Proton VPN (partner link) is one of the most trusted privacy-focused VPN services. It offers a free plan, strong no-logs policies, and open source apps for multiple platforms.

The service is known for its focus on security and transparency, making it a popular choice for people who value privacy and control over their online activity.

Linux users have long requested a proper command-line interface for it. While the earlier CLI was useful, recent development focused on GUI apps. Fortunately, their requests have now been addressed.

Proton VPN CLI App (Beta): What to Expect?

The new CLI app lets Linux users connect and disconnect from VPN servers and select servers by country, city, or specific server for paid plans. It is fast, lightweight, and removes the need to use the desktop GUI.

The CLI is still in beta. Current limitations include only supporting the WireGuard protocol, no advanced features such as NetShield, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, or Port Forwarding, and settings must be edited via config files. Proton is shipping the essentials first and plans to expand features according to user feedback.

This was announced as part of the Proton VPN 2025-26 fall and winter roadmap. The update also mentions an upcoming auto-launch feature for Linux, allowing the VPN to start automatically at boot.

Beyond the CLI, Proton VPN (partner link) is set to roll out a new network architecture designed for faster speeds, better reliability, stronger anti-censorship, and post-quantum encryption. Free-tier users gain new server locations in Mexico, Canada, Norway, Singapore, and more.

The best VPN for speed and securityGet fast, secure VPN service in 120+ countries. Download our free VPN now — or check out Proton VPN Plus for even more premium features.

How Does it Hold Up?

I configured it to run on an Ubuntu 25.10 system. The initial setup was a bit tricky, especially for a GUI-first user like me, but running protonvpn -h made it relatively simple to figure out how to sign in and connect to servers.

Once I was connected to their Seattle server, I ran a speed test using fast.com and got speeds close to what my usual 300 Mbps fiber connection gives me (I am located in India, btw), which was impressive.

You can try this early version of the Proton VPN CLI for Linux by following one of the official guides linked below:

• Debian
• Ubuntu
• Fedora

Make sure you first install the “Beta” Linux app as described in the guides above. Once that’s done, run the additional command listed below for your specific distro to get the CLI client.

Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt install proton-vpn-cli

Fedora: sudo dnf check-update --refresh && sudo dnf install proton-vpn-cli

Use this command to launch: protonvpn

If you are on a different distro, the CLI might work if it’s based on one of the above (e.g., an Ubuntu derivative), but Proton doesn’t officially guarantee compatibility. Test it and let me know in the comments below, maybe?

**Suggested Reads **📖

Proton Launches Data Breach Observatory to Track Dark Web Activity in Real-TimeA constantly updated dark web monitoring tool.It’s FOSS NewsSourav RudraVPNs With “No Logging Policy” You Can Use on LinuxThe VPNs that me and the team have used on Linux in personal capacities. These services also claim to have ‘no log policy’.It’s FOSSSourav Rudra

🎗️

Here’s why you should opt for It’s FOSS Plus Membership:

• Even the biggest players in the Linux world don’t care about desktop Linux users. We do.
• We don’t put informational content behind paywall. Your support keeps it open for everyone. Think of it like ‘pay it forward’.
• Don’t like ads? With the Plus membership, you get an ad-free reading experience.
• When millions of AI-generated content is being published daily, you read and learn from real human Linux users.
• It costs just $2 a month, less than the cost of your favorite burger.

Become a Plus Member today and join over 300 people in supporting our work.