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5 Free VPN for Linux in 2024: Features, Technical Specs, Pros and Cons

Linux is a leading open-source operating system for PCs and laptops. Over time, this platform has evolved into a strong and secure connection and is used in various applications. But to ensure a top-notch secure connection, you always require a VPN. 

With that in mind, we have undertaken thorough research and tests and listed out the best free VPN for Linux that you can rely on and start using now for total privacy and anonymity. 

Let’s get started 

The first on the list is PrivadoVPN. The Swiss-based VPN is a highly secure provider with a simple user interface that welcomes both newbies and experts in the field. The best part is that it has both premium and free plans that cater to the audience’s diverse needs and the best free VPN for Netflix and other streaming services. 

Features of the PrivadoVPN

• PrivadoVPN offers potential access to blocked content on Linux and other searched sources. 

• This Swiss-based free VPN is known for its top-notch privacy protection. It adds an IP/DNS leak protection layer for better security. 

• You don’t need to connect it manually, no matter if you open Linux hundreds or thousands of times on your operating  . 

Technical Specifications 

Simultaneous Connections	10 Devices
Compatibility	Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, Linux and more.
Security	Kill switch, IP/DNS protection and more.
Servers	13+ servers
Pricing	Starting from $1.99 per month

Pros and Cons

The Proton VPN gives you access to unlimited bandwidth, providing a seamless user experience. However, it offers a free subscription to the public and one can also choose the paid plan starting from $9.99/month for more advanced privacy and premium features.

Features of the ProtonVPN

• The ProtonVPN provides robust security, providing the user with a hassle-free premium experience. 

• This platform has a simplified user interface, allowing users to navigate the potential features and capabilities with just a single mouse click. 

• It is highly compatible with different platforms and operating including Android, Mac, and Windows, and is considered one of the best free VPNs for iOS and more. 

Technical Specifications

Simultaneous Connections	1 Devices
Compatibility	Android, macOS, Chromebook, Linux, Windows, Fire TV, and more.
Security	Net shield, kill switch, WireGuard tunnel, DNS leak protection, P2P file sharing, and more.
Servers	100+
Pricing	Starting from $9.99

Pros and Cons

Next on the list of free Linux VPN, Hide.me is popular for providing a kill switch and IP protection to ensure secure and safe internet surfing. Moreover, it provides unlimited bandwidth even on a free plan and is available in 8 countries.

Features of Hide.me

• Efficiently supports the Linux distros, including Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora.  
• It provides 10 GB of bandwidth per month.
• The user interface is clear and straightforward, you can get hands-on with 2-3 usages.  

Technical Specifications 

Simultaneous Connections	1 device
Compatibility	Android, iOS, macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Edge, Linux, Windows, etc.
Security	Kill switch, DNS leak protection, torrenting.
Servers	8 countries
Pricing	$2.69/month

Pros and Cons 

Express VPN is free for the first month after subscribing to its plan. Meanwhile, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to explore its features with Linux. The best thing about this VPN is that it has a GUI that can be integrated via Google Chrome and Firefox extensions. 

Features of the Express VPN 

• The Express VPN supports a broad range of popular distros, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and more. 
• It follows the no logging policy for better security. 
• A top-notch leak protection surety by guarding against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. 
• The Ram-only servers ensure clearing out your data every time the server is turned off, restricting it from getting stored on the hard drives.
• This is recognized as the best free VPN for torrenting and downloading hefty files.

Technical Specifications 

Simultaneous Connections	8 Devices
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook.
Security	Private DNS, network lock kill switch
Servers	180 countries
Pricing	$8.32/year

Pros and Cons

For those looking for a hassle-free Linux VPN for streaming on the top OTT platforms, Windscribe is the best out there. It supports the major Linux distros with an impeccable loading speed. 

Features of Windscribe

• Windscribe effortlessly and securely encrypts your browsing history to provide safe internet surfing. 
• It unblocks geo-restricted entertainment content for a seamless user experience. 
• You can avail of ad-free content and protect your sensitive information from hackers, regardless of whether you use personal or public network connections.

