At this point, the question isn’t whether or not you need a virtual private network (VPN). Instead, it’s what the best VPN is for your needs. Split tunneling is a useful feature that routes select traffic through a VPN while keeping other applications running outside of a virtual private network. Find out what is the best VPN for split tunneling, from what split tunneling is to why you may want it!
What is Split Tunneling and Why You Should Get a VPN With Split Tunneling
A virtual private network routes your traffic through web servers, thereby masking your IP address. VPNs have many use cases, from hiding Internet activity from snooping Internet service providers (ISPs) to unblocking geo-protected content, or torrenting anonymously.
Traditionally, a virtual private network sends all web traffic through VPN server tunnels when enabled. For example, when you toggle on a VPN, any app you use, whether a web browser or online game, will be sent through the same server. However, there may be instances in which you’d like only some applications to connect using a VPN.
Split tunneling lets you selectively route traffic through a VPN. You can designate different apps to pipe through a virtual private network server, and others to remain outside of a VPN. You may want to stream a movie on your country’s Netflix while torrenting, for instance, and split tunneling allows you to simultaneously use a VPN with programs like torrent clients while excluding other apps from connecting via a virtual private network.
For split tunneling, there’s split include and split exclude. Split include lets you include only traffic originating from a particular source like an app or website. So you can pick an app or multiple apps to route traffic through a VPN. Conversely, split exclude allows you to select apps and websites to exclude which means all web traffic except those programs will connect using your VPN.
Reasons to use a VPN with split tunneling:
- Geo-unblock select apps but not others
- Access banking services while using a VPN for other programs
- Torrenting without routing all of your machine’s traffic through VPN servers
- Remote work – use a VPN for some services while accessing your home network
Best Split Tunneling VPN Overall – Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is an exceptional VPN option, and the best VPN for split tunneling overall. PIA delivers split tunneling on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android. It includes a reliable kill switch that can shut off your Internet access if your VPN gets disconnected. You can torrent limitlessly. With over 35,000 international servers, Private Internet Access delivers plenty of options for connecting to a variety of remote servers.
Its strict no-log policy and top-notch privacy make PIA a trustworthy, safe, user-friendly, and customizable VPN. Private Internet Access lets you unblock the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. As such, it’s great for streaming fanatics. Speeds can be a bit hit or miss, although that’s an issue that plagues most VPNs.
Pros:
- Strict no-logging policy
- Anonymous torrenting
- Up to 10 simultaneous device support
- Excellent, intuitive user interface (UI)
- Split tunneling on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
- Over 35,000 servers
Cons:
- Inconsistent connection speeds
- No lifetime plan
Best VPN for Split Tunneling for Most Users – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an outstanding virtual private network for a variety of users. With over 3,000 servers in more than 160 locations spread across 94 countries, ExpressVPN lets you connect to a bevy of different servers. Boasting up to five simultaneous VPN connections, ExpressVPN features fast network speeds and a security-first approach with a no-logging policy.
With its advanced split tunneling capabilities, ExpressVPN allows you to pick and choose which apps make use of remote servers and what programs run outside of a VPN. Split tunneling with ExpressVPN is extremely comprehensive. You can toggle on this option with both of the Windows and macOS desktop apps. Uniquely, ExpressVPN offers split include and split exclude functionality for sending only traffic starting from specific apps through VPN servers, or sending all traffic except for traffic that originates in a certain app.
What’s more, ExpressVPN has a Wi-Fi router app so you can configure a whole-home VPN with split tunneling from your VPN. Unfortunately, while ExpressVPN does provide split tunneling in its Windows and macOS apps, split tunneling doesn’t work in macOS 11. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s split tunneling to bypass its VPN works on a per-app basis. Thus, some VPN clients like the Android and iOS apps don’t allow for split tunneling. Nevertheless, ExpressVPN is a great VPN for split tunneling, especially for many Windows or macOS users, and even includes split include as well as split exclude.
Pros:
- Fast – unlimited bandwidth
- Secure – best-in-class 256-bit encryption
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, game consoles, smart TVs, Linux, and more
- Logless
- Easy to use
- Split tunneling with split include and split exclude
- Lost of servers (3,000 servers in 160 locations spread over 94 countries)
Cons:
- No lifetime plan
- Some elements such as activation code login and the command line app for Linux might prove confusing
- Spit tunneling is only available on a per-app basis; doesn’t work on macOS 11
Best VPN With Split Tunneling – Surfshark
Touting over 1,000 servers spread across more than 60 countries, Surfshark is an excellent VPN with split tunneling. You can select different apps or websites to take advantage of split tunneling. Flaunting 256-bit AES encryption, an accurate killswitch, and protection from WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, Surfshark has an onus on security. Furthermore, Surfshark adheres to a no-logging policy. You can even sign up and pay using cryptocurrency for pseudo-anonymity.
Surfshark is easy to use, intuitive, and features a security-first approach. With the ability to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and a slew of other streaming services, it’s great for cord-cutters. Plus, Surfshark supports torrenting. The number of servers available in Surfshark is impressive and growing, although not quite as robust as some VPNs. Still, for a fast, privacy-centric, reliable VPN with stellar split tunneling capabilities, Surfshark is a good pick.
