The Top 5 Best (Truly) Free VPNs for Linux in 2024 (2024)

Linux is a top security- and privacy-friendly operating system. Sadly, it still gets the short end of the stick when it comes to VPNs. Linux users often have trouble finding a VPN that’s easy to use, bug-free, and ready to use out of the box.

Sadly, not all VPNs offer their services for Linux. Plus, being used to open-source solutions, Linux users often dread VPN subscriptions. So, in this article, we focus on easy-to-use, free VPNs for Linux that adhere to the security, speed, and privacy standards that Linux users cherish.

Furthermore, we understand that you support free and open-source software. That’s why we narrowed the list down to the best free VPNs for Linux that are based on open-source security protocols. Let’s dig in!

Top 5 Best Free VPN for Linux in 2024

Below, we compiled the top 5 free VPNs for Linux that are safe to use, lightning-fast, and up to date on security protocols.

We have tested more than 70+ VPNs. To make this list with the best free VPNs for Linux, we have selected VPNs that match the following criteria:

• All VPNs in this list a truly free. Trials for premium VPNs have been excluded.
• The VPNs listed support Linux, for example by offering a user-friendly CLI or Linux GUI.
• To make it to our list, VPNs need to have a strict no logs policy to protect your privacy.
• We prefer VPNs with high and consistent speed. That’s why we have made it a selection criterium.
• We have selected VPNs with the best security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

The Best Free Linux VPNs – Detailed List

Below you can find more detailed descriptions of the VPNs we have selected as the best free Linux VPNs.

1. Proton VPN: Unlimited data and a dedicated GUI

Distros supported: Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, Fedora, Arch Linux / Manjaro

Proton VPN is a free VPN for Linux that offers unlimited bandwidth. It also provides adequate speeds for streaming and torrenting, though they may decline at peak periods (as premium users have priority). The unlimited data is free to use for as long as you like, and you will never be required to switch to a premium version of Proton.

Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy (audited and verified). Its headquarters are in Switzerland, which is not one of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance countries, ensuring your privacy. It also features DNS leaks protection and a kill switch to protect your data if your connection is unexpectedly disconnected.

If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) over a command line, Proton VPN is your best bet. It has an elegant look and feel that appeals to most Linux users. More importantly, the GUI eliminates the additional steps of connecting to servers and configuring settings that would be typical with a command line.

There is only one downside: Proton VPN Free automatically connects to the best server. That means you are not free to choose a server location, which means Proton VPN is not the best in avoiding georestrictions.

For more information on ProtonVPN, check out our full review or check out our comparison between NordVPN and Proton VPN.

2. Windscribe: VPN that blocks malware, tracking, and ads

Supported distros: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, and CentOS

Windscribe offers 10 GB per month if you provide a confirmed email address. Otherwise, you’ll only get 2 GB. This also includes access to servers in 10 locations, including the US and Canada. At no point will you be compelled to upgrade to a premium version if you’re comfortable working with the data limit.

Besides the CLI application, you can add an additional layer of security by installing Windscribe’s browser extension. Windscribe’s browser extension includes free Linux browsing utilities such as:

• Blockers (adblocker, malware blocker, social networks tracking blocker, cookies blocker)
• Privacy enhancers (auto-deletes cookies, limits WebRTC requests to prevent leaks, randomly rotates your user agent)
• uBlock Origin integration

Windscribe is excellent for peer-to-peer torrent downloads mostly due to its dedicated torrenting servers. However, you’ll be constrained by the 10 GB monthly data limit. The VPN website has a detailed Ubuntu install guide with screenshots if you prefer a manual setup.

Discover more about this provider in our Windscribe review.

3. TunnelBear: Fast speeds with numerous servers

Distros supported: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora

TunnelBear’s free version provides access to its global network of over 47 server locations, offering fast and consistent speeds. This is useful for Linux users who want to bypass censorship and avoid geo-restrictions on streaming services.

