Balancing security and convenience is no walk in the park in these increasingly vulnerable times. As more of our activities move online, guarding personal information without sacrificing speed or access seems almost impossible. But this is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) step in.
VPN is a service, like any other app, that adds a protective layer by encrypting your data and masking your online activities. But as powerful as VPNs are, they can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. The ironclad security comes at the cost of speed and convenience.
Here’s where VPN split tunneling comes into play, which is a feature designed to give you the best of both worlds. Instead of routing all your internet traffic through the VPN, split tunneling lets you choose which data is protected by the VPN and which goes directly to the internet.
It’s a secure tunnel for your most sensitive activities while keeping the regular road open for everything else. This flexibility can improve your browsing speed and allow you to access local and global content simultaneously without constantly toggling your VPN on and off.
All top VPNs, including our #1 pick NordVPN, are excellent for split tunneling and offer this crucial add-on. But how does this feature work, and why might you want to use it? Let’s get into the details.
How Does Split Tunneling Work?
Split tunneling is a feature in VPNs that allows you to control how your internet traffic is routed. Instead of sending all your data through the secure VPN tunnel, split tunneling gives you the flexibility to decide which traffic should go through the VPN and which should connect directly to the internet. Here’s how it works:
When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure tunnel to a VPN server. This process hides your IP address and protects your data from being intercepted by hackers, ISPs, or government surveillance.
With split tunneling enabled, you can choose which apps, websites, or devices use the VPN and which ones bypass it. This setup is particularly useful if you want to access geo-restricted content on one app while simultaneously connecting to local services like a banking app that doesn’t require a VPN.
Traffic that doesn’t need the VPN’s protection bypasses the VPN tunnel and connects directly to the internet. This direct connection maintains your regular internet speed and allows you to access local resources without any interruptions.
What Are the Types of Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling offers a practical solution to balance security with performance, but it’s essential to understand the different types and when to use it effectively.
- App-Based Split Tunneling—This type allows you to select specific apps that should use the VPN. For example, you might route your torrent client through the VPN while letting your browser connect directly to the internet.
- URL-Based Split Tunneling—Here, you can specify particular websites or IP addresses that should bypass the VPN. This is useful if you want to access geo-restricted content through the VPN while browsing other websites locally.
- Inverse Split Tunneling—In this setup, everything goes through the VPN by default, and you can manually specify the apps or websites that should bypass it.
Why Would You Use VPN Split Tunneling?
VPNs are powerful tools for protecting your privacy, but they can sometimes feel a bit like using a sledgehammer when you just need a hammer. That’s where split tunneling comes in. It lets you fine-tune your online experience by deciding which apps or websites go through your secure VPN connection and which don’t. Here’s why you might want to use it:
Boost Your Speed and Performance
Let’s face it, routing all your internet traffic through a VPN can slow things down, especially when you’re using the VPN streaming videos or downloading large files. With split tunneling, you can send only the sensitive stuff through the VPN while everything else goes directly to the internet.
Access Local and Global Content at the Same Time
Ever wanted to stream your local sports game while catching up on a Netflix series availble in another country? Split tunneling makes it easy. You can keep accessing local websites with your regular IP address while using the VPN to unlock content from other regions.
Prioritize Security Where It Matters
Not every online activity needs the full VPN treatment. But when you’re handling sensitive information (like online banking or work-related tasks), you want to keep it secure. Split tunneling lets you route these critical tasks through the VPN while allowing other, less essential activities to use your regular internet connection.
Avoid Annoying Network Conflicts
Some websites or apps just don’t play nice with VPNs, and that can be a real headache. Split tunneling can help by allowing those troublesome apps to connect directly to the internet while keeping your other traffic secure. It’s the best of both worlds: security where you need it and functionality where you don’t.
Risks of Split Tunneling
While split tunneling offers flexibility, it does come with some risks.
- Unsecured traffic exposure is a significant risk of split tunneling. When you route some of your internet traffic outside the VPN tunnel, that data isn’t encrypted, making it vulnerable to potential threats like hackers, especially on unsecured networks.
