Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which applications or traffic goes through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which connects directly to the internet.
How It Works
Without split tunneling, all your internet traffic is routed through the VPN server. With split tunneling enabled, you can selectively route traffic:
- App-based: Choose specific apps to use VPN (e.g., browser, email) while others connect directly (e.g., gaming, local network printers)
- URL-based: Route specific domains through VPN
- Inverse split tunneling: Everything goes through VPN except specified apps
When to Use It
- Working from home: VPN for work apps, direct for personal streaming
- Gaming: Direct connection for low latency gaming, VPN for browsing
- Local network access: Access printers and NAS while connected to VPN
- Bandwidth optimization: Only encrypt sensitive traffic
When NOT to Use It
- On untrusted networks (public Wi-Fi) — route everything through VPN
- When maximum privacy is required
- When your threat model requires all traffic to be encrypted
Split tunneling is available on VPN Fleet Plus plan and above.