In this article, I’ll explain how you can quickly and easily install NordVPN on Linux to secure your online activity. Plus, I’ll highlight several useful terminal commands that’ll help you make the most of this VPN when using it on a Linux distribution. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Summary: Installing NordVPN on Linux
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How to Install and Use NordVPN on Linux: Complete Guide
I learned during tests that you can easily install and use NordVPN on almost all Linux distributions. It works on Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, and many others. The only Linux distributions NordVPN doesn’t support are TempleOS, TailsOS, and Arch.
Manual Server Selection on NordVPN for Linux
Note that the default ‘nordvpn connect’ command will always connect you to the fastest nearby NordVPN server. However, you can also specify exactly which server location you want to connect to.
Step 1: Access the Terminal and Install NordVPN
Log into your Linux device and open the terminal.
Enter the following command in the terminal to install NordVPN on your Linux device: sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)
Confirm your Linux administrator password to continue with the installation.
After confirming your password, wait for the terminal to download the necessary packages and install NordVPN on your Linux device.
Enter the following command to give NordVPN the necessary permissions and ensure it works without issues: sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER
Step 2: Get Your Access Token to Log Into NordVPN on Linux
Log into the Nord Account Web Portal and access the NordVPN section from the menu on the left-hand side.
Navigate to the bottom of the NordVPN menu and open the access token section.
Click on “Generate new token” to create a new access token that you’ll use to log into NordVPN on Linux.
Copy the access token generated on NordVPN’s web portal. Note that you can generate an access portal that lasts for up to 30 days or one that lasts indefinitely.
Step 3: Login and Connect to NordVPN
Log into NordPVN on Linux using the following command (replace ‘access token’ with the token you copied from the NordVPN web portal): nordvpn login ‘access token’
Use the ‘nordvpn connect’ command to connect to NordVPN and safeguard your connection on Linux.
Helpful NordVPN Terminal Commands on Linux
Since NordVPN doesn’t offer a GUI on Linux, you must rely on terminal commands to use it. The following table includes important terminal commands you’ll need to utilize NordVPN on Linux: The above commands are among the few you’ll need to make the most of NordVPN on Linux. Also, you can use the ‘man nordvpn’ or ‘nordvpn help’ commands to bring up an extensive list of commands and other information.
Is NordVPN Good on Linux?
NordVPN is good on Linux, but it isn’t the best. While it has all the necessary features, NordVPN’s Linux version is command-line based, meaning it isn’t the most beginner-friendly option. You’ll have to get the hang of various commands if you want to use NordVPN properly on Linux. Thankfully, there are other easier-to-use VPN alternatives on Linux. In my tests, I found that PIA offers a full GUI with its Linux app, making it much simpler to use.
PIA’s Linux app is similar to its other desktop versions. You can easily connect to a server or adjust the configuration. Plus, PIA’s Linux app also includes useful tools like MACE to block annoying ads and trackers while surfing the web. There are also other reliable VPNs for Linux you can consider if you’re looking for alternatives to NordVPN or PIA.
Secure Your Activity on Linux Using NordVPN
In conclusion, NordVPN is a solid choice for ensuring online security while using a Linux device. Its Linux app provides the same security as other versions and includes useful tools like the Double VPN feature, kill switch, and more. Additionally, NordVPN isn’t that hard to install and use on Linux. It may initially seem a bit technical because there’s no GUI, but most of the commands are easy to use. Plus, you can always enter the ‘nordvpn help’ command to get more information regarding using the app on Linux.