- NordVPN just open-sourced its Linux graphical user interface (GUI) application
- 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, simplifying installation.
NordVPN has taken another step toward transparency by making its Linux graphical user interface (GUI) application open source.
This means that everyone can now view the code and find new ways to develop and customize it.
The code is already public on GitHub. This refers to the entire codebase for Graphical application from NordVPN, complete with building instructions.
The company has also updated its Snap package to include the GUI app. This change makes NordVPN both easier to access and more convenient to use for the Linux community.
The move follows strong adoption of Linux 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 pushes for transparency and accessibility
“Because Linux thrives on transparency and shared know-how, we open our GUI so the community can see it, shape it, and help drive it forward,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN.
The transition to open source began in 2023, when the company open sourced the code for its Linux command line interface (CLI) application. However, it was the move to GUI that really caused Linux adoption to explode, with a 70% increase in just 100 days since its introduction.
Because Linux users have truly embraced NordVPN’s easier-to-use and more accessible GUI, the company hopes that community contributions will make the feature even better.
“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 even though the GUI and CLI are now open source, NordVPN’s core VPN infrastructure remains secret. This ensures, NordVPN explains in its official announcement, that the backbone of the application and its authentication systems remain as secure as ever.
With the GUI and CLI now open source, NordVPN has also made the GUI app easier to install on Linux PCs, as it is now accessible through the Snap package.
This means that any Linux user can now install the VPN app with a single command and automatically stay updated.
What comes next?
NordVPN has plans beyond today’s launch, however.
Big news: Meshnet stays. After hearing from our community, we reversed the decision to abandon Meshnet. Connect up to 60 devices securely. pic.twitter.com/VpnaNTRQxIOctober 2, 2025
The company also intends to make its Meshnet functionality open source.
Meshnet is NordVPN’s feature that allows you to set up a virtual network. In this network you can link up to 60 different devices, regardless of their location.
This is a surprising announcement, given that Meshnet was supposed to go offline in December 2025. However, user feedback convinced NordVPN to let it stay, and just like the Linux GUI, it could still thrive with contributions from a dedicated community.