TunnelBear’s downside is that it only provides 2 GB per month, which is insufficient for intensive internet use like streaming or downloading large files. On the other hand, 2 GB may be sufficient for running command line utilities like apt and mail. You could upgrade to TunnelBear Premium for more data.

TunnelBear’s DNS leak protection prevents your DNS requests from being revealed. TunnelBear’s security goes even farther by integrating a kill switch called VigilantBear and an obfuscation tool, GhostBear, designed to circumvent censorship and VPN restrictions. It should be noted, however, that TunnelBear is based in one of the 5 Eyes nations (Canada), which is not ideal for privacy.

The VPN’s website provides detailed instructions for installing it on Linux, specifically Ubuntu-based distributions. You can get TunnelBear working on other distros with a bit of tweaking.

Check out our TunnelBear review for more information.

4. PrivadoVPN: Unblocks streaming sites

Distros supported: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS

PrivadoVPN is an excellent free VPN for Linux because of its fast speeds and ability to unblock streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. Its unblocking capabilities are mostly attributed to the fact that PrivadoVPN owns and operates its own servers.

PrivadoVPN offers a 10 GB monthly data limit and you won’t be required to upgrade to a premium account if the data limit works for you. The free version gives you access to servers in 10 different locations, which is excellent for a free edition. If you need access to more servers, you can upgrade to PrivadoVPN Premium.

Regarding privacy, the VPN is based in Switzerland, meaning it can’t be compelled to hand over your data to authorities. Furthermore, it maintains a strict zero-logs policy and firmly believes in not storing any user data. It offers strong DNS leaks protection and a kill switch to protect your data for when your connection terminates.

Do you want to know more? Check out our PrivadoVPN review.

5. Hide.me: Lightweight and Powerful

Multi-distro support: Supports all Debian-, Ubuntu-, Fedora- based distros

Hide.me supports a wide range of Linux distros due to the CLI app being written in Golang (a cross-platform programming language). Hide.me can thus be installed in any Debian-, Ubuntu-, or Fedora-based distribution. The VPN provides 24/7 customer care for its free users, and they are quite responsive, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any issues.

The Hide.me CLI Linux app is open-source and accessible on GitHub, where users can scrutinize it and contribute to its development. It provides a monthly data limit of 10 GB and access to 8 server locations (including Canada and the US).

The VPN is both lightweight and powerful, with adequate download and streaming rates. Its servers support torrent downloads and provide an array of modern security protocols to choose from. Unfortunately, Hide.me’s free edition does not have WireGuard, which improves performance and security.

The VPN does not store any user data mainly because it’s based in Malaysia, which is a pro-privacy country. This has enabled the VPN to design its systems with a strict no-logs policy. Hide.me is further appealing because it is a member of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) and has been independently inspected to guarantee its zero-logs policy.

You can find more information in our Hide.me review.

How We Picked the Best Free VPNs for Linux

We rigorously tested every VPN on the list to present to you the best free Linux VPNs. Below are the specific KPIs we used to compile the list.

1. Truly free: We focused on truly free VPNs that are also safe and secure. The VPNs on the list above do not require any credit card information.
2. Linux support: Linux is known to be not well-supported by VPNs. In our list, we covered providers that strongly support Linux by offering a user-friendly CLI or Linux GUI, easy installation, Linux documentation, and Linux-focused privacy and security features.
3. Strict no-logs policy: A strict no-logging policy was a top priority the free VPNs had to meet to make it to this list. The providers listed here besides TunnelBear are based in privacy-friendly countries. None of the VPNs on the list log any information about you.
4. Speeds: Being tech-savvy, Linux users dislike slow speeds. We took the liberty to test each VPN and ensure it had high and consistent speeds on all or most servers. Although, note that you will have limited usage due to most free Linux VPNs having data caps.
5. Security features: We aimed for providers with top-notch security features. Besides OpenVPN, we looked for protocols such as IKEv2/IPSec and features such as a kill switch, and leak protection to prevent DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks.

All VPNs on the list were thoroughly tested on these five premises. Learn more about our VPN testing criteria.

