What Is Split Tunneling in VPNs?

Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Editorial

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows you to select which apps or websites use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet. Instead of sending all your internet traffic through the VPN, split tunneling lets you separate it. 

For example, you might stream local content on your browser without the VPN while keeping your work emails protected through the VPN. This gives you more control over how your internet connection works.

The main reason people use split tunneling is to avoid slowing down their connection. VPNs can sometimes reduce speed because of the VPN encryption and rerouting. If you only need the VPN for specific tasks, like accessing private company servers or browsing securely on public Wi-Fi, there’s no need to route everything through it. 

In this post, we’ll go through how split tunneling works, the situations where it makes sense to use it, and the risks you should know about. We’ll also look at the different types of split tunneling and how to set it up on common VPN apps. So read on to find out more.

How Split Tunneling Works

Split tunneling works by giving you the option to split your internet traffic between your VPN and your regular connection. Instead of sending everything through the VPN, you choose what gets routed through it and what doesn’t. 

Let’s break down how it works in more detail.

Traffic Segmentation

Split tunneling VPN setups work by separating your data into two streams. One stream goes through the encrypted VPN tunnel and gets the full protection of the VPN. The other skips the tunnel and connects directly to the internet. 

You can usually control which apps or websites go through the VPN. So things like local news sites or banking apps, which may not work well with VPNs, can stay outside the tunnel while work tools stay secure.

Role of VPN Clients

The VPN client is the app or software you install to manage your VPN connection. It handles split tunneling by applying rules that decide which traffic to tunnel and which to leave out. 

Some clients let you pick apps manually, while others let you set rules based on IP addresses or domains. Once the rules are in place, the VPN client filters traffic in real time and routes it as instructed, without needing you to tweak anything every time you connect.

VPN split tunneling is one of the most useful features for people who want more flexibility without giving up security. Whether you’re new to VPNs or just starting to learn how they work, understanding how split tunneling functions can help you make better use of your connection. 

Split Tunnel vs Full Tunnel

With a traditional VPN (full tunnel), once you connect, all your internet traffic gets sent through the VPN server. That includes your browser, streaming apps, cloud storage, and software updates. 

This full-tunnel setup keeps all your activity private, but it can slow things down or block services that don’t work well with VPNs. Split tunneling changes that by letting you route only selected traffic through the VPN, while the rest uses your regular internet connection.

Split tunneling works a bit differently. Only part of your traffic goes through the VPN. The rest uses your regular internet connection.

For example, you could route your browser through the VPN, but let your video calls run outside of it. That way, you stay protected where it matters most without slowing everything down.

Here’s a quick summary of split tunnel vs full tunnel.

Feature	Split Tunneling	Full Tunnel
Traffic Coverage	Only selected apps or data go through the VPN	All internet traffic goes through the VPN
Speed	Usually faster for non-VPN apps	May slow down all internet activity
Privacy	Partial protection	Full protection
Setup	Needs manual selection of apps or traffic types	No manual setup needed
Use Cases	Streaming, gaming, saving bandwidth	Secure browsing, public Wi-Fi, sensitive work
Access to Local Devices	Yes	Sometimes limited
Risk of Leaks	Higher if not configured carefully	Lower, since everything is encrypted
Best For	Users who want more control	Users who want full security
Business Usage	Helps reduce VPN load	Ensures total network security
Flexibility	High	Low

Types of Split Tunneling

Split tunneling comes in different forms, each giving you specific ways to control how your internet traffic is routed. Some methods are better for privacy, while others help with speed or access to certain services.

Here are the main types of split tunneling used by most VPNs today.

App-Based Split Tunneling

App-based split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This type is great if you want to protect certain activities, like torrenting or work-related tools, without slowing down things like streaming or gaming.

The VPN client looks at what program is sending traffic and applies rules based on that. For example, you might route your web browser through the VPN but let Spotify or Netflix use your normal connection. This gives you a balance between security and speed, especially if the VPN server is far away or prone to congestion.

ExpressVPN is a well-known provider that offers app-based split tunneling on desktop and Android. This makes it easy to set up even if you’re new to VPNs.

URL-Based Split Tunneling

URL-based split tunneling focuses on routing specific websites through the VPN. Instead of picking apps, you choose exact web addresses that should be encrypted. This is useful when you’re accessing sensitive or geo-restricted websites, but want to keep everything else on your regular connection.

This type depends on a deep inspection of the website you’re connecting to. The VPN client checks the destination URL and applies the routing rule you’ve set. It’s a bit more detailed than app-based tunneling, but it gives you sharper control if your needs are web-specific rather than app-specific.

Proton VPN is a VPN that supports URL-based split tunneling, mostly used in business environments. It’s more advanced and usually found in enterprise-focused tools. It’s a strong choice if you’re working with a limited number of secure websites that you always want protected.

Inverse Split Tunneling

Inverse split tunneling flips the typical setup. Instead of choosing what should go through the VPN, you choose what shouldn’t. Everything else is sent through the VPN tunnel by default. This is a safer option if your goal is to protect most of your activity, but you still need a few apps or websites to use the regular internet.

This method is great for situations where you want full-time protection but don’t want your banking app or local websites to break. It also helps avoid issues with services that block VPNs, like some local news outlets or financial sites.

