- Proton VPN has expanded its tunnel function divided to the Linux application
- The divided tunnel allows users to selectively enruption their Internet traffic
- Proton plans to bring divided tunnels to its next macOS application
Proton VPN has expanded its Linux capabilities with the addition of a new divided tunnel function, currently in Beta.
The tunnel divided for Linux is available for subscribers that use the official Ubuntu and Fedora applications for Proton VPN, which is already one of the best VPN services available according to PakGazette tests. Although it is not currently offered for the unofficial fratpak version of the application, Debian 12 support is on its way.
The latest update of the Linux of Proton VPN application in line with its Windows and Android applications to offer the function. Mac users do not need to feel excluded with divided tunnels for macOS also in the Proton VPN summer map.
What is the divided tunnel and why does it matter?
Split Tunneling is a popular VPN feature, which provides users with a greater degree of control and flexibility to manage their Internet connections. When connected to a virtual private network server (VPN), all its internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a safe tunnel between its device and the VPN server.
Although it is undoubtedly beneficial to have all your data encrypted to obtain the best possible security, the divided tunnel allows you to balance the privacy with performance. For example, if you want to navigate safely but you have the fastest speeds for games, even the best game VPN can stop things sometimes, you can use the proton vpn divided tunnel function so that the games application avoids the VPN connection.
Similarly, you can have difficulty accessing local network devices, such as a printer, when connected to a VPN. With the divided tunnel, you can access these devices through your local connection without interrupting your VPN connection and the protection it provides to the rest of your traffic.
The same happens if you need access to local websites such as your online banking or government sites.
How to use tunnels divided in proton VPN for Linux
If it is a Linux user with a Premium Proton VPN subscription and you want to take advantage of this new function, you must update the latest version of the Linux application.
The beta function is currently being implemented gradually, but can soon find it through the application configuration page. Simply navigate to the functions and change in the tunnel option divided.
At the moment, it is only possible to select applications to exclude from the VPN connection through the exclusion mode. To do this, click “Add” and mark the boxes of any application whose traffic prefers not to enruption through the VPN tunnel (see the image above). Keep in mind that you must then connect to the VPN and restart any excluded application that will be opened before connecting to the VPN server.
Soon a mode of inclusion will arrive, to enable VPN protection only for selected applications, as well as IP -based rules for exclusion modes and included.
Proton VPN is one of Linux’s best VPN that we have reviewed, but it is not the only VPN with divided tunnels for Linux. ExpressvPN has also been occupied and launched Split Tunneling for its Linux application in March 2025.
