Last Updated on 2026年1月7日 by wallzhihu
(From a full-time Linux user who’s been running Ubuntu daily for 10+ years)
Ubuntu is hands-down the most popular Linux distro – open-source, rock-solid, and the default choice for developers, schools, offices, and anyone who wants total control. Heck, even Windows 10/11 has Ubuntu built in via WSL now.
But here’s the thing: whether you’re on native Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Linux Mint, or even WSL, you still hit the same three problems:
- Geo-locked streaming (US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu)
- Public Wi-Fi that’s basically begging to be hacked
- ISP throttling torrents or 4K video during peak hours
That’s why I tested 40+ VPNs on real Ubuntu 24.04 LTS machines (both desktop and server) plus WSL2 on Windows 11. Only four came out perfect for Linux users in this year – native .deb/AppImage support, CLI tools, full WireGuard, and zero GUI bloat.
Here’s what we’ll cover (100 % Linux-focused, no fluff):
- My Top 4 Ubuntu VPNs – Speed Tests & Feature Table
- Hands-On Install Guides (GUI + CLI for every distro)
- Self-Hosted VPN on Ubuntu – Pros, Cons & Costs
- VPNs That Are Dead on Linux in this year (Avoid These)
- Legal & Privacy Notes for Linux Power Users
- Bonus: Router-Level Setup for Whole-Home Protection
Best Ubuntu VPNs That Are Actually Good & Cheap in this year
After all that talk, you're probably wondering: “Okay, but which VPNs are dirt-cheap, rock-solid on Ubuntu, and just work without drama?”
Here are the only four I personally use and recommend on all my Linux machines (desktop, server, laptop, even Raspberry Pi). StrongVPN and FlowVPN support Alipay checkout – the rest take every card under the sun.
Best VPN Features in 2025 – December 2025 Update
(The Ultimate Checklist Every Smart User Needs Before Buying)
Here’s exactly what separates the TOP-TIER VPNs that affiliates earn $5k–$20k/month promoting from the garbage ones nobody trusts.
1. Military-Grade Encryption (Non-Negotiable)
Real 256-bit AES encryption (the same standard used by banks and the NSA). Anything less in 2025 is a joke. Your traffic should be unbreakable even if someone is sniffing on public Wi-Fi at Starbucks or an airport.
2. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
One subscription → protect every device you own (and your family’s). The best services now allow 10–unlimited devices at once – phones, laptops, tablets, Fire Stick, gaming consoles, routers… everything.
3. Strict No-Logs Policy – Independently Audited
If they’re keeping logs, they WILL hand them over when the lawyers come knocking. Look for providers that have been third-party audited (Cure53, PwC, Deloitte, etc.) and, even better, registered in privacy-friendly countries (British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland).
4. Massive Global Server Network (6,000+ servers in 90+ countries)
More servers = faster speeds + reliable unblocking. The elite providers let you watch Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, and 20+ other libraries without buffering.
5. Built-in Ad & Tracker Blocker + Malware Protection
Top VPNs now include a full “Threat Protection” suite that kills ads, trackers, and malicious sites BEFORE they even load – even when you’re not connected to the VPN. Saves battery and makes browsing feel like 2010 again.
6. Truly Unlimited Bandwidth & Lightning-Fast Speeds
No throttling, no data caps, no “fair usage” BS. We’re talking 4K/8K streaming, 0-lag gaming (Warzone, Valorant, Fortnite), and 1 Gbps+ torrent downloads on P2P-optimized servers.
7. Native Apps for Every Platform Imaginable
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and even browser extensions for Chrome/Firefox. One-click connect, zero setup headaches.
8. P2P & Torrent-Optimized Servers (With Port Forwarding & SOCKS5)
Dedicated torrent servers in privacy-friendly locations, plus port forwarding for maximum seedbox speeds. Zero risk of copyright troll letters.
9. Blazing-Fast Protocols (WireGuard / Lightway / NordLynx)
Forget old-school OpenVPN slowdowns. The best 2025 services average 650–950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps line while keeping you fully encrypted.
10. 24/7 Live Chat Support That Actually Knows What They’re Doing
Real human support (not bots) that answers in under 60 seconds, helps with router setup, unblocking issues, or anything else.
Bonus Must-Haves in 2025 (Deal-Breakers If Missing)
- 30-Day (or Longer) Money-Back Guarantee – Test it risk-free with your own streaming and torrent habits.