The Best Free VPNs for Linux – Comparison

Let’s sum it up with a clear comparison of the best free VPNs for Linux.

	Editor’s Pick
VPN
Score	7.0	7.5	7.0	7.8	7.4
Operating systems	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
Protocols	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Proprietary	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, WireGuard
Torrent options
Logs	Zero logs	Connection Logs	Zero logs	Zero logs	Zero logs
Servers	1-100	1-100	5000+	Hundreds	1-100
	Visit Proton VPN Free	Visit Windscribe VPN Free	Visit TunnelBear VPN Free	Visit PrivadoVPN	Visit Hide.me VPN Free

Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN for Linux

A free VPN is capable of providing all the benefits listed in the previous section — but they still fall short. Let’s look at how a free VPN for Linux limits you from having modern, top-of-the-line online security and privacy:

1. Limited amount of server options
2. Data caps that restrict usage
3. Advanced security features reserved for premium accounts
4. Slow speeds due to premium users getting priority

Free VPNs are quite limiting, especially for the majority of Linux users who are savvy and firm about online security and privacy. That’s why we recommend a good premium VPN geared for Linux.

Free VPNs Linux Users Should Avoid

In the list above, we took the time to thoroughly test the best free Linux VPNs that are safe and have your best interests at heart. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t always the case with free VPNs. You see, it’s difficult for a VPN to be entirely free because running the service requires substantial resources and skilled manpower.

In the case of the free Linux VPNs on our list, the VPNs are only free because premium users pay for the service. This enables the VPN providers to accommodate free users, but only on a limited basis.

Some free VPNs Linux users should avoid are:

1. Private Internet Access (PIA): Until recently, PIA was one of the best VPNs for Linux hands down. Why? It offers a full app and GUI for Linux, open-source and transparent, multiple distro support, and much more. However, its servers are being blocked across the board, leaving users experiencing a terrible browsing experience. Technically, this VPN isn’t a free option, either, although it does offer a free VPN trial.
2. SecurityKISS: Despite SecurityKISS being a somewhat popular VPN, we highly caution our readers against it. The VPN has a poor anti-logging policy and uses outdated protocols. For example, it implements the PPTP protocol, which is known to be insecure.
3. VPNBook: VPNBook has a terrible logging policy that we would advise our readers not to use. It logs your IP address and timestamps, which can be used to track your online activities. Its speeds are quite slow, too, which would make for an unpleasant browsing experience.

With that said, you should be cautious using VPNs that claim they are entirely free. In most cases, you’re paying for the service in other ways you may not be aware of.

NordVPN: The Best VPN for Linux

NordVPN is, by far, the best VPN for Linux that we’ve tested. We say this because it has impeccable Linux support. You can install the VPN in just four easy steps. It supports a wide range of Debian- or RHEL-based systems, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and CentOS.

NordVPN is based in Panama, keeping it out of the 5 Eyes Alliance, making it excellent for privacy. Its no logs policy is audited yearly and NordVPN’s RAM-only servers make sure your data can’t even be stored by the company.

NordVPN has over 6441 servers in 111 countries, providing you with ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship. Most Linux users will appreciate that Nord has dedicated servers for P2P traffic, which ensures fast and ultra-secure download speeds for your torrents.

NordVPN has lightning-fast speeds. This is topped with rock-solid security features such as obfuscated servers, an advanced kill switch and Threat Protection, to protect you against ad, trackers and malware. The only downside is that NordVPN does not have a GUI app for Linux (for those who prefer that over CLI). On the other hand, its CLI is easy and straightforward to use.

NordVPN has a 30-day money-back-guarantee. This means you can try this provider a month for free. Do you want to know more first? Check out our NordVPN review.

How to Install and Run OpenVPN on Linux

OpenVPN is the top security protocol for any VPN worth its salt, such as those mentioned in this article. To install a VPN on Linux, you must first install OpenVPN, then install your VPN of choice after that. Here’s how to install OpenVPN configuration files on Linux.

