Our apps work well, but we’re reaching the limits of what’s possible with our current codebase. For Proton VPN to future-proof our apps, build more innovative VPN features, and be fighting-fit for our next phase of growth, we need a new foundation.
We’re therefore rolling out a new client‑side VPN protocol codebase to our b eta apps that takes the best parts of our existing codebase and builds on them to unlock the next generation of Proton VPN performance, reliability, and censorship resistance. This modern, flexible VPN core allows us to:
- Build faster, more reliable apps
- Deliver best-in-class, anti-censorship capabilities
- Ship features and improvements more quickly across all our apps
- Enable Stealth support on Linux
- Lay the groundwork for post-quantum encryption(new window) (planned)
Want more technical details? Find out more
What is a VPN protocol?
A VPN protocol is the set of rules that decides how your device connects to a VPN server and how your data is encrypted and transmitted.
It’s the method a VPN uses to:
- Create a secure tunnel: This happens the moment you tap Connect in our apps. The app connects to one of our VPN servers, and all internet traffic to and from your device is routed through the connection.
- Encrypt your internet traffic: All data traveling through the VPN tunnel is securely encrypted (scrambled using very complex math) so that no-one but you can see it. This includes your ISP and anyone else monitoring your network.
- Keep the connection stable and fast: The protocol manages the connection in the background, helping your device stay connected when you switch networks, lose signal briefly, or move between WiFi and mobile data.
Learn more about VPN protocols
Test run our new codebase now
If you’d like to help us put this exciting new codebase through its paces, it’s now available on our beta (early access) app for:
- Windows
- Android
- iOS and iPadOS (bringing support for advanced kill switch)
- Linux GUI app (bringing with it support for our censorship-resistant Stealth protocol)
To use it, simply select Proton Protocols in your beta app’s settings.
How to change your VPN protocols
If you run into any problems or have any suggestions on how things can be improved, please let us know on Reddit(new window) or X(new window), or join our community at protonmail.uservoice.com(new window).
Delivering a better VPN experience
This new VPN protocol codebase marks a major step forward for Proton VPN. By rebuilding our VPN core, we’re not just improving performance and reliability today — we’re creating a flexible foundation that lets us respond faster to censorship, ship features more consistently across platforms, and prepare for future threats like post-quantum cryptography.
If you’re eager to experience these improvements firsthand, try the experimental build on Android and please do let us know how it works for you on Reddit(new window) or X(new window), or at protonmail.uservoice.com(new window). Together, we’ll build a privacy-first internet that works for everyone.
