Linux Kamarada
Search for VPNs has recently increased in Brazil, according to data from Google Trends. We’ve already explained what a VPN is and why someone would want to use one in another article, in which we introduced the Tor Network (a well-known free VPN) and the Tor Browser. We’ve also shown how to tunnel other apps through the Tor Network, such as Telegram. Given the recent resurgence of interest in the topic, I want to suggest 5 VPNs for you to try on Linux.
Disclaimer
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a VPN service offered by Proton (the same company behind Proton Mail), which aims to protect browsing by hiding your IP address, encrypting traffic, and preventing third-party tracking. Based in Switzerland – a country with strict data protection laws – the service does not log user activity (no-logs policy) and offers additional features such as ad blocking. Furthermore, its apps are open-source and independently audited. Proton VPN can be used for free on a device without ads and with unlimited data, making it a commonly recommended option by digital security and privacy guides such as Security-in-a-Box and PrivacyTools.io. Paid plans are also available.
On Manjaro and Linux Kamarada, it’s easy to install the Proton VPN client, which can be retrieved from the official Manjaro repositories:
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$ pamac install proton-vpn-gtk-app
If you need help installing programs on these Linux distros, take a look at:
- Manjaro: how to install apps using the Pamac package manager
- Manjaro: how to install software from the terminal with the pamac command
NordVPN
NordVPN is a widely used VPN service that combines security, speed and advanced features to protect online browsing by encrypting traffic and hiding the user’s IP address. It stands out for its use of strong encryption, a large global network of servers, and features such as double VPN, Onion Over VPN and obfuscated servers, which help bypass censorship and surveillance. It maintains a no-logs policy, already verified by independent audits, and is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention requirements. These elements make the service a popular option for those seeking more private, secure, and unrestricted internet access. NordVPN offers plans starting at US$ 3.09/month.
On Manjaro and Linux Kamarada, you can download the NordVPN client from the AUR (Arch User Repository). After enabling the AUR, install the nordvpn-bin and nordvpn-gui packages. For more information, consult the Arch Linux wiki.
RiseupVPN
RiseupVPN is a free VPN service offered by the Riseup collective, a non-profit organization funded by donations. Its focus is on privacy, anonymity, and supporting activists, journalists, and users in contexts of censorship. It encrypts traffic and hides IP addresses to protect against surveillance by providers and networks, adopts a no-logs policy and completely dispenses with registration (no email or password), using ephemeral authentication to prevent tracking between sessions. With open and auditable apps, it prioritizes simplicity and basic security over advanced features, making it an accessible and reliable option for secure communication, especially in environments with risk or restricted Internet access.
On Manjaro and Linux Kamarada, you can retrieve the RiseupVPN client from the AUR. After enabling the AUR, install the riseup-vpn package.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a VPN service known for offering a combination of low cost, ease of use, and advanced security features. It protects browsing by encrypting traffic and hiding your IP address, in addition to adopting a strict no-logs policy, already verified by independent audits. The service supports modern protocols and includes features such as a kill switch, ad and tracker blocking, and multi-hop connections to increase anonymity. It also stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections and for its good speed performance, making it a popular and affordable option for those seeking online privacy without sacrificing usability. It offers plans starting at €1.99/month.
On Manjaro and Linux Kamarada, it’s easy to install the Surfshark client, which can be downloaded from the official Manjaro repositories:
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$ pamac install surfshark-client
Mullvad
Mullvad is a VPN service widely recognized for its extreme focus on privacy and anonymity. Unlike most competitors, it doesn’t ask for any personal info (not even your email) to create an account, using only a random number as identifier, which prevents association between users and their online activity. The service adopts a strict no-logs policy, independently audited, and operates with RAM-only servers (without permanent data storage). Furthermore, it offers open-source apps and anonymous payments with cash or cryptocurrency. Mullvad VPN costs €5/month.
On Manjaro and Linux Kamarada, it’s easy to install the Mullvad VPN client, which can be downloaded from the official Manjaro repositories:
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$ pamac install mullvad-vpn
References and further information
The VPN services listed here were taken from the digital security and privacy guides Security-in-a-Box and PrivacyTools.io. For more information on VPNs, you can consult them, as well as the Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD) guide.
These aren’t the only VPN services out there. For a table that lists and compares various VPNs, see That One Privacy Site.
Do you use any VPNs on Linux that aren’t listed in this article? Please share them in the comments!
