VPN split tunneling: Route traffic your way with ExpressVPN
Take control over your online activity with ExpressVPN’s split tunneling, and get both the flexibility and security you need
- Choose which apps or websites use ExpressVPN and which connect directly
- Keep sensitive data protected while boosting VPN performance
- Rely on simple setup on desktop and mobile—no tech skills required
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE FOR FIRST-TIME USERS
Why use VPN split tunneling?
Take control of your traffic with a split tunneling VPN
Have you ever noticed your printer, smart TV, or certain apps stop working when you’re connected to a VPN? Some banking apps may even show loading errors because they block VPN traffic.
Split tunneling can prevent these potential issues by letting you choose which apps and websites use the VPN, and which connect directly. That way, you can have secure connections without disrupting local device communications, slowing down your network, or losing access to essential tools.
What split tunneling does and how it helps
Balance privacy, speed, and convenience with a split tunneling VPN
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Manage traffic between the VPN and local network
A VPN with advanced features like split tunneling lets you choose which apps or traffic use the VPN and which stay on your regular internet. Many VPNs also offer an option to keep local network access enabled, so devices like printers or smart home gear remain reachable while selected apps stay protected.
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Improve app performance and bandwidth use
VPNs can sometimes slow your connection speeds because all traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel, adding processing and longer server routes. High-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, or large downloads may be affected. This is where split tunneling steps in.
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Split tunneling vs. full tunneling explained simply
Unlike full tunneling, where all traffic routes through the VPN, split tunneling creates a dual-path setup. Full tunneling provides maximum protection but can slow down high-bandwidth activities. Split tunneling balances speed and security—your way.
How to enable VPN split tunneling on ExpressVPN
Using a powerful split tunneling VPN is just three steps away
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Step1
Open ExpressVPN and go to “Profile”
Launch ExpressVPN on your device and navigate to the Profile tab.
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Step 2
Select “Split Tunneling” and choose your apps
Click Split Tunneling and select which apps or websites use or bypass the VPN*.
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Step 3
Start using the VPN
Browse with full flexibility and control.
Devices and platforms that support split tunneling
Split tunneling with ExpressVPN is available for desktop and mobile
Windows
ExpressVPN’s app for Windows 10 and 11 supports split tunneling for both apps and websites.
You can control which apps use the VPN and route specific IP addresses or subnet ranges outside the VPN. ExpressVPN also offers inverse split tunneling to protect only selected apps or traffic while others stay outside the VPN.
macOS
Split tunneling is available in the ExpressVPN app for Mac on macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later.
You can choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. Website-based routing supports specific IP addresses and subnet ranges.
Linux
Split tunneling is available in ExpressVPN's Linux app for supported 64-bit distributions.
Configure split tunneling rules for specific apps, IP addresses, or subnet ranges to control how traffic is routed. This lets you balance speed with security while keeping selected traffic protected.
Android
Available on Android 7.0 and above, ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature lets you control VPN usage per app on smartphones and tablets.
iOS
Split tunneling is available in the ExpressVPN app for iOS—a feature not usually available on iPhone VPN apps.
Choose which websites bypass the VPN through single IPv4 address exclusions while the rest of your internet traffic stays protected.
What you can expect with split tunneling
Take control of your digital footprint with a split tunneling VPN
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Faster speeds for selected apps
Keep high-demand apps performing at their best. Use your regular connection to stream movies or play Fortnite, while sensitive apps, such as banking or work tools, stay encrypted.
Speeds will vary depending on your ISP connection and the VPN server you choose.
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Route traffic based on your needs
On a video call while downloading a large file? Split tunneling lets you route your file download through the VPN while keeping your video call on your regular connection, helping maintain call quality while protecting selected traffic.
The trusted technology behind ExpressVPN’s split tunneling
What makes ExpressVPN the best VPN with split tunneling?
Lightway protocol and TrustedServer technology
Get fast, secure, and reliable performance on all your devices with ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol. It’s mobile-friendly, optimized for minimal battery use, and keeps your connection stable even when switching networks.
Our TrustedServer technology runs on RAM-only servers, ensuring your VPN traffic is never stored and stays private and protected every time you connect.
