7 Best VPNs With Split Tunneling App And URL Based Options

7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options — that exact phrase is the quick answer: you want VPNs that let you decide which apps or URLs go through the VPN and which don’t. Here’s a concise guide to help you pick the right one, plus practical tips to set it up and maximize your privacy and performance.

Quick fact: Split tunneling lets you route some traffic through the VPN while other traffic goes directly to the internet, saving bandwidth and improving streaming or gaming performance.
In this guide you’ll find:
- A practical checklist for choosing a VPN with split tunneling
- Side-by-side comparisons of top options
- Step-by-step setup guides for app-based and URL-based split tunneling
- Real-world use cases and performance metrics
- FAQ with over 10 questions to cover common concerns

Useful URLs and Resources text, not clickable
Apple Website – apple.com, Artificial Intelligence Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence, VPN comparison site – www.vpncompare.org, Privacy.org – privacy.org, NordVPN official site – nordvpn.com, ExpressVPN official site – expressvpn.com, Surfshark official site – surfshark.com, ProtonVPN official site – protonvpn.com, PIA official site – privateinternetaccess.com, CyberGhost official site – cyberghost.com, Windscribe official site – windscribe.com

Table of Contents

What is split tunneling and why does it matter?

Split tunneling is a feature that lets you choose which apps or which destinations URLs travel through the VPN and which don’t. This is incredibly useful if you want:

To access geo-restricted content with a VPN for your streaming apps while your banking app stays direct to the bank.
To reduce VPN bandwidth usage and improve speeds for local gaming or local network services.
To prevent IP leaks from certain apps that don’t need the extra privacy.

Two main approaches exist:

App-based split tunneling: you pick specific apps that go through the VPN; everything else uses your regular internet.
URL-based split tunneling: you specify domains or URLs that should bypass the VPN or route through it, giving you granular control over traffic paths.

How we evaluated the best VPNs for split tunneling

We looked at:

Availability of app-based and URL-based split tunneling
Platform support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
Number of simultaneous connections
Speed and reliability benchmarks
Privacy policy and logging practices
Security features kill switch, DNS leak protection, encryption
User experience and setup simplicity
Price, value, and refund policy

We compared real-world tests from users and lab-style performance data, plus recent updates from each provider’s knowledge base.

Top picks overview

Below is a quick snapshot of the best options. Each entry includes what you can do with split tunneling and a note on strengths. Nordvpn background process not running on startup heres how to fix it fast

NordVPN

Split tunneling: App-based select apps and URL-based routing via custom routing and tags in some setups
Strengths: Large server network, strong privacy posture, good streaming performance, robust security features
Ideal for: People who want broad coverage and reliable performance for streaming, gaming, and privacy

ExpressVPN

Split tunneling: App-based Windows, Android and platform-level rules for some devices
Strengths: Fast speeds, broad device compatibility, solid security
Ideal for: Travelers and mixed-use households needing consistent performance

Surfshark

Split tunneling: App-based and URL-based options on supported platforms
Strengths: Very budget-friendly, strong feature set, unlimited devices
Ideal for: Families or users with many devices who want value

ProtonVPN

Split tunneling: App-based and URL-based with careful traffic routing controls
Strengths: Strong privacy focus, transparent security practices, reputable open-source roots
Ideal for: Privacy purists and users who want transparent policy details

CyberGhost

Split tunneling: App-based on desktop, some URL-based capabilities depending on setup
Strengths: User-friendly interface, good streaming performance, clear server labeling
Ideal for: Beginners who want a straightforward experience with split-tunnel options

Private Internet Access PIA

Split tunneling: App-based on major platforms, sometimes DNS-level controls
Strengths: Long-standing player in privacy space, customizable
Ideal for: Power users who want granular control

Windscribe

Split tunneling: App-based and URL-based rules on desktop and mobile
Strengths: Flexible, generous free tier, good privacy features
Ideal for: Light to moderate VPN users who want a free-leaning option

Deep dive into each option

NordVPN: robust, versatile, and privacy-conscious

App-based split tunneling: Yes. You can choose which apps route through the VPN on Windows and Android, with a straightforward interface.
URL-based routing: Available through more advanced configurations and custom rules on some platforms; the company emphasizes privacy and DNS leak protection.
Real-world performance: In testing, NordVPN consistently handles 4K streaming, VoIP, and gaming with minimal jitter on popular servers.
Security features: 256-bit AES, IKEv2/IPsec or WireGuard, kill switch, threat protection, DNS leak protection.
Price and plans: Competitive pricing with frequent promotions; includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best for: Users who want a balance of privacy, speed, and broad server access.

ExpressVPN: speed-first with solid split tunneling

App-based split tunneling: Supported on Windows and Android, with a straightforward toggle to include apps.
URL-based: More limited than app-based per device, but effective configuration for specific destinations is possible with manual routing.
Real-world performance: Excellent for streaming services and online gaming; reliable across continents.
Security features: Strong encryption, kill switch, DNS protection, audits, and a transparent privacy policy.
Price and plans: Premium pricing with a 30-day refund window.
Best for: Travelers seeking consistent performance and easy setup.

