Are you looking to enhance your online privacy and security on Ubuntu? Installing Proton VPN on your Ubuntu system is one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your digital footprint. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious user, a remote worker, or someone who wants to bypass geo-restrictions, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the installation process.

In this detailed tutorial, we’ll cover multiple installation methods, from the user-friendly GUI application to advanced manual configurations. By the end of this guide, you’ll have Proton VPN running smoothly on your Ubuntu system, giving you complete control over your online privacy.

What is Proton VPN and Why Choose It?

Proton VPN stands out in the crowded VPN market as a privacy-focused solution developed by the same team behind ProtonMail. What makes it particularly attractive is its commitment to user privacy, open-source transparency, and the availability of a genuinely free tier.

Unlike many VPN providers that compromise on security or limit functionality in their free plans, Proton VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and robust security features even in its free tier. The service operates under Swiss privacy laws, ensuring your data remains protected from government surveillance and corporate data harvesting.

Key features that make Proton VPN ideal for Ubuntu users include:

• No-logs policy with regular audits
• Open-source applications for transparency
• Strong encryption using AES-256
• Kill switch functionality
• DNS leak protection
• Free tier with no bandwidth restrictions

Prerequisites for Installing Proton VPN on Ubuntu

System Requirements

Before diving into the installation process, let’s ensure your Ubuntu system meets the necessary requirements. The official Proton VPN app supports the latest stable Ubuntu LTS version running the GNOME desktop environment. While it should work on most Ubuntu-based distributions, official support is limited to the standard Ubuntu setup.

Your system should have:

• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer (preferably the latest LTS version)
• GNOME desktop environment for the GUI application
• Stable internet connection for downloading packages
• Administrative privileges (sudo access)
• At least 100 MB of free disk space

Creating a Proton VPN Account

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a Proton VPN account. Head to the official Proton VPN website and sign up for an account. The free plan includes access to servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, with no bandwidth limitations.

During account creation, you’ll receive OpenVPN credentials that are different from your account login credentials. Make sure to note these down, as you’ll need them for certain installation methods.

Method 1: Installing Official Proton VPN GUI App

The easiest and most user-friendly way to install Proton VPN on Ubuntu is through the official GUI application. This method provides a polished interface and automatic updates, making it perfect for users who prefer point-and-click simplicity.

Step 1: Download the Repository Package

First, open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in your applications menu. Then, download the repository configuration package:

wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb

This command downloads the package containing the repository configuration and keys required to install the Proton VPN app.

Step 2: Install the Repository

Next, install the downloaded repository package and update your package list:

sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb && sudo apt update

You might see some warnings during this process, but don’t worry—this is normal. The Proton VPN team uses separate GPG keys for different parts of their release process.

If you want to verify the package integrity (optional but recommended), you can check its checksum:

echo "0b14e71586b22e498eb20926c48c7b434b751149b1f2af9902ef1cfe6b03e180 protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb" | sha256sum --check -

Step 3: Install the Proton VPN Application

Now, install the actual Proton VPN application:

sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop

This command installs the complete GUI application with all necessary dependencies. The installation process typically takes a few minutes, depending on your internet connection speed.

Step 4: Enable System Tray Icon (Optional)

By default, GNOME doesn’t support system tray icons. If you want to see the Proton VPN icon in your system tray for quick access, install the required packages:

sudo apt install libayatana-appindicator3-1 gir1.2-ayatanaappindicator3-0.1 gnome-shell-extension-appindicator

After installation, restart the Proton VPN app if it’s already running by clicking the V menu and selecting Quit, then reopening the application.

Once installed, you can find Proton VPN in your applications menu. Launch it, log in with your Proton VPN credentials, and you’re ready to browse securely!

Method 2: Manual WireGuard Configuration

For users who prefer more control over their VPN configuration or are running Ubuntu Server without a GUI, the WireGuard method offers excellent performance and reliability. This approach is particularly useful for headless servers or users who want to understand the underlying technology.

Installing WireGuard Client

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol known for its simplicity and performance. Install it using the following command:

sudo apt install wireguard

WireGuard is lightweight and integrates seamlessly with the Linux kernel, providing excellent performance compared to traditional VPN protocols.

Obtaining Configuration Files

To use Proton VPN with WireGuard, you need to download configuration files:

1. Log into your Proton VPN account through a web browser
2. Navigate to the WireGuard section in your account dashboard
3. Select the GNU/Linux platform and download configuration files for your desired servers
4. Save the files to a secure location on your system

Setting Up WireGuard Connection

Place the downloaded configuration files in the /etc/wireguard/ directory:

sudo cp ~/Downloads/*.conf /etc/wireguard/

Make sure the configuration files have appropriate permissions:

sudo chmod 600 /etc/wireguard/*.conf

Connecting and Disconnecting

To connect to a VPN server, use the wg-quick command with the configuration file name (without the .conf extension):

sudo wg-quick up swiss1-CH-5

You can verify your connection status and current IP using:

sudo wg

To disconnect from the VPN server:

sudo wg-quick down swiss1-CH-5

This method gives you granular control over your VPN connections and is perfect for automation scripts or server deployments.

