The Best Free VPN for Linux Ubuntu, Mint and More | 2023

Get the best free VPN for Linux and protect your device against online vulnerabilities. These VPN recommendations are supported on the most popular distros and combat data threats pretty effectively.

The Best Free VPN for Linux Ubuntu, Mint and More | 2023

Linux is a free and open-source operating system. Its customization makes it more secure and private than other operating systems but it isn’t completely free from online vulnerabilities. Users of Linux OS still encounter online privacy and internet censorship issues. Here a free VPN for Linux comes to the rescue.

Unfortunately, not every free VPN is compatible with Linux. It is difficult to work with different Linux softwares, such as Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, etc. On the other hand, those compatible, lack basic security protocols and deliver poor speed & performance. 

So, we set out to help our readers get the best free VPN for Linux. We’ve tested more than 50 VPNs in a row that claim to work best with Linux OS.  As per our outcome, we’ve found the top 6 VPNs for Linux that are safe and secure to use. 

Let’s dig in!

To get started with the best free VPN for Linux, you must have a brief overview of the VPN itself. Pay attention to features such as the number of servers available, the cost, and the security protocols offered. So, to help you, we’ve prepared a short summary of the top 6 free Linux VPNs. Have a look below!

  1. ProtonVPN: The Overall best free VPN for Windows 10. Offers free servers in three different nations: Japan, the Netherlands, and the US. It has an unlimited speed and bandwidth policy. More features include a kill switch, a proprietary anti-censor protocol, swiss privacy, Netshield Ad-blocker, forward secrecy, etc.  
  1. Hotspot Shield: Free Linux VPN with unlimited data across all platforms. Free VPN with access to around 4 different server locations. IP/DNS leak protection, an integrated kill switch, AES-256-bit encryption, malware protection, and Ad-blocker are the top-notch features of Hotspot Shield. 
  2. Windscribe: Best for Browsing and Streaming. Offered free servers in three nations: the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan. The VPN follows a no-logging policy, with a personalized anti-censorship protocol. It too offers a kill switch, a single device login, and limitless speed and bandwidth.
  3. NordVPN: Secure VPN for Linux: Consist of the largest network of 5,200+ servers spread across 60 different countries. Next-generation NordLynx, dark web monitoring, double protection, Kill Switch, no-log policy, NordPass, etc., for complete digital security.  
  4. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Linux: Cheap and reliable VPN for Linux VPN. It comes equipped with 3,200+ servers in 90+ countries. Camouflage mode, Clean Web, Bypasser, kill switch, Surfshark alert, etc., make it an overall good VPN. 
  5. ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN for Linux: The fastest VPN with servers spread across 94+ countries. Lightning-fast speed, network kill switch, split tunneling, lightway protocol, threat manager, and many advanced features.

Best Free VPN for Linux 2023 – Detailed Analysis

We’ve narrowed the list down to the top best free VPN for Linux in 2023 after testing more than 50 VPNs. These VPNs are compatible with Linux, Mint, and Ubuntu keeping the system and user’s data secure and safe from online threats and vulnerabilities. Let’s have a brief overview of the best free VPN for Linux in the section below:

Proton VPN

protonvpn free vpn for linux

ProtonVPN is a free Linux VPN service that provides strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and multi-platform support. It has a Linux client that allows users to easily connect to its VPN servers on their Linux machines. The client supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS, and provides a user-friendly interface for managing VPN connections. 

We examined Proton Free VPN to test its speed and performance. The testing outcomes amazed us we received an impressive 79.98 Mbps download speed and 77.09 Mbps upload speed. The protocol being utilized for testing Windscribe VPN is the WireGuard protocol– one of the fastest protocols. 

Moreover, Proton VPN also has a Secure Core feature for added security, supports multiple protocols, and allows Tor over VPN and P2P file sharing. ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features, as well as several paid plans with more advanced features and higher speeds. Its focus on privacy and security makes it a good option for Linux users looking for a reliable VPN service. 

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield Free VPN for Linux

Hotspot Shield is an excellent VPN service that allows free users to access 4 different servers, including the UK, LA, Singapore, and New York. The service offers military-grade encryption and a wide range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2, which can be used to establish a secure connection on Linux. 

