Download a VPN for Linux
Compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Mint, and Arch
- Sleek and intuitive GUI app (v5.0)
- Post-quantum protection
- App and IP-based split tunneling
- 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers
Get the ExpressVPN Linux GUI app
Say hello to the latest Linux GUI app from ExpressVPN — now even more powerful and refined with version 5.0. Customize every aspect of your app, from privacy settings and protocols to split tunneling and light or dark mode. Take full control of your online experience with ExpressVPN!
Linux VPN setup guide
Step 1: Download the Linux GUI app
- Visit the ExpressVPN setup page and log in with your credentials
- Enter the verification code sent to your email
- Click Download to download our universal installer
Step 2: Install the app
- Open the Terminal
- Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the installer
- Run the installer with the command: sh [installer filename]
- Enter your device password when prompted—the app will launch automatically after installation
Step 3: Sign in and connect
- Open the ExpressVPN app for Linux
- Sign in with your email, activation code, or the sign-in link method
- Click Connect to use Smart Location or select a location that suits you
- Enjoy a secure and private internet experience!
Key features: ExpressVPN Linux GUI app
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Post-quantum protection
The Lightway protocol ensures internet traffic from your Linux device is future-proofed against threats such as SNDL (Store Now, Decrypt Later) attacks.
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Privacy and security tools
Toggle on tools including ad blocker, Threat Manager to block trackers and malicious sites, and our “Always On” kill switch to prevent leaks even if the VPN is off.
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Auto-connect
Manage your auto-connect settings to choose when you want the VPN to connect or disconnect automatically, such as when you join an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
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Split tunneling
Edit your split tunneling settings to add and remove apps and IP addresses and choose which ones use the VPN.
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Light and dark mode
Customize the app according to your preferences by adjusting your settings to choose between light and dark modes.
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Live chat support
One click gets you chatting with our Support Team. They’re available 24/7 to help you get set up, answer questions, and troubleshoot.
*See device details here.
What’s new in v5.0 (Linux)
Speed test
A built-in performance-testing tool lets you measure your internet speed both on your regular ISP connection and while connected to the VPN. You get real-time upload/download metrics and side-by-side ISP vs VPN speed results comparison, with server, IP address, and protocol details. This feature is easily accessible from the Add-ons menu.
Dedicated IP support
Linux users can now activate, view the status of, and manage their Dedicated IP location directly from the desktop app.
Favorites system
You can now mark frequently used server locations as favorites. Favorites appear at the top of the location list for quick access, and persist across sessions.
Redesigned card-based dashboard & interactive map
The main screen has been completely overhauled:
- Quick Connect card for one-tap access to recent locations (including Smart Location)
- Region card to view and change the current server
- Time-Protected card showing connection duration and protocol
- Promotional card for Dedicated IP (if not yet activated)
- Visual server-location map with smart markers and tooltips
- Improved location picker behaviour when selecting servers from the map
Refined navigation & UI/UX enhancements
Slide-in right-panel navigation for Settings, Help, Add-ons, and Profile; smoother animations; adaptive scrolling; better spacing and layout; modernized notification style with clearer hierarchy; enhanced accessibility (screen-reader, keyboard navigation).
Improved headless / server installations
Reduced dependencies for headless installs; streamlined root-only installation; optimized for Docker, containers, and minimal server environments. Perfect for server deployments.
Linux distro compatibility
To run the Linux app (v5.0), your system must meet the following minimum requirements — due to updated dependencies (e.g. glibc):
| Distribution / Platform | Minimum Version |
| Ubuntu | 22.04 LTS or newer |
| Debian | 11 (Bullseye) or newer |
| Fedora | 35 or newer |
| RHEL / CentOS | 9 or newer |
| Linux Mint | 21 or newer |
| Raspberry Pi OS | Bullseye or newer |
| Arch (and derivatives) | 64-bit only; arm64 supported, but Pi requires 4K page size |
⚠️ If your distribution is older than the above, you will need to upgrade your OS before installing version 5.0.
Why choose ExpressVPN?
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Optimized for speed
ExpressVPN constantly optimizes servers to deliver the fastest speeds possible.