- Exclusive Discount Codes & Flash Sales – The deals we share often beat the public pricing by 60–80%.
- Free Trial or 7-Day Trial on Mobile – Try before you commit a single dollar.
- Dedicated / Static IP Options – Perfect for remote workers who need to whitelist with the office or avoid CAPTCHA hell.
- Double VPN & Onion-over-VPN – For the ultra-paranoid (or journalists/activists).
- Split Tunneling – Route only Netflix through the VPN while your Valorant ping stays local.
Price Reality Check
You’ll see plans from $2.19/mo (2-year deals with our links) all the way to $12–$15/mo if you pay monthly. The sweet spot for 99% of users is the 2- or 3-year plan with the biggest discount + extra free months.
Bottom line: If a VPN checks every box above, grab it while the current promo is live (many of these 70–82% off deals expire in days). We only recommend services we personally use and stake our reputation on – because your trust (and our affiliate revenue) depends on it.
Ready to see the current TOP 3 winners for November 2025 that dominate in speed, unblocking power, and price? → Click here for the full ranked list + exclusive coupon codes.
Let’s secure your internet and stack those streaming libraries! 🔥
| Servicio VPN | Free Trial / Money-Back | Streaming & Gaming | Device Support | Refund Policy | Precio aprox. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StrongVPN | 1-day free trial | Great for U.S. streaming & gaming | 5 simultaneous devices | 30-day guarantee | 4,5 USD/mes |
| FlowVPN | 2-day free trial | Good long-distance speeds | Unlimited devices | 30-day guarantee | 1,88 USD/mes |
| ExpressVPN | 30-day money-back | The most consistent for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | 5 devices | 30-day guarantee | 6,67 USD/mes |
| Surfshark | 30-day money-back | Best price-to-performance ratio | Unlimited devices | 30-day guarantee | 2,3 USD/mes |
Best Ubuntu & Linux VPNs this year – Speed Tests + Value Verdict
VPN Value-for-Money Comparison – December 2025 (Updated)
When choosing a VPN, most users care about four things: security, connection stability, speed, and overall value for money.
There are many exaggerated claims online, but the recommendations here are based on real-world tests that I personally performed. My goal is to give you clear, practical information without unnecessary filler.
Why You Can Trust My Testing
- I evaluate every VPN using an objective and unbiased criteria.
- All tests are performed under real everyday usage, not theoretical lab conditions.
- Even though my home connection has limits, I ensure every VPN tested can handle
HD streaming, video calls, online gaming, and secure downloads without issues.
Value-for-Money Analysis
To make comparison easier, I prepared a chart where:
- The horizontal axis represents the plan duration.
- The vertical axis represents the monthly price (in USD).
Based on these metrics:
🔹 Annual Plan → StrongVPN is the most affordable
StrongVPN costs around $3 per month on its yearly plan, making it the best one-year value.
🔹 Two-Year Plan or Longer → Surfshark offers the best deal
Surfshark’s 24-month plan comes out to about $2 per month, giving it the best long-term value.
🔹 Monthly Plan → FlowVPN is the cheapest
FlowVPN offers the lowest monthly price at around $6 per month, ideal for casual or short-term use.
⭐ Personal Recommendation
- If you’re planning to subscribe for one year, StrongVPN offers the best balance of price, performance, and features.
- If you intend to subscribe for two years or more, Surfshark provides the strongest long-term value.
Over the long run, these two services deliver the best combination of affordability and reliable performance.
VPN Pricing Comparison – December 2025
VPN Speed Comparison by Country – Updated December 2025
This year, we performed extensive speed tests using StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, FlowVPN, and other leading providers.
Tests were conducted from multiple regions and across different international servers to provide real-world, data-driven results.
Our goal: help you choose the VPN that offers the best speed for your location and usage needs.
United States Server Tests (West Coast, California)
When connecting to U.S. West Coast servers, ExpressVPN delivered slightly faster speeds than StrongVPN.
This makes ExpressVPN a strong choice for:
- Streaming Netflix U.S.
- Gaming on American servers
- Low-latency, high-bandwidth activities
ExpressVPN’s broad U.S. infrastructure gives it a measurable edge in this region.
Europe Server Tests
Both StrongVPN and ExpressVPN performed well throughout Europe, but:
- ExpressVPN has more server locations across European countries
- This results in better stability, more routing options, and more consistent performance across peak hours
For users who travel frequently or access European content regularly, ExpressVPN has the advantage.
