What is a VPN for Linux?
A Linux VPN client sits between your device and the wider internet. It sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server, so your real IP address stays hidden from websites and other third parties. You can control the connection through a GUI app, the terminal, or manual protocol configuration.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Linux?
By installing the best VPN for Linux, you can:
Browse More Privately
Mask your real IP address and reduce how much of your location and online activity is exposed to websites, advertisers, and other third parties.
Secure Your Connection
Keep your online activity and sensitive data safe from attackers on public WiFi hotspots, shared networks, and other connections outside your control.
Access Unavailable Content
Change your virtual location by connecting to servers in other countries to access websites, apps, and streaming content not available in your region.
How to Set Up a VPN for Linux
Get started with PureVPN for Linux in 3 simple steps:
Step 01
Choose a PureVPN plan and create your account.
Step 02
Download and install our VPN client for Linux.
Step 03
Sign in, choose a server location , and connect.
Linux VPN Client: GUI vs CLI
Check out the table below to compare GUI and CLI for VPN use on Linux:
Explore the Best Linux VPN Features
Here is what you get with PureVPN on Linux:
WebRTC Leak Protection
Keep WebRTC requests in your browser from exposing your real IP address while you are connected to PureVPN.
Internet Kill Switch
Block internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, so your Linux device does not fall back to an unprotected connection.
IPv6 Leak Protection
Stop IPv6 traffic from bypassing the VPN tunnel and revealing your real IP address when you visit IPv6-enabled websites.
20 Gbps Speeds
Connect through 20 Gbps servers capable of supporting high-speed streaming, downloads, and other bandwidth-heavy activity.
DNS Leak Protection
Keep DNS requests from leaking outside the VPN tunnel and route them through private DNS servers instead of your ISP’s.
Why Choose the PureVPN App for Linux?
Take a look at what makes PureVPN worth choosing:
Based
in the BVI
PureVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, where VPN providers are not subject to mandatory data-retention requirements.
Proven
No-Log VPN
Our no-log policy has been independently audited, confirming that your browsing activity and VPN connection logs are not retained.
31-Day
Money-Back Guarantee
Every subscription comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to try it on your Linux distro before committing.
5M+
Users Worldwide
PureVPN helps more than five million users worldwide keep their everyday internet activity private and protected.
PureVPN Compatibility for Linux
PureVPN is built to work across a wide range of Linux environments.
Configure PureVPN Manually on Linux
Prefer configuring the VPN yourself? PureVPN supports manual connections on Linux using compatible VPN protocols, giving you another option when you do not want to rely on the app. Detailed instructions are available in the PureVPN Support Center
Use the PureVPN App Across Linux Distros
Our Linux app supports popular distributions including Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Debian, Tails, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, Manjaro, Lubuntu, and Xubuntu. Install it on a supported distro to manage your connection without having to configure the VPN manually.
Is There a Free VPN for Linux?
Yes, there are free VPNs available for Linux, but they often come with limits on servers, bandwidth, speeds, or supported features. Some also offer a much more basic Linux experience than their paid apps on other platforms.
PureVPN gives you the full Linux experience, including access to its complete server network and supported VPN features. Every plan also comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee if you decide it is not right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Linux have a VPN?
Linux does not include its own VPN service, although many distributions have built-in network settings for managing VPN connections. You still need a VPN provider or access to a VPN server before you can establish a connection.
How do I install VPN on Linux?
You can install a VPN app with a graphical interface, connect from the terminal, or configure the VPN manually. PureVPN supports all three approaches, depending on your Linux distro and how you prefer to manage the connection.
Can I use OpenVPN on Linux?
Yes, OpenVPN works on Linux and can be configured through the terminal or supported network-management tools. PureVPN provides OpenVPN configuration files and manual instructions for supported Linux distributions.
How can I download a VPN for Linux?
Download a VPN for Linux directly from your provider’s official website. PureVPN offers a Linux client for supported distributions, which you can download, install, and sign into with your PureVPN account.
What is the best VPN for Linux?
PureVPN is a strong choice for Linux users, with support for popular distros, WireGuard and OpenVPN, leak protection, a kill switch, and both GUI and command-line use. Manual configuration is also available if you prefer to manage the connection yourself.
How do I enable VPN on Linux?
For the PureVPN GUI app, sign in, choose a server, and connect. If you use the command line or a manual configuration, start the connection through the terminal or your Linux network settings instead.
What is the difference between a Linux VPN client and Linux VPN server?
A Linux VPN client runs on your device and connects to a VPN server, while the server receives that connection and routes your traffic through the VPN. With PureVPN, your Linux device acts as the client and connects to PureVPN’s remote servers.
Can I use a Kali Linux VPN without a GUI?
Yes. You can use a Kali Linux VPN without a graphical interface by connecting from the terminal or configuring a supported VPN protocol manually. PureVPN provides Linux command-line and manual configuration options for users who prefer working without a GUI.
How do I connect to a VPN for Linux Mint?
You can connect by using a VPN client or by configuring the connection manually. PureVPN supports both approaches, depending on how you prefer to manage the connection.