VPN compatibility: Windows, Mac, mobile and Linux support

On Linux, choose the installation method before choosing the VPN. A supported native app, a community package, and a manual WireGuard profile can all get you connected, but they leave you with different setup and troubleshooting work.

We’d start with a native app on a supported desktop. For Manjaro or a headless server, look more closely at manual connections and CLI support.

Compare Windows, macOS, Android and iOS requirements

Both providers cover the main desktop and mobile platforms. Check the current app’s requirements; a legacy download may have a different support status.

Sources: NordVPN OS requirements, Surfshark Windows requirements, Surfshark Android support, and Surfshark Apple support.

For older Apple devices, verify before buying. Surfshark’s stated four-release policy doesn’t fully agree with the version list on the same page. Use the current store listing or ask support to confirm your version. A compatible VPN app won’t extend your OS’s security support.

Linux: which distributions are listed?

“Not listed” below means the cited native-app requirements don’t name the distribution. A manual connection or community package may still work, with different support expectations.

Native-app sources: NordVPN’s confirmed distributions and Surfshark’s Linux installation requirements. Manual alternatives: Surfshark WireGuard for Linux and its WireGuard setup directory, including Raspberry Pi.

For elementary OS or Pop!_OS, confirm the exact distribution and release. Sharing Ubuntu’s package format doesn’t establish provider support. These are minimum versions, so keep using a maintained OS rather than downgrading to match the table.

Desktop environment and package format matter too

NordVPN names GNOME and KDE as supported desktops. Its GUI uses the CLI underneath and can be used alongside it; the provider describes DEB, RPM, and Snap installation options. Community distributions may work with limited troubleshooting for distro-specific problems. NordVPN Linux GUI documentation.

Surfshark names GNOME, KDE, and XFCE, with AMD64 or ARM64 processors and systemd or SysVinit. Its Linux download page also specifies NetworkManager 1.20.0 or newer. The setup guide links to Snapcraft and Flathub as well as a Debian-family installation method. Surfshark Linux requirements, installation options.

For a different compositor or 32-bit ARM system, ask about that combination explicitly. Package availability alone doesn’t settle whether the provider supports your desktop.

Choose controls you’ll want to use

A GUI gives you buttons and a location selector; a CLI gives you commands. Installing through a terminal doesn’t commit you to using it every day.

We’d choose by convenience here. Typing a command doesn’t itself make the connection faster or safer.

NordVPN: a GUI and a provider CLI

NordVPN’s GUI exposes most CLI functions. Use the window for routine connections and switch to the terminal when you need a specific command. See its GUI guide.

After installing the official client and completing login, the basic terminal workflow is:

nordvpn connect
nordvpn status
nordvpn disconnect

Run these individually when needed: connect starts the tunnel, status reports its state, and disconnect ends it. The official CLI guide covers installation, commands, and settings.

For a machine without a graphical session, NordVPN documents login using an account token. Generate the token through your account as instructed and treat it as a secret; don’t paste it into shared scripts or support screenshots.

Surfshark: a GUI, with manual terminal alternatives

For a supported desktop, Surfshark’s current Linux setup guide centers on its graphical app. For terminal use, the provider documents manual OpenVPN and manual WireGuard, rather than the NordVPN CLI workflow above. Don’t assume an old tutorial for a Surfshark CLI describes the current app.

The WireGuard guide covers terminal and NetworkManager setup using a configuration downloaded from your account. We’d consider it for Arch, Manjaro, or Fedora if you’re comfortable managing the profile yourself. It doesn’t establish native GUI support on those distributions.

With a manual connection, you take responsibility for DNS, routes, reconnection, and behavior when the tunnel stops. The app’s kill switch and other extras don’t automatically carry over. Treat downloaded profiles as secrets when they contain private keys.

Our picks by Linux setup

Ubuntu, Debian, or Mint with a supported desktop: shortlist both native apps, using the version table above. If you prefer clicking, there is no need to rule out NordVPN on the assumption that it’s terminal-only.

Fedora with a preference for a native app: NordVPN has the clearer documented fit on Fedora 43 or newer. Surfshark offers a documented manual WireGuard route; decide whether you want that maintenance responsibility.

Arch or Manjaro: Surfshark explicitly documents manual WireGuard for both. Treat community app packages as a separate choice, with their own packaging and troubleshooting considerations.

Headless Linux: NordVPN’s provider CLI and token login are worth considering. Surfshark’s manual connections are another option. Plan how you’ll retain remote access before changing routes on a machine reached over SSH.

Once you have a supported setup, compare connection limits and billing in our NordVPN versus Surfshark guide.

Follow a setup walkthrough

• NordVPN on Ubuntu Desktop: GUI setup and terminal commands.
• NordVPN on Fedora: GUI installation and connection checks.
• Surfshark on Manjaro: WireGuard with terminal or GUI controls.
• NordVPN on headless Ubuntu Server: token login and remote-access checks.

Build a compatibility checklist for each device

Write down the operating-system release, processor architecture, desktop environment where relevant, and preferred connection method. Compare that combination with the provider's current requirements. A distribution sharing DEB or RPM packaging with another does not establish that it receives the same support.

Separate official native-app support from documented manual setup and community packaging. If you choose the latter routes, record who will help with package updates, DNS and reconnect behavior. Compatibility is a maintained configuration, not simply a successful installation once.

Which guide should I follow next?

For a supported desktop, choose NordVPN Ubuntu or Fedora. For manual profiles, compare Surfshark on Manjaro and PureVPN WireGuard. A remote host needs the separate headless server checks before route changes.