3 Best Free VPNs for Linux in 2025 — Ubuntu & Other Distros

Most free VPNs treat Linux as an afterthought, offering poorly maintained packages or no dedicated support for Ubuntu. They also limit your data usage, restrict server access, or worse, log your online activities and sell the data to advertisers.

After we tested 45 VPNs, I identified the most secure free options available. These VPNs provide proper Linux integration through official repositories or well-maintained packages. However, they still have restrictions, such as limited protocol selection and fewer server locations. If you need a VPN without limitations, consider a premium service.

We only found a few reliable VPNs with free Linux apps, so we’ve included information on a premium option as well. Each of the VPNs on my list comes with unlimited data usage and offers straightforward installation methods for their programs. This can be done through a GUI or with commands in the terminal. Read ahead to see which one suits your needs.

Best Free VPNs for Linux — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Choose From a Vast Server Network on Ubuntu via Its GUI

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Tested July 2025

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers way more servers than we’ve found in any trustworthy free VPN, and every location hides your VPN use. It achieves this with a feature called automatic obfuscation, which makes VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic, allowing you to use it even on restricted networks. This is especially important for students living in dorms that often have restrictions on VPN use. The best part is that ExpressVPN’s network can be easily navigated with its GUI, meaning it’s not necessary to memorize numerous commands.

The CLI is also available if you prefer text commands

Its proprietary Lightway protocol delivered impressive speeds during our Ubuntu tests. The protocol's lightweight nature also meant lower CPU usage compared to OpenVPN, which is particularly beneficial when running resource-intensive applications on Ubuntu. We conducted tests throughout the week at various times of day and rarely encountered speeds below 140Mbps.

All traffic on Ubuntu is protected by the latest security features, including military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit) and perfect forward secrecy. The latter provides new encryption keys whenever you connect, so even if one session is compromised, the others remain safe. Additionally, the VPN utilizes its own private DNS servers to eliminate a potential security risk that many providers can’t prevent.

While ExpressVPN isn't free, you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee*. I tested this policy myself and got a full refund through 24/7 live chat support within 3 days. There were only a few questions I needed to answer before the support agent processed my request.

Useful Features

• Network Lock for Linux. This feature blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection is interrupted. It worked reliably in our tests, immediately blocking internet access when we simulated connection drops. You can easily toggle it using the command “expressvpn preferences set network_lock on”.
• Split tunneling via terminal. Route specific applications through the VPN, while others use your regular connection. This helped me maintain local network access while protecting particular programs.
• Proven privacy policy. ExpressVPN promises never to record or store your identifiable information, and its policies have been verified multiple times by reputable auditing companies.
• 24/7 live chat support. The support team was knowledgeable about Linux-specific issues and provided clear terminal commands for troubleshooting.

2. Proton VPN — Free VPN With an Easy-to-Setup GUI

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN offers a full-featured native GUI client for Ubuntu through its official.deb package. During our tests, installing it was as simple as downloading the package and running “sudo apt install./protonvpn.deb”. The interface integrates perfectly with Ubuntu's desktop environment. I could connect to VPN servers directly from the system tray, just like using any other native application.

You can right-click the top of the app to resize

The free version provides access to servers located in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. When we selected a server, the app automatically chose the WireGuard protocol for optimal performance, and we opted for a nearby location in the US for faster speeds. During our tests, these high speeds enabled us to stream YouTube videos smoothly with extremely short load times.

One concern is that its sister company, Proton Mail, has cooperated with the Swiss Authorities in the past, sharing personal customer data with them. However, Proton VPN has never been involved in a controversy like this, and its Linux app is fully open-source, which is rare even among paid VPNs. You can verify the code yourself on GitHub, and independent security audits have confirmed there are no backdoors.

Useful Features

• Unlimited Data. Even with a free account, you can use as much data as you want. Some free VPNs offer as little as 500MB per month, making this a significant perk and one of the best free options for safe streaming.
• NetShield Adblocker. Very few Linux VPNs offer blockers for ads, malware, and malicious websites. Even though Linux is considered one of the safest operating systems, you’ll still want protection from hackers who try to trick you into sharing your data. This is a premium feature, but it’s available for its Ubuntu apps.
• Split tunneling. Route specific applications through the VPN, while others use your regular connection for better speed control. I also love using this to quickly check my bank account without getting flagged.