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More VPN locations
Choose from VPN server locations across 105+ countries, including the UK, U. S., Canada, and Australia.
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TrustedServer technology
Audited to confirm privacy protections, TrustedServer sets a new standard for security.
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Superior connection reliability
Enjoy industry-leading connection stability and reliability, no matter where you are in the world.
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Increase your anonymity
Replace your IP and location to prevent tracking of browsing activity and metadata.
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Content from anywhere
Access all the apps and services you need to work, stream, and play.
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Defeat ISP throttling
ExpressVPN lets you bypass ISP throttling and say goodbye to buffering.
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Independently audited
Third-party assessments verify our security claims through rigorous testing of our apps and systems.
What people are saying about ExpressVPN
I have ExpressVPN on all my devices - phone, laptop, tablet, AppleTV, etc., and absolutely love it.
* A sample of reviews from our most satisfied customers
Got an account with @expressvpn yesterday. Great decision for traveling out of the country!
@D_Geiger
* A sample of reviews from our most satisfied customers
With its consistent performance and reliable security, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there.
* We sometimes pay expert sites for customer referrals
FAQ: Linux VPN
Does Linux have a built-in VPN?
Linux itself does not come with a fully integrated VPN service out of the box. However, it supports a variety of VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPsec, as well as ExpressVPN’s custom VPN protocol, Lightway. Many Linux distributions provide network management tools, such as NetworkManager, that allow you to configure and connect to VPNs with ease.
Can I use a VPN with Linux?
Absolutely! Linux is highly compatible with VPN services. ExpressVPN has a dedicated Linux app, with the option to use a command-line interface or a graphical user interface (GUI).
Is there a free VPN for Linux?
Yes, there are some free VPN options available for Linux, however, keep in mind that free VPNs often have limitations, such as reduced speeds, limited server options, and potential security concerns. For optimal performance and privacy, a trusted paid VPN is a better choice.
How does a VPN enhance privacy and security on Linux?
A VPN enhances privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic, making it unreadable to third parties like ISPs, hackers, or surveillance entities. This is especially valuable on Linux, as many users engage in tasks like server management, remote access, or development work. By masking your IP address and routing traffic through secure servers, a VPN minimizes exposure to cyber threats and strengthens your anonymity online.
Do I need a VPN on my Linux PC?
Using a VPN on your Linux PC will ensure that everything you do is secure. By connecting to any of our VPN server locations in 105+ countries, you can replace your device‘s IP address with a different one, protect your data on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and access censored sites and services.
What if I want a Linux command-line VPN?
If you prefer CLI over GUI, and want full control over your Linux app via the Terminal, just follow the steps in the Linux CLI setup article.
How do I know if my VPN is connected in Linux?
If you’re using the ExpressVPN Linux app with GUI, you can check the app’s main screen to see whether the message displays Connected or Not Connected.
If you’re using the CLI version of the app you can run the command 'expressvpnctl status'. If you’re connected, you should see: Connected to networklock: enabled/disabled splittunnel: enabled/disabled
If you are not connected, when you run the command 'expressvpnctl status' you will see: Disconnected
Does Kali Linux come with a VPN?
While Kali has a built-in VPN client, it is not an actual VPN service and still requires you to connect to a third-party VPN like ExpressVPN. As a Debian based distro, you can install ExpressVPN on Kali Linux. That said, ExpressVPN does not officially support Kali Linux and will not provide fixes for any issues encountered.
Does Ubuntu come with a VPN?
While Ubuntu has a built-in VPN client, it is not an actual VPN service and still requires you to connect to a third-party VPN like ExpressVPN.
How do I know the ExpressVPN app for Linux is secure?
Security is at the forefront of what we do at ExpressVPN. Not only do we aim to design our apps and systems to offer a high level of privacy and security, but we also routinely engage independent auditors to validate our security claims. It’s one of the best ways for our users to know if they can trust our services to protect them. See the full list of audits and read the full reports.
Risk-free Linux VPN
Download the ExpressVPN Linux app today and protect your Linux device. Secure your internet experience with a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users!
