Feature parity between Windows/Mac and Linux
I've started using Proton VPN in Windows, and it's a great app, full of resources, with great graphics, many resources, ability to auto-start, start minimized, auto-connect to a profile... The Mac version also looks very similar to Windows'.
However, recently I changed to Linux (Pop OS, Ubuntu based), and although I had no problems installing the GUI version of the app, it does not even remotely resemble the Windows/Mac version. It's a very, veeeeeeeeery simple app, without the majority of configuration options present in their other OS's counterparts.
Proton VPN team should dedicate more time to make the Linux version of the app the same that we see in Windows/Mac, so we can have in Linux exactly the same wonderful experience the app propitiates in Windows and Mac.
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Austin commented
In a recent update the Linux GUI got worse. Before, when using the search bar to find a specific server location (ex: US-GA) it would list the results and the load (ex: US-GA #35 65%) now it just lists the locations. If you want to select a server with a low load, you have to scroll to the country, then scroll through all of the servers/locations (hundreds).
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michael commented
Hi, this is going on 9 months with no response. can we get one?
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Adam Jimerson commented
The fact that the Linux client still lacks split tunneling is absurd. I use Borg Backup to remotely backup on a machine on my LAN, but if I have ProtonVPN connected, I am unable to preform backups.
It's very ironic that to protect myself from data loss, I have to give up protection of my identity and data (web traffic etc).
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JuleFtb commented
This feature was planned at 8th March 2024 jeje I hope the team is working in this feature
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Anonymous commented
I used the Windows version for a few years before switching to Linux, and I’ve been using the Linux version for a few more years, hoping for improvements. Unfortunately, I just canceled my subscription. The free version worked just as well—if not better—than the paid one. I’d love to support the project, but the pricing just doesn’t seem right.
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Daksani commented
This is critical for me. I can't run ProtonVPN on Linux with Portmaster a privacy oriented application that includes SPN which routes every outbound connection though a different node, all over the world, creating multiple ips per application. I would prefer any underlying connection be routed through your VPN (which I'm paying for) when I need functionality over privacy (like high speed downloads or access to certain sites) but I can't do this because Safing Portmaster requires the DNS to be unencrypted locally before forcing it to my chosen DNS provider -quad9- over a DoH or TLS connection. This process is critical to it's functionality as it needs to see where the traffic is going before rerouting that traffic via an encrypted node and then passing it along to DNS server of MY choice. ProtonVPN for Linux, however, does not need this and yet it insists on hooking into my DNS and rerouting it without giving me the option to point it elsewhere thus creating a standoff and killing my connection entirely. And out of the two, I'd much rather have the SPN protecting me than a standard VPN.
We're Linux users. Most of us know what we're doing, and know the implications of setting a manual DNS provider. You can always just put it behind advanced settings or developer mode with a link on why changing it is a bad idea. This current version of the ProtonVPN app is missing an important feature to me that for some reason is available on Windows which is (extremely) disappointing.
A lot of Linux users have a privacy mindset out of principle and utilize your services because of this. And yet we can't get basic functions like custom DNS or Proton Drive.
Don't leave the Linux user-base behind, please.
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Rob commented
Been on paid plans for years and this year upgraded from Proton Unlmiited to Proton Duo, I wish Andy would realise that Proton became where it is today because of EXISTING paying customers.
In all these years Proton VPN for linux has been utter rubbish, and now after years it has functionally improved (not aesthetically) but it is still sub-par: still no (reverse) split tunneling and stealth mode. Can't wait for feature parity, but especially these featues are critical.
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Thomas commented
Please ensure that when this is implemented, it includes split tunneling on the Linux client. We really do need static port forwarding too since the feature is useless when the port changes every time you connect.
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Joshua commented
Today Proton announced the new VPN Stealth mode and wow, once again it's available for every platform except Linux. Linux as an afterthought when Proton ought to be supporting Linux just like the other major platforms. I'm a continually disappointed paying customer in this respect. I may need to stop subscribing.
