Why Use a VPN with Iridium Browser Stable on Linux
Iridium Browser is a hardened, privacy-focused Chromium fork that thrives on Linux. However, even the most secure browser can benefit from an extra layer of protection. A VPN not only encrypts all traffic between your Linux machine and the internet but also masks your IP address, defeats deep-packet inspection, and helps you bypass geo-restrictions. 🔒🐧
Key Criteria for Selecting a VPN
- Native Linux Support: A command-line client or GUI that integrates smoothly with your distro.
- Strong Encryption Protocol Variety: OpenVPN, WireGuard®, IKEv2, plus adaptable port options.
- Performance Server Network: Low latency, high throughput, and global coverage.
- No-Logs Policy: Verified by independent audits to ensure your activity remains private.
- Easy Configuration with Iridium: Browser-level proxy or system-wide tunnel compatibility.
Top VPN Providers Compatible with Iridium Browser on Linux
1. ExpressVPN 🚀
Official Site: expressvpn.com
- Protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2
- Servers: 3,000 servers across 105 countries
- Linux App: Command-line interface, Debian/Ubuntu/Fedora packages
- Speed: Industry-leading, optimized server network for streaming P2P
- Highlights: TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), split tunneling, DNS leak protection
2. NordVPN 🔐
Official Site: nordvpn.com
- Protocols: NordLynx (WireGuard®), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
- Servers: 5,400 servers in 60 countries
- Linux App: Official CLI, supports Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS
- Speed: Excellent, thanks to NordLynx
- Highlights: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers, automatic kill switch
3. Surfshark 🌊
Official Site: surfshark.com
- Protocols: WireGuard®, OpenVPN, IKEv2
- Servers: 3,200 in 100 countries
- Linux App: CLI tool, .deb/.rpm packages, supports Raspberry Pi
- Speed: High throughput, low overhead with WireGuard®
- Highlights: Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad malware blocker, multihop, Camouflage Mode
4. ProtonVPN 🛡️
Official Site: protonvpn.com
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard® (beta)
- Servers: 1,900 in 65 countries
- Linux App: Native GUI (Debian/Ubuntu), CLI, Flatpak
- Speed: Secure Core for extra privacy, balanced performance
- Highlights: Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, strict no-logs, Tor over VPN
5. Mullvad 🕵️♂️
Official Site: mullvad.net
- Protocols: WireGuard®, OpenVPN
- Servers: 860 in 40 countries
- Linux App: GUI (AppImage), CLI, Flatpak Snap
- Speed: Rock-solid WireGuard® implementation
- Highlights: Anonymous account creation (no email), audited no-logs policy, Bridge servers
Comparison Table
| VPN | Price (month) | Servers | Protocols | Linux App | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 12.95 | 3,000 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | CLI packages | expressvpn.com |
| NordVPN | 11.99 | 5,400 | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | CLI | nordvpn.com |
| Surfshark | 12.95 | 3,200 | WireGuard®, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | CLI .deb/.rpm | surfshark.com |
| ProtonVPN | 10.00 | 1,900 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard® | GUI CLI | protonvpn.com |
| Mullvad | 5.00 | 860 | WireGuard®, OpenVPN | AppImage, CLI | mullvad.net |
Setting Up Your Chosen VPN with Iridium Browser
Most of these VPNs install via a native Linux client. After installation:
- Authenticate and connect to your preferred server.
- Verify your new IP with ipleak.net or similar.
- Launch Iridium Browser – all traffic will now be tunneled through the VPN.
- For split tunneling, configure the VPN client to exclude/include Iridium as needed.
- If you prefer a browser-level proxy, grab the OpenVPN/SOCKS5 credentials from your VPN dashboard and configure in Iridium’s proxy settings.
Final Thoughts
Using a robust VPN alongside Iridium Browser on Linux fortifies both privacy and security. Whether you prioritize raw speed, unbeatable anonymity, or advanced features like multi-hop and obfuscation, there’s a Linux-ready VPN on this list to meet your needs. Happy secure surfing! 🌐🔐