Split Tunneling 101: How to Route Traffic with a VPN (2025)

Ever feel like your VPN slows down your entire internet connection when you only need it for specific apps? Split tunneling solves this by letting you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which uses your regular connection. Whether you're banking securely while streaming region-locked content or gaming without lag, mastering split tunneling in 2025 gives you both speed and privacy—without compromise. Here’s how to take control.

What Is Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows you to route some of your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel while letting other traffic access the internet directly. Instead of forcing all your data through the VPN (which can slow things down), you decide which apps or websites get the privacy boost.

How Split Tunneling Works

When you enable split tunneling, your VPN client acts like a traffic cop:

• Included apps: Traffic goes through the VPN (e.g., banking, torrenting).
• Excluded apps: Traffic bypasses the VPN (e.g., Netflix, gaming).

This selective routing optimizes speed for latency-sensitive tasks while keeping sensitive activities secure.

Why Use Split Tunneling in 2025?

As internet usage grows more complex, split tunneling becomes essential for:

• Speed: Avoid VPN bottlenecks for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming.
• Local access: Use smart home devices or printers that require your real IP.
• Compliance:
  Some workplaces or schools block VPN traffic entirely.

Split Tunneling vs. Full VPN

How to Set Up Split Tunneling

Most premium VPNs offer split tunneling, but the steps vary slightly. Here’s a general guide:

1. Open your VPN app and navigate to Settings.
2. Look for Split Tunneling (sometimes called “Per-App VPN”).
3. Choose apps to include/exclude from the VPN tunnel.
4. Save settings and reconnect if required.

Top VPNs with Split Tunneling in 2025

For reliable split tunneling, consider these providers:

• NordVPN: User-friendly apps with granular controls.
• ExpressVPN:
  Low-latency servers ideal for streaming.
• Private Internet Access:
  Advanced customization for power users.

Split Tunneling Risks to Avoid

While powerful, split tunneling requires caution:

• DNS leaks: Ensure your VPN has leak protection (more on privacy risks).
• Misconfigured apps: Accidentally exposing sensitive traffic (e.g., forgetting to route your browser through the VPN).
• VPN trust: Only use providers with a strict no-logs policy.

Optimizing Split Tunneling for Common Tasks

For Streaming

Route only your streaming app (e.g., Disney+) through a VPN server in the desired country while keeping other traffic local. This avoids triggering VPN detection systems.

For Gaming

Exclude your game client to reduce ping but include voice chat apps like Discord for privacy.

For Work

Route work tools (Slack, email) through the VPN but keep personal browsing direct to prevent company tracking.

Ready to take control of your internet traffic? NordVPN’s split tunneling makes it easy to balance speed and security—perfect for 2025’s hybrid workflows. For more privacy tips, explore our guides or compare top VPNs this month.