Download a VPN app for Linux

For a quick setup with the minimum of fuss, we recommend that Linux users follow the instructions on this page or read our helpful blog article on how to set up a VPN on Linux. You can also visit our Help Center or contact our customer support agents via live chat — just click the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Please note that the instructions provided here are for setting up NordVPN on your Linux distro. The exact details may differ depending on your chosen VPN provider.

To learn how to connect to NordVPN using the Linux Network Manager, visit our Help Center, where you’ll find detailed instructions.

Connect to a VPN using the Linux Terminal by following instructions in our help center.

We recommend avoiding free VPN services on Linux and other operating systems. Most are simply unsafe and unreliable alternatives to the top paid VPNs. Free VPN providers may fail to fix security loopholes in time or even sell their client data to cover VPN maintenance costs. So even if you think you have found the perfect Linux VPN provider that offers a free service, remember — if you’re not paying for a VPN service with money, you might in fact be paying for it with your personal data.

People who want a fast and reliable VPN for their devices should browse the market for top paid VPN providers — and NordVPN stands out from the competition. NordVPN is a smart choice over many free VPNs because it offers a combination of benefits for Linux users: a dedicated Linux app, wide distro support, a lot of fast Linux VPN servers worldwide, DNS and IP leak protection, and additional security features (like Kill Switch and Threat Protection) to improve your online experience.

The downside is that paid VPNs obviously cost money. If you’re worried about pricing, consider getting one of NordVPN’s long-term plans during a sale. NordVPN runs multiple campaigns throughout the year that feature significant drops in prices. And if you’re not satisfied, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to get the price you paid back in full.

NordVPN supports all Linux distributions, except for TailOS, TempleOS, and Arch. Keep in mind that you can use NordVPN on up to six devices at once with a single subscription — NordVPN is available on all major operating systems (even offering a web proxy extension) to protect your device while you browse, use streaming platforms, or work on your platform of choice. You can even set up NordVPN on routers to protect every device connected via Wi-Fi.

No, the Linux operating system does not have any built-in VPN options. To browse privately and securely, Linux users need to choose a reliable VPN service. We recommend going for a paid VPN with good reviews, secure encryption, plenty of server locations, and fast connection speeds.

Your best option to troubleshoot problems related to a VPN on Linux is to visit our Help Center page dedicated to Linux issues. If you are having trouble connecting, please read our article dealing with connectivity issues on Linux or contact our friendly customer support staff for assistance.