rule the vast majority of them out because they don’t support the operating system. However, you’ll find that even those that do are severely limited compared to paid options.
For starters, even the best free VPNs generally only offer basic features. You’ll miss out on much of the functionality you’d have access to on their premium plans. For instance, Proton VPN’s free Linux app only works on one device at once and has no P2P support.
Free VPNs typically only have a handful of servers, which means you must get used to congestion and slow connection speeds. They’re also generally poor when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions. Don’t forget the data caps and bandwidth limits, which you’ll find yourself hitting faster than you think.
Then, there are the privacy and security concerns. Simply put, most free VPNs cannot be trusted to protect your data. Some may log your online activities extensively, while others may contain malware and vulnerabilities. Generally, you can expect them to lack advanced features.
All things considered, we don’t recommend using free VPNs for Ubuntu unless as a last resort (or for casual browsing).
Final Thoughts
Sure, using Ubuntu already gives you a bit of an edge when it comes to security compared to other operating systems. But just because it’s open-source and community-driven doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.
Online privacy threats are still lurking out there, and let’s not forget that Linux users want to enjoy streaming services and online content just like everyone else. That’s where a good Ubuntu VPN comes in handy. A quality VPN can help you navigate these privacy concerns and unlock access to all the international content you want.
We’ve dug into the best VPNs for Ubuntu, and our top pick for 2026 is ExpressVPN. You’ll get a feature-rich service with a user-friendly GUI app, as well as a wide range of servers to choose from. The best part? You can get a generous discount with three extra months for free below.