While the lack of a dedicated Linux client may be inconvenient for some users, Linux users can still use the VPN service by setting up a manual connection using OpenVPN. From a speed perspective, we would describe hotspot speed as a decent one delivering download and upload speeds of 79.85 Mbps and 78.46 Mbps on the UK server. You can engage in a variety of online activities with this speed, including streaming, downloading, and gaming. 

The free version of Hotspot Shield supports several operating systems and allows users to connect one device at a time. This implies that you are unable to use the service simultaneously on a computer and a phone or any other device. In addition, Hotspot Shield Free has an ad blocker to keep out of the way of pointless adverts, and its malware protection keeps your Linux system safe from malware and viruses. 

Windscribe

Windscribe free vpn for linux

Windscribe is a VPN service that offers both free and paid plans with 10 free servers available in the free version. It has a dedicated Linux client, making it easy for Linux users to connect to its VPN servers. The client supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and other Linux distributions. Windscribe uses strong encryption to protect your online traffic and has a strict no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. 

We examined Windscribe’s free VPN to test its speed and performance. The testing outcomes amazed us we received an impressive 79.98 Mbps download speed and 77.09 Mbps upload speed. The protocol being utilized for testing Windscribe VPN is the WireGuard protocol– one of the fastest protocols. 

Additionally, the service offers a wide range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SOCKS5, which can be used to establish a secure connection on Linux. Windscribe also has a built-in ad blocker and firewall to enhance your online security. However, the free version of Windscribe is restricted to 10 GB of data per month but its stable speed and strong security feature make it the best free Linux VPN

NordVPN

nordvpn free vpn for linux

NordVPN holds the position of the securest VPN in the market with a massive server fleet spread across 60 different countries worldwide. This VPN supports Linux OS and other Linux distributions, such as  Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora that allow users to establish a secure connection. 

Our team tested NordVPN on the Linux system to analyze its speed and performance. The testing outcomes were 86.72 Mbps download speed and 85.51 Mbps upload speed on a 100 Mbps connection– an exceptional speed test result using the NordLynx protocol.

NordVPN also offers strong military-grade encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, double VPN, Dark Web monitoring, and Threat Protection to safeguard your Linux OS from malware threats and viruses. 

Additionally, NordVPN allows up to 6 multi-logins with a single subscription. It offers both monthly and yearly subscription pricing, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get NordVPN$3.99/month for 2 Years. 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark

surfshark free vpn for linux

Surfshark is a well-known VPN among Linux users thanks to its enormous network of 3200+ VPN servers, impenetrable encryption, and limitless device connections. Linux users can set up a VPN connection to improve the security and privacy of their system and protect it against various online cyber-attacks. 

Surfshark proved its worth in our testing process as it manage to deliver a super-fast 87.93 Mbps download speed and 82.37 Mbps upload speed. It was a great experience to watch US Netflix using the Surfshark US server. At this speed, users can browse the internet smoothly without any lags or delays.  

Furthermore, Surfshark users get access to a lot of advanced features such as CleanWeb, ad-blocker, MultiHop, Kill Switch, Bypasser, Camouflage, etc., which will encrypt your web traffic and reroute it through a secure tunnel, away from the spying eyes of your ISP and snoopers. It’s a definite buy for users searching for a robust VPN for Linux at affordable prices. 

Get Surfshark$2.05/month for 2 Years + 2 Months Free. 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN

expressvpn vpn for linux at a money back guarantee

ExpressVPN is situated in the British Virgin Islands offering around 3,200+ lightning-fast servers scattered across 94 countries. It works like a charm on Linux and other operating systems and has next-generation Ligthway protocol.

ExpressVPN testing amazed us as we acquired ultra-fast 92.06 Mbps download speed and 91.25 Mbps upload speed on a connection of 100 Mbps. This speed ensures that users can enjoy fast and reliable internet connections when streaming or downloading large files.

ExpressVPN includes a variety of extra tools and features, such as split tunneling and a DNS leak test, in addition to its robust privacy and security features. These can assist to enhance your online experience and guarantee that your internet connection is always secure.

