---
title: "What Is Split Tunneling? VPN Split Tunneling Explained | vpnrank.io"
description: "Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or sites use the VPN tunnel and which use your normal connection. How it works, app-based vs URL-based vs inverse split tunneling, and when to use it."
url: https://vpnrank.io/glossary/split-tunneling
language: en
---

[VPN Glossary](https://vpnrank.io/glossary)

# What Is Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that routes only some of your traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while the rest uses your regular internet connection. You choose the split — by app, by website, or by IP range. It solves the everyday conflict of needing a VPN for some things (streaming a home-country service, privacy) while needing your real location or full speed for others (local services, banking, printers).

## How it works

The VPN client inserts routing rules into your device's network stack: traffic matching your rules (a specific app, domain, or destination) is directed into the tunnel; everything else bypasses it. The split is enforced locally on your device — the two streams never mix.

Three common modes: app-based (route [Netflix](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/netflix) through the VPN, everything else outside — or vice versa), URL/domain-based (only certain sites through the tunnel, typically via browser extension), and inverse split tunneling (everything through the VPN except chosen exceptions — the safer default).

## Real-world uses

Typical traveler setup: route your streaming and banking apps through a home-country VPN server while letting Google Maps, food delivery, and ride-hailing apps use the local connection so they show your actual location. Typical home setup: send [torrent](https://vpnrank.io/blog/is-it-safe-to-torrent-with-a-vpn) clients through the VPN with a [kill switch](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/kill-switch) while gaming traffic runs direct for lowest ping.

The trade-off is reduced protection surface: anything outside the tunnel is exposed exactly as if you had no VPN. Security-critical users (restrictive countries, sensitive work) should avoid split tunneling entirely — one misrouted app can leak what the VPN was meant to hide.

## Platform support

Split tunneling support varies more than most VPN features: [Android](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/android) supports per-app splits natively and nearly every VPN app exposes it. Windows support is widespread. On [macOS](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/mac) and iOS, Apple's network architecture limits app-based splitting, so providers offer it partially or not at all — check the current state per provider before relying on it.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is split tunneling safe?

It's a deliberate trade-off: traffic outside the tunnel has no VPN protection. Safe for convenience uses (local apps while traveling); unsafe as a default for users whose threat model involves real adversaries or restrictive networks.

Does split tunneling improve speed?

For the traffic you exclude from the VPN, yes — it runs at full line speed with no encryption overhead or extra hop. This is the standard fix for keeping game ping low while a VPN runs.

Can I split-tunnel on iPhone?

Only in limited forms. iOS doesn't allow third-party apps to do true per-app routing; some providers offer domain-based splitting or Safari-level controls instead. Android is the platform with full per-app split tunneling.

Which VPNs have the best split tunneling?

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark all offer mature per-app split tunneling on Windows and Android, with inverse mode available. macOS/iOS support is partial across the whole industry due to OS restrictions.

## Related Terms

[VPN](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/vpn) [VPN Kill Switch](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/kill-switch) [WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/wireguard)

## Related Guides

[Best VPN for Travel](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel) [Best VPN for Gaming](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/gaming) [Best VPN for Multiple Devices](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/multiple-devices)

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