Which VPN Is Best for PureOS? A Geeky, Practical Review
PureOS is one of those operating systems that makes you feel virtuous simply by booting it: Debian-based, privacy-first, and curated by Purism. If youre running PureOS you probably care about free software, minimal telemetry, and sane defaults. That raises a sensible question: which VPN plays nicely with PureOS’s values and technical reality?
Short answer: Mullvad. Long answer: read on — because “best” depends on whether you want the most privacy-respecting, easiest, or most audited option. Below I compare the contenders, explain why they matter for PureOS, and show how to get them running without sacrificing your inner libre soul.
Why PureOS changes the VPN calculus
- PureOS avoids non-free software by default. You want VPN clients that are open-source or can be configured with standard Linux tools (WireGuard, OpenVPN, NetworkManager).
- Privacy and minimal telemetry matter. Jurisdiction, independent audits, and anonymous payment options are worth a lot to PureOS users.
- Usability: PureOS users still like nice UX — a straightforward CLI or a small GTK app that doesnt pull in opaque binaries is ideal.
Criteria I used
- Open-source or transparent client code
- WireGuard support and simple manual config
- Privacy policies, jurisdiction, and payment anonymity
- Ease of install on Debian-based systems (apt/Flatpak/AppImage) and good docs
- Performance and reliability
Top picks for PureOS
Mullvad — Best overall for PureOS
Why: Mullvad is designed for privacy first: anonymous account numbers, accepts cash and cryptocurrency, supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, and publishes an open-source desktop client. For a PureOS user who prefers FOSS, Mullvad’s desktop tooling is a breath of fresh air. You can either use their GUI or configure WireGuard/OpenVPN yourself using the standard tools on PureOS.
Pros: open-source client (GitHub), excellent WireGuard support, anonymous payment options (cash crypto), privacy-friendly policies.
Cons: modest server fleet versus the megacorps, but more than enough for day-to-day use and streaming.
ProtonVPN — Best audited jurisdiction-safe option
Why: ProtonVPN (Switzerland) combines good privacy policy, independent audits, and official Linux support. They provide CLI and GUI tooling for Linux and have documentation for WireGuard/OpenVPN config. Protons pro-privacy stance and Swiss jurisdiction are attractive if you want an audit trail of claims.
Pros: audited history, Swiss jurisdiction, solid Linux support (official clients and docs — ProtonVPN GitHub).
Cons: Some advanced features are behind higher tiers historically slightly heavier on telemetry than minimalistic providers (but still far better than mainstream consumer VPNs).
IVPN — Best for minimalists who want privacy and simplicity
Why: IVPN is small, privacy-focused, and friendly to users who want straightforward Linux instructions. They’re not flashy, but they provide easy WireGuard configs and a philosophy that aligns with PureOS sensibilities.
Pros: minimal logging, good support for anonymous payments, easy manual setup with standard tools.
Cons: smaller server network slightly pricier than bargain-basement options.
OVPN — Good runner-up for privacy-minded Europeans
Why: OVPN is Sweden-based and focused on privacy, with straightforward Linux setup guidance and a reputation for transparency. It’s a solid choice if you want a European provider that takes minimalism seriously.
NordVPN — Best mainstream UX that still runs on PureOS
Why: If you want the broadest network and polished UX, NordVPN has a Linux client and excellent throughput. It’s less pure-FOSS than Mullvad/Proton, but it’s usable on PureOS if you accept some proprietary binaries.
Comparison table (PureOS-focused)
| Provider | Open-source client | Protocols | Jurisdiction | Anonymous payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | Yes (GitHub) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Sweden | Cash, Crypto |
| ProtonVPN | Mostly (official clients GitHub) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Switzerland | Crypto |
| IVPN | Partially / repos and docs | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Gibraltar / ? | Cash, Crypto |
| OVPN | No (transparent policies, docs) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Sweden | Crypto |
| NordVPN | Limited (proprietary client) | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN | Panama | Crypto |
How to deploy a VPN on PureOS (practical tips)
PureOS is Debian-based, so classic methods work. Two routes are recommended:
- Use native WireGuard or OpenVPN with NetworkManager: Install
wireguardoropenvpnpackages and use GNOME’s NetworkManager to import .conf files. This avoids proprietary clients entirely. See WireGuard docs: WireGuard install. - Use the provider’s open-source client: Mullvad and Proton provide official Linux tooling and GitHub repos. If the provider publishes a Flatpak or AppImage, that’s another PureOS-friendly path.
If you want a fully libre stack: generate a WireGuard keypair locally, download the provider’s WireGuard config for a server, and add it to /etc/wireguard or NetworkManager. No closed-source binary required.
Security privacy notes
- DNS leaks: use the VPN provider’s DNS or local stub resolver and test with a leak test (e.g., DNS Leak Test).
- Kill switch: if you need an automatic network kill switch, use NetworkManager “block” features or the provider’s client (if it’s open and trustworthy).
- Audits and claims: prefer providers that publish audits, transparency reports, and open-source components. Proton and Mullvad are solid on transparency IVPN/OVPN are explicit about logging policies.
Sources further reading
- Mullvad desktop client repo: https://github.com/mullvad/mullvad-desktop
- Mullvad payment options: https://mullvad.net/en/help/pay-with-cash-7/
- ProtonVPN GitHub docs: https://github.com/ProtonVPN and https://protonvpn.com
- IVPN site and docs: https://www.ivpn.net
- WireGuard installation (general): https://www.wireguard.com/install/
- PureOS: https://pureos.net (for distro philosophy and links to documentation)
Conclusion — my recommendation
If your PureOS ethos tilts toward libre software and maximum privacy, Mullvad is the best balance of openness, configurability, and privacy-first features. ProtonVPN is the runner-up if you want a heavily audited, Swiss-based option with a polished stack. IVPN and OVPN are excellent niche choices. NordVPN delivers the widest network and the smoothest mainstream UX if you’re willing to accept more proprietary bits.
Install via WireGuard NetworkManager if you want a pure, transparent setup use the provider’s open-source client if you want convenience without compromising FOSS values. Either way, your PureOS machine will thank you for not installing yet another telemetry-laden blob. Now go forth and VPN responsibly — and remember to read the config files like youre auditing the plot of a spy novel.
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