Proton VPN’s 2025 Upgrades Explained: What UK Users Should Know
Every so often, a VPN provider does more than polish its interface or add a few extra servers. It rethinks how the whole network operates. Proton VPN’s latest updates fall firmly into that category. Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, the company has announced a range of upgrades that will directly benefit users here in the UK, from faster speeds to stronger censorship resistance and an all-new command-line interface for Linux.
In this article, I take a closer look at what Proton VPN is introducing, why these changes matter, and what I expect them to mean for British users who rely on VPNs for everyday browsing, streaming, and data security.
New Free Servers and Wider Coverage 🌍
The most visible change is an expansion of Proton VPN’s free network. The service now includes ten free server locations worldwide, with new points in Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Norway and Singapore. For users in the UK, this means shorter hops to nearby European servers and fewer bottlenecks during peak hours. It also provides better access to content when travelling abroad, especially across Europe where proximity matters for latency.
While Proton’s free tier doesn’t let you manually select exact servers, the improved network still boosts reliability. For anyone here in Britain looking for a secure free VPN that isn’t weighed down by advertising or questionable privacy policies, this is genuinely good news. Most free VPNs trade your data for access, Proton VPN doesn’t, and these new servers make it even more competitive.
In-House VPN Architecture: Faster, Safer, and More Resilient ⚙️
The headline change for paying customers, and arguably the most significant technical shift, is Proton’s move to a fully in-house VPN architecture. The company says this overhaul will make connections faster, lighter, and more adaptable, while preserving its strict no-logs policy.
From a UK perspective, this is particularly valuable. Local broadband speeds have increased dramatically in recent years, and users now expect their VPNs to keep pace with gigabit fibre and 5G connections. Proton’s re-engineered stack appears designed for exactly that, reducing protocol overheads, improving load balancing, and ensuring smoother connections even under heavy demand.
It also supports better anti-censorship features. That might sound less relevant in the UK, but it matters when travelling. Many readers I’ve spoken to use VPNs abroad for iPlayer or banking access, and stricter firewalls in some countries can block ordinary VPN traffic. Proton’s new architecture uses smarter routing and obfuscation layers, which should make these blocks much less of an issue.
Finally, the company has flagged long-term plans for post-quantum encryption, a topic that tends to sound futuristic but has very real implications. As computing advances, encryption standards will eventually need to evolve. Proton’s proactive approach suggests it’s preparing for the next decade, not just the next update.
Linux Command-Line Interface: Built for Control 🧠
For Linux enthusiasts, and there are many in the UK tech community, Proton VPN’s new command-line interface is a welcome addition. It allows full control of the VPN directly from the terminal, ideal for users running headless servers, Raspberry Pi devices, or automated scripts. It’s fast, lightweight, and avoids the bloat of a graphical interface.
In my view, this change also highlights Proton’s respect for open-source principles. Linux users have long been underserved by commercial VPNs, which tend to focus on Windows and macOS. Providing a first-class CLI acknowledges that privacy-conscious power users are a key part of Proton’s audience.
Whether you’re automating connections on a home NAS or building a custom router setup, this CLI will make your life much easier. It’s the kind of improvement that might not make headlines but will earn lasting goodwill among UK developers and privacy professionals alike.
Enterprise and Team Enhancements 🏢
Another element tucked into Proton’s roadmap is the introduction of improved admin tools for business and team accounts. UK businesses, especially those embracing hybrid or remote work, will find this particularly useful. The new admin console allows for centralised control of accounts, dedicated servers, and access rules. That makes Proton VPN a stronger alternative to corporate VPN solutions that often come with higher licensing costs and less transparent privacy terms.
Given the UK’s growing emphasis on data protection under the UK GDPR framework, having a VPN that can both secure remote access and guarantee non-logging is a real advantage. It’s also reassuring that Proton recently passed a SOC 2 Type II audit, verifying the operational security of its systems, something few consumer VPNs have achieved.
Everyday Impact for British Users 🇬🇧
So what does all this mean if you’re sitting at home in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh using Proton VPN? Here’s the practical picture:
- Faster local speeds: Nearby servers in Switzerland and Norway reduce latency and deliver more consistent throughput for UK connections.
- Better overseas access: Travellers can connect back to Europe or Asia through more stable routes, helping maintain access to British streaming platforms and online banking.
- Improved privacy posture: The new architecture keeps traffic within Proton’s own infrastructure, not third-party data centres, lowering exposure to external jurisdictions.
- Automation opportunities: The Linux CLI lets UK tech users integrate Proton VPN into automation, backups, or smart-home setups without clunky workarounds.
From a usability perspective, Proton’s Windows and Android apps already perform well in the UK. Connection times are short, and reliability across British ISPs, from BT to Virgin and EE mobile, remains strong. I expect these updates will further polish that experience, especially as the new network infrastructure rolls out region-by-region.
Potential Drawbacks and Points to Watch
As with any major network overhaul, there are things to keep an eye on. The UK rollout of new infrastructure may lag slightly behind mainland Europe; that’s typical when global updates are staged. Free users will still be assigned automatically to servers rather than choosing their own. And while post-quantum encryption is a fascinating goal, it’s not yet an active feature, it’s groundwork for the future.
That said, I’ve reviewed many VPN transitions over the years, and the signs here are all positive. Proton is expanding responsibly, communicating clearly, and delivering tangible benefits without compromising privacy or transparency.
My Take as a UK Reviewer 🎯
From my perspective, Proton VPN’s 2025 updates demonstrate a rare blend of technical ambition and long-term thinking. This isn’t just another cosmetic update; it’s a rebuild that should yield real-world gains for British users in speed, stability, and trust.
If you’re in the UK and want a VPN that aligns with European data-protection values while maintaining top-tier performance, Proton VPN deserves your attention. It already offered one of the strongest privacy policies on the market; now it’s backing that with better tech. I’ll be monitoring the rollout closely and will return with updated performance metrics once the full network upgrade reaches the UK nodes later this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the new Proton VPN servers available to UK users?
Yes. UK users can now access ten free server locations worldwide, including nearby countries such as Norway and Switzerland, which improve speed and reliability for British connections.
When will the new VPN architecture roll out in the UK?
The architecture upgrade is being introduced gradually through late 2025 and early 2026. Some regions may see it sooner, but UK users should receive it before the end of the rollout window.
Will the new CLI work on all Linux distributions?
The command-line interface supports major distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. It’s designed to integrate with common package managers and work out of the box on most UK-favourite distros like Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu Server.
Does Proton VPN keep activity logs under UK law?
No. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, outside the UK and EU data-retention directives, and operates under a strict independently audited no-logs policy. This remains unchanged under UK privacy legislation.
How does the new setup compare to British VPNs?
While there are strong home-grown VPNs, Proton’s Swiss jurisdiction and infrastructure ownership give it a unique advantage. Combined with new architecture and expanded servers, it now competes on performance as well as privacy.
Is Proton VPN suitable for streaming British content abroad?
Yes. The new architecture improves routing stability and may reduce the likelihood of VPN blocks. Many UK users rely on Proton VPN Plus to access iPlayer and UK-based services while travelling.