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Mr_1077 commented
When they add wireguard (that works with port-forwarding) on Linux I'll switch to ProtonVPN or the whole proton eco-system instantly.
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nikobit commented
Having been read all the comments in the history. Well, guys, so far you've done a great job! It's about time to finish it. Both CLI and GUI packages for Debian are looking just fine. But please won't you include those technical options that are present in Android, Windows and iOS versions! It would be a really pleasant experience that could attract more 'Unlimited' users which I am.
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Anonymous commented
I think even if Linux users are a minority, they are a minority that intersects a lot with Proton's advocacy for privacy, and a big slice of those who tell their friends and family about privacy-friendly alternatives to mainstream companies. I think Proton should start treating Linux as an OS as important as Windows and MacOS even if the userbase is still very small in comparison.
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LG commented
I have the Unlimited plan, and recently made the switch from Windows to Linux. Everything went perfectly, but when I tried to set up all the Proton features... I found out just how little they care about customers using this OS.
No fully featured VPN support... ON LINUX! The OS that is more about security and privacy than anything else! Unbelievable!
No Drive client. Had to resort to the free account of Dropbox I had.
I'm not American or European with a large income that $12 USD a month is pocket change, it's very expensive for me to be paying for Ultimate when I can't even use the more important features. Honestly, I might have to downgrade or unsubscribe altogether.
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seth commented
The lack of parity and support for distros outside of the .deb/rpm world is what keeps me on a legacy mail plus subscription and not a newer unlimited plan. I have to use other services for VPN that provide full support on the linux platform.
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jeronath commented
I've been a Proton paying customer for several years. I'm supporting a petition on this very site, in dialogue with the Proton team, to get a real Linux application for their drive, which can synchronize in real time. Currently on Linux, the only access to the drive is via a Web browser! Scandalous!
Once again, I see that the quality of service provided by Proton to supporters of open source and Linux in particular lags far behind that of Mac and Windows users. And yet we're probably the best advocates of privacy, and therefore of Proton.
If this gap in quality and options between Windows or Mac applications and Linux applications doesn't seriously narrow, maybe we'll have to go to Mullvad for VPN, Tutanota for email and Filen or others for the drive!!!!
It would be really disappointing to have to use 3 or 4 different providers when Proton's integrated suite is such a good idea. Except for Linux users!
A disappointed and impatient user! -
protablo commented
I would appreciate:
1. Port Forwarding
2. WireGuard
3. Connection Profiles
on the Linux GUI app. -
agalan commented
I've notived that the proton mail (app) on linux is not free and requires a proton paod account! For now it comes with a 14day trial.
I wouldnt mind becoming a paid user, if the vpn app gets improved and also incorporated into Ubuntu touch...hint hint
So far I'm quite satisfied with the linux version of proton-vpn on bl-boron install. But i dont have a mac or windows mashine to compare it to. -
Favian commented
Mac OS also doesn't have split tunneling, a core feature. There is a lack of parity to go around.
Posting for ease of future viewers voting:
* Feature Request for Split Tunneling for Linux - https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/45661702-please-support-split-tunneling-on-linux
Various FRs for Mac OS Split Tunneling:
* https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/43037781-protonvpn-wider-availability-of-split-tunneling
* https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/47651240-split-tunneling-for-macos
* https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/45233983-vpn-split-tunnel-for-ios
* https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/42462997-split-tunnelling-on-mac
* https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/41963314-split-tunnel-support-for-macos -
cherkab commented
i agree, more support, more options/features better GUI ...
I'am working on Arch and proton mail (bridge) && proton vpn suck on archlinux-based OS.
exemple: 1. no split tunneling by app;
2. normal integration with KDE Plasma is a shame (KwalletManager !!!!)
3. i cannot hide the app in system tray icon at boot ( both vpn and mail-bridge)
4. support for WireGuard ? Do they know wireguard?i recently stopped surfshark for proton vpn (paid) but i ask my self if..
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Dane Lumley commented
I agree 1000%