- Proton VPN has expanded its split tunneling function to the Linux app
- Divide tunneling allows users to selectively route their internet traffic
- Proton plans to bring shared tunneling to its macOS -app next
Proton VPN has expanded its Linux capacities with the addition of a new shared tunneling feature currently in beta.
Split Tunneling to 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 under Techradar’s test. Although Debian 12 support is not currently offered to the unofficial Flatpak version of the app.
The latest update brings Proton VPNs Linux app in line with its Windows and Android apps to offer the feature. Mac users do not have to feel left out with split tunneling to macOS also on Proton VPN’s summer timetable.
What is shared tunneling and why does it matter?
Split tunneling is a popular VPN feature that gives users a greater degree of control and flexibility in managing their Internet connections. When you connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server, encrypted and directed all your Internet traffic and routed through a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.
While it is undoubtedly beneficial to have all your data encrypted for the best possible security, Split Tunneling allows you to balance privacy with performance. For example, if you want to browse safely, but have the fastest speeds for games -even the best gaming VPN can sometimes slow down things -you can use Proton VPNS Split tunneling feature to get the gaming app to bypass the VPN connection.
Likewise, you may have difficulty accessing local network devices, such as a printer when you connect to a VPN. With shared tunneling, you can access these devices through your local connection without interfering with your VPN connection and the protection it provides the rest of your traffic.
The same is true if you need to access local sites such as your online banking or state sites.
How to use Shared Tunneling on Proton VPN to Linux
If you are a Linux user with a premium proton VPN subscription and want to take advantage of this new feature, 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. Simply navigate to features and switch on the Split Tunneling setting.
Currently, it is only possible to select apps that can be excluded from the VPN connection via excluding mode. To do this, click “Add” and check the check box for all apps whose traffic you prefer not to route via the VPN tunnel (see image above). Note that you will then need to connect again to VPN and restart any excluded apps that were opened before connecting to the VPN server.
One includes mode, to only activate VPN protection for selected apps, will soon come, just as IP-based rules for excluding and include modes.
Proton VPN is one of the best Linux VPNs we’ve gone through, but it’s not the only VPN with shared tunnel to Linux. ExpressVPN has also been busy and released shared tunneling for its Linux app in March 2025.