Method 3: Legacy OpenVPN Setup

While the community-developed protonvpn-cli client is no longer officially supported, some users may still prefer the OpenVPN approach for compatibility reasons. This method provides a command-line interface for managing VPN connections.

Installing Required Packages

First, install the necessary OpenVPN packages and dependencies:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvpn dialog python3-pip python3-setuptools

Then install the ProtonVPN CLI using pip:

sudo pip3 install protonvpn-cli

Configuring ProtonVPN CLI

Initialize the ProtonVPN configuration:

sudo protonvpn init

During the setup process, you’ll need to provide several pieces of information:

1. OpenVPN username and password (from your Proton VPN account, not your login credentials)
2. Plan selection (choose 1 for the free plan)
3. Protocol preference (UDP is recommended for better speed)
4. Configuration confirmation

Establishing Connection

To connect to ProtonVPN:

sudo protonvpn connect

The free plan offers servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. Select your preferred location and server when prompted.

To disconnect:

sudo protonvpn disconnect

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

If you’re experiencing connection issues, here are some common solutions:

DNS Resolution Issues: Sometimes Ubuntu’s default DNS settings can interfere with VPN connections. Try switching to a public DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).

Firewall Conflicts: Ubuntu’s UFW firewall might block VPN traffic. You can temporarily disable it to test:

sudo ufw disable

Remember to re-enable it after testing:

sudo ufw enable

Package Dependencies: If you encounter dependency issues during installation, update your package list and upgrade existing packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

DNS Leaks and IPv6 Issues

ProtonVPN doesn’t currently support IPv6, which can lead to IP leaks. To prevent this, disable IPv6 on your Ubuntu system:

1. Open the sysctl configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf

2. Add these lines at the end:

net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.tun0.disable_ipv6 = 1

3. Apply the changes:

sudo sysctl -p

Performance Optimization Tips

To get the best performance from your Proton VPN connection on Ubuntu:

Choose the Right Protocol: WireGuard generally offers better performance than OpenVPN, especially on modern hardware.

Select Nearby Servers: Choose VPN servers geographically close to your location to minimize latency.

Use UDP Over TCP: When given the option, choose UDP for better speed, unless you’re behind a restrictive firewall that blocks UDP traffic.

Monitor Resource Usage: Use system monitoring tools to ensure the VPN client isn’t consuming excessive CPU or memory resources.

Regular Updates: Keep your Proton VPN client updated to benefit from performance improvements and security patches.

Security Best Practices

When using Proton VPN on Ubuntu, follow these security best practices:

Enable Kill Switch: If available in your chosen method, always enable the kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops.

Verify DNS Settings: Regularly check that your DNS queries are going through the VPN tunnel. Use tools like dig or online DNS leak tests.

Keep Software Updated: Regularly update both Ubuntu and your VPN client to patch security vulnerabilities.

Use Strong Authentication: If your VPN client supports two-factor authentication, enable it for additional security.

Monitor Connection Status: Regularly verify that your VPN is active and functioning correctly, especially before accessing sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Proton VPN completely free to use on Ubuntu?

Yes, Proton VPN offers a genuinely free tier with unlimited bandwidth and access to servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. Unlike many VPN providers, there are no data caps or time restrictions on the free plan.

2. Which installation method should I choose for Ubuntu?

For most desktop users, the official GUI application (Method 1) is recommended as it provides automatic updates and an intuitive interface. Server users or those wanting maximum performance should consider the WireGuard method. The OpenVPN method is best for users with specific compatibility requirements.

3. Can I use Proton VPN on Ubuntu Server without a GUI?

Absolutely! Both the WireGuard configuration method and the legacy OpenVPN CLI method work perfectly on Ubuntu Server installations without a graphical interface. The WireGuard method is particularly well-suited for server deployments.

4. How do I know if my VPN connection is working properly?

You can verify your VPN connection by checking your IP address using websites like whatismyip.com or by using the command line tool curl ifconfig.me. Your IP should show the location of the VPN server you’re connected to, not your actual location.

5. What should I do if I encounter installation errors?

First, ensure your Ubuntu system is up to date with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Check that you have sufficient disk space and a stable internet connection. If problems persist, try the alternative installation methods provided in this guide, as different methods may work better depending on your specific Ubuntu configuration.