• Get Surfshark
A smiling man with glasses and a black shirt holding a laptop, looking to the side, and standing by a checkmarked shield.

Download a VPN for Linux

  • Lightning-fast connection speeds
  • Easy setup with a Linux app
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Get Surfshark for all devices

Whether using Linux or other operating systems, you can install the Surfshark VPN (Virtual Private Network) app to enjoy enhanced online security across all your devices. 

How to install a VPN on Linux

Getting Surfshark’s graphical user interface (GUI) Linux app is as easy as 1-2-3! 

Choose a VPN subscription

Choose a VPN subscription

Choose the VPN subscription that’s best for you and create an account.

Download the VPN app

Download the VPN app

Download the Surfshark VPN app by entering a few command lines into your terminal.

Connect to a VPN server

Connect to a VPN server

Connect to one of our 3,200+ VPN servers to get a fast, secure Linux VPN experience.

Get your credentials

Get your credentials

With a Surfshark subscription, collect your OpenVPN credentials on the Surfshark website.

Download configuration files

Download configuration files

Install the OpenVPN package and download the Surfshark configuration files to your system.

Connect to a VPN server

Connect to a VPN server

Use the terminal to connect your Linux device to a Surfshark server.

Test drive your VPN for Linux risk-free

Not sure Surfshark can provide a VPN connection that fits your needs? Try it out worry-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. Subscribe to Surfshark and set up your account. If you’re not convinced Surfshark is the best Linux VPN for you, you can request a refund within 30 days.

Try Surfshark
Test drive your VPN for Linux risk-free

Benefits of a VPN on Linux

Linux users have a lot to gain by equipping their devices with a VPN client.

Greater online privacy

A VPN masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address to boost online privacy. By routing your traffic via a VPN server, a VPN makes it harder for advertisers, malicious actors, and other third parties to know your actual location.

Greater online privacy

Elevated internet security

VPN services encrypt your internet traffic to protect personal data from hackers and prying eyes. Secure protocols mean any online data going to and from your Linux distro (distribution) is scrambled and indecipherable if it ever gets intercepted.   

Elevated internet security

Fewer restrictions over the web

The Surfshark Linux app lets you circumvent government blocks in regions with heavy internet censorship. In addition, you can safely access content from your home country, like various streaming platforms, when traveling abroad. 

Get Surfshark
Fewer restrictions over the web
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Protect yourself online with Surfshark VPN for Linux

Extensive server network

To be the fastest Linux VPN, you’ve got to have enough server locations. Surfshark maintains 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide, making it easy to steer clear of crowded servers and continuously enjoy stable speeds.

Kill Switch for Linux

Our Linux Kill Switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN drops. Your internet connection will stay down until you reconnect to a VPN server, minimizing the chances of your data leaking. 

Multiple devices

With Surfshark, one account is enough for unlimited simultaneous connections. You can activate the Linux VPN app simultaneously on multiple devices, so all your computers, smartphones, and more can be assigned different IP addresses.

User-friendly installation

Using a VPN for Linux doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few strokes of the keyboard, you can set up Surfshark’s full cybersecurity suite and instantly access our robust security features and DNS (Domain Name System) leak protection. 

Power ad blocking

Surfshark’s Linux VPN software boasts the CleanWeb feature, which blocks intrusive ads, pop-ups, and trackers. For smoother browsing, log into your VPN service, turn CleanWeb on, and bid farewell to those pesky internet advertisements. 

Personalized security with Bypasser

Surfshark’s Bypasser lets you remove specific apps or websites from your VPN connection. Use your real IP address whenever you need to, like when using governmental or financial Linux apps, while encrypting the rest of your online traffic.

Should I use a free VPN for Linux?

Using a free Linux VPN isn’t recommended. Free VPNs usually lack advanced security features like a kill switch or DNS leak protection, compromising your safety and privacy. They also often restrict speed and data usage, offering a limited number of congested servers.

That’s why the best VPN for Linux is a paid VPN. Paid tools are a safer, more reliable choice for increased security that doesn’t put your data at risk.

Should I use a free VPN for Linux?

