Proton VPN has been one of the best VPNs for years, but the Linux experience has never quite been up to par with Proton VPN on Mac, Windows, or mobile platforms. That’s now changing, as Proton is releasing a feature-complete version of its desktop app for Linux PCs.

Proton VPN has released a major update for its Linux desktop application. The new app boasts a sleek, modular design while providing essential privacy protections and functionalities expected by users. The Proton VPN’s Linux app has all the great stuff Proton VPN features on other platforms, and it natively supports core security features like NetShield Adblocker, Kill Switch, Secure Core, Port Forwarding, and VPN Accelerator.

The Proton VPN app for Linux has not been popular, with many complaints of bugs and missing features, but Proton promises the new version is much improved. It was also possible to use Proton VPN on Linux with the official command-line tool, or by downloading the VPN configuration files from the account dashboard and importing them in the system’s VPN manager. Those solutions weren’t ideal for typical use on desktop Linux, so it’s great to see the GUI application get an overhaul.

The Proton VPN Linux app includes advanced security and privacy features, such as the NetShield ad-blocker, which filters DNS requests to block ads, trackers, and malware. The Kill Switch ensures your real IP address remains hidden if the VPN connection drops, maintaining your anonymity. The VPN Accelerator can boost VPN speeds by up to 400% over long distances, and the Secure Core feature offers a double VPN security solution, routing traffic through servers located in countries with robust privacy laws.

Proton said in its announcement, “Proton’s mission is to offer users a better, private alternative to the products and services that dominate the internet today. To do that, the company has to offer choice and listen to user needs. By offering a fully equipped Linux Proton VPN app, Proton is helping users who want to break free from big tech and use a free operating system developed by someone other than Microsoft or Apple.”

If you want to check out the new desktop app, it’s officially supported on Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora.

Source: Proton