What is VPN Split Tunneling and How Does It Work

Do you want to download safely and privately without slowing your network? Maybe you stream a lot online and want to keep your connection safe. Split tunneling in your VPN app can help keep you secure without slowing you down. So, what is split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which apps and sites use the VPN tunnel and which go straight to the Internet.

But do you need a split tunnel VPN? A VPN with split tunneling is great for keeping your privacy without slowing down your internet. Using one has its good and bad sides. Here’s what you need to know.

Best VPNs With Split Tunneling in 2024

1. NordVPN – the best split tunneling VPN for Windows and Android
2. Surfshark – the best choice for using VPN for specific websites
3. ExpressVPN – the best VPN for Mac users
4. Private Internet Access – robust and fast VPN with split tunneling
5. IPVanish – great alternative choice

How Does VPN Split Tunneling Work?

Before we dive into its benefits and drawbacks, let’s understand how it works. Split tunneling is a VPN feature that splits your Internet traffic.

It lets you run two network connections at the same time. Split tunneling sends some of your connection through a VPN tunnel and the rest directly to the Internet through your local network.

This is different from connecting to the Internet through one single connection. This feature is very useful as it lets you have fast internet while keeping some of your traffic secure. It’s popular for both corporate networks and personal use.

Main Types of Split Tunneling

There are several main types of split tunneling. Let’s look at three:

• App-Based Split Tunneling – this lets you choose apps to run through your VPN’s servers. With app-based tunneling, all other apps and your traffic go through your regular network.
• URL-Based Split Tunneling – the tunnel is created through a VPN browser extension. URL-based split tunneling lets you pick the URLs you want to run through a VPN tunnel. All other apps connect directly to the Internet through your actual IP address.
• Inverse Split Tunneling – Inverse split tunneling is the opposite. You choose the URLs and apps you don’t want to run through a VPN tunnel. All other traffic is automatically sent through the VPN servers.

Pros of Split Tunneling

Split tunneling has many advantages. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits:

• Simultaneous Multi-Network Access – split tunneling lets you access multiple networks at once. You can use your local network and also connect to remote sites or services through a VPN server.
• Better Network Performance – you get added security and better performance. Your network speeds will be faster, and you’ll experience less lag than with a full tunnel. Plus, routing only part of your connection reduces the chance of bottlenecks.
• Save Up Bandwidth – VPNs use more bandwidth than regular internet access. If you have a data limit, this feature helps you save bandwidth.
• Work on LAN – you can keep accessing local devices like printers and smart home devices on your LAN. At the same time, apps and devices using the VPN get all the privacy and security benefits.
• Secure Remote Access – businesses can use VPN split tunneling to secure their network and provide safe remote access. Remote workers get encrypted and safe connections to the corporate network while keeping access to the internet on their local network.

Cons of Split Tunneling

Split tunneling has many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks. Here are the main cons:

• Not As Safe As a Full Tunnel – if you’re using a VPN for security, split tunneling might not be the best choice. It bypasses the VPN security you get with a full tunnel, leaving your data vulnerable to hackers.
• Often Time-Consuming To Set Up – setting up split tunneling can take a lot of time. You need to decide which apps or URLs to run through the VPN and which to use without it.
• One Device Can Endanger the Entire Corporate Network – in a business setting, one compromised user can risk the whole network. This is because split tunneling makes it hard for corporate IT to detect threats.
• Not All VPNs Support Split Tunneling – not all VPNs offer this feature. Many good VPN services don’t have split tunneling. Also, VPN split tunneling apps are limited to certain operating systems, which might limit your choices.

Does VPN Split Tunneling Have Security Risks?

Split tunneling has its benefits, but it also comes with risks. By bypassing the VPN’s security features, your traffic becomes less secure than with a full VPN tunnel. This is a big concern, as explained in this article about VPN safety.

When using split tunneling, setting it up correctly is critical. Any mistake can let cyberattackers access your sensitive information. Whether at home or work, you don’t want to risk your network with split tunneling.

How To Use VPN Split Tunneling

Now that we know what split tunneling is and how it works, let’s dive into how to use it. We’ve made it easy by breaking down the essential steps. These steps work for any of the seven VPNs we recommend. So, let’s see how to use split tunneling in your VPN app in just a few steps:

1. Pick one of our recommended VPNs that support split tunneling.
2. Open your VPN app.

3. Navigate to the app’s Settings/Options menu.

4. Find and enable split tunneling.

5. Depending on the VPN, you can manage the feature based on selected apps or URLs.
6. Choose which apps or URLs you want to use the encrypted VPN connection (or those you wish to use without a VPN).
7. Connect to a secure VPN server and access local and remote sites simultaneously!

Best VPN Apps With Split Tunneling – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN Split Tunneling

NordVPN is a top choice for VPN services. It offers advanced features like split tunneling on various platforms. This includes app-based and inverse split tunneling on Windows, Android, and Android TV.

Split tunneling is just the start with NordVPN. It also has DDoS and DNS leak protection and a kill switch on most platforms. The NordLynx protocol is one of the best around.

NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. There are no speed or bandwidth limits on these servers. All servers are RAM-based, ensuring your data is safe.

