Split tunneling is one of the most useful — yet often misunderstood — features in VPN technology. If you’ve ever wanted to route only part of your internet traffic through a VPN while letting other apps connect as usual, this feature is exactly what you need.
In this guide, we’ll explain how split tunneling works, explore its benefits, and highlight the best VPNs that support it.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Rather than routing all internet activity through your VPN, split tunneling allows you to decide which apps or websites use the secure connection — and which ones bypass it entirely.
Normally, a VPN encrypts and reroutes all traffic through its servers. With split tunneling, however, you can:
- 🔀 Route specific apps or sites through the VPN
- 🌐 Let everything else use your local internet connection
Example: You might want your torrenting software protected by the VPN, while allowing Netflix or online banking to work through your normal connection for better speed or compatibility.
Benefits of Split Tunneling
There are several practical advantages to using split tunneling:
✅ Improved Internet Speeds
Excluding non-sensitive apps from the VPN reduces data encryption and routing overhead. As a result, you may experience noticeably faster performance.
✅ Access to Local Services
Certain websites — such as online banks or local video platforms — may block VPN traffic. With split tunneling, you can access these services using your real IP without disconnecting from the VPN.
✅ Smart Privacy Management
Not all apps require encrypted traffic. Split tunneling lets you decide which activities need protection, giving you more control over your privacy settings.
When to Use Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is especially useful in the following situations:
- 🎬 Watching local streaming content while your VPN secures downloads or sensitive work tools
- 🏦 Using banking or government sites that may restrict access from foreign IP addresses
- 🖨 Connecting to local devices, such as printers or file-sharing servers, that need to detect your local IP
- ⚙️ Prioritizing speed for certain apps or services that don’t require encryption
By using this feature strategically, you can optimize your online experience without sacrificing privacy where it matters most.
Top VPNs That Support Split Tunneling
It’s important to note that not every VPN includes this feature. Among those that do, only a few deliver a user-friendly and secure implementation.
🔐 NordVPN – Advanced Control and Flexibility
NordVPN offers a well-designed split tunneling feature on Windows and Android, letting you decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This allows you to tailor your experience without compromising security.
Why We Recommend It:
- Choose which apps use the VPN (app-based control)
- Strong AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection
- Additional tools like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitoring
- No-logs policy verified by independent audits
🛡️ OysterVPN – Simpler, Affordable Security
For users looking for a lightweight and cost-effective option, OysterVPN provides a clean interface and easy-to-use split tunneling functionality. It’s ideal for casual users who want core VPN protection with added control.
Key Features:
- Supports split tunneling on key platforms
- No-logs policy with standard AES-256 encryption
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Great for protecting home users and travelers alike
👉 See the full OysterVPN review
How to Use Split Tunneling (Step-by-Step)
Although the setup process varies between providers, it typically involves:
- Opening your VPN application
- Navigating to Settings or Advanced Options
- Selecting Split Tunneling
- Choosing which apps or websites should (or shouldn’t) use the VPN
- Saving the configuration and reconnecting
Before relying on split tunneling, it’s a good idea to test the setup and confirm your apps are routing traffic as intended.
Final Thoughts
Split tunneling is a game-changer for users who want both privacy and performance. Whether you’re accessing region-specific content, streaming locally, or simply trying to avoid VPN-related slowdowns, this feature offers flexibility without sacrificing protection.
For the best experience with split tunneling, we recommend:
- 💼 NordVPN for power users and advanced security seekers
- 🧩 OysterVPN for budget-conscious users who want reliable performance
Looking for more tips and reviews?
👉 Visit VPNReviewCompass.com — your trusted source for expert VPN insights and comparisons.