But as Linux users well know, VPN support tends to be pretty limited and usually requires judicious use of Terminal commands.

However, Surfshark has just announced that it has launched an actual Linux VPN app with, yes, a graphical interface.

It’s available for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Debian 11 and Mint 20 (or later versions) and has a similar interface to Surfshark’s Windows and Mac apps.

Until now, TorGuard was one of the only VPN providers that offered a Linux app with a GUI.

Still, while there are a reasonable number of features, including the ability to set favourite servers and see those you’ve used recently, Linux users still don’t get the full range available on Windows and other platforms.

For example, there’s no kill switch and no auto-connect option. They’re being worked on for a future release “in the upcoming months”,  and more  distros will be supported.

And it isn’t all bad news: there are lots of other features including access to Surfshark’s list of MultiHop routes, WireGuard, DNS leak protection and CleanWeb (an ad-blocker).

There’s also a tray menu with a quick-connect option and a list of three servers.

The company says it will continue to maintain the existing Linux app which doesn’t have a GUI for users that want to carry on without the luxury of a graphical interface.

“Previously, Linux users had to control the app via the terminal. While this was nothing unusual to the dedicated users, it was still less convenient than it could have been. But with the new GUI, Surfshark Linux users will be able to enjoy a fully functional app that allows them to do more than just switch VPN servers with a couple of mouse clicks,” said Justas Pukys, VPN product owner at Surfshark.

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Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.