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7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options
Quick fact: split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN while others go direct, balancing security and speed. In this video/article, we’ll break down the best VPNs that offer split tunneling and URL-based controls, plus practical tips to get the most out of them.
- What you’ll get in this guide:
- Clear comparisons of features, speeds, and privacy
- Real-world use cases for split tunneling gaming, streaming, banking, work
- Step-by-step setup guides for desktop and mobile
- Quick tricks to combine split tunneling with firewall rules or URL-based routing
- Quick links to useful resources text only, not clickable links:
- NordVPN – nordvpn.com
- ExpressVPN – expressvpn.com
- Surfshark – surfshark.com
- Private Internet Access – privateinternetaccess.com
- VyprVPN – vyprvpn.com
- Mullvad – mullvad.net
- Proton VPN – protonvpn.com
- Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org
- Reddit – reddit.com
Why split tunneling matters
Split tunneling is a powerful feature for people who want both privacy and performance. If you’re gaming or streaming 4K while staying protected for your banking and email, split tunneling helps you route only the sensitive traffic through the VPN. URL-based split tunneling adds another layer: you can specify which websites bypass the VPN entirely, or which ones must go through the VPN. This is especially useful when your ISP throttles certain services, or you’re trying to access geo-restricted content without sacrificing speed on local sites.
What to look for when choosing a VPN with split tunneling
- Availability of split tunneling by app or by URL
- Granularity: per-app versus per-URL routing
- Platform support: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
- Speed and reliability: measured through independent tests
- Privacy and security: no-logs policies, strong encryption, DNS leak protection
- Number of simultaneous connections
- Pricing and refund windows
Top picks overview
- NordVPN
- Split tunneling by app and by URL Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Pros: strong privacy, large server network, reliable for streaming
- Cons: occasional latency on distant servers
- Best for: users needing robust security with flexible routing for apps and websites
- ExpressVPN
- App-level split tunneling and selective routing
- Pros: fastest consistently tested speeds, excellent compatibility
- Cons: pricier than some rivals
- Best for: high-speed needs, secure remote access with minimal setup
- Surfshark
- Per-app split tunneling and URL-based routing
- Pros: unlimited devices, affordable, strong privacy features
- Cons: smaller server fleet than top-tier players
- Best for: budget-conscious users who want broad coverage
- Private Internet Access PIA
- App-based split tunneling with customizable rules
- Pros: highly configurable, good value
- Cons: interface can be less intuitive
- Best for: power users who love granular control
- VyprVPN
- App-level split tunneling and domain-based routing options
- Pros: independent Chameleon protocol, solid privacy stance
- Cons: smaller network
- Best for: users who want a privacy-forward option with reliable performance
- Mullvad
- Per-app split tunneling via config or GUI
- Pros: strong privacy ethos, straightforward pricing
- Cons: not as feature-rich for beginners
- Best for: privacy-first users who prefer simplicity and transparency
- Proton VPN
- URL-based split tunneling and per-app controls
- Pros: strong security design, transparent company practices
- Cons: some advanced features require paid plans
- Best for: users who value security and open-source philosophy
In-depth comparison table at-a-glance
- Feature: Split tunneling by app, URL-based routing
- NordVPN: Yes app & URL
- ExpressVPN: Yes app
- Surfshark: Yes app & URL
- Private Internet Access: Yes app, configurable
- VyprVPN: Yes app & domain-based
- Mullvad: Yes per-app/config
- Proton VPN: Yes per-app and URL-based
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux varies by provider
- Simultaneous connections: 6–10+ varies
Deep dive: how split tunneling works in practice
- App-based split tunneling
- You choose which apps use the VPN. For example, leave your browser and email outside the VPN while your torrent client uses the VPN for privacy.
- Quick setup example: On Windows, open the VPN app, navigate to Settings → Split Tunneling, enable app-based routing, and toggle the apps you want to route through the VPN.
- URL-based split tunneling
- Some VPNs allow you to specify domains that should bypass or go through the VPN.
- Use case: access your local banking site directly while streaming geo-blocked content over the VPN.
- Combined approach
- For complex needs, run essential apps through the VPN while excluding domains you don’t want to route via VPN. This often requires a combination of app rules and custom DNS settings.
