Which Ubuntu Distributions Play well with Proton VPN?

[Della]

I love the free version of the proton VPN, and it seems that is the only free option among its peers that serves my purpose.

The problem is, I was a happy user of Linux Mint for a long time, but when I installed Proton (likely I messed something up), my desktop setting got totally screwed up. It became a hybrid of Gnome and Cinnamon, a lot of the familiar buttons and options were gone. In fact, it took me a while to realise that Proton (and its incompatibility with Linux Mint) is the culprit. I never knew an application that is compatible with Ubuntu cannot play with Mint.

In any case, I somehow do not like the appearance of Ubuntu itself (the reason I chose Mint) but seems using Proton will constrain me to Gnome desktops and Ubuntu derivatives? What are the options I have? Anyone has experience using proton with Pop OS, for example? That is a distribution I heard a lot of great things about, and if they do play well with Proton, I might as well give it a try.

 

[Condobloke]

The problem is, I was a happy user of Linux Mint for a long time, but when I installed Proton (likely I messed something up),

Linux Mint will not be the culprit here.
I am running Linux Mint 22.2...prior to that 22.1, 21.3 etc etc......the list goes on.

proton has 3 downloads available for Linux...one based on Ubuntu, one on Debian, and a beta version

All 3 will give an error at the end of their installation:
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

Job for me.proton.vpn.split_tunneling.service failed because the control process exited with error code.
See "systemctl status me.proton.vpn.split_tunneling.service" and "journalctl -xeu me.proton.vpn.split_tunneling.service" for detai
ls.
Either the first error, or both....It really doesnt matter which one, the install fails

To get help contact proton. There is a 'get help' icon at the bottom of this page :

How to install Proton VPN on Debian | Proton VPN

Learn how to install the official ProtonVPN Linux app on Debian systems.

protonvpn.com

In the meantime,

It became a hybrid of Gnome and Cinnamon, a lot of the familiar buttons and options were gone.

That was unlikely to have been caused by proton.
I have just finished running all 3 installers, and despite the fact they failed to install, there did not cause any damage to my Linux Mint.

Is your system up to date?

Do you have Timeshift installed and set up ?

 

[bob466]

You answered your own question...you messed it up.

The problem is, I was a happy user of Linux Mint for a long time, but when I installed Proton (likely I messed something up), my desktop setting got totally screwed up. It became a hybrid of Gnome and Cinnamon, a lot of the familiar buttons and options were gone. In fact, it took me a while to realise that Proton (and its incompatibility with Linux Mint) is the culprit. I never knew an application that is compatible with Ubuntu cannot play with Mint.

In any case, I somehow do not like the appearance of Ubuntu itself (the reason I chose Mint) but seems using Proton will constrain me to Gnome desktops and Ubuntu derivatives? What are the options I have? Anyone has experience using proton with Pop OS, for example? That is a distribution I heard a lot of great things about, and if they do play well with Proton, I might as well give it a try.

What are your options...follow the instructions to install Proton correctly would be a good start.

 

[Condobloke]

@Della
I contacted proton VPN on your behalf. I have copied and pasted their reply below:

David (ProtonVPN) Oct 16, 2025, 10:20 GMT+2 Hello, Thank you for contacting us. We only officially support Linux on Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora (running on GNOME). We haven't officially tested the Linux application on the specific Linux distro that you are using (Mint 22.2 Cinnamon); therefore, it is not officially supported, and I will be unable to guarantee that it will work as intended or provide extensive troubleshooting steps. You can find more information about the currently supported Linux distros in the following support article: https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-vpn-setup/ I apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause you. For the time being, I suggest you check our alternative connection methods for Linux. We have dedicated guides which you can check through the following links: https://protonvpn.com/support/wireguard-linux https://protonvpn.com/support/linux-openvpn If you have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best regards, David Customer Support Proton VPN

 

[Condobloke]

From the proton VPN site:

Our app officially supports the latest stable Ubuntu LTS version running the GNOME desktop environment. It should work on most distributions based on Ubuntu, but we haven’t tested these and therefore do not officially support them.

 

[bob466]

As I said...OP didn't install Proton correctly.

For Linux Mint...install the Ubuntu version and install all commands listed.
I have Proton installed on both my Tower...Cinnamon 22.1 and my old Laptop Mint XFCE 22.1 and it works just fine.

Once installed...go to the Menu and you'll see the Icon under Internet...right click...you can add it to Desktop or panel...click it...copy and paste your user name and password then click connect...done.

 

[Condobloke]

Read my post re the various errors encountered when installing proton on Linux Mint 22.2....this is my PC, which is fully updated and functions perfectly otherwise.

It does not install properly, and is not supported by proton. This leaves me at risk if I rely on it

They support the

latest stable Ubuntu LTS version running the GNOME desktop environment

if their vpn works well for you on Lm22.1 (old version) then there is a lesson there for proton.

For the OP @Della, proton is not supported in the various Ubuntun derivatives and not in Linux Mint either.

If you try it and it works, then you can safely regard it as good luck/a fluke.

If the vpn is installed on an unsupported OS, and then fails to safeguard your privacy etc then proton will not listen to you.

If you do not like the look and feel etc of Ubuntu's stable LTS version, find another vpn.

 

[Trml]

If the vpn is installed on an unsupported OS, and then fails to safeguard your privacy etc then proton will not listen to you.

Everything you refer to as "unsupported" applies to the Proton VPN application. In their reply they guide to the generic ways to connect to their vpn network using wireguard or openvpn already.