Surfshark: best value with flexible rules

App-based split tunneling: Yes, easy-to-use interface for selecting apps on major platforms.
URL-based: Available on desktop platforms, allowing per-URL routing to bypass the VPN if needed.
Real-world performance: Solid speeds, especially on nearby servers; good for streaming and general browsing.
Security features: Clean Web, MultiHop, camouflage mode, kill switch.
Price and plans: Among the most affordable options with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best for: Users who want budget-friendly, feature-rich protection with broad device support.

ProtonVPN: privacy-forward with transparent policies

App-based split tunneling: Yes, on supported platforms; you can choose apps to bypass VPN.
URL-based: Some advanced routing options exist for domain-based rules.
Real-world performance: Strong privacy defaults, respectable speed on higher-tier plans.
Security features: Strong encryption, secure core optional, audited by third parties, no-logs.
Price and plans: Free tier available with paid options; transparent pricing.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want rigorous policy transparency.

CyberGhost: beginner-friendly with clear options

App-based split tunneling: Desktop versions offer app-based control; mobile options vary.
URL-based: Support depends on platform and configuration; some users implement via manual rules.
Real-world performance: Great for streaming with optimized servers; user-friendly for newcomers.
Security features: Kill switch, DNS leak protection, audited privacy practices.
Price and plans: Regular discounts, 45-day money-back guarantee where offered.
Best for: New VPN users who want simple, guided experience without sacrificing control.

Private Internet Access PIA: customization for power users

App-based split tunneling: Yes on major platforms; highly configurable.
URL-based: Advanced routing rules available in some builds and guides.
Real-world performance: Good for everyday browsing and privacy-focused tasks; can be tuned for speed.
Security features: Strong encryption options, kill switch, DNS protection, no-logs claims.
Price and plans: Affordable with frequent promotions and solid refund terms.
Best for: Users who love to tweak settings and tailor their VPN behavior.

Windscribe: flexible, friendly, and feature-rich

App-based split tunneling: Available; you can selectively route apps.
URL-based: Robust URL-based bypass rules available on desktop and mobile.
Real-world performance: Reliable for daily use; the free tier is useful for light testing.
Security features: R.O.B.E. DNS and tracker blocking, kill switch, privacy controls.
Price and plans: Free tier with limits; affordable paid plans with generous data caps for desktops.
Best for: People who want flexible controls and a mix of free and paid options.

How to set up app-based split tunneling step-by-step

Install the VPN client and sign in.
Open the split tunneling section often under Settings, Network, or Privacy.
Choose App-Based: Enable split tunneling.
Select which apps should go through the VPN: commonly streaming apps, browsers, or software with restricted content.
Save changes and re-launch affected apps to apply the rules.
Test by checking your IP on a non-VPN app vs. a VPN-protected app to confirm routing.

Tip: Start with one or two apps to verify the behavior before broadening the rule set.

How to set up URL-based split tunneling step-by-step

Open your VPN’s settings and locate URL-based or domain-based routing.
Add domains or URLs that you want to bypass the VPN or force through it, if supported.
For bypass rules, enter domains like banking or local services you don’t want routed through the VPN.
Save and test with a browser and another app to ensure correct routing.
If you see leaks, double-check DNS settings and enable the kill switch.

Tip: Use precise domains to avoid accidentally routing sensitive sites the wrong way.

Performance and privacy: what to expect

Speed impact: VPNs always introduce some overhead, but with split tunneling you can minimize impact by routing bandwidth-heavy apps through your normal connection.
DNS leaks: Ensure DNS leak protection is enabled; it’s common for misconfigurations to leak DNS requests outside the VPN tunnel.
Kill switch: A must-have feature whenever you’re relying on selective routing.
Logging and privacy: Look for providers with clear no-logs policies and independent audits when possible.
Corporate and home use: For families and small offices, app-based split tunneling helps minimize bandwidth use and keeps sensitive tools secure.

Real-world use cases

Streaming while working: Route your streaming app through the VPN for geo-locked content, while your work tools stay on your local network.
Gaming with regional access: Use VPN for anti-lag access to remote servers, but let match data and anti-cheat services run outside the VPN.
Banking and sensitive apps: Keep banking apps outside the VPN to reduce latency and minimize potential slowdowns.

Table: Quick comparison features at a glance

VPN	App-based Split Tunneling	URL-based Routing	Platforms	Notable Pros	Notable Cons
NordVPN	Yes	Limited advanced rules	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Strong privacy, large server network	Higher price
ExpressVPN	Yes	Some manual routing	Windows, Android, macOS	Fast speeds, broad device support	Pricey
Surfshark	Yes	Yes	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Great value, unlimited devices	Occasional server variability
ProtonVPN	Yes	Yes advanced	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Privacy-forward, transparent	Slower on basic tiers
CyberGhost	Desktop: Yes	Limited	Windows, macOS	Beginner-friendly, streaming optimized	Fewer advanced options
PIA	Yes	Yes advanced	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Highly customizable	UI can feel dated
Windscribe	Yes	Yes	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Flexible, good free option	Premium plans needed for heavy use

Practical tips for choosing the right VPN for split tunneling

Start with your primary use case: streaming, gaming, or privacy. The best pick aligns with your biggest needs.
Check platform support: If you use iOS or macOS heavily, ensure the feature is available there and easy to enable.
Test performance: Take advantage of the trial or money-back guarantee to verify whether app-based and URL-based routing meet your expectations.
Review security features: Kill switch and DNS leak protection are essential if you’re routing sensitive traffic.
Look for transparent policies: Audits and clear privacy terms help you trust the provider with your data.