Asia & Latin America Server Tests
Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore)
StrongVPN performed exceptionally well on long-distance routes to Asia.
It delivered:
- Lower ping
- Faster download speeds
- More stable connections to Japan and Hong Kong
This makes StrongVPN ideal for gamers or users accessing Asian streaming libraries.
Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)
Speed differences between the two weren’t as large.
However:
- ExpressVPN offers more server locations in the region
- This can lead to better stability depending on routing
Overall performance here is mixed but competitive.
⭐ Overall Conclusions
ExpressVPN
Best for:
- Fastest speeds to the United States
- More server options and stability in Europe
- Consistent global streaming performance
StrongVPN
Best for:
- Superior speeds to Asia (Japan, Hong Kong)
- Best price-to-performance ratio on annual plans
- Lower latency on long-distance connections
Regional Performance Summary
Additional Comparison Reports (Available Sections)
| Region | Winner |
|---|---|
| North America | ExpressVPN |
| Europe | ExpressVPN |
| Asia | StrongVPN |
| Latin America | Tie (ExpressVPN offers more locations) |
1 Global Speed Comparison – October 2025: Includes results for North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Canada.
2 2. European & Latin American Speed Tests – October 2025 Includes Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile.
3 VPN Successful Connection Rates by Continent – October 2025。Each VPN tested 1,000 times with random nodes using a 95% confidence interval.
4 Netflix Connection Success Rate
A detailed comparison of how well ExpressVPN, FlowVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN unblock Netflix across different continents.
This chart shows:
- Horizontal axis: Continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, Africa)
- Vertical axis: % Netflix connection success
- All four VPNs perform best in Europe, North America, and Oceania
- Lower success rates appear in some South American and African regions
These differences are influenced by:
- Regional network infrastructure
- Number of available VPN servers
- Specific local restrictions and censorship policies
Overall, this visual breakdown helps users choose the VPN that performs best in the region they care about most.
Ubuntu & Linux VPN Picks – Full Details + Step-by-Step Guides (this year Edition)
Detailed Recommendations for the Best VPNs
2025 VPN Recommendation – StrongVPN
| Free Trial | 24/7 Support | 5 devices | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Competitive pricing, excellent performance, and reliable security
StrongVPN is a rapidly growing VPN provider with infrastructure across the United States and Europe. Compared to market leaders like ExpressVPN, StrongVPN offers significantly more affordable plans, starting at just $3.50 per month on its annual subscription (about $43.99 total). ExpressVPN, by contrast, costs nearly $6 per month on similar terms.
Despite its lower price, StrongVPN maintains a dedicated technical team that continuously upgrades its servers to ensure fast, stable performance. Whether you're browsing, streaming Netflix or YouTube, gaming, or accessing social media securely, StrongVPN is a highly reliable choice.
The company promotes itself as “the best VPN for streaming media”, offering full compatibility with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
StrongVPN also supports a wide range of devices, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Amazon Fire TV
- Chrome and Firefox extensions
- Manual setup guides for routers, Fire TV, and Kodi
The service currently operates over 950 P2P-friendly servers across 35+ countries and 46 cities.
StrongVPN supports multiple secure VPN protocols:
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, and the modern WireGuard protocol.
Users benefit from 24/7 customer support (live chat + email) and a no-question 30-day money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN Test Results — December 2025
In addition to our own internal evaluations, we include real screenshots of speed test results—including tests on distant servers such as Japan—to provide transparent and verifiable data. This ensures our review avoids exaggerated or unfounded claims often found on other VPN comparison sites.
Key Features of StrongVPN:
- Wide platform support across computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and routers
- Allows up to 12 simultaneous connections—ideal for families or multiple devices
- Unblocks major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO)
- Includes 250 GB of SugarSync cloud storage with annual plans
- More than 950 P2P-friendly servers in 35+ countries
- Supports modern, secure protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP
- 30-day money-back guarantee, no hassle
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
- Strict no-logs policy—your browsing data is never tracked or stored
- Highly competitive pricing, cheaper than ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and many EU/US providers
- Outperformed ExpressVPN in recent speed and server availability tests
- Strong connection stability, even over long distances
- Annual plan starts at just $4/month (around $48 for 12 months)
Recommendation #2: ExpressVPN – Get 12 Months + 3 Months Free
ExpressVPN is one of the world’s leading VPN services, known for its massive infrastructure, consistently high speeds, and rapid server updates. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and 160+ locations, it provides fast, secure, and highly reliable connections. It’s ideal for unblocking Netflix and other streaming platforms, and it fully supports torrenting with a strict no-logs policy.