Technical Specifications 

Simultaneous Connections	1 connection
Compatibility	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Fire TV, Linux, Chrome, etc.
Security	Torrenting, Ad blocking and more
Servers	10 countries
Pricing	$9/month

Pros and Cons 

That’s all! These are the top free Linux VPNs we have researched and used to test their functionalities and capabilities. Besides these, there are some alternatives you can try, including CyberGhost, Surfshark and NordVPN. 

Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN

Regardless, all the VPNs are integrated with top-notch security systems and high-tech features. Unfortunately, the freemium versions have some limitations.

• Slow Connection Speeds 

  With an ample amount of perks in the free version, there are some drawbacks too. One of the primes is slow connection speeds. Due to overcrowded servers, there can be high latency and frequent buffering. 

• Ads and Pop-Ups 

  The free VPN relies on ads and pop-ups to earn some bucks for their bank. Meanwhile, you may face frequent intrusive ads and unwanted pop-ups while streaming and surfing the internet, leaving you annoyed and overwhelmed. 

• Lack of Privacy and Security

  As people tend to embrace full-proof privacy and leak protection, some free Linux VPNs may fail to provide a kill switch, and a no-log policy. Furthermore, this may expose your system’s confidential data to third-party advertisers, leading to uninvited threats and vulnerabilities. 

• Lack of Streaming Support 

  The free available may not support some streaming platforms or do not feature geo-blocked content. To avail of all these features, you might be asked to subscribe to the premium paid plans. 

• Highly Priced VPN Plans 

  You may encounter a high price while subscribing to the VPN after using its free 1-month trial. Some VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, while others don’t comply with such liabilities that may cause a loss of money.

However, those who are comfortable with time-constrained online activities can completely rely on the free versions of the VPNs. Otherwise, consider upgrading to the premium subscriptions. 

Reasons Why You Need a VPN on Linux

Linux is a leading platform that provides a safe and secure platform, but under some circumstances, it fails to keep the users’ identities anonymous from hackers. This is when the free Linux VPN comes in as a rescuer.

1. To Protect Your Online Privacy and Security, you may require a VPN on Linux. Although Linux is a leading platform that provides top-notch privacy and security to its users. But in any event, you can consider using virtual private networks. 

2. Torrenting is a platform that allows you to download unsanctioned material. Although this may be an illegal practice, that is the reason you may require a VPN to download the copyrighted file.

3. Access to Geo-Blocked Content is possible with the free Linux VPN. Many OTT platforms have imposed restrictions on their content in some geographical locations, which can be accessed with a VPN installed and uplifts the entertainment factor.  

4. Participating in Public Networks may lead to cyber threats and uninvited vulnerabilities. But integrating VPN while using public or unrecognized Wi-Fi, may protect you against data theft. 

Factors to Consider While Choosing a VPN for Linux

With numerous features available on the market, striving for the best one will leave you overwhelmed. No worries; we have listed some of the factors that you must consider when finalizing one for you. 

• Easy to Navigate Interface: The prime factor to consider in a VPN is its user interface. Analyze it by exploring the platform’s features and capabilities, and determine whether it offers a one-click connection. 

• Stable Performance: The freemium versions of Linux’s VPN may be a little slow, but in the end, they meet your requirements and demands. Avoid considering someone who has high latency a

• Wide-Ranging Compatibility: The VPN should be compatible with a wide range of operating systems. The VPNs we have listed above have potential compatibility with the Linux leading distros too. 

• Security Detailing: The VPN should include security and privacy features to protect your overall online activities. The platform should be equipped with IP leak protection, a kill switch, a no-log policy, no hard drive storage, and more. 

Conclusion: A Strong Security for Linux

In short, a free Linux VPN will double the security and privacy, making your activity and profile anonymous from fraudsters. Our team of experts has examined the speed, features, security status, and bandwidth of all the mentioned VPNs to provide you with the best options on the market.