Common mistakes to avoid

Over-reliance on a single feature: Split tunneling helps, but it’s not a substitute for a strong overall privacy posture.
Misconfigured DNS: DNS leaks can undermine VPN privacy; always enable DNS leak protection.
Blocking critical apps by mistake: Double-check the included apps list before saving.
Ignoring platform limitations: Some providers implement split tunneling only on certain platforms; confirm availability on your devices.

Tips for troubleshooting split tunneling

If an app isn’t routing correctly, restart the app and the VPN client.
Clear DNS cache after changing routing rules.
Use a different server if streaming or gaming experiences poor performance.
Check for VPN firmware or app updates that fix routing glitches.

How to evaluate value for money

Feature set: Do you get both app-based and URL-based split tunneling?
Server network size: More servers generally mean better access and faster speeds.
Speed benchmarks: Look for real-world tests with split tunneling enabled.
Support and refunds: A solid 30- to 45-day refund window is a good safety net.

Real user feedback and data points

Users report improved performance when routing certain apps outside the VPN for local tasks.
Some readers note that app-based split tunneling is easier to manage on desktop than on mobile for certain providers.
For streaming, many readers find Surfshark and NordVPN provide smoother playback when splitting traffic.

Troubleshooting checklist for leaks or misrouting

Ensure kill switch is enabled to prevent accidental IP exposure.
Verify the correct apps or domains are included in the split tunneling rules.
Check your IP address and DNS resolution from both VPN-protected and non-protected apps.
Reboot devices after making configuration changes to ensure rules take effect.

Security considerations when using split tunneling

Split tunneling can increase exposure if apps bypass the VPN; assess each app’s risk profile.
Use trusted networks, especially on public Wi-Fi; enable additional protections like firewall rules if possible.
Keep devices updated to minimize vulnerabilities that could be exploited through misconfigured routing.

Summary of recommended setups

For streaming and general use: NordVPN or Surfshark with app-based split tunneling and clear domain-based rules.
For privacy-first users: ProtonVPN with strong no-logs policy and robust routing controls.
For budget-conscious households: Surfshark or Windscribe for a balance of features and price.
For power users who crave customization: PIA with advanced app and URL-based routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is split tunneling in a VPN?

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or URLs go through the VPN and which bypass it.

2. Can I use split tunneling on iPhones?

Yes, many VPNs offer app-based split tunneling on iOS, though features may vary by provider. T Mobile Hotspot Not Working With VPN Heres Whats Really Going On And How To Fix It

3. Is URL-based split tunneling secure?

URL-based routing can be secure if the VPN provider has strong routing controls and DNS protection; misconfigurations can cause leaks.

4. Does split tunneling affect streaming quality?

It can improve streaming by letting you route streaming traffic through the VPN while other traffic uses your local connection; results vary by server and network.

5. Can I use multiple VPNs with split tunneling at the same time?

Typically not on the same device for the same traffic path; it’s best to use a single provider per device with well-configured rules.

6. How do I test if split tunneling is working?

Test by using different apps or domains to verify whether traffic is routed through or bypassing the VPN; check IP and DNS resolution.

7. What’s more important for split tunneling: app-based or URL-based?

It depends on your use case. App-based is easier for app-level control, while URL-based gives granular control over specific domains. How to Log Everyone Out of nordvpn: Quick Guide to Reclaim Your Privacy and Control

8. Do all VPNs support split tunneling?

No, not all do. Check the provider’s feature list and knowledge base for confirmation.

9. Can split tunneling protect me from DNS leaks?

Split tunneling can complicate DNS protection if misconfigured; always enable DNS leak protection and kill switch.

10. Is split tunneling legal?

Yes, split tunneling is legal in most regions, but always comply with local laws and service terms.

11. How do I enable split tunneling on Windows?

Open the VPN app, go to Settings > Split Tunneling, and select App-Based or URL-Based rules, then configure your apps or URLs.

12. How do I enable split tunneling on Android?

Most Android VPN apps support App-Based split tunneling; look under Settings > Split Tunneling or similar, and configure apps. How to Put Surfshark VPN on Your TV Unlock Global Streaming Boost Privacy

Conclusion
7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options offer a targeted way to balance privacy, performance, and control. By choosing the right provider and configuring the rules that match your real-life usage, you can enjoy safer browsing, smoother streaming, and faster gaming without sacrificing convenience. If you’re ready to get started, check out the recommended options above and consider trying NordVPN or Surfshark with their app-based split tunneling features. For a quick jump into reliability and value, click the suggested partner link to explore plans and savings.

Sources:

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