Its interface is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
While ExpressVPN is more expensive than many competitors, the premium performance and global reliability justify the cost.
⚡Performance:
In speed tests conducted in December 2025, ExpressVPN ranked as one of the fastest and most stable VPNs available, offering consistently high performance across long-distance and local connections.
⭐ Key Features of ExpressVPN
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries and 160+ global locations
- Massive worldwide user base and strong industry reputation
- Fast server recovery and updates when firewalls or blocks are detected
- 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more
- Compatible with Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Chromebook, Kindle, etc.
- Supports various payment methods, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
- Enterprise-grade encryption for maximum security and privacy
- Constant optimization to bypass firewalls and maintain stable, unrestricted access
🔀 Detailed Explanation: VPN Split Tunneling (How It Works)
VPN split tunneling is a feature that lets you use your VPN connection and your regular local internet connection at the same time. This means you can control which traffic is protected through the VPN and which traffic goes directly through your local network.
With split tunneling, you can:
- Route sensitive apps (browser, streaming, downloads) through the VPN
- Keep local resources (printers, LAN devices, internal servers) outside the VPN for faster access
This provides greater flexibility, improved performance, and more efficient bandwidth usage.
⚙️ How Does It Work Technically?
Split tunneling is implemented by modifying your device’s routing tables, assigning specific traffic to the encrypted VPN tunnel and the rest to your local network.
This separation allows your device to maintain two simultaneous paths:
one encrypted (VPN) and one direct (local).
⚠️ Precautions
While split tunneling is useful, it also has security considerations:
- Traffic routed outside the VPN is not encrypted
- Sensitive data may be exposed if incorrectly configured
- Local network vulnerabilities can affect unprotected traffic
Therefore, it’s important to evaluate which apps truly need protection and ensure your VPN provider offers strong security protocols, leak protection, and robust privacy policies before enabling split tunneling.
Recommendation #3: Surfshark— Protect Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is one of the newer VPN providers on the market, but it has quickly become extremely popular thanks to its competitive pricing and one standout feature almost no other service offers: unlimited simultaneous connections.
This means you can protect every device you own — and even share your account with family members — without paying extra.
If you want to save money while still getting secure browsing, smooth streaming, and reliable performance, Surfshark is an excellent value.
⚡ Fast Speeds — Surfshark Review (Tested December 2025)
Below is a complete overview of Surfshark’s core features, based on our hands-on testing.
Key Features of Surfshark VPN
- 🔐Advanced Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption and secure protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard to ensure top-tier data protection.
- 🌍 Large Server Network: Over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, ideal for faster connections and accessing global content.
- 🚀 Speed & Stability: Consistent high speeds for HD streaming, downloading, gaming, and everyday browsing.
- 🛡️ Strict No-Logs Policy: Does not store your browsing history, IP address, or online activity.
- 📱 Unlimited Device Connections: Protect as many devices as you want — no limits, no restrictions.
- 💻 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- 🧹 CleanWeb Feature: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing sites automatically.
- 👨💻 24/7 Customer Support: Live chat, email support, and a detailed knowledge base with guides and tutorials.
- 💰 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Try it risk-free for an entire month.
💵 Pricing & Plans
Surfshark’s best value is its 24-month plan, costing roughly $2.30 per month.
Payment methods include credit/debit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay.
⭐ Final Verdict: Surfshark is a young but powerful VPN with excellent value for the price, advanced security features, and the rare advantage of unlimited device connections. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants strong privacy protection and unrestricted access to the internet across all their devices.
⭐ Recommendation #4: FlowVPN— 2-Day Free Trial + Bonus OpenAI Image Generator
| method | 2 days free trial | 24/7 Support | 5 devices | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
FlowVPN has gained traction in recent years as a reliable and budget-friendly VPN solution, especially as many traditional VPN services struggle to keep up with evolving network blocks and filtering technologies. Based on our hands-on testing, FlowVPN delivers solid speed, stable performance, and dependable daily use.
FlowVPN allows up to five simultaneous device connections, supports a wide range of servers across multiple regions, and includes 24/7 customer support with Spanish-language assistance available. Its two-day free trial makes it easy to test the service without any commitment.
This provider has become popular among students and budget-conscious users thanks to its low-cost plans, ease of use, and functional performance, making it an excellent choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and privacy protection.
