Proton VPN has released its official app on the Linux Snap Store, providing users with a verified publisher badge and easy one-click installation across multiple Linux distributions. However, important features like split tunneling, the Stealth protocol, and ARM support remain unavailable in this initial release.
- One-click install available on Ubuntu and Snap-supported distros
- Split tunneling and Stealth protocol missing for now
- No ARM architecture support at launch
What happened
Proton VPN has made its debut on the Linux Snap Store with an official app published directly by Proton AG for the first time. This launch allows Linux users to install Proton VPN quickly and securely with one click, bypassing previous complexities of manual command-line installation or community-maintained forks.
The app is marked with a verified publisher badge, enhancing user trust and reducing risks of outdated or compromised clients. Users of Ubuntu and any distributions supporting snaps can now access the service more conveniently than ever before.
Why it matters
This release marks a significant step forward in making premium VPN services like Proton VPN more accessible to the open-source community. By easing the installation process, Proton positions itself as a strong contender dedicated to Linux users—a group often underserved by mainstream VPN providers.
However, some anticipated features are missing due to sandboxing restrictions intrinsic to the Snap environment. Notably, split tunneling, Stealth protocol, and ARM device support are absent, which may affect users requiring these capabilities. Despite these limitations, the app improves security access and sets the stage for future enhancements.
What to watch next
Proton has expressed intent to address missing features like split tunneling and Stealth protocol in upcoming updates once technical hurdles related to snap sandboxing are overcome. The company is also monitoring ARM usage trends and may provide support as demand grows.
Meanwhile, Linux users on older distributions might experience connection issues, especially on versions older than Ubuntu 24, so attention to distro compatibility is crucial. The Snap Store version is a foundational release, and its development trajectory will be key to watching how Proton balances convenience with full feature parity on Linux.