Audited and certified security

At Surfshark, we’re committed to your online security and privacy. Our VPN has undergone numerous independent audits to ensure we provide effective, trustworthy VPN software for Linux. 

Warrant canary

Warrant canary

To prioritize user privacy, we’ve prepared a warrant canary to show we’ve never faced a data breach or government order to share private information.

Deloitte audit

Deloitte audit

A Deloitte report has verified the quality and effectiveness of our VPN server configuration, deployment process, API (Application Programming Interface), and more.

Privacy policy

Privacy policy

We aim to give our users total privacy — period. Our privacy policy details our commitment to refrain from logging any information that could let anyone see your online activity. 

The world’s buzzing about Surfshark

At Surfshark, we strive to provide every user with a smooth, satisfying online experience. But don’t take our word for it — see what everyone’s saying.

Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

SAM CHUI

SAM CHUI

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

MAX & OCCY

MAX & OCCY

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

System requirements for Linux VPN

A VPN service like Surfshark is only available on select Linux distros. To get your VPN for Linux up and running, you’ll need the following:

Protect all your Linux devices

Level up your online security with a Linux VPN app

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
Protect all your Linux devices

Linux VPN FAQs

Yes, a Virtual Private Network is an online security staple for all devices and operating systems, Linux included. Linux VPNs obscure your traffic from your ISP and other snoops. Instead of seeing your browsing activity, they’ll only see encrypted VPN traffic.

Many Linux distros have a built-in VPN capability via the Network Manager, but it’s not the same as having a VPN. It just means that you can potentially set up a VPN without a dedicated Linux app via the command line interface.

However, you’ll still need to find a VPN service provider and VPN servers to connect to. Handling this alone can be challenging for the most tech-savvy Linux user, so any built-in VPN capability is no substitute for a full Linux client package.

Yes, Ubuntu has a built-in VPN capability. However, the Linux operating system doesn’t provide access to a VPN server, and you’ll be missing out on features like a kill switch, so this will only take you so far. Linux users are better off using a paid VPN for Ubuntu, like Surfshark. 

For Surfshark VPN users on Ubuntu who would like to use the GUI app, here’s a short guide:

  1. Open the terminal (CTRL+ALT+T in Ubuntu).
  2. Type in the following command line:

curl -f https://downloads.surfshark.com/linux/debian-install.sh –output surfshark-install.sh #gets the installation script

cat surfshark-install.sh #shows script’s content

sh surfshark-install.sh #installs surfshark

  1. Open your Linux VPN and get it up and running.

For users of the legacy app, we have an entire support guide dedicated to enabling a VPN on your Linux machine. However, the legacy app is now purely in maintenance mode, and any new features will be coming to the GUI app.

Using a free service as your Linux VPN isn’t recommended for the following reasons:

  • Free VPN apps have fewer servers and are slower than paid VPNs;
  • Free versions often lack advanced security features like a VPN kill switch;
  • Free VPN apps can bombard you with ads or sell your data for profit;
  • Free VPN providers don’t have the money or resources to keep their platforms up to security standards;
  • Free VPNs may leak data and contain malware. 

With a smoother graphical user interface, paid VPN clients are a safer, more effective option for your Linux system. Tools like Surfshark offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to help you make your choice risk-free.

To connect to a VPN using something like the Linux Network Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Get your credentials: set up a VPN subscription with a provider like Surfshark.
  2. Download configuration files: these will be necessary for the system to connect to the VPN server. 
  3. Configure the Network Manager: install the VPN manager through the network interface.
  4. Ensure your connection is successful: use an IP leak test to see if your VPN is working properly.

For more in-depth information, check out our comprehensive guide.

Follow these steps to start a VPN session with the Linux Terminal:

  1. Get your credentials from the VPN you subscribed to. 
  2. Download and install the OpenVPN package.
  3. Download the configuration files from your VPN provider. 
  4. Connect to the VPN via the terminal. 
  5. Connect to a server. 

Look into our detailed setup instructions for more help.

For complete instructions on downloading a VPN for Linux, Surfshark’s how-to guide for Linux setup will walk you through every step.