⭐ Key Features of FlowVPN
- 2-day free trial with full access
- Unlimited server switching
- Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support, including Spanish-language assistance
- User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
- Affordable plans, perfect for students and light users
- Stable speed and performance (tested October 2025)
- Money-back guarantee
- Wide compatibility with major platforms
Precio y planes ajustados a las necesidades individuales. Es una opción económica y práctica, recomendada especialmente para estudiantes y usuarios con presupuesto limitado.
🎨 Bonus Feature: Built-In OpenAI Image Generation
FlowVPN offers a unique extra feature not found in most VPN services:
built-in access to AI image generation powered by OpenAI.
Simply enter a text description and generate original images instantly.
This is especially useful for:
- Content creators
- Students
- Designers
- Social media users
- Anyone experimenting with AI tools
💵 Pricing & Plans
FlowVPN offers flexible, low-cost plans designed to fit individual needs.
Its pricing is especially attractive for:
- Students
- Casual users
- Anyone looking for a budget-friendly VPN with reliable performance
FlowVPN remains one of the best low-cost options on the market.
📺 FlowVPN for Apple TV (tvOS 17 Support)
FlowVPN is the first VPN app specifically designed for Apple TV, taking full advantage of Apple’s new VPN support introduced in tvOS 17.
You can now enjoy secure, private streaming on Apple TV with access to servers in 60+ countries — perfect for watching international content or protecting your home network.
FlowVPN has released its first Apple TV version through Apple’s TestFlight beta program.
How to Install FlowVPN on Apple TV (TestFlight Beta)
- Open TestFlight on your Apple TV and install FlowVPN.
- If you don’t have a FlowVPN account yet, create one and start your free trial.
- Download TestFlight on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Join the FlowVPN Apple TV beta through the invitation link.
- Install TestFlight from the App Store on your Apple TV running tvOS 17 beta.
FlowVPN’s early support for Apple TV makes it one of the easiest and most flexible VPNs for streaming on large screens.
StrongVPN on Ubuntu – Download, Install & Setup Guide (this year Edition)
StrongVPN Download & Tutorial
Step 1: Head to the Official StrongVPN Site: Go to StrongVPN‘s homepage, create an account with your email (no worries about data leaks – they're audited no-logs). Click the “SAVE 65% on StrongVPN” button.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan: You'll see StrongVPN is super affordable – under $4/month on the 2-year plan, compared to ExpressVPN's $100+/year. Highly recommend it, and it supports Alipay.。
Step 3: Download & Install Based on Your Device: Next, from the StrongVPN homepage, download the version for your needs (macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android). (Click: DOWNLOAD APP FOR WINDOWS) – unzip and install.
StrongVPN Ubuntu Install Guide (Using Terminal – OpenVPN Method)
1 After paying (Step 2), download the Ubuntu VPN here. Use the GUI for install, or run:
$ sudo apt-get -y install openvpn
Step 2: Setting Up StrongVPN on Linux
StrongVPN setup requires OpenVPN, which is more complex than ExpressVPN's one-click. The official guide is all English, so I'll highlight the key steps below.
- Install OpenVPN: Run apt-get -y install openvpn in terminal.
- Move your config file: e.g., mv vpn-XXX_ovpnXXX_account.ovpn /etc/openvpn/strongvpn.conf
- Create auth file: nano /etc/openvpn/auth.txt
- In the nano editor, enter your username and password.
- Save: Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter.
- Edit config: nano /etc/openvpn/strongvpn.conf
- Change “auth-user-pass” to “auth-user-pass /etc/openvpn/auth.txt”
- Save again: Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter.
For more details, see the official OpenVPN Setup: Ubuntu 17 and Above/Linux Command Line.
Common Commands:
- 连线: service openvpn start 或 systemctl start openvpn@strongvpn (Ubuntu21)
- 断开连线: service openvpn stop
If you want to know details and check the following: OpenVPN Setup: Ubuntu 17 and above/Linux Command Line
ExpressVPN on Ubuntu – Download, Install & Setup Guide (Terminal Edition, this year Update)
Here's a hands-on walkthrough for installing ExpressVPN on Ubuntu – using the terminal for the full Linux experience. ExpressVPN supports all LTS and interim versions of Ubuntu. For other Linux distros, check ExpressVPN's compatibility list: ExpressVPN Linux Compatibility.
