3 Best Split tunneling VPNs 2026

What is VPN split tunneling and why use it?

With a normal VPN setup, all of your device's traffic goes through the encrypted tunnel. Split tunneling changes this: you select which apps or websites should use the VPN and which can connect directly to the internet. This helps you balance privacy, performance and compatibility.

Typical examples include keeping your browser or torrent client inside the VPN, while letting streaming apps, online games or local banking apps use your regular connection. That way you keep sensitive traffic encrypted without slowing down everything else or breaking services that dislike VPN IPs.

How we looked at split tunneling VPNs

This page focuses specifically on split tunneling, not on every possible VPN feature. The three services below were selected because they offer split tunneling in a clear, practical way and combine it with solid everyday usability. Instead of speed tests or exact numbers, the comparison looks at:

• How easy it is to set up split rules for apps or websites.
• Whether you can quickly switch between full-tunnel and split-tunnel modes.
• How well split tunneling fits common scenarios like streaming, work tools and gaming.
• Overall privacy approach and reputation in the security community.

NordVPN — Strong all‑round choice with flexible routing

NordVPN combines broad feature coverage with the option to route only selected apps through the VPN tunnel on supported platforms. If you want a single VPN that can handle streaming, torrenting and day‑to‑day browsing, split tunneling helps you keep heavy or sensitive traffic encrypted while leaving the rest of your connection untouched.

A typical setup is to send your browser and torrent client through NordVPN, while leaving apps that are picky about location — such as local streaming or banking — outside the tunnel. You can switch configurations quickly, so it works well if you move between home, office and public Wi‑Fi during the week.

Surfshark — Straightforward split tunneling for everyday devices

Surfshark calls its split tunneling feature Bypasser. The idea is simple: you decide which apps or sites should bypass the VPN, or alternatively which should always use the encrypted tunnel. The interface is easy to understand, which makes Surfshark a good fit if you want split tunneling without digging through lots of technical options.

Common patterns include excluding streaming apps so they use your normal IP, while keeping browsers and work tools inside the VPN. Because Surfshark allows multiple connections, you can apply different split tunneling profiles on separate devices — for example one for work, one for media and one for travel.

Mullvad — Privacy‑first VPN with precise control

Mullvad is known for a strict privacy stance and a simple pricing model. Its apps focus on doing a smaller set of things well, including giving you fine‑grained control over what traffic goes through the VPN. If your main priority is privacy rather than extras, Mullvad is a strong candidate for split tunneling setups.

A common way to use Mullvad is to keep privacy‑sensitive apps, command‑line tools or specific browsers routed through the VPN, while leaving low‑risk services like local streaming or gaming outside. Combined with its minimal account system, this makes Mullvad appealing for users who want control with as little personal data attached as possible.

When split tunneling is useful (and when to avoid it)

Split tunneling is ideal when you need a mix of privacy and performance: streaming plus secure browsing, low‑latency gaming plus a protected chat client, or work VPN access alongside local services. However, if you want all of your traffic protected in the same way — for example on a shared travel laptop — using a full tunnel without split rules can be simpler and safer.

Whatever you choose, it is worth checking which apps are inside and outside the tunnel from time to time, especially after reinstalling clients or changing devices. Treat split tunneling as a convenience and control feature rather than a replacement for basic security hygiene.

Quick tips & split tunneling FAQ

• Decide first which apps truly need VPN protection and which only need speed or local access.
• Keep browsers, email clients and file‑sharing tools in the VPN tunnel whenever possible.
• Be careful with banking and government sites — some work better without a VPN, others prefer stable IPs.
• Review your split rules now and then so you know what is going where.