Their app will do nothing else than provide some options to use the regular linux crypto infrastructure. If you use network-manager (or another local tool) and configure it's vpn submenu to setup your proton account accordingly, there can only be minor differences. For example, and old/new openvpn release compared to said Ubuntu LTS may have new/deprecated options, but still run fine.

 

[bob466]

Yes Condobloke you're right..Proton VPN doesn't work but wait what's this...

Proton VPN installed and working in Mint Cinnamon 22.2 in Virtualbox...I did read your posts and you are not correct.

I didn't know 22.1 was the "old" version as you say and I doubt it was a "fluke" to install it twice on different versions of Mint.

 

[Condobloke]

And all of that....both your comments and mine......add up to an almighty bundle of indecision for the OP

I did try the install process as laid out by proton, again....with the exact same result

Which should lead both of us to think twice before using it.... non reliability comes to mind. Of course we could get into a two and fro about where the non reliability is.....my linux install or protons code etc etc......but that would likely confuse the OP even more than he/she already is.

I would, however, still maintain that there is definitely a 'problem' with the OP's Linux install.....(we don't know which version)

despite the install failing on my pc, no other problems resulted from those failed attempts
The OP mentions ""It became a hybrid of Gnome and Cinnamon, a lot of the familiar buttons and options were gone."" ....nothing of that nature has befallen my pc (and I hope it never does)

Another thing we are unaware of is the OP's capabilities....short term user with little knowledge of Linux?...or otherwise?

Bob, do you have an install of 22.2 on a pc there?....try installing on that, directly (not on a vpn)

 

[bob466]

I have the paid version...haven't used the free version.

The procedure for the paid version is...go to Proton site select what you want and create an account...pay your money.

You'll be given 11 commands to install Proton and you will be sent a Password...once installed click the Proton Icon and enter your username and the Password you were sent...then click connect.

I've noticed here...
https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-ubuntu/ only 5 commands and doesn't say anything about a username or password.

I don't have 22.2 other than in Virtualbox...I'll remove Proton and install it from the above and see what happens.

 

[bob466]

The free version will not install...

After creating a free account and downloading the commands from here...
https://protonvpn.com/support/official-linux-vpn-ubuntu/ I get the above.

If you install the paid version of Proton VPN it installs and works just fine as I have shown. I think it's always best to use a paid VPN.

 

[Condobloke]

Well, it would appear it throws different errors for different users.....maybe it has a 'store' of errors and uses them all at different times just to keep the natives guessing, and maybe to 'persuade' them to move to the paid version.

Regardless of that...it failed. There is your answer @Della

Personally I use Mullvad VPN. Costly, but totally reliable and with a stellar reputation. It is well worth noteing that the upcoming Firefox VPN will be based on the renowned Mullvad servers.

Thanks for trying that out @bob466

 

[wizardfromoz]

The free version will not install...

...which I believe vindicates what @Condobloke has said above.

A number of posts could have been saved had you tried this earlier, I would think.*

That being said

I think it's always best to use a paid VPN.

Is something the OP can take onboard.

*In the first post the OP stated

I love the free version of the proton VPN, and it seems that is the only free option among its peers that serves my purpose.

Just food for thought.

Wizard

 

[bob466]

I've tried free Browser VPNs in the past but they only hide your IP while using the Browser.

Vivaldi has Proton VPN Free but is very limited and sometimes slow but you don't get the Desktop Icon...so you can't launch it from the Desktop.

Maybe the OP can do some research into paid VPNs but make sure they support Linux.

 

[wizardfromoz]

That reminds me (thanks Bob, and Brian)

@Della on

Anyone has experience using proton with Pop OS, for example? That is a distribution I heard a lot of great things about, and if they do play well with Proton, I might as well give it a try.

Yes, I have, but I do not currently have it in my stable.

Pop does have its advocates, but it is designed specifically for System 76 computers, and although it can be installed on many other computers, our forums here are littered with Threads from people who have experienced numerous problems with it.

Just be aware of that.

HTH

Wizard

 

[Smilax]

I am a Proton Mail Plus subscriber also running Mint 22.2 Xfce. My installation experience was very similar to OP's and I backed out. The only "damage" was I now have desktop selections for Cinnamon and Gnome at login that I'd like to get rid of.

 

[KGIII]

I had to cross the house for this. I don't use my Mint-based computer all of the time. This thread reminded me and so I came over to check if my memory was correct. It turns out that my memory is correct. (I'm as baffled as you might be!)

That's Proton VPN installed on Linux Mint Cinnamon. It installed just fine. I don't know when I installed it, but it wasn't all that long ago. It did not drag in a bunch of dependencies. It did not turn it into a mix of desktop environments. In fact, it installed properly and quickly.

There is one difference, but that seems like it's inconsequential. I installed it on the previous version of Mint. It was Mint 21.1 at the time. That shouldn't be a difference that matters. The installation's dependencies are what should matter.

 

[Condobloke]

I am a Proton Mail Plus subscriber also running Mint 22.2 Xfce. My installation experience was very similar to OP's and I backed out. The only "damage" was I now have desktop selections for Cinnamon and Gnome at login that I'd like to get rid of.

@Smilax, proceed carefully...A Timeshift snapshot taken before you try anything would be wise.

I am assuming you wish to be rid of gnome

https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=371528

 

[Smilax]

It's not killing me that those options are there, I like to think of them as scars instead of participation trophies.

Just kidding, they're annoying and will never be used. Yes please, how best can I clean up my logon options? I only ever use Xfce desktop environment, and I do have Timeshift running regularly and plenty of space to run one on demand. In fact, I think I'll do that now. Thank you in advance @Condobloke.