3. hide.me — Best Terminal-Based Free Option for Ubuntu With Easy CLI Setup

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me offers complete terminal integration for Ubuntu users who prefer working from the command line. During my tests, I found its CLI tools particularly useful for headless Ubuntu server setups. The VPN clearly lists the terminal commands on its site, making it easy to configure. It offers more intuitive commands than Proton VPN or ExpressVPN, but they obviously have GUIs to counter this.

The free version allows you to access servers in 8 locations via its terminal interface. While testing from our Ubuntu 22.04 system, we could easily switch between servers using the command: “hide.me connect ”. You simply enter the special code for each location, enclosed in brackets, to specify your chosen location.

The Linux CLI is open-source, so it's constantly tested for vulnerabilities

One drawback is that hide.me's free plan limits you to a single connection at a time. However, you can work around this by setting up the VPN on your Ubuntu router — this protects all devices on your network while only counting as one connection.

Useful Features

• Kill switch. This crucial security feature is often overlooked in Linux apps, so it’s great to see it implemented here. It'll block your internet connection if the VPN disconnects for any reason, ensuring you always stay protected.
• Multiple protocols. You can connect to every protocol hide.me offers with its free Linux app. The best options for Ubuntu are WireGuard and OpenVPN, with WireGuard being the faster option and OpenVPN being the safer protocol available.

Quick Comparison Table: Free VPNs for Ubuntu

Here's a detailed comparison of the best free VPNs for Ubuntu, highlighting key features that matter most for Linux devices. I've included information about terminal support, GUI interfaces, and server locations to help you choose the right VPN for your needs. All these VPNs are safe, privacy-friendly, and they’re some of the fastest VPNs around (with their premium apps).

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Ubuntu

We primarily focused on testing each VPN's compatibility with various Ubuntu versions, ranging from 20.04 to 24.04 LTS. Our team evaluated both GUI and terminal-based installation methods to accommodate different user preferences. We also assessed repository integration and package manager compatibility to ensure smooth updates.

Security was another crucial factor, so we tested encryption protocols, DNS leak protection, and kill switch functionality specifically within the Ubuntu environment. Since many free VPNs have limitations, we carefully documented data caps, speed restrictions, and server availability to help you make an informed choice.

Expert Tip: Why Most Free VPNs Aren't Safe for Ubuntu

Free VPNs can pose significant risks to the security and privacy of your Ubuntu system. While the options I've listed here have proven safe in my testing, many free VPNs available for Linux systems come with serious security concerns. This is particularly important for Ubuntu users, as compromised VPNs can interfere with system-level security features. Generally, the best free VPNs offer premium options that enable them to generate revenue legitimately, so look for those first.

Common risks I've identified with unsafe free VPNs on Ubuntu include:

• Malicious package dependencies. Some free VPNs bundle harmful dependencies that can compromise your system. For example, Hola VPN's Linux implementation was found to include packages that could grant unauthorized root access.
• Network manager exploitation. Many unreliable free VPNs improperly configure Ubuntu's NetworkManager, which can potentially expose your DNS queries and traffic. I've seen services like Betternet fail to handle IPv6 leaks on Ubuntu systems properly.
• Data logging and selling. Free VPNs often monetize by collecting and selling user data. On Ubuntu, this can be especially dangerous as these VPNs may access system-level information beyond just browsing data.

The free VPNs I've recommended adhere to proper Linux development practices, utilizing open-source components that you can audit and verify. They integrate correctly with Ubuntu's security architecture and utilize standard package management systems, unlike many questionable alternatives that could compromise your system's security.

It’s also a good idea to check out the best premium VPNs for Linux, as they often offer money-back guarantees that allow you to test them risk-free.

Ubuntu VPN Setup Guide

Ubuntu users have multiple options for installing and configuring VPNs, depending on their technical comfort level and specific needs. We find it easiest to use a VPN’s GUI, but the top providers offer detailed instructions on how to install via the terminal as well. Below, we’ve laid out how to get started with our top VPNs on your Ubuntu distro:

ExpressVPN Ubuntu Setup Guide

1. Download the.deb package from ExpressVPN's website.
2. Open the file with Ubuntu Software or run “sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_package.deb”.
3. Launch the app from your Applications menu and follow the setup wizard.
4. The app will automatically configure Network Manager integration.