Step-by-step setup guides quick starts
- NordVPN Windows
- Install the NordVPN app and sign in
- Go to Settings → Split Tunneling
- Enable App-based split tunneling and select your list of apps
- Optional: Enable DNS leak protection and kill switch
- Test by visiting a geo-blocked site and checking your IP
- ExpressVPN Mac
- Install and sign in
- Preferences → Split Tunneling
- Check the apps that go through VPN or bypass it
- Connect to a server and run a speed test
- Surfshark Android
- Install Surfshark, sign in
- Settings → VPN → Split Tunneling
- Choose per-app routing and enable URL-based rules if available
- Confirm with a site that shows your location
Performance tips when using split tunneling
- Use regional VPN servers close to your location to reduce latency
- Turn on a kill switch to prevent leaks if the VPN connection drops
- Pair with DNS leak protection and IPv6 disablement if your setup is inconsistent
- Test speeds with and without split tunneling to understand the impact
- For streaming, route only the streaming app through VPN and leave other traffic direct for best performance
Security considerations and caveats
- Privacy still depends on the provider’s logging policy; always review the privacy policy
- URL-based routing can sometimes leak if DNS is not properly configured
- Some websites may detect and block traffic that uses VPNs, especially for streaming
- Always keep your VPN app up to date to benefit from the latest security patches
User stories and practical use cases
- Student abroad
- Use app-based split tunneling to route only your browser and mail app through VPN while keeping local services direct to avoid VPN overhead.
- URL-based rules can bypass VPN for local services you need to access without latency.
- Remote worker
- Route work-related apps through VPN for security; keep your personal apps outside for faster performance.
- Doorway rules for company dashboards, chat apps, and file storage to ensure they are always secure.
- Gamers
- Route only the game through VPN if it benefits from a region-locked server; keep voice chat and streaming outside VPN to lower ping.
Common misconceptions corrected
- “Split tunneling reduces security.” It only affects which traffic goes through the VPN; if you configure it properly, essential traffic remains protected, while non-sensitive traffic can travel more quickly.
- “All apps should be on VPN all the time.” Not always necessary. You can optimize for performance and privacy by carefully selecting which apps must be protected.
Best practices for legal and ethical use
- Only use VPNs where permitted by law and by service terms
- Avoid illegal activities; never misuse VPNs to bypass bans or commit fraud
- Respect content providers and streaming services’ policies to avoid account restrictions
Integrating with your workflow
- If you’re a content creator, use per-URL routing to protect your upload tools while streaming or editing locally
- For researchers or students, route sensitive data to VPN-enabled paths and keep other research sites direct for speed
- For families, separate profiles on a single VPN account can manage different devices with tailored split tunneling rules
Pricing and plans high level
- NordVPN: competitive pricing with frequent promotions; solid value for features
- ExpressVPN: premium pricing, excellent performance and security
- Surfshark: budget-friendly, with generous features for the price
- PIA, VyprVPN, Mullvad, Proton VPN: offer varied pricing and plans; factor in advanced features versus cost
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What is split tunneling?
Split tunneling lets you decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which traffic goes directly to the internet, based on apps or URLs.
How does app-based split tunneling differ from URL-based routing?
App-based split tunneling routes traffic from specific apps through the VPN, while URL-based routing targets specific domains or websites for VPN routing.
Can I use split tunneling on iOS?
Yes, many VPNs support split tunneling on iOS, though options may be more limited than on desktop platforms.
Will split tunneling affect my streaming quality?
If you route streaming apps through the VPN, you may experience some latency depending on server load and distance. Conversely, routing less traffic through the VPN can improve speeds for other activities.
Is split tunneling safe?
When configured correctly, split tunneling is safe. Always enable a kill switch and DNS leak protection to minimize risk. Nordvpn extension edge guide complet pour securiser votre navigation sur microsoft edge en 2026
Do all VPNs support split tunneling?
No, not all VPNs offer split tunneling. Check the feature list of each provider.
How do I set up URL-based routing?
In the VPN app, locate the split tunneling or routing section and add the domains you want to bypass or use the VPN for. Steps vary by provider.
Can I combine split tunneling with multiple devices?
Yes, most providers support multiple devices, but the exact number of simultaneous connections varies by plan.
How do I test split tunneling?
Test by visiting a site that shows your IP address before and after enabling split tunneling. Check for DNS leaks and ensure traffic is routed as intended.
What if I lose internet while on a VPN with split tunneling?
Use the VPN’s kill switch to prevent exposing your IP if the connection drops. Reconnect and verify routing rules afterward. Zscaler and vpns how secure access works beyond traditional tunnels: Exploring Zscaler for modern VPN security and beyond
Note: This article is created to help you understand and implement split tunneling and URL-based options across top VPNs. If you want to learn more or see a detailed feature comparison, check the providers’ official pages and recent independent tests for up-to-date performance data.
Remember to consider your own needs—whether you’re aiming for the strongest privacy, the best streaming experience, or a balanced mix of both—and pick the VPN that best aligns with your goals.
Sources:
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