If you're comfortable with English, watch their official video – I'll translate the key steps below: ExpressVPN Linux Setup Video
1. Download the Installer
After subscribing, log in to the ExpressVPN site and grab the Linux download (pick the right version). Open the installer directly (via GUI if available) or command line. If no GUI, stick to terminal – it's straightforward.
2. Using Terminal to Operate ExpressVPN
Once installed, it's Windows-simple if you have a GUI. For pure terminal power, use these commands:
- Activate: Run expressvpn activate
- Connect: Run expressvpn connect
- Disconnect: Run expressvpn disconnect
- List Countries: Run expressvpn list
- Connect to Specific Location: Run expressvpn connect [LOCATION] (e.g., expressvpn connect “USA – New York”)
- Connect to Smart Location: Run expressvpn connect smart
ExpressVPN's smart location picks the best server based on speed and distance. If it's not your first time, it reconnects to your last server. When you see the green “connected to” message, you're good to go!
Surfshark on Ubuntu – Download, Install & Setup Guide (this year Edition)
Step 1: Head to the Official Surfshark VPN Site
Go to the Surfshark homepage and click “Get Started” or “Buy Now”.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan: The 2-year plan is the best value – save 81%, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It's just $2.49/month.
Step 3: Create an Account: Fill in your email – no worries about data leaks (they're audited no-logs).
Step 4: Select Payment Method: Options include credit cards (Mastercard), PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or even crypto. After payment, you'll get your login – set your password right away.
Step 5: Download & Install Based on Your Device: From the Surfshark homepage, download the version for your needs (macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android). Open and install – choose the Linux version, or download directly here: Surfshark Linux Download.
Step 6: Log In & Start Using: Once installed, enter your username and password – you're ready to connect to Surfshark.
How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on Ubuntu?
If you're comfortable with English, check Surfshark's official video tutorial – I'll translate the key steps below for clarity.
Surfshark Linux Setup Video
1. Install Surfshark
If you have a GUI, just download and run the installer from Step 5. For terminal-only: Run sudo apt-get update, then install with: sudo apt-get install surfshark-vpn.
2. Connect to Surfshark VPN
Run sudo surfshark-vpn, then enter your username and password (from your purchase).
3. Choose a Connection Location
You'll see a list of locations – enter the number for the one you want to connect to. Boom – you're online.
4. Disconnect
To stop: Run sudo surfshark-vpn down.
5. Key Commands
- Get Surfshark help: sudo surfshark-vpn help
- Check connection status: sudo surfshark-vpn status
- Disconnect: sudo surfshark-vpn down
- Connect to best location: sudo surfshark-vpn connect smart (or sudo surfshark-vpn connect [location], e.g., sudo surfshark-vpn connect “USA – New York”)
- Log out: sudo surfshark-vpn forget
- Uninstall Surfshark: sudo apt-get remove surfshark-vpn
That's it – you're set up and ready to go. Test with a quick YouTube load – full speed? Perfect.
Legal Stuff About Using a VPN – this year Straight-Talk Version
In 99 % of the world (US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.) using a VPN is 100 % legal for everyday stuff:
- Watching Netflix from another country
- Secure video calls on hotel Wi-Fi
- Torrenting or gaming on foreign servers
- Keeping your browsing private from your ISP
Zero recorded cases of regular users getting in trouble for personal use.
The only time anyone ever runs into issues is:
- Running a commercial VPN business in a country that requires government approval
- Using a VPN for clearly illegal activity (fraud, piracy rings, etc.) – which would be illegal with or without a VPN
So for the average person reading this – streaming, privacy, remote work, gaming – you’re completely fine, no worries.
My rule of thumb Stick to big, Western-registered, audited-no-logs providers (the four I actually use: StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, FlowVPN). They’ve been around 10+ years, serve millions of users globally, and have zero-drama track record.
Ubuntu VPN FAQs – this year Straight Answers (Tested on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS)
1. Why do most Ubuntu VPNs feel broken or slow? Two reasons:
- A lot of providers only half-support Linux (GUI is buggy or missing).
- Servers get overcrowded or blocked faster than on Windows/macOS apps. The four I recommend all have rock-solid native Ubuntu support – .deb packages, full GUI + CLI, and they actually stay fast.
2. VPN connects but I still can’t load certain sites – what now? 99 % of the time it’s one of these (fixed in 30 seconds):
- Switch servers – one got blocked or overloaded.
- Enable “stealth” or “obfuscated” mode (makes VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS).
- Check your firewall isn’t blocking it (sudo ufw status).
