For the uninitiated, Proton is a Swiss-based company specializing in ultra-secure services. The name “Proton” first came to notice with the introduction of its secure email client “ProtonMail” in 2014 and the company offered its VPN service to Windows users in May 2021.
- Check out our review: Proton Free VPN Review
Proton is now offering its VPN service to Linux users via a dedicated Linux app. Apparently, Proton VPN has been available to Linux users previously but only in a command-line version which has necessitated a number of limitations, something I was not previously aware of. With this new Linux app, including a full graphical interface, Proton is providing Linux users with all the advanced functionality demanded by modern VPN users.
As Linux users ourselves, we are keenly aware that Linux support is often viewed as an afterthought by most VPN services. Most Linux VPN apps typically fall far short of the features available to users of other platforms (when they exist at all).
Almost from the very beginning, ProtonVPN has supported our Linux users with a command-line Linux tool (CLI) that was developed together with the open source community. This proved to be very popular and has been included in Linux repositories, including Debian, Fedora, and Arch. The new app we are launching today replaces the CLI with something that is more full-featured. we have spent over a year developing a native open source desktop Linux app that is easy to use and offers all the advanced features you expect from a modern desktop VPN app ~ source Proton
Features of ProtonVPN for Linux include:
- Quick Connect
- NetShield Ad-blocker
- Kill Switch/Permanent Kill Switch
- Secure Core
- DNS leak protection
- IPv6 leak protection
- Easy access to our P2P, Tor, and streaming servers
- Linux desktop integration (via NetworkManager)
- Strictly no logs policy
*More information: ProtonVPN now offers the most advanced free Linux VPN app
Proton’s free VPN is also available for Linux users and premium plans match the same pricing as for Windows users. Users can choose from one-year plans or discounted two-year plans. Check out ProtonVPN Pricing — you can change the pricing structure between one-year plans and two-years plus change between currencies via the dropdown menus toward the top of the page:
Proton has also provided guides for Linux users, including installation, and instructions on how to use the app and its features: How to use ProtonVPN on Linux
BOTTOM LINE:
This is good news for Linux users. One of the main drawbacks for those looking to make the switch from Windows to Linux has always been the lack of support for advanced software and it’s great to see a company like Proton not only recognizing the shortfall but also doing something about it. Good on you Proton!
—
Will have to try Proton on my Linux Mint install.
Hi Jm,
I read the folllowing on the Proton VPN site :-
“To watch BBC iPlayer on our VPN, you’ll need a valid UK TV license. Anyone who wants to stream content on BBC iPlayer will need a UK TV license. The standard license costs £154.50 and lasts for a year. If you have questions about whether you need a TV license or how to pay for one, the TV Licensing website is a helpful resource.”
I have been using Express VPN for several years and was assured that the BBC UK licence requirement was covered due to the location of their headquarters.
“ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy legislation and no data retention requirements.”
To log in to ITV a name and email address, plus a UK Post Code is required.
Regards,
Jonno