Get ExpressVPN$6.67/month for 15 Months | 30-day money-back guarantee

Are Free VPNs for Linux Safe to Use?

It’s important to exercise caution when considering using a free VPN for Linux or any other operating system. While there are some legitimate free VPN services available, many free VPNs may compromise your privacy and security.

Free VPNs often make money by selling user data to third parties or displaying ads. This means that they may collect and store your online activity and personal information, which can be sold to advertisers or even hackers.

Furthermore, many free VPNs have weak encryption, limited server options, and unreliable connections, which can put your online security at risk. They may also offer slower speeds and data caps, which can be frustrating for users.

Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose a free VPN for Linux that offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and reliable performance. 

Privacy Risks Of Free Linux VPNs

Free VPNs for Linux, like other free VPN services, can pose significant privacy risks to their users. Here are some of the privacy risks associated with free Linux VPNs:

Data collection: Many free VPNs for Linux collect user data such as browsing history, IP addresses, and location information. They may also track the websites you visit and the apps you use, which can be used to build a detailed profile of your online behavior.

Third-Party sharing: Free VPNs for Linux may share your data with third-party advertisers or other companies. This can result in targeted ads and potential security breaches.

Weak encryption and protocols: Free VPN for Linux operates on weak and low-standard encryption protocols that can compromise the security of your data and personal information. 

Tracking & maintaining logs: The no-logs policy of free VPNs doesn’t adhere to their no-log policy, thus maintaining logs of your search history and online web activities.

Security Risks to Your Linux with Free VPN

Using a free VPN for Linux can expose you to several security risks. Here are some of the security risks associated with free VPNs for Linux:

Malware and Viruses: Free VPNs for Linux may contain malware or viruses that can harm your system. This can lead to data breaches, loss of data, and other security issues.

Weak Encryption: Free VPNs for Linux may not offer strong encryption, which can make your online activity vulnerable to interception and surveillance.

IP Address Leaks: Free VPNs for Linux may not protect your IP address, which can reveal your location and identity to hackers.

Unreliable Connections: Free VPNs for Linux may have unreliable connections, which can put your privacy and security at risk.

How to Download a Free VPN on My Linux? – Do’s and Don’ts

When downloading a free VPN on your Linux system, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s:

  • Research and choose a reputable VPN provider that offers a free plan with good security and privacy features.
  • Download the VPN software only from the official website of the VPN provider.
  • Read the terms and conditions of the VPN provider before downloading the software.
  • Use a strong and unique password to secure your VPN account.
  • Always check for software updates to ensure that you are using the latest version of the VPN software.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t download a VPN from a third-party website or unknown sources, as it may contain malware or viruses.
  • Don’t share your VPN account credentials with anyone.
  • Don’t use a VPN that doesn’t offer strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
  • Don’t use a VPN that doesn’t offer reliable performance and good connection speeds.
  • Don’t use a VPN for illegal activities.

Overall, it is important to be cautious when downloading a free VPN on your Linux system. Choosing a reputable VPN provider, securing your account with a strong password, and regularly updating your software are important steps to ensure your online security and privacy.

How to Choose a Risk-Free Linux VPN

Choosing a risk-free Linux VPN is important to ensure that your online activity is secure and private. Here are some tips on how to choose a risk-free Linux VPN:

Encryption: Look for a VPN provider that offers strong encryption, such as AES-256. Strong encryption ensures that your online activity is protected from surveillance and interception.

No-Logs Policy: Choose a VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy. This means that the VPN provider does not collect or store any data related to your online activity, ensuring your privacy is protected.

Server Locations: Choose a VPN provider that has a wide range of server locations. This ensures that you can connect to a server in a location of your choice, which can help improve the speed and reliability of your connection.

Customer Support: Choose a VPN provider that offers good customer support. This ensures that you can get help when you need it, in case of any issues with the VPN service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are certainly some privacy and security risks associated with using free VPNs for Linux, there are some good options available that can provide strong protection without costing a dime. 

With the right research and careful consideration of the features and security protocols offered by different providers, it is possible to find a free VPN that offers reliable encryption, a no-logs policy, and other important security features that can help keep your online activity private and secure. 

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