How to install OpenVPN on Ubuntu

1. Open a Linux terminal and run: “sudo apt-get install -y openvpn“.
2. Enter your admin password, then hit enter.
3. Wait for the installation to complete.
4. Once complete, type “sudo apt-get install openvpn easy-rsa” to install a certificate authority so you can secure your connections with your VPN’s servers.

That’s it! You have successfully installed OpenVPN on your Linux device.

How to download and run server configuration files on Ubuntu

The next step is to download the OpenVPN configuration files for your VPN, so you can connect to a server of your choice. You should note that each server has individual configuration files that you have to download so to connect to it.

1. Visit your VPN’s website and download their Linux server configuration files to an empty directory.
2. Open your command line, and navigate to the directory where the config files are located.
3. Extract the config files (e.g. unzip ovpn_configs.zip).
4. Launch the OpenVPN client with the specified config file. In the following example, you will need to edit the SERVERNAME to match the .ovpn file you are using to connect: “sudo openvpn –config SERVERNAME.ovpn“.
5. Minimize the terminal window for the VPN to keep running. Closing the window terminates the connection.

You’ve successfully connected to your VPN’s server and secured your connection.

How to install a network manager on Ubuntu

If you prefer working with a user interface, the closest you can get to a GUI on Linux (if your VPN does not provide one) is by using the Linux network manager. The network manager makes it easy for you to connect to your VPN.

Here’s how to set up your network manager:

1. Open a terminal window and enter the following command: “sudo apt-get install -y network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome“.
2. Go to Settings then Network or search for VPN in the Activities search box.
3. Click on the “+” icon, then click on “Import from file…“
4. Afterward, navigate to the downloaded .ovpn server file and import it.
5. Enter your account details into the popup titled “Add VPN.”
6. With the information entered, select Add at the top right. Enter your admin password to save the configuration.
7. To add more than one server, repeat steps 3 to 5.
8. To connect to the server, go to the NetworkManager, then pick “VPN Off” and choose the server you want to connect to. If the connection is successful, the top bar will have a padlock.

Well done! You can now connect to a server and also add multiple server locations.

Why You Need a VPN for Linux

Despite Linux being one of the most secure operating systems today, it still lacks in securing and privatizing users’ activities online. This is where a VPN comes in: it adds an extra layer of protection beyond the Linux operating system environment.

Below, we dive into a few key reasons why you need a VPN for Linux, whether free or paid:

• Security: a VPN hides your real IP-address. This means that you can browse anonymous and keep your location hidden.
• Privacy: a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and keeps your data safe from hackers, your ISP or the government.
• Torrenting: with a VPN, you can access blocked torrent sites and keep your downloading activities private.
• Avoid geo-blocking: by changing your IP address, you can access content which is block in your region, such as media on streaming platforms or live sport events.
• Avoid censorship: in countries such as China, Russia or Egypt, a VPN is necessary to avoid government censorship.

Check out all benefits a VPN has to offer in our article about the advantages of a VPN.

Online Security for Linux

Today, Linux is one of the most secure and privacy-focused operating systems available. However, it falls short of protecting users from internet threats such as hacking and ISP and government monitoring.

With a reliable VPN, you can improve your online security and your data privacy for free. You can start with the recommended free VPNs we mentioned above, then upgrade to a premium VPN like the Linux-friendly NordVPN as your needs increase.

If you prefer a truly free VPN we recommend Proton VPN. This provider has no data limit and keeps you safe at all times. The dedicated Linux GUI app is easy to install and easy on many distros. We are also very impressed by the security for ProtonVPN’s free version. It’s a strict no log VPN with a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

If you have other systems in need of a VPN, we recommend you read our other guides.

• Best VPNs for Android
• Best free VPNs for iPhone
• Best VPNs for Windows
• Best VPNs for Mac
• The 5 Best VPNs for Accessing the Dark Web

Ian HingaAuthor

VPN Expert

Ian is a former VPNOverview content writer with expertise in researching and writing about cybersecurity, internet privacy, and online freedom. He’s a marketer and cybersecurity enthusiast who aims to educate others through his writing.

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