NordVPN Finally Gets a Proper GUI On Linux (betanews.com)
- Reference: 0177511203
- News link: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/05/14/2054229/nordvpn-finally-gets-a-proper-gui-on-linux
- Source link: https://betanews.com/2025/05/14/nordvpn-gui-linux/
> For years, NordVPN made Linux users live in the terminal. Sure, the command-line interface technically worked, but let's not pretend it was ideal for everyone. Meanwhile, competitors like Surfshark and ExpressVPN had already given their Linux users full graphical interfaces. Now, NordVPN has finally caught up by [2]launching its very own GUI for Linux . So, what exactly does this mean? Well, instead of typing in commands, users can now click their way through connection options, settings, and even theme preferences like light or dark mode. This will arguably make using the service on Linux much easier. [...]
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> Just like on Windows and macOS, the [3]NordVPN GUI lets you quickly connect to servers, activate features, and monitor your connection in a clean, modern interface. And yes, those features include fan favorites like Dedicated IP, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Kill Switch, and Threat Protection. In other words, the features are the same, only easier to access now. That said, some advanced tools, like Meshnet, are still CLI-only for the time being. But at least now there's a choice. And if you want to stick to the terminal, don't worry, that option hasn't gone away.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~BrianFagioli
[2] https://betanews.com/2025/05/14/nordvpn-gui-linux/
[3] https://nordvpn.com/blog/linux-gui-release/
Noobs (Score:2)
Using other people's VPNs, other people's infrastructure. Cute. Quaint.
I wrote my own VPN. Real men write their own VPN. Nee nee nee nee
Re: (Score:3)
That's great but you have to host it somewhere too.
Re:Noobs (Score:4, Funny)
Simple: With your own VPN you only talk to yourself for extra security!
Re: (Score:2)
Just host it at home. Simple, secure, nothing could possibly go wrong.
Re: (Score:2)
Hiding from your ISP and hiding among the crowd are distinct goals.
Sometimes you need one or the other and sometimes both.
Light/Dark mode ... (Score:2)
Yes that was the killer feature I was waiting for.
Wireguard import (Score:1)
On KDE I can simply import a wireguard config via standard network settings and call it a day. Who needs a custom GUI anyway?
Re: (Score:2)
It can't yet do server selection or failover.
This would be great to standardize.
Re: (Score:1)
well, you simply import multiple. I know.. not ideal but we're getting there.
VPNs are not useful for most people (Score:4, Informative)
The most common reasons people use public-commercial VPNs are not actually good reasons - the main valid reason is to get access to content limited to other countries.
Re: (Score:1)
A lot of states now require you to give porn sites your ID to use them for age verification. I bet a lot of those people who use them(*looks around nonchalantly*) would not want to give that out, even if only for not having to go through the hassle. I would bet a significant amount of VPN traffic is like that.
Re: (Score:2)
> The most common reasons people use public-commercial VPNs are not actually good reasons - the main valid reason is to get access to content limited to other countries.
That is actually copyright infringement too. Not that I care, just sayin.
So what does this mean? (Score:4, Insightful)
It means there are a lot of desktop Linux users now.
Re: (Score:1)
NordVPN = NSA VPN.
Re: (Score:2)
Probably. Real linux users prefer the command line ...
Re: (Score:2)
Absolutely *this*. I love the tinkering and granularity of my Gentoo system, all of which requires setting shit up through terminal. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate the convenience of a GUI for most things. And if Linux is ever truly going to break through into being a daily-driver for the average Joe, shit like familiar and easy-to-parse GUIs are going to be a requirement. it does NOT remove the ability to fall back to (or even lead with) shells and CLIs.