- Proton VPN has expanded its split tunneling feature to the Linux app
- Split tunneling allows users to selectively route their internet traffic
- Proton plans to bring split tunneling to its macOS app next
Proton VPN has expanded its Linux capabilities with the addition of a new split tunneling feature, currently in beta.
Split tunneling for Linux is available to subscribers using the official Ubuntu and Fedora apps for Proton VPN, which is already one of the best VPN services available according to TechRadar’s testing. Though not currently offered for the unofficial Flatpak version of the app, Debian 12 support is on the way.
The latest update brings Proton VPN’s Linux app in line with its Windows and Android apps in offering the feature. Mac users needn’t feel left out with split tunneling for macOS also on Proton VPN’s summer roadmap.
What is split tunneling and why does it matter?
Split tunneling is a popular VPN feature, providing users with a greater degree of control and flexibility for managing their internet connections. When you connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server, all of your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.
Although it’s undoubtedly beneficial to have all of your data encrypted for the best possible security, split tunneling lets you balance privacy with performance. For example, if you want to browse securely but have the fastest speeds for gaming – even the best gaming VPN can slow things down at times – you can use Proton VPN’s split tunneling feature to have the gaming app bypass the VPN connection.
Likewise, you may have difficulties accessing local network devices, such as a printer, when connecting to a VPN. With split tunneling, you can access these devices through your local connection without disrupting your VPN connection and the protection it provides to the rest of your traffic.
The same goes if you need to access local websites like your online banking or government sites.
How to use split tunneling on Proton VPN for Linux
If you’re a Linux user with a premium Proton VPN subscription and want to take advantage of this new feature, you’ll need to update to the latest Linux app version.
The beta feature is currently being rolled out gradually, but you can soon find it via the app’s settings page. Simply navigate to features and toggle on the split tunneling option.
For the time being, it’s only possible to select apps to exclude from the VPN connection via the exclude mode. To do this, click “Add” and check the boxes of any apps whose traffic you’d prefer not to route via the VPN tunnel (see image above). Note that you’ll then need to reconnect to the VPN and restart any excluded apps that were opened before connecting to the VPN server.
An include mode, to enable VPN protection only for selected apps, is coming soon, as are IP-based rules for the exclude and include modes.
Proton VPN is one of the best Linux VPNs we’ve reviewed, but it’s not the only VPN with split tunneling for Linux. ExpressVPN has also been busy and released split tunneling for its Linux app in March 2025.