The biggest complaint about VPNs is speed loss. Split tunneling eliminates this problem by letting you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly. Stream Netflix US through VPN while your local banking app uses your regular Indian IP — simultaneously, without switching anything.

Split Tunneling Support

VPNWindowsAndroidMaciOS
NordVPNYesYesYesNo
ExpressVPNYesYesYesNo
SurfsharkYesYesNoNo
CyberGhostNoNoNoNo

How to Set Up

Download NordVPN. Go to Settings → Split Tunneling → Enable. Choose mode: include specific apps (only these use VPN) or exclude specific apps (everything except these uses VPN). Route banking through direct, streaming through VPN. Protect your system further with Bitdefender for apps running outside the VPN tunnel.

Best Split Tunneling Setups

  • Work + Personal: Corporate apps through VPN, personal browsing direct
  • Streaming + Banking: Netflix/Hotstar through VPN, UPI apps direct
  • Gaming + Downloads: Game through direct (low ping), torrent through VPN
  • Development: IDE direct, browser through VPN for testing geo features
  • Bandwidth: High-bandwidth apps direct, sensitive apps through VPN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is split tunneling?

Routing some traffic through VPN and rest directly. Best of both worlds.

Reduces speed?

No — improves it. Direct traffic has zero VPN overhead. VPN traffic stays protected.

Security risk?

Apps outside tunnel are not encrypted. Only exclude apps you trust on your network.

Per-app or per-URL?

Per-app on most VPNs. NordVPN and ExpressVPN support app-level splitting.

Related: Best VPN India | Speed Test | Security Guide

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