How to Setup a VPN on Ubuntu in Easy Steps [Updated 2024]

  • Last updated April 22, 2024
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Ubuntu – An Open Source Platform

There are many reasons for which Ubuntu became one of the frequently adopted open-source platforms; yet, cost-effectiveness is on the top of them all. Yes! Ubuntu doesn’t comprise any charges; it is a free graphical user interface.

So, to those who don’t want to spend much on operating systems such as Windows, Ubuntu is a convenient option. View our detailed guide of top-notch VPNs for Linux of 2023. Furthermore, Ubuntu is also more stable and secure platform as compared to others. It may be difficult to use at first; but, in time, you’ll get acquainted with every feature and function.

Ubuntu is an open source so those who prefer open source software would definitely find it interesting. However, just like its alternatives, Ubuntu has some weaknesses. In addition, those who prefer Ubuntu over its alternatives aren’t completely invulnerable to security threats. Hence, necessary security measures are strongly recommended to all Ubuntu users out there. One of the ways to secure your privacy is through a VPN. In this post, we will show you how to set up a VPN on Ubuntu.

[See also: VPN for Linux]

Top 5 VPNs that You Need to Consider for Ubuntu 

First, acceptance and adaptability of this open source platform were minimal as compared to other operating systems and alternatives. However, with the passage of time, users’ preferences evolved which eventually boosted Ubuntu’s usage.

As an Ubuntu user prioritizing enhanced online security and privacy, a free VPN becomes invaluable. With a reliable VPN service tailored for Ubuntu, you can ensure the protection of your data, enjoy the freedom of accessing geo-restricted content, and fully embrace the open-source environment. Discovering the best free VPN for Ubuntu is essential to seamlessly integrate privacy measures into your Ubuntu experience. Choose wisely to optimize your Ubuntu usage with a top-notch VPN solution that aligns with your specific needs.

Seeing the popularity of Ubuntu, VPN service providers started to enrich the device compatibility of their service. A VPN is one of the efficient tools to safeguard your security and prevents you from any unwanted security infiltration vulnerability.

Based on the performance, we have compiled a list of top VPNs for Ubuntu. These VPNs are tried, tested and recommended afterward. The purpose of providing such information is to facilitate your purchase decision. There are hundreds of service providers trading in VPN industry, finding appropriate service provider is just like finding a needle in a haystack. So, here is a list of the 5 best VPNs for Ubuntu that you need to consider.

ExpressVPN is known all over the world for offering excellent VPN services with state-of-the-art security, features, accessibility, and performance to its users. check out our all-inclusive ExpressVPN review.

 

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How to Setup a VPN on Ubuntu

[/howto_title]

[howto_description]Those who have recently switched to Ubuntu might find it a bit hectic to setup a VPN on their system. Same applies to those who have recently started using a VPN. A VPN without a doubt saves you from many hassles; however, it is a sophisticated tool and not everyone in this world is tech-savvy.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help you in this regard. Here we prescribe a few easy steps to configure a VPN on Ubuntu. It doesn’t matter which VPN service provider you prefer, the one from the list recommended or another as per your convenience. The steps provided will guide you everything about configuring a VPN on Ubuntu. First thing first, to change Ubuntu IP address, enlist the running network interfaces by running the Ubuntu “IP” command. This command is used in Ubuntu to rearrange interfaces and assign or delete routes, etc.

As compared to other operating systems, Ubuntu is less vulnerable to security threats; however, it isn’t completely immune to them. Hence, use of a VPN is strongly recommended. Online security isn’t the only benefit associated with a VPN though. With a VPN, you embrace true online freedom and evade all geo-restrictions with ease. Enjoy seamless access to geo-restricted content by set up a VPN on your Linksys router, bypassing regional limitations and unlocking a world of entertainment.

The setup process of a VPN on Ubuntu operating system is straightforward and will only take you five minutes. However, you need to have Ubuntu supported device along with best VPN for OpenVPN service connection. Here is how you can setup VPN on Ubuntu with OpenVPN configuration: [/howto_description]

[howto_step_content id=”1″]1) Search and open the terminal then click on Dash [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”2″]2) Write the below-mentioned command:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn [/howto_step_content] 

[howto_step_content id=”3″]3) Type “Y” then press enter [/howto_step_content] 

[howto_step_content id=”4″]4) Now type the below-mentioned commands:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn
sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn-gnome
[/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”5″]5) Wait for the installation to complete and download the OpenVPN file [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”6″]6) Now extract the download file[/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”7″]7) Click on Network Connection Icon [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”8″]8) After clicking, go to VPN connections and choose Configure VPN [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”9″]9) Tap on drop down menu and select OpenVPN then click on Create[/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”10″]10) Provide the following information:

  • Mention the connection name (ExpressVPN OpenVPN in our case)
  • Now mention the required gateway / the server you want to use
  • Select Type: Password
  • Write username and password given by ExpressVPN. Click on folder icon from CA Certificate [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”11″]11) Now go to downloaded OpenVPN folder then choose ca.crt and click on Open [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”12″]12) Click on Advanced [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”13″]13) Select the following options from general tab:

  • Check the used custom gateway port for UDP, insert 53, and for TCP insert 80
  • Check Use LZO data compression
  • Point to remember: In order to select TCP Connection, choose Use a TCP Connection.

[/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”14″]14) Select below-mentioned options from security tab:

  • SelectAES-256-CBC or preferred encryption from Cipher
  • Select SHA-1 from HMAC Authentication
  • Now see TLS Authentication tab
    Choose Use additional TLS Authentication
    Click on the folder icon available next to key file
  • Select key then click open from the OpenVPN downloaded folder

[/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”15″]15) Select 1 from key direction and click OK. [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”16″]16) After clicking on Save, close the Network Connections. [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”17″]17) Click on Network Connection Icon, go to VPN Connections and choose newly formed ExpressVPN OpenVPN connection. [/howto_step_content]

[howto_step_content id=”18″]18) Your connection is ready to use, enjoy [/howto_step_content]

To disconnect VPN, again click on Network Connection Icon then move towards VPN connections and select Disconnect VPN.

For a detailed guide, you can check out our blog on ExpressVPN on Linux distros. 


  1. ExpressVPN on Linux: Seamless Security for Your Android in USA
  2. Change Ubuntu IP address : Get to know how you can change Ubuntu IP address with the help of the VPN.

Wrapping Up:

With the passage of time, acceptance of Ubuntu among the users is increasing. Ubuntu is a free graphical user interface. This has given it an edge over its alternatives. Comparatively, Ubuntu isn’t much more prone to security threats than other operating systems; however, it is not absolutely invulnerable. That is why you need a VPN to safeguard your privacy and security.

Ubuntu might be difficult to use; especially, for a newbie. Hence, we have prescribed 8 simple steps to configure a VPN on Ubuntu. Eventually, you’ll get acquainted with other Ubuntu features and functions; but, you mustn’t compromise or be complacent about your online security.

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