NordVPN is doubling down on its Linux support with two big changes: open sourcing its Linux GUI and bundling that same graphical client directly in the Snap package. The move brings more transparency and accessibility to Linux users who value both privacy and ease of use.
Since launching the Linux GUI in May 2025, NordVPN says daily active Linux users have jumped more than 70 percent in just 100 days. That kind of growth shows Linux users don’t just want command line tools, they also appreciate simple, user friendly interfaces that don’t compromise security.
The newly open sourced GUI joins NordVPN’s already open source command line interface. Both codebases are now available on GitHub, complete with build instructions and contribution guidelines. Users and developers can inspect how the app works, submit bug reports, and even contribute code.
The company emphasizes that while the GUI and CLI are open, NordVPN’s backend systems including its VPN infrastructure and authentication servers remain closed. That’s by design, according to NordVPN, to keep sensitive security mechanisms protected while letting users examine the parts they actually interact with.
For installation, things just got easier too. On any distribution with Snap support, the full GUI client can now be installed with a single command:
sudo snap install nordvpn
Automatic updates ensure users stay current without manually reinstalling, while traditional DEB and RPM methods remain supported for those who prefer alternatives.
NordVPN says the open sourcing decision stems from its shared values with the Linux community: openness, collaboration, and trust. By lowering barriers to contribution and simplifying setup, the company hopes to make NordVPN on Linux both more transparent and more inclusive.
The company also confirmed that its Meshnet feature, which allows direct encrypted device to device connections without going through a central server, will soon be open sourced as well. That means developers will be able to audit and build on top of the Meshnet protocol themselves.
These updates suggest NordVPN is serious about integrating with the Linux ethos. Instead of treating Linux users as an afterthought, the company is giving them both the transparency they’ve long asked for and the simplicity that makes secure networking more accessible to everyone.
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