Pros:
- Split tunneling included on a per-app and per-URL basis
- Strict no-logging policy
- Accurate killswitch
- Safe and secure – 256-bit AES encryption, protection from WebRTC/DNS/IPv6 leaks
- Accepts cryptocurrency for pseudo-anonymity
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu
- Good connection speeds
Cons:
- Not as many servers and server locations as some other VPNs
- Split tunneling only works on Windows and Android
Best Budget Split Tunneling VPN – NordVPN
NordVPN is a solid budget-priced VPN. Despite its affordable pricing structure, NordVPN remains extremely feature-rich. It includes fantastic geo-unblocking capabilities for over 400 sites including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and others. You can safely torrent to your heart’s content too.
Using its browser extension, NordVPN does include split tunneling. However, the NordVPN browser extension is only available for Firefox and Chrome. Therefore, NordVPN’s split tunneling isn’t compatible with programs, just websites and browsers. Still, its low pricing structure, wonderful geo-unblocking and torrenting capabilities, plus a browser add-on for split tunneling, NordVPN is the best budget split tunneling VPN on the market.
Pros:
- Allows torrents
- Excellent geo-unblocking support for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Browser add-on for Chrome and Firefox allows split tunneling for websites
- Affordable pricing
- Cross-platform support – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, routers. etc.
- User-friendly
- No-logging
- Good kill switch
Cons:
- Only split tunneling for websites, not desktop apps
What is a VPN and Why do You Need?
A VPN or virtual private network sends web traffic through virtual servers in various locations. Therefore, the IP address seen is that of a VPN service rather than your local Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Re-routing your web and app traffic through a VPN provides many benefits. It lends anonymity for torrenting, provides added security from watchful ISPs, allows access to geo-protected content such as being able to stream BBC iPlayer videos outside of the UK, and a slew of other benefits
Reasons to use a VPN:
- Remain anonymous while browsing the web and using various apps
- Additional layer or encrypted protection
- Mask your IP address from snooping ISPs
- Access geo-protected content with VPN unblocking
- Torrenting anonymously
What to Look for in a VPN
When you’re picking out a VPN to fit your needs, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll want to think about different features such as split tunneling, logging, security, compatible apps, number of simultaneous users, pricing structure, unblocking, and more. At this point, the question isn’t should you subscribe to a VPN, it’s which one is right for you.
Pricing: Usually, VPNs are available at several different subscription levels. You can sign up on a month-to-month basis, annual plan, or several-year package. Typically, the longer your plan, the cheaper the subscription. For instance, pre-paying for a year of service is generally cheaper than maintaining a month-to-month subscription. Likewise, a two- or three-year subscription is often more cost-effective than a one-year deal. Alternatively, some VPNs may be purchased for a lifetime subscription.
Compatible devices: Think about what devices you want to install a VPN on. Depending on your gadgets, you might need apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. Plus, some virtual private networks may be installed on streaming boxes, game consoles, routers, and other gadgets.
Torrenting: Although VPNs are often associated with torrents, not all virtual private networks allow torrenting. If you want to utilize peer to peer (P2P) downloading, make sure to get a VPN that doesn’t limit torrenting or file sharing.
Geo-unblocking: With the ability to route your web traffic using a VPN through virtual servers in different locations, you can access geo-restricted content. But not all VPNs can geoshift in every area. Check on what services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer you want to geo-unblock and find a compatible VPN.
Number of simultaneous devices: The majority of VPNs come with restrictions on the number of devices you can use simultaneously. Consider the amount of devices like PCs, phones, tablets, and routers you want to install a VPN on and select a VPN accordingly. In the event that you need more slots, you can usually upgrade for a fee.
No-logging: Because VPNs provide an added level of security, it’s easy to feel safe with a VPN enabled. However, network information is still passed back and forth between servers. Look for a VPN that has a strict no-logging policy.
Third-party security audits: While most VPNs advertise safety features, the only way to be sure is through a third-party security audit. Seek out a VPN with third-party security audits for additional peace of mind.
Security features: Think about what security amenities you need. 256-bit AES protection, WebRTC/IPv6/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch are all great.
Speed: All VPNs down throttle your Internet somewhat by nature of re-routing your web traffic through servers. But some VPNs offer faster speeds than others.
Split tunneling: A virtual private network works by sending your traffic first through one of its remote servers, then connecting to a web service, which makes it look like you’re accessing a website or application from a different geographical location. By default, the majority of VPNs send all of your traffic through a selected server. But with split tunneling, you can designate certain apps and websites to either include or exclude to selectively bypass a VPN.
What to look for in a VPN:
- Price – VPN cost (monthly, yearly, lifetime plans)
- Compatible devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, game consoles, Kodi, etc.)
- Dedicated servers for torrenting, streaming, etc.
- Number of devices you can enable
- Log-less
- Speed
- Split-tunneling
- Security audits
Best Split Tunneling VPN Options – Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there are loads of VPNs on the market that offer split tunneling. PIA is the best overall VPN for split tunneling with amazing cross-platform support. ExpressVPN can split include and split exclude on Windows and macOS, making it the best VPN with split tunneling for many users. Surshark’s Windows and Android split tunneling capabilities make it a good split tunneling VPN, while NordVPN is a fantastic cheap VPN with split tunneling.
Your turn: Which VPNs for split tunneling do YOU recommend?
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