> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Terminal Geeks Rejoice! Proton VPN's Long-Awaited Linux CLI is Finally Here - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/proton-vpn-linux-cli/ - Published: 2025-11-01T11:02:59.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-01T11:02:59.000Z - Description: Still in beta but there is progress. Manage Proton VPN from the command line on Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Linux, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 [Proton VPN](https://go.getproton.me/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=10&aff%5Fid=1173&ref=news.itsfoss.com) (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](https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/932836-proton-vpn/suggestions/47439905-updated-command-line-interface-cli?ref=itsfoss.com) 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? ![a dark pink terminal window that shows proton vpn's cli client running with some important options and commands for it shown below](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/proton-vpn-cli-beta.png) 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](https://www.wireguard.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) 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](https://protonvpn.com/blog/product-roadmap-winter-2025-2026?ref=itsfoss.com). The update also mentions **an upcoming auto-launch feature for Linux**, allowing the VPN to start automatically at boot. Beyond the CLI, [Proton VPN](https://go.getproton.me/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=10&aff%5Fid=1173&ref=news.itsfoss.com) (*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.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Proton VPN![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/proton-vpn-og-1.png)](https://go.getproton.me/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=10&aff%5Fid=1173&ref=news.itsfoss.com) ### How Does it Hold Up? ![a desktop snippet that shows a terminal window on the right with the proton vpn cli version running, with the results of a internet speedtest shown on the left, the web browser used there is brave browser, and the service to test internet speed is fast.com](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/proton-vpn-cli-beta-speedtest.png) I configured it to run on an [Ubuntu 25.10](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-25-10-release/) 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](https://fast.com/?ref=itsfoss.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](https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-debian/?ref=itsfoss.com#beta) - [Ubuntu](https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-ubuntu?ref=itsfoss.com#beta) - [Fedora](https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-ubuntu?ref=itsfoss.com#beta) 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. ![a terminal window that shows the sudo apt commnand used to install the cli version of proton vpn on an ubuntu system](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/proton-vpn-cli-beta-installation.png) **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? [Proton VPN CLI (Beta)](https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-beta?ref=itsfoss.com) **Suggested Reads** 📖 [Proton Launches Data Breach Observatory to Track Dark Web Activity in Real-TimeA constantly updated dark web monitoring tool.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-314.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/proton-data-breach-observatory.png)](https://itsfoss.com/proton-data-breach-observatory/) [VPNs 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’.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-313.png)It's FOSSSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/vpns-with-no-logging-for-linux-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/no-logs-vpn-linux/)