NordVPN, the best VPN on the market based on our testing, is opening up its Linux app to the community. The cybersecurity company has made the graphical interface (GUI) of its Linux client fully open-source and integrated it into the Snap package, giving users a faster, more transparent way to install and update the VPN.
The move follows the launch of NordVPN's Linux GUI earlier this year, which helped boost daily active users on Linux devices by more than 70 percent in just 100 days and put it on our list of the best Linux VPNs. By publishing the GUI's source code on GitHub, NordVPN says it's extending the same openness that defines the Linux ecosystem itself.
"Because Linux thrives on transparency and shared craftsmanship, we're opening our GUI so the community can see it, shape it, and help push it forward," said Marijus Briedis, NordVPN's chief technology officer. "We welcome contributions and will keep iterating with the community to build the best VPN client on Linux."
What's the benefit of making Linux GUI open-source?
Users can now install the complete NordVPN app through Snap with a single command. Automatic updates ensure the client stays current without manual downloads or configuration. The company says this approach also makes it easier for users to inspect the code and submit improvements.
While the GUI and command-line interface (CLI) are both open-source, NordVPN's underlying VPN infrastructure, including authentication and backend systems, remains closed and protected to maintain security. The firm encourages community contributions through bug reports, feature suggestions, and pull requests, and it plans to keep supporting other package managers alongside Snap.
NordVPN also confirmed plans to open-source its Meshnet feature, allowing anyone to review or build on it. Meshnet lets users securely connect devices directly over encrypted tunnels, enabling private file sharing or gaming without exposing IP addresses.
The company says its Linux roadmap will prioritize performance, reliability, and deeper desktop integration, combining community-driven development with the same security standards that underpin its core network.
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