NordVPN supports inverse split tunneling on Android phones and Linux. You can exclude apps or IP addresses from the tunnel while the rest stays encrypted. It’s especially useful for people working remotely or accessing company networks while needing occasional access to local services.

Read our NordVPN review for more information.

Dynamic Split Tunneling

Dynamic split tunneling uses DNS-based rules to automatically decide which traffic goes through the VPN. It checks domain names in real time, instead of relying on a fixed list of apps or URLs. This makes it more flexible if your needs change often or if you’re working with many subdomains that might fall under the same rule.

The VPN client filters DNS requests and matches them against rules you’ve set. If a domain fits the criteria, it’s routed outside the tunnel, or into it, depending on how it’s configured. This type is more complex, but it gives you smarter routing without constant manual updates.

Cisco AnyConnect supports dynamic split tunneling and is widely used in business settings. It’s helpful for IT teams managing large numbers of users who need reliable access to both secure internal networks and the open internet. 

While it’s more common in enterprise tools, it’s slowly making its way into more advanced consumer VPNs as well.

Benefits of VPN Split Tunneling

There are many benefits of split tunneling. Here are some of the most notable ones.

• Improved Internet Speed: When only some apps use the VPN, the rest connect directly without encryption. This reduces lag and helps services like video calls or gaming run smoother. You get the protection you need without slowing everything down. It’s one of the main reasons people use split-tunneling VPN setups.

• Reduced VPN Server Load: Sending less traffic through the VPN means the server has fewer tasks to handle. This can improve performance and reduce the chances of lag or connection drops. It’s especially helpful if you’re on a shared or crowded VPN server. Less strain usually means better reliability.

• Selective Data Encryption: Split tunneling lets you decide what data needs encryption and what doesn’t. You can protect sensitive info like emails or work apps while leaving low-risk traffic alone. This gives you security without encrypting things unnecessarily. It also avoids issues with services that don’t work well with VPNs.

• Flexibility for Remote Workers: Remote workers often need secure access to company tools, but also need access to local services. VPN split tunneling lets them stay connected to internal systems without losing access to printers, smart home devices, or streaming. It’s a simple way to keep work and personal tasks running smoothly.

• Support for Dual Network Access: Some apps or systems need to reach both private and public networks at the same time. Split tunneling supports that by allowing certain traffic to go through the VPN while the rest uses your regular internet. This can be useful in hybrid setups where different access levels are required.

• Simplified Traffic Management: With split tunneling, your VPN client can route traffic based on what app or website you’re using. You don’t have to connect and disconnect the VPN all the time. It keeps things organized without constant manual changes. This makes VPN use feel less like a hassle.

• Customizable Security Policies: If you care about security but don’t want full VPN coverage, split tunneling gives you a middle ground. You can build simple rules that keep your most sensitive apps encrypted while everything else works like normal. This lets you choose what matters most to protect.

• Bypasses VPN Restrictions for Certain Apps or Sites: Some apps or websites block or throttle VPN traffic. Split tunneling solves this by letting those apps bypass the VPN completely. That way, services like banking apps or local content sites can load without any issues. You still get protection for everything else.

• More Control Over Application Traffic: Split tunneling VPN setups give you full control over where each app connects. If your work apps need a secure tunnel but your games don’t, you can set it that way. It’s a practical way to manage privacy without overcomplicating things. You stay in charge of how traffic flows.

• Saves Mobile Data on Limited Plans: Encrypting all your traffic can burn through mobile data fast. With split tunneling, you can choose to encrypt just the essentials. The rest connect directly, which uses less bandwidth. This can save you money and stretch your data plan longer.

• Avoids VPN Detection by Streaming Platforms: Some streaming services block access if they detect a VPN. Split tunneling lets you stream through your regular connection while keeping the VPN on for other apps. You can still protect your browsing without losing access to your favorite shows. It’s a smart way to avoid being blocked.

Risks and Challenges of Using VPN Split Tunneling

Split tunneling can make using a virtual private network more efficient, but it comes with a few trade-offs. If you’re new to VPNs, it’s important to know that split tunneling VPN features must be used with care.

If split tunneling isn’t set up correctly, sensitive data might be sent over the open internet instead of through the encrypted tunnel. This can expose login credentials, personal messages, or work files to snooping. VPN split tunneling should always be tested before it’s used daily.

Secondly, getting the setup right isn’t always simple. You need to make sure that only the right apps or sites are excluded from the VPN tunnel. A small mistake in the settings can easily cause the wrong traffic to be exposed. Some VPNs make split tunneling easier than others, but there’s still room for error.

Lastly, split-tunneling VPN setups can also break compliance rules. Some industries require all traffic to be encrypted, with no exceptions. If you’re working with sensitive data and use split tunneling without checking the rules, you could run into trouble.

Conclusion

Split tunneling offers a smart way to balance security, speed, and usability when using a VPN. It gives you the freedom to protect sensitive tasks while allowing less critical activities, like streaming or accessing local services, to run outside the VPN.

However, split tunneling isn’t something to set and forget. It requires careful setup and a good understanding of which apps or websites should bypass the VPN. Misconfigurations can lead to privacy leaks or break compliance rules. So be on the lookout for that.

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