Proton VPN Ubuntu Setup Guide

1. Add the official Proton repository: “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:protonvpn/stable”.
2. Update your package list: “sudo apt update”.
3. Install the GUI client: “sudo apt install protonvpn”.
4. Launch from the Applications menu and sign in with your account.

hide.me (GUI alternative)

Since hide.me doesn't offer a native GUI, you can use Network Manager:

1. Install the OpenVPN plugin: “sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome”.
2. Download hide.me's OpenVPN config files.
3. Import the config through Settings > Network > VPN > Add/

FAQs on Free VPNs for Ubuntu

Can I use a VPN through Ubuntu's terminal?

Yes, you can use VPNs directly through Ubuntu's terminal for enhanced control and automation. The best VPNs for Linux offer CLI options alongside their GUI apps. The terminal setup provides more granular control over your connection, allowing you to create custom scripts for automated VPN management. A good choice for terminal users is hide.me, as it offers excellent documentation and a simple command syntax.

However, terminal setup requires basic command line knowledge and manual configuration of OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols. You'll need to be comfortable working with config files and network settings.

Does Ubuntu 24.04 have built-in VPN support?

Ubuntu 24.04 includes basic VPN functionality through NetworkManager, but it's limited. While you can configure OpenVPN and WireGuard connections manually, you won't have access to advanced features such as kill switches or split tunneling. The built-in options are functional, but they can be cumbersome to set up compared to dedicated VPN apps. A dedicated VPN service offers additional security features not available in the built-in option.

Which free VPNs work with Ubuntu server?

Both Proton VPN and hide.me offer reliable server implementations for Ubuntu. These VPNs support headless installation and can be managed entirely through the command line. During testing, hide.me performed exceptionally well in server environments due to its lightweight design and excellent documentation.

However, free server implementations have limitations. You'll get restricted bandwidth and fewer server locations compared to premium options. For production servers, consider a paid VPN with dedicated IP addresses for enhanced security and reliability.

How do I set up OpenVPN on Ubuntu?

The easiest way to use OpenVPN on Ubuntu is through your VPN provider's native app. Most VPNs on this list automatically handle OpenVPN setup. However, if you prefer manual configuration, install OpenVPN and your provider's config files. Proton VPN's OpenVPN setup process is exceptionally straightforward on Ubuntu.

Are free VPNs safe for Ubuntu?

Free VPNs from established providers can be safe on Ubuntu. Freemium VPNs, such as Proton VPN, maintain high security standards even on their free plans. They use the same encryption and privacy protections as their paid versions. However, most entirely free VPNs should be avoided since they often compromise security to cut costs.

Do free VPNs work with Ubuntu's Network Manager?

Ubuntu's Network Manager supports free VPN connections, but with limitations. While you can configure basic VPN connections through NetworkManager, you'll miss features like split tunneling and specialized protocols. Tests showed that using dedicated VPN apps provides better functionality and an easier setup.

For the best experience, use your VPN provider's official app rather than relying on NetworkManager integration.

How much data do I get with free Ubuntu VPNs?

Free VPN data limits range from 500MB to unlimited monthly. Proton VPN is one of the most generous, with unlimited data on free accounts. Other providers typically cap data usage between 2 and 10GB per month. For basic web browsing and email, even limited plans should suffice. However, if you need more data, consider a premium VPN with unlimited bandwidth.

Which Ubuntu versions support VPN connections?

All current Ubuntu versions (20.04 LTS and newer) support VPN connections. The top VPNs for Linux are compatible with Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 LTS releases, working reliably. Each one offers consistent performance, though newer releases often provide better protocol support.

Older Ubuntu versions might have compatibility issues with newer VPN protocols like WireGuard.

Get the Best Free VPN for Ubuntu

Most free VPNs lack proper Linux integration and reliable terminal support, making them frustrating to use on Ubuntu systems. While I found some free VPNs that offer basic functionality, they come with significant limitations.

ExpressVPN is the best choice for Ubuntu, even though it's a paid option, due to its official.deb package, full terminal support, and seamless integration with Network Manager. While not free, it offers robust security, a vast server network, a GUI, fast speeds, and many more features that we just couldn’t find in any free Linux VPNs.