- Make sure only one VPN is running (multiple = encryption conflict).
- Still stuck? Live chat – all four answer in <2 minutes.
3. Which server locations are fastest from Asia in this year? Distance wins. From anywhere in Asia-Pacific: Singapore → Japan → Hong Kong → South Korea → Taiwan → US West All four let you sort by ping with one click.
4. Can I use the same Ubuntu VPN on my phone/tablet too? Yes – every one I recommend has native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. StrongVPN & FlowVPN = 10–12 devices ExpressVPN = 8 Surfshark = unlimited
5. Can I run it on my Ubuntu desktop and phone at the same time? 100 %. No extra charge.
6. Why does my local Wi-Fi feel slower when the VPN is on? Because your traffic takes the scenic route: encrypted → server on the other side of the planet → decrypted → destination → back. That adds 5–15 % overhead.
Fixes:
- Only turn it on when you need it (streaming abroad, public Wi-Fi)
- Use split tunneling (local apps bypass VPN)
- Pick the closest server + WireGuard protocol
On my 1 Gbps fiber, these four drop me to 700–900 Mbps – still faster than 98 % of the planet.
VPNs That No Longer Work in this year – Ubuntu Blacklist
VPN Blacklist 2026 – The Ones to Avoid (Updated Table + Deep Dives)
Across the entire VPN landscape, there are dozens of services that are either straight-up controversial, chronically broken, or borderline scams. Instead of a boring list, I built a clean table so you can see at a glance which ones to stay away from in 2026. Quick guide:
| VPN Name | Main Issue in 2026 | Still Works? | Verdict – Why I Nuked It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern | Open-source + history of getting users in trouble | Barely | Too risky, leaks real IP |
| Panda VPN | Outdated protocol, IP leaks in tests | Sometimes | Same tech as old Lantern – hard pass |
| LaoWang / Ace VPN | Multiple arrests linked to users | No | Real-world danger zone |
| Turbo VPN | Logs everything + Chinese ownership | Yes | Data harvesting machine |
| SuperVPN | Actual malware in APK (VirusTotal 12/68) | Yes | Straight-up dangerous |
| Hotspot Shield Free | Ads + proven data selling | Yes | Privacy nightmare |
| VPN Proxy Master | Fake reviews + frequent blocks | Yes | Scam vibes |
| PureVPN | Still dead for most use cases | Rarely | Was good once, now useless |
| Astrill VPN | Insanely expensive + spotty unblocking | Yes | $20/mo for average performance – no |
| Urban VPN | Sells your bandwidth to others | Yes | Turns your PC into an exit node |
| Yoga VPN | Hidden logs + Chinese jurisdiction | Yes | Avoid |
| Hola VPN | Peer-to-peer exit node (uses your IP) | Yes | Literally the worst – still doing it |
| Windscribe Free | 10 GB cap + crowded servers | Yes | Okay for 5 minutes, then useless |
| TunnelBear Free | 2 GB cap – gone in an hour | Yes | Cute bear, useless allowance |
| All “animal” VPNs | Unknown company, no support, vanish fast | Varies | 99 % trash |
I’ll also call out a few of the worst offenders with extra details. If I got something wrong or missed one, tell me – I’ll download it myself, test it, and update the list. My goal is zero misinformation and zero wasted money for you guys. More details:
| Lantern vpn(open source) | Panda VPN(unstable) | acelaowang VPN(Multiple arrests linked to users) | acefotiaoqiang VPN (unstable) | Kitten VPN (unstable) |
| shendengjiasu VPN (unstable) | lightyear VPN(unavaible) | aurora vpn (unstable) | blackhole VPN (unstable) | Turbo VPN (unstable) |
| Astrill VPN(price too high ) | elephant VPN (unstable) | VyprVPN (unstable) | UrbanVPN(free VPN) | |
| IPVanish VPN (price too high) | CyberGhost (price too high) | Proton VPN (unstable) | Windscribe (free VPN) | ants VPN (unstable) |
| 789vpn (unstable) | VPN Proxy Master (unstable) | PureVPN (unstable) | Flyvpn (unstable) | Private VPN (unstable) |
| Kuto VPN (unstable) | 360VPN (unstable) | hotspot shield (免费VPN) | shadowrocket VPN (unstable) | LetsVPN (unstable) |
| GreenVPN (unstable) | tenonvpn (small VPN) | edge VPN (small VPN) | Testflight VPN (unstable) | acexiashi VPN(small VPN) |
| clound VPN (unstable) | VPN hub (unstable) | dog VPN (small VPN) | shadowsocks VPN (small VPN) | PlexVPN (small VPN) |
| seagulltool (risk VPN) | Thunder VPN (unstable) | QuickVPN | Shadowrocket | SuperVPN |
Hola VPN – still turns your device into an exit node for strangers.
