VPNs remain one of the most practical tools for digital privacy, but they can also slow down certain apps or interfere with services that need a direct connection. Split tunneling solves that balance by letting users choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which traffic uses the regular internet connection.
How it works
Instead of sending every app and website through the encrypted tunnel, split tunneling creates custom rules. Some VPNs let users exclude selected apps from the tunnel, while others allow only chosen apps to use it. A few providers offer both options, giving users more flexibility across devices and networks.
This feature is especially useful for everyday tasks such as printing on a local network, using location-based services, or keeping banking and work apps running smoothly. It can also help reduce lag during bandwidth-heavy activities like video calls, streaming, or online gaming.
Why it matters
Split tunneling gives users more control over performance and privacy at the same time. It can be configured on supported VPN apps, and in some cases even at the router level. Providers such as Surfshark, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Norton VPN have added versions of the feature, though availability still varies by platform.
At the same time, the feature should be used thoughtfully. Any traffic sent outside the VPN may reveal IP-based details and reduce some of the protections a VPN normally provides. That makes split tunneling best suited for trusted networks and specific use cases where convenience and speed matter most.
As VPN tools continue to evolve, split tunneling is likely to become a standard part of more personalized and efficient digital privacy experiences.
