The answer to this question depends on which VPN you subscribe to. There are hundreds of VPN services on the market and they all differ. Some providers focus on providing VPN apps for Android, others have VPNs for Windows only.
The vast majority of premium VPNs have software for all major platforms. As well as Android and Windows, Apple enthusiasts will be happy to hear that most service offer iOS VPN apps as well as a Mac VPN clients.
To find out what platforms your chosen VPN is compatible with, it is best to contact their customer support team.
Linux compatibility
When it comes to Linux, there are fewer VPNs on the market that have a custom-built Graphic User Interface (GUI) client. This means that you will need to shop around before selecting a VPN if you want a full Linux VPN client.
Although it is much rarer for VPNs to have a purposefully developed Linux client, many do have guides for performing a manual installation. This means that you should be able to get most VPNs working on a Linux machine, even if they don’t have a client.
If you currently have a VPN subscription and are wondering how to get it working with Linux, contact your provider’s customer support team. If your VPN does not support Linux, click on the link above to find a VPN that does.
Simultaneous connections
Another consideration, when it comes to using a VPN on multiple devices, is the number of simultaneous connections that are permitted.
It is common for VPNs to provide their subscribers with around five simultaneous connections. This means you could use the VPN software on a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, an iPhone, and an Android phone - all at the same time!
The number of simultaneous connections that are permitted varies from provider to provider and is completely down to their discretion. Some providers allow more than five, and some restrict users to just three connections (and maybe even less). If you do not know how many connections you are permitted it is worth checking with your provider.
It can be frustrating to need the use of a VPN while you are visiting a public WiFi hotspot; only to realize that other family members are using all of your allocated connections to watch Netflix at home.
The best thing to do is to find out exactly how many connections are permitted, to ensure that there are enough for all the members of your household.