- Another concern is increased cyber vulnerability. By excluding specific apps or websites from VPN protection, you might expose them to attacks like phishing or malware, putting your device and data at risk.
- Split tunneling can also cause privacy inconsistencies. Not all online activities are protected when using this feature, which can lead to potential privacy gaps, undermining the very purpose of using a VPN.
In essence, while split tunneling can enhance speed and efficiency, it’s important to use it cautiously to avoid compromising your security and privacy.
Best VPNs That Offer Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is an advanced feature that every VPN doesn’t offer on the market. If you’re looking to balance security, speed, and convenience, it’s crucial to choose the most reliable VPN for split tunneling. In this section, we’ll explore the top VPNs that excel in providing reliable and user-friendly split-tunneling options.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for split tunneling while maintaining robust security and fast connection speeds. The split tunneling feature is easily accessible via the settings menu in NordVPN’s Windows and Android apps.
For those who prefer browser-based control, NordVPN also offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, allowing users to exclude specific websites from the VPN tunnel. However, URL-based split tunneling is only available through these browser extensions and not directly in the app.
The VPN also boasts over 6,400 RAM-only servers across 111 countries, allowing you to access content from platforms like BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.
In terms of pricing, NordVPN offers plans starting at around $3 per month for long-term subscriptions. Visit our page to see the latest discounts and coupons for NordVPN.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top VPN with a robust split tunneling feature. This VPN allows users to choose which apps or devices route through the VPN and which can access the internet directly. This level of customization makes ExpressVPN a strong choice for users who want to balance privacy with speed.
The split tunneling feature is available across ExpressVPN’s Windows, Mac, and Android apps and is easy to set up. You can easily specify which apps should bypass the VPN connection, allowing you to access local networks and the internet simultaneously without disrupting your secure connection for more sensitive activities.
In addition to split tunneling, ExpressVPN provides access to over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, enabling you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from virtually anywhere.
ExpressVPN’s long-term plans cost around $6 per month, which is on the higher side. However, its reliable performance, fast speeds, and extensive server network justify the cost.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the top choice for VPN split tunneling due to its incredibly flexible and customizable options. PIA offers per-app, per-website, and even IP address split tunneling, allowing you to decide exactly which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t.
PIA provides this feature across a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, and even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. This broad compatibility allows you to enjoy split tunneling on almost any device.
PIA also delivers impressive performance with 29,000+ servers in 91 countries for fast download speeds and low latency. It works seamlessly with popular streaming services like Netflix, Max, and Prime Video, especially when using its Streaming Optimized servers.
On the pricing front, PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs you can get, with long-term plans starting at just around $2 per month. This makes it the cheapest VPN with split tunneling to get in 2025.
Conclusion
Split tunneling allows you to decide which apps or websites should go through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which should connect directly to the internet. This flexibility is perfect for users who want to access local networks, stream content, or perform other tasks without compromising on security.
When it comes to choosing the best VPN for split tunneling, NordVPN is an excellent option. It offers easy-to-use split tunneling that lets you manage your connections effectively while maintaining high levels of security and performance.
ExpressVPN takes split tunneling a step further by combining this feature with its Lightway protocol for fast, secure connections. Private Internet Access (PIA) is another trusted VPN for split tunneling with customization down to the app, website, or IP address level.
FAQs
Considering the general doubts about VPN split tunneling, we’ve tried to answer the most common ones below.
Why should I use split tunneling?
Split tunneling provides flexibility by allowing you to protect only the traffic that needs encryption while keeping other activities, like streaming or accessing local content, fast and efficient.
Can I use split tunneling with any VPN?
No, not all VPNs offer split tunneling. While many top VPNs, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA, provide this feature, it’s not a standard option across all services.
Is split tunneling safe to use?
Split tunneling is safe when used correctly, but it can expose some of your traffic to the risks of the open internet. To mitigate this, ensure that only non-sensitive activities bypass the VPN while more privacy-critical tasks remain protected.
Why doesn’t iOS support split tunneling?
Due to Apple’s strict security policies, native split tunneling isn’t available on iOS devices. This limitation applies to all VPNs, so if you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to consider other methods.