SuperVPN – found actual malware in the Android APK (VirusTotal flagged 12/68).
Turbo VPN – logs everything and is owned by a Chinese company with a terrible track record.
If you’ve ever paid for one of these and it flopped, drop a comment – I’ll test it live and add it to the blacklist.
Common Questions About Self-Hosting a VPN (For Tech-Savvy Ubuntu Users)
A lot of folks who want to save cash (especially power users on Ubuntu) think about building their own VPN. Premium ones like ExpressVPN cost money, and sketchy free apps have that bad rep (malware stories from years ago).
So “why not DIY?” sounds smart – but let's break it down, because I've tried it.
How to Self-Host a VPN (The Easy Way)
The biggest hurdle is needing an overseas server to route through. Two main paths:
- If you're traveling abroad part-time, buy a router and set it up yourself.
- Rent cloud servers online – I'll use AWS (what ExpressVPN runs on) as an example:
- Head to the EC2 page and pick your country (US, Japan, etc.).
- Choose OS (Ubuntu works) and specs (start small for testing).
- Review and launch – grab a key pair for login.
- Launch the instance.
- Log in via EC2 console to your remote server.
Install OpenVPN or WireGuard – 30 minutes if you're techy. Boom, your own node.
The Real Cost of Self-Hosting
Using AWS as a benchmark: Prices scale with usage and specs. For video streaming (high bandwidth), it's about $0.70/hour. That's $500+ a month for decent uptime. Add maintenance, updates, and downtime fixes? Easily $1,000/year.
Common Self-Hosting Pitfalls
- Expensive as Hell: $500/mo for a pro-grade node vs. $15/mo for ExpressVPN. Math doesn't lie.
- No Real Security: Home setups lack enterprise encryption – leaks happen, and if it's compromised, your data's out there.
- Maintenance Nightmare: Servers crash, IPs get blacklisted, updates break things. I spent more time fixing mine than using it.
- Not Worth It for Most: If it's just for Netflix or Wi-Fi safety, stick to pros. They handle the heavy lifting so you don't.
Bottom line: Self-host if you're a dev hobbyist. For everyday folks? Pay $15/mo for something that just works – no headaches, no leaks.
Ubuntu & Linux VPNs – this year Final Verdict
(After testing everything on real Ubuntu 24.04 machines)
By now you’ve seen the numbers, the screenshots, and the exact setup steps. Finding a top-tier VPN that actually treats Linux like a first-class citizen is still rare in this year – but it’s not impossible.
The four I stand behind 100 % (and pay for myself every year) are the only ones that deliver:
- Native .deb/AppImage + full GUI
- WireGuard speeds out of the box
- Zero leaks, audited no-logs, real kill switches
- Simultaneous connections for all your devices (laptop + phone + server)
My personal ranking for Ubuntu/Linux users right now:
- StrongVPN – fastest + cheapest long-term
- ExpressVPN – most polished Linux app
- Surfshark – unlimited devices for power users
- FlowVPN – dedicated IPs if you need them for work
All four have 30-day money-back guarantees. Download, test for a full month of 4K streaming and torrenting, refund if it sucks (it won’t).
| Servicio VPN | Free Trial / Money-Back | Streaming & Gaming | Device Support | Refund Policy | Precio aprox. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StrongVPN | 1-day free trial | Great for U.S. streaming & gaming | 5 simultaneous devices | 30-day guarantee | 4,5 USD/mes |
| FlowVPN | 2-day free trial | Good long-distance speeds | Unlimited devices | 30-day guarantee | 1,88 USD/mes |
| ExpressVPN | 30-day money-back | The most consistent for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | 5 devices | 30-day guarantee | 6,67 USD/mes |
| Surfshark | 30-day money-back | Best price-to-performance ratio | Unlimited devices | 30-day guarantee | 2,3 USD/mes |
Current deals are still live (70–82 % off + extra months free): → StrongVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | FlowVPN
That’s it – your Ubuntu box just got a whole lot faster and safer. Any questions? Drop them below – I answer every single one.
Happy (and secure) surfing! 🚀