Which VPN is Best for Arch Linux ARM (móvil)? — A pragmatic, geeky, slightly sarcastic review
If youre running Arch Linux ARM on a phone or other ARM-based mobile device, youre in a deliciously niche club: you like control, you like speed, and you dont want a VPN that assumes youre only running Windows 10 or macOS. The good news: the VPN ecosystem has matured. The better news: protocols like WireGuard and systemd-friendly setups make a sane, secure VPN experience entirely possible on ARM-based systems. The less-good news: vendors vary in quality, platform support, and respect for privacy.
What matters for Arch Linux ARM (short checklist)
- Protocol support: WireGuard first (fast, lightweight), OpenVPN second (ubiquitous).
- Easy configuration: provider-supplied WireGuard configs or a simple CLI package you can run on ARM.
- System integration: systemd unit files or wg-quick compatibility to manage connections cleanly.
- Privacy and logging: no-logs policy and jurisdictional considerations.
- Documentation: Raspberry Pi / ARM guides, ArchWiki friendliness, or AUR packages.
The contenders
Ive focused on providers that play well with Linux in general and ARM more specifically: robust WireGuard support, clear docs for Raspberry Pi or Debian/ARM, or client tools that run reliably on non-x86 systems.
| Provider | Official ARM support? | Native Linux client / CLI | WireGuard | Privacy | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | Yes — WireGuard configs Linux client guidance (works fine on ARM) | Desktop client easy WireGuard files | Excellent — first-class support | Strong no-logs, Swedish jurisdiction (open about audits) | €5/month (simple) |
| Proton VPN | Yes — CLI tools Raspberry Pi guides | Linux CLI (works on ARM/RPi) | Good — secure WireGuard support | Strong no-logs, Swiss jurisdiction | Free tier paid plans |
| NordVPN | Partial — Linux app Raspberry Pi guides | Linux client manual WireGuard/OpenVPN | Good — NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | Good — audited, Panama-based | Competitive (frequent deals) |
| IVPN | Yes — explicit Linux/ARM instructions | CLI-friendly, provider configs | Yes | Strong privacy-first stance | Mid-range |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Partial — OpenVPN/WireGuard configs, RPi community guides | Linux client (AUR/community builds) | Yes | Well-known provider, US-based (privacy nuances) | Low cost |
Top pick: Mullvad (best balance for the Arch Linux ARM power user)
Mullvad is the pick for many of us who like minimalism and privacy. The service is built around easy WireGuard usage — they provide configuration files you can drop into wg-quick or a systemd service, and their documentation is clear enough for even the sleep-deprived terminal nerd.
- Why Mullvad: straightforward pricing, strong privacy commitments, and excellent WireGuard support. You can generate an account number (no email required), get WireGuard config files, and connect using systemd/wg-quick in minutes.
- Why its good for Arch ARM: you wont fight bloat — use the standard kernels WireGuard module, or the cross-platform wg tool. ArchWikis WireGuard and VPN pages give the exact commands youll need.
Links: Mullvad docs on Linux and WireGuard are practical and clear at https://mullvad.net/en/help/linux/ and https://mullvad.net/en/help/what-is-wireguard/.
Close second: Proton VPN (best if you want a maintained CLI)
Proton VPN provides a maintained CLI for Linux that explicitly supports Raspberry Pi and ARM platforms, making it a solid contender for Arch Linux ARM users who appreciate an official tool. Their focus on transparency, and a free tier, makes testing painless.
Source: ProtonVPN Linux Raspberry Pi support at https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-vpn-tool/ and https://protonvpn.com/support/raspberry-pi/.
Other sane choices
- NordVPN: ships NordLynx (a WireGuard-based solution) and has Raspberry Pi instructions. It’s polished and fast. Linux guide.
- IVPN: smaller, privacy-first provider with clear docs and WireGuard support. IVPN.
- PIA: long-established, budget-friendly, supports OpenVPN/WireGuard community AUR packages may help for Arch ARM. PIA.
How Id choose, practically (for my Arch Linux ARM phone)
- Pick a provider that supplies WireGuard configs or an ARM-capable CLI. WireGuard = less CPU/energy and simpler routing for mobile ARM chips.
- Test latency and bandwidth to nearby servers — some providers have better regional backbone performance.
- Make it systemd-managed: create a simple systemd unit or use wg-quick@interfacename.service so your VPN reconnects on roam or sleep.
- If you care about legal jurisdiction and audits, prefer suppliers with public audits and strong privacy policies (Mullvad, Proton, IVPN).
Minimal systemd WireGuard recipe (concept)
Generate WireGuard configs from your provider (or use wg genkey their public key). Drop the .conf into /etc/wireguard and enable with:
sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0 sudo systemctl start wg-quick@wg0
ArchWiki covers WireGuard and VPN integration in more detail: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/WireGuard and https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VPN.
FAQ-lite (because the Internet expects one)
- Can I just use OpenVPN config? Yes — OpenVPN works fine on ARM, but it’s heavier and more battery-taxing than WireGuard.
- Do I need a vendor-provided client? No — if you can use WireGuard configs, you can use the kernel module and wg-quick. Clients are conveniences (e.g., Proton’s CLI for ease).
- Is AUR an option? Yes. Many vendors have AUR packages or community builds use them cautiously and read PKGBUILDs if you care about trust.
Final verdict (short, nerdy, and decisive)
If you want minimal fuss, minimal leaks, and an approach that respects both privacy and battery life: go with Mullvad WireGuard systemd. If you prefer an official CLI with Raspberry Pi/ARM support and maybe a free tier to test, try Proton VPN. If you value wide infrastructure and polished apps, NordVPN and IVPN are both solid alternatives.
Sources further reading
- ArchWiki — WireGuard: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/WireGuard
- ArchWiki — VPN page: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VPN
- Mullvad — Linux help WireGuard: https://mullvad.net/en/help/linux/, https://mullvad.net/en/help/what-is-wireguard/
- Proton VPN — Linux Raspberry Pi: https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-vpn-tool/, https://protonvpn.com/support/raspberry-pi/
- NordVPN — Linux guide: https://support.nordvpn.com/Connectivity/Linux/1047401272/
- IVPN: https://www.ivpn.net/
- Private Internet Access: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com
- WireGuard official: https://www.wireguard.com/
Happy tunneling. May your MTU be generous and your DNS never leak.
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