Independently audited and verified
Independent services, including KPMG and PwC, regularly audit our systems to verify compliance with our strict no-logs policy. This means ExpressVPN doesn’t keep activity logs or connection logs.
Even ExpressVPN is unable to view or retrieve this data.
24/7 live chat and 30-day money-back guarantee
Try ExpressVPN risk-free, with our 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers.
Our multilingual customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email for any troubleshooting or questions. Just reach out!
What people are saying about ExpressVPN
See why our satisfied customers use ExpressVPN
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Absolutely fantastic. It was the perfect solution for connectivity issues in a game I've been playing recently.
J B
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ExpressVPN is the perfect all around VPN service for your network security needs.
Dirt_Reynolds
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ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I've found. It shows you the fastest server you can connect to, and a list of alternate servers.
Christopher Gilmer
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#1 Best VPN 2026 & Best Gaming VPN
ExpressVPN is the best Gaming VPN right now, thanks to its impressive speeds, excellent privacy protections and expansive global network of servers.
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Editor’s Choice Award 2026
ExpressVPN’s expansive network and dedication to staying on the forefront of encryption tech earn it an award.
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#1 Best VPN for the U.S. 2026
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for the U.S. right now. It has VPN servers in every American state, excellent security, and a simple user interface.
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Rated 4.4 out of 5 -
Rated 4.7 out of 5
Frequently asked questions: Split tunneling in a VPN
What you need to know about a VPN with split tunneling
What is VPN split tunneling, and how does it work?
VPN split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. ExpressVPN keeps selected traffic encrypted while other connections stay normal, helping you balance privacy, speed, and connectivity across all devices.
What is website-based split tunneling?
Website-based split tunneling lets you choose specific websites that bypass the VPN. To set this up, you’ll need the website’s IP address, which you can find using a website-to-IP lookup tool. ExpressVPN supports IPv4, IPv6, and subnet ranges for website-based routing, depending on the device you’re using.
How does inverse split tunneling work?
While regular split tunneling allows you to pick which sites and apps bypass the VPN, inverse split tunneling lets you bypass the VPN by default. This means you can specify which sites or apps use the VPN.
On ExpressVPN desktop apps, set “All Other Apps” to bypass the VPN, then add the apps or IP addresses you want protected. This is useful when only certain traffic needs VPN protection, such as routing your browser through the VPN while leaving Spotify or gaming apps on your regular connection.
Are there any security risks with split tunneling?
Excluding traffic from your VPN means that data not routed through ExpressVPN could be visible to your ISP or third parties. Always use VPN-protected connections for sensitive activities, downloads, or personal information to maintain privacy and security.
Should I enable split tunneling?
Split tunneling can be useful if you want only certain apps or traffic to use the VPN while everything else connects normally. For example, you might protect your browser while letting video calls or local services use your regular connection. Sensitive activity should always stay VPN protected.
How do I know if split tunneling is active?
Open the ExpressVPN app and check the Split Tunneling settings to review which apps or websites are configured to use the VPN or bypass it. If your custom selections appear, then split tunneling is enabled and managing traffic as configured.
What’s the difference between full tunnel and split tunnel modes?
Full tunneling sends all traffic through the VPN. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN, while others connect directly. Inverse split tunneling protects only selected apps and sites, leaving the rest outside the VPN.
Do all VPNs offer split tunneling?
No. Split tunneling support varies between VPN providers and devices. Some VPNs route all traffic through the VPN (full tunnel) with no split tunneling controls. Even when VPNs do offer split tunneling, it’s still usually not available in their iOS VPN apps. ExpressVPN supports split tunneling across multiple platforms, including iOS.
What’s the best VPN for split tunneling?
ExpressVPN offers split tunneling across multiple platforms, including app-based, website-based, and even inverse split tunneling depending on the device. Combined with high-speed servers in 105 countries, a verified no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users, it gives you flexible control over how your VPN connection works.
Try split tunneling risk-free with ExpressVPN
First-time subscribers can try ExpressVPN risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.*
*Contact support to request a refund. Limited to first-time subscribers.
