Why we’re taking this step
Since launching our Linux GUI in May 2025, adoption has soared. In just 100 days, the number of Linux devices active daily grew by more than 70%, proving that users value both usability and security. That response inspired us to go further with two important steps:
- We've open-sourced the NordVPN Linux GUI. Alongside the CLI, which has been open-source for several years, the Linux GUI source code is now available for everyone to view, build, customize, and contribute to.
- We've updated our Snap package to include the GUI. This package will make installation as simple as one command and ensure users on all distributions with snapd installed always stay up to date automatically.
These initiatives are designed to give Linux users more transparency, more accessibility, and more confidence in the tools they use every day. It’s our way of giving back to the Linux community and lowering the barriers for anyone who wants to use or contribute to our app.
What’s changing (and what’s not)
The Linux GUI is now open-source too, meaning the codebase for our graphical application, including build instructions, is now public on GitHub. Anyone can view how it works, build it themselves, and contribute improvements. We welcome feedback, bug reports, and responsible contributions from the community.
What's important to note is the scope. While the GUI and CLI are now open, our core VPN infrastructure, authentication systems, and back-end services remain proprietary. This ensures security-sensitive parts stay protected while giving users meaningful insight into the application they interact with daily.
Alongside open-sourcing the GUI, we’ve also updated our Snap package to include it. On any distro with snapd installed, installing NordVPN for Linux is now as simple as:
Automatic updates ensure the client stays up to date. For users, that means fewer manual steps and less risk of running outdated versions. That being said, Snap doesn't replace other installation methods. It simply provides an accessible option.
Why it matters for Linux users
The decision to open-source and publish via Snap reflects two priorities:
- Transparency. By making the GUI code public, we allow Linux users to verify how the interface works, propose changes, and contribute to the development of the app.
- Accessibility. With Snap, we lower the barrier to entry. Installation is simple, and updates happen automatically. By open-sourcing the app, we also make the project more accessible and create opportunities for improvements.
These priorities come directly from what we've seen in the Linux community, namely an appetite for powerful, reliable, and convenient tools. The 70% surge in daily active devices after our GUI launch was a signal that we're on the right track.
Opening up the GUI, however, doesn’t mean lowering our guard. We run rigorous code reviews and automated checks and support responsible disclosure to ensure that new contributions meet the highest safety standards.
What these changes mean for the future
We see these updates not as an endpoint but as a foundation. The open-source GUI creates a clear path for collaboration with the Linux community, and the Snap package ensures easier access for a wider range of users.
The Linux GUI codebase is open to contributions — bug reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests are always welcome. Meanwhile, we'll continue to maintain other installation methods for users who prefer different package managers.
Ready to try it out? Install NordVPN via Snap or check out our GUI source code on GitHub. We're excited to see how the Linux community will help shape the future of our app.
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