Best VPNs Linux

Sadly, smaller VPN providers tend to neglect Linux users, which means that their desktop client is incompatible with this operating system. Some of these providers don’t even have manual setup instructions for Linux, leaving you in the dark when attempting a VPN setup. In this case you are left to your superior tech-savviness to get the job done. Or simply switch to a more advanced provider who values the Linux community by developing an application for them.

Manual Setup

Luckily, the setup of a VPN connection on Linux is roughly the same for most VPN providers. We’ve laid out the steps you’re most likely to follow to get things up and running:

1. Download and install an OpenVPN plugin, like GNOME.
2. Click on the Connections tab, and select “VPN Connections” .
3. After clicking on “Configure VPN” , you get the chance to add a new one.
4. Select OpenVPN, and then hit “Create” . Then you can edit your new VPN connection, by naming it.
5. Provide your VPN’s gateway details, then choose password as the authentication type. Enter your VPN account’s username and password.
6. Click on “CA certification” , and browse for the required client configuration file. You should download this from the VPN provider’s website.
7. After finding the file, select it, and click open.
8. Go to the “Advanced” menu, and head to the “General” tab. Here you can enter a custom gateway port. Delete the one already present, end type in 443 instead. Then check in “Use LZO data compression” .
9. The configuration of your VPN network has been finished, so hit the save button.
10. The system asks you to choose a password for your keyring.
11. Activate or disconnect your VPN by accessing it in the Connection menu.

Because Linux is far more stable and secure than any other operating systems (combined), deploying VPN is more about convenience than about safety. Still, don’t give up on the idea of basic protection, as an unexpected privacy leak could cause serious harm. That’s why a VPN is a better choice than subscribing to a smart DNS service . Both of them are useful for getting private access to geographically blocked content, but VPNs also protect your data flow by enrouting all of your data through a proxy network. Plus, the encryption level is fully scalable. If you are jumping from one sensitive site to another, you should switch to OpenVPN and set the bit level as high as possible. But when it comes to watching movies, be sure to lower the encoding to avoid overly long loading times.

Another great thing about VPNs is that you can choose from countless offers. Searching for the right one might get tedious after some time, so we rounded up three great services for your leisure. But if you are still hungry for more, you find countless reviews at Best Reviews .