- NordVPN just opened its Linux graphical user interface (GUI) app
- Users will now be able to inspect and contribute to code, helping the Linux GUI evolve.
- The Linux GUI is now also available as part of NordVPN’s Snap package, making installation simpler.
NordVPN has taken another step towards transparency by opening up its Linux graphical user interface (GUI) application.
This means that now everyone can see the code and find new ways to develop and customize it.
The code is now public on GitHub. This refers to the entire code base for NordVPN graphical application, along with build instructions.
The company also updated its Snap package to include the GUI app. This change makes NordVPN easier to access and more convenient to use for the Linux community.
The move follows an increase in Linux adoption among NordVPN users since the GUI’s debut earlier this year. It also signals NordVPN’s broader move toward openness, which is one of the reasons it’s the best VPN in our full ranking.
NordVPN drives transparency and accessibility
“Because Linux thrives on transparency and shared craftsmanship, we’re opening up our GUI so the community can see it, shape it, and help drive it,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN.
The shift to open source began in 2023, when the company open-sourced its Linux command-line interface (CLI) application. However, it was the move to the GUI that caused Linux adoption to really skyrocket, with a 70% increase in just 100 days since its introduction.
Because Linux users have really embraced NordVPN’s more accessible and user-friendly GUI, the company hopes community contributions will improve the feature even further.
“We appreciate the contributions and will continue to work with the community to create the best VPN client on Linux,” adds Briedis.
It’s important to note that while the GUI and CLI are now open source, NordVPN’s core VPN infrastructure remains secret. This ensures, explains NordVPN in its official announcement, that the backbone of the application and its authentication systems remain as secure as ever.
Now that both the GUI and CLI are open source, NordVPN has also made the GUI app easier to install on Linux PCs, as it can now be accessed via the Snap package.
This means that any Linux user can now install the VPN app with a single command and stay updated automatically.
What comes next?
However, NordVPN has plans beyond today’s launch.
Big news: Meshnet is staying. After listening to our community, we reversed the decision to suspend Meshnet. Securely link up to 60 devices. Open source is coming. Meshnet remains as you know it. Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping us shape the future. pic.twitter.com/VpnaNTRQxIOctober 2, 2025
The company also intends to make its Meshnet feature open source as well.
Meshnet is the NordVPN feature that allows you to set up a virtual network. On this network you can link up to 60 different devices, regardless of their location.
This is a surprising announcement, given that Meshnet was due to go offline in December 2025. However, user feedback convinced NordVPN to let it stay and, like the Linux GUI, it could still thrive with contributions from a dedicated community.
