Even though Linux offers you excellent security than some other OS, it is never wrong to need more for yourself. This want for more is where a virtual private network comes in as it provides you with more security and an optimal internet experience. ExpressVPN is an excellent option for Linux. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions of CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Raspbian, and Arch.
Setting up new software and getting it working on Linux can be a challenging task and might seem like the end of the human race. Unlike other virtual private networks, ExpressVPN supports Linux and provides simple steps to set up the VPN onto a Linux system. Adding a virtual private network to your Linux OS offers you robust security and an excellent internet browsing experience. In this blog, TechNinjaPro will discuss how to set up and use ExpressVPN on Linux.
How to setup ExpressVPN on Linux
There are two ways to get ExpressVPN working on your Linux. You can either use a Linux app or the OpenVPN Client. Despite this, using the Linux application is recommended as it has the best functionalities. Here is how to install the Linux app:
- If you have not subscribed to ExpressVPN, select any of the plans offered and subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Download the installer for your Linux version. To do this, open the welcome email you received when you signed up for ExpressVPN. If you cannot find the link, you can sign in to your ExpressVPN account on the official website.
- Tick on the download for Linux. After this, it will launch the file download and take you to ExpressVPN’s downloading page.
- Here, you will get an activation code. Copy it by clicking on the copy information icon in the top right corner of the box.
- Go down and tick the Linux tab on the left side of your screen to install ExpressVPN. You need to download the correct installer based on your Linux version. To find out which version you are running, input this command:
- umane -m OR
- arch
- You should then see your version. Choose your Linux distribution and tick download.
- Install the downloaded file. However, if you cannot install directly, go to the folder where you downloaded the installer file. Then, based on your Linux distribution, enter the command mentioned below to install.
- Ubunto/Mint/Debian: sudo dpkg -I [installer filename]
- Fedora/CentOS: sudo yum install [installer filename]
- After installation, activate the application. To activate, open a new terminal and enter the command below. Then, paste the activation code from the downloads page in step 4.
- You will see a Y and N request to share anonymized diagnostic reports.
How to use ExpressVPN on Linux
Now ExpressVPN app is installed and activated. Let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to connect to a remote server and start browsing.
1. Connect to a server location
- Go to your terminal and run the command: expressvpn connect
This command will connect to the server that you recently connected to. Yet, if you are using ExpressVPN for the first time, it will connect to a server using the Smart Select feature.
- You will a message prompt confirming that ExpressVPN is connected. You can enter the command to see the status of your connection.
command: expressvpn status
2. Connect to a different server location
- To see the list of server locations, go to the terminal and type this command:
Full server list: expressvpn list
Smart location list: expressvpn list all
- To connect to a server location of your choice, enter the below command:
expressvpn connect [location]
- To connect to a server using the smart location feature, enter the following command below:
expressvpn connect smart
3. Disconnect from server
- To disconnect from a server location, go to your terminal and run the following command: expressvpn disconnect
- You will see a notice that the virtual private network has been disconnected.
Benefits of using ExpressVPN on Linux
Making sure some added safety and security is never wrong when it comes to surfing the internet. You might think a virtual private network is not important for your Linux. Using an excellent virtual private network like ExpressVPN would offer you an excellent internet experience. Here is why:
- Extensive server network: It lets you connect your Linux systems to a vast network of more than 3000 servers in 160 locations worldwide.
- Encryption: All your information is secure by AES-256 encryption, with a collection of protocols and even split-tunneling to tailor your usage.
- Privacy: ExpressVPN guarantees your privacy as your browse through the internet. It comes with advanced leak protection that ensures you stay protected at all times.
- Security: Its kill switch called Network Lock stops your device from accessing the internet if your virtual private network connection suddenly drops.
- Robust Speeds: ExpressVPN is constantly optimized to deliver the excellent speeds possible when you surf the internet. ExpressVPN’s high-speed servers make sure that you receive the best-optimized speed depending on your location.
- Excellent Customer Support: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support that allows you to get real-time solutions to any issue you might encounter when using a virtual private network.
Best VPNs for Linux in 2021
Linux is a popular operating system but, because of the limited user-based, if you need to install virtual private network applications on Fedora, Mint, Ubuntu, or any other distribution, you will have to rely on the perfect command-line interface setup. Since many virtual private networks offer GUI-based applications for Mac, Android, Windows, and iOS, they do not need to provide one for Linux OS.
But do not worry, TechNinjaPro came up with a perfect list of best VPNs for Linux in 2021 that guarantees simple configuration for your Linux so that you can gain the ultimate form of privacy, security, anonymity, and data protection.
NordVPN
NordVPN is integrated with state-of-the-art features and offers an excellent value for money VPN.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an all-rounder VPN that covers security and streaming effectively.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN offers a great list of privacy & security features with a clean user interface and easy-to-use nature.