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How important is split tunneling and do you really need this VPN feature?
Split tunneling is one of those VPN features you’ll often see listed alongside encryption protocols and kill switches, but it’s not always obvious what it actually does.
While most VPN features focus purely on security and privacy, split tunneling is more about flexibility and control.
It allows you to choose which apps, websites or internet traffic go through your VPN connection and which use your standard internet connection. That can improve speeds, help with compatibility issues, and make some online tasks more convenient.
For many people, split tunneling is an essential tool. For others, it’s a feature they may never touch. This guide explains how it works, the pros and cons, and whether it’s something worth insisting on for your next VPN provider.
How do VPNs usually work to encrypt your data?
Normally, when you connect to a VPN, all of your internet traffic travels through a single encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server.
That means everything – from your browsing activity and streaming apps to downloads, games and background services – is routed through the VPN connection. Your real IP address is hidden, your traffic is encrypted, and anyone monitoring your network sees only scrambled data.
This is simple and secure, but it can sometimes create issues. Certain apps may work better without a VPN, with local devices like printers occasionally becoming harder to access. Plus, routing all traffic through distant servers may reduce speeds.
That’s where split tunneling comes in...
Split tunneling: what it is, how it works and when to use it
What is split tunneling?
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you decide which internet traffic uses the VPN and which traffic bypasses it.
So instead of encrypting everything on your device, you can selectively split your connection.
For example, you might send your web browser through the VPN while allowing streaming apps or online games to connect directly through your normal internet connection. Or vice versa.
Different VPN providers handle this in different ways. Some let you choose specific apps, while others allow website-based or IP-based exclusions. Providers like IPVanish include split tunneling tools within the app to make this process relatively straightforward.
How does split tunneling work?
Think of split tunneling like having two lanes on a motorway. One lane routes traffic securely through the VPN tunnel, while the other sends traffic directly to the Internet as normal.
When enabled, the VPN software checks your rules and decides which lane each app or service should use. Your sensitive browsing activity might stay protected inside the encrypted VPN tunnel, while lower-priority traffic takes the faster direct route.
This can help reduce congestion on the VPN connection while still protecting the traffic you worry about most.
When should you use split tunneling?
One of the most common uses is when it comes to using your VPN for streaming. You may want your browser traffic protected through the VPN while allowing the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer to use your normal connection for better speeds or local access.
Gamers also use split tunneling to keep gaming traffic on a direct connection, to reduce latency while securing other online activity in the background.
It can also help with banking apps, smart home devices, or local network tools that sometimes dislike VPN connections.
It's worth noting that support can vary between providers and platforms. Some VPNs only offer split tunneling on Android or Windows apps.
For example, ExpressVPN supports split tunneling on some platforms but not others, depending on the operating system and app version. While a provider like IPVanish has split tunnel functionality for users of Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV and even Apple Vision Pro.
Are there any downsides to split tunneling?
The biggest downside is that split tunneling can reduce security if used carelessly. Any traffic routed outside the VPN tunnel won’t benefit from encryption or IP masking.
That means sensitive apps accidentally excluded from the VPN could expose more data than you intend. It also adds a layer of complexity compared to simply routing everything through the VPN.
Some apps, occasionally, may not behave properly when split tunneling is enabled, particularly if they switch between VPN and non-VPN traffic often.
For most people, split tunneling works best when used selectively and with a clear understanding of which traffic should remain protected.
How to use split tunneling?
The exact setup process varies based on your VPN provider, your device and the operating system, but most VPNs make split tunneling straightforward to configure.
Often you’ll open the VPN app, head into settings, and look for a section labelled Split Tunneling, Traffic Control, or App Routing. From there, you can usually choose which apps should bypass the VPN or which apps should always use it.
With IPVanish, for example, split tunneling can be managed directly inside supported apps, allowing users to select apps that either use or avoid the VPN tunnel.
It’s worth testing your setup first, to make sure the right apps are being protected.
Do I really need split tunneling with my VPN?
Not necessarily. Many people are quite happy routing all their internet traffic through a VPN permanently.
Split tunneling becomes most useful for people who want more flexibility. That includes gamers trying to minimize lag, streamers wanting better performance or overseas content, remote workers accessing local network devices, or travellers needing some services to appear local while keeping other traffic secure.
It’s also useful for people with slower internet connections, since routing only essential traffic through the VPN can sometimes improve overall speeds.
If you prefer simplicity and maximum privacy, leaving your VPN fully enabled for everything is usually the safer option.
But if you like control and convenience, split tunneling can be a genuinely valuable feature.
