How to install VPN on Ubuntu

Encryption using the Internet on Linux makes sense, but it's not as simple as on Windows, macOS or mobile devices. In today's article, TipsMake.com will read with you how to install a VPN on Ubuntu, the most popular Linux distribution. The article uses Ubuntu 19.10, but the steps are the same for other versions.

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There are many great VPNs, perfect for Linux. This article uses ExpressVPN, probably the best VPN on the market today, especially for Netflix streamers.

1. Ubuntu or Ubuntu-based distribution
2. VPN is compatible with Ubuntu
3. VPN client, can be downloaded from VPN provider

Choose VPN for Ubuntu

Although providing clients is rare, VPN service providers still support OpenVPN (OVPN), an open source VPN client. But if you're looking for a simple solution that doesn't require downloading OpenVPN files, you need a VPN service with a Linux client application.

However, it is important to note that almost all VPN clients for Linux are launched from the Terminal. Once installed, it will invoke the VPN client, issue a connection request and specify a server. Very simple, but rarely provides the same flexibility as on other platforms.

So where to start? The following VPN services provide Ubuntu-compatible VPN clients:

1. Mullvad VPN
2. TorGuard
3. AirVPN
4. Windscribe
5. ExpressVPN

Is there a free VPN for Ubuntu?

All of the above VPN services are based on registration. But what if you need a free VPN for Ubuntu?

The options are limited. Very few free, reliable VPN providers do anything other than encrypt data. If you only need a free VPN for Ubuntu for a short time, many of the top VPN services offer short-term trials.

The two options of which are ProtonVPN and AirVPN. Each option has certain limitations.

Set up VPN on Ubuntu

With the VPN service selected, download the corresponding client and set it up on Ubuntu. VPN settings on Ubuntu will vary depending on the specifications of the client software. This could mean downloading the DEB file, the snap file, or simply getting the client via the terminal from the repository or from GitHub.

Here's how to set up ExpressVPN on Ubuntu.

After registration, log in to the site, complete the two-step verification. If your operating system is not detected automatically, click See all devices and select Linux. Here, select your distribution (for example using 64-bit Ubuntu ) and click Download.

The DEB file will download and you will be prompted to open it. Use the default software manager for this and wait for the VPN to install.

ExpressVPN, like many other Linux VPNs, runs as a command line. However, it still requires some setup. Some VPNs will require a username and password, while ExpressVPN uses an authentication key. To set up ExpressVPN on Ubuntu, launch the Command Prompt, then type:

 expressvpn authenticate 

When prompted, paste (or type) the authentication string.

Use the expressvpn command to display the options. You can quickly connect to the VPN server by entering the country in the command:

 expressvpn connect Germany 

Alternatively, you can enter the country, location, and server number:

 expressvpn connect Germany - Frankfurt -1 

To disconnect, simply use the command:

 expressvpn disconnect 

Seems too complicated, right? Fortunately, ExpressVPN and other VPNs provide browser plugins for Chrome and Firefox. They make using the VPN service a lot easier, if the client is accessible with the mouse available for your operating system.

All Linux-friendly VPN providers offer similar command-line applications, so these steps are a useful guide for most of those options. Naturally, see the documentation for your chosen VPN service for exact steps.

No VPN client? Install OpenVPN on Linux!

What if a VPN client is not available with the chosen VPN service or you switch VPN often? In this case, it makes sense that the VPN-client application is ready to use. Instead of installing another client, just use a VPN-client application.

Fortunately, such a solution exists. You will need the OpenVPN client on Ubuntu, which can be installed with:

 sudo apt install openvpn 

How to use OpenVPN on Ubuntu

You have already installed the OpenVPN client on Linux. But how to connect to the VPN server?

Start by making sure that your VPN provider supports OpenVPN. Almost all providers do this, but you will need to download the configuration file for the VPN server you want to use. Check the VPN provider support pages for details about configuration files with OVPN file extensions.

For example, a London-based VPN server might be called London-VPN.OVPN.

Using the ExpressVPN example again, the file to connect to the server in Switzerland is: my_expressvpn_switzerland_udp.ovpn. To use this application with the OpenVPN client on Ubuntu, enter:

 sudo openvpn --config my_expressvpn_switzerland_udp.ovpn 

You will then be prompted to enter your login information and the VPN connection will complete.