You can hide your internet traffic with VPN Obfuscation. Or, use Double VPN protection to change your IP twice. NordVPN focuses on privacy and security, with a strong customer privacy policy.

It’s based in Panama and doesn’t collect user connection data. The service is regularly audited by independent companies. CyberSec is a useful anti-malware and phishing feature.

2. Surfshark Split Tunneling

Surfshark offers split tunneling with its twist, called the Bypasser. It’s available on Windows and Android devices. They plan to add support for more devices soon.

The Bypasser lets you choose apps and websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. Surfshark also has advanced features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode. These ensure fast and stable connections worldwide.

Surfshark is fast, user-friendly, and lightweight. It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. All servers are P2P friendly and come with private DNS. It’s very affordable, with long-term plans starting at just a few dollars a month.

3. ExpressVPN Split Tunneling

ExpressVPN’s split tunnel feature works on almost every device. It supports split tunneling on Windows, macOS, Android, and routers.

It’s one of the few VPNs with both split tunneling and inverse split tunneling. This lets you choose which devices to protect with a VPN.

You can set it up on the service’s thousands of servers in 160 cities across 94 countries. ExpressVPN offers the Lightway protocol and other protocols like OpenVPN TCP/UDP, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec.

ExpressVPN is known for its security. It offers private DNS on every server, strong network encryption, and doesn’t keep any connection logs.

4. Private Internet Access Split Tunneling

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top-notch VPN with an impressive split tunneling feature. It works on almost every major platform, including Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. This makes PIA one of the best for device variety.

PIA’s service is top-notch. It has one of the largest server networks, with 84 locations. It even has servers in every US state. All servers are fast and have no data caps.

You can connect up to 10 devices and use split tunneling on all of them. The service has strong encryption and solid protocols. You can customize advanced encryption settings and use dedicated IP addresses and the impressive WireGuard protocol.

5. IPVanish Split Tunneling

IPVanish is great for mobile users. It’s easy to use and supports split tunneling on Android and Fire OS. Setting it up is simple, even for those without tech skills.

IPVanish offers over 2,000 servers in more than 75 locations. It has over 40,000 IP addresses. With split tunneling, you get advanced encryption and multiple protocols.

The service is affordable and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can connect an unlimited number of devices per subscription. It can unblock all major streaming platforms worldwide. It also has DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

6. PureVPN Split Tunneling

PureVPN’s split tunneling feature is available on Windows and Android. It also has apps for Mac, iOS, and Linux. You can even set it up on your router, supporting many devices.

PureVPN has a huge network, with more than 6,500 servers in 96 locations across 78 countries. It has dedicated streaming and P2P servers. PureVPN servers support all industry-standard protocols. This includes WireGuard, PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2.

PureVPN is very safe. Its apps have a kill switch feature and use 256-bit encryption. It also protects against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. The long-term plans are affordable, and you can pay with a handful of supported cryptocurrencies.

7. ProtonVPN Split Tunneling

ProtonVPN offers split tunneling only for Windows and Android devices. It’s advanced and works on both IP and app levels. You get great control over your settings.

ProtonVPN focuses on security and privacy. It uses WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols. It’s based in Switzerland, has a no-logs policy, and is independently audited. This makes it one of the most privacy-friendly VPNs.

This VPN has more than 1,700 servers in 64 countries. It also has a total capacity of over 2,000 Gbps. Some servers can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps.

All servers are protected by full disk encryption. Connections are secured with 256-bit encryption. It also has a reliable kill switch.

Split Tunneling VPN FAQs

How secure is VPN split tunneling?

Split tunneling is secure, but it’s not as secure as a full VPN tunnel. It’s more secure than not using a VPN. But, it’s not the best choice for very sensitive data.

When should I use split tunneling?

Use VPN split tunneling when you want to secure some parts of your connection. It’s good for accessing local and distant sites at the same time.

Is split tunneling safe?

Yes, split tunneling is safe if you set it up right and use a reliable VPN. Always know what information you’re sending through the VPN and what’s going through your real IP.

How to tell if VPN split tunneling is working?

To check if split tunneling is working, visit a website that shows your IP address. If it shows your local network, not your VPN server, it’s not working right. On Windows 10, check and enable it through PowerShell.

What is a full tunnel VPN?

A full tunnel means your whole connection goes through VPN servers. Split tunneling is when only some of your network goes through a VPN server. They’re related but different.

Split tunneling vs. full tunneling, which is better for me?

Choosing between split tunneling and full tunneling depends on what you need. Split tunneling is good for extra security without slowing down your connection. Full tunneling is better for top security and privacy.

What’s the best VPN protocol for split tunneling?

For the best VPN split tunneling protocol, use WireGuard split tunnels. WireGuard is fast and safe. It protects your private info well.

OpenVPN is also great for split tunneling. But, check if your VPN supports OpenVPN and split tunneling before signing up.

Can I use a free VPN for split tunneling?

No, free VPNs are not good for split tunneling. They often can’t protect your network and might be dangerous. They could even share your data with others.

Summing It Up

Split tunneling is a useful feature. It offers convenience, performance, and security. But, remember the security risks and choose a reliable VPN.

Each of the seven VPNs we discussed can provide a great service. Just be careful and keep the pros and cons in mind.