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7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options
Yes, you’re looking for VPNs that let you decide which apps or which websites go through the VPN, and this guide covers seven top picks that offer solid split tunneling capabilities. you’ll find clear comparisons of app-based split tunneling and URL-based domain bypass where available, practical setup tips, real-world performance notes, and what to consider before you enable split tunneling. If you’re after a quick recommendation, NordVPN and Surfshark are strong starting points for most users, with Surfshark offering a standout URL-based bypass feature.
To help you decide fast, here’s what you’ll learn:
- How split tunneling works on desktop and mobile
- Which providers offer app-based vs. URL-based split tunneling and where they’re strongest
- Real-world performance data, server counts, and security features
- Best use cases: streaming, gaming, privacy, and work-from-home
- Practical setup steps and potential caveats
Useful URLs and Resources unlinked text only
Apple Website – apple.com
Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
NordVPN Official – nordvpn.com
Surfshark Official – surfshark.com
ExpressVPN Official – expressvpn.com
ProtonVPN Official – protonvpn.com
VyprVPN Official – vyprvpn.com
Private Internet Access Official – privateinternetaccess.com
Mullvad VPN Official – mullvad.net
Introduction to split tunneling and URL-based options
Split tunneling is a feature that lets you route some of your traffic through the VPN while other traffic goes directly to the internet. This can be incredibly useful if you want to access local devices on your home network, reduce overhead for non-sensitive tasks, or bypass the VPN for sites that block VPNs while still staying protected for other activities. The more common approach is app-based split tunneling—telling the VPN which apps should go through the tunnel. URL-based split tunneling, where you bypass the VPN for specific domains, is less common but increasingly available from providers that want to give you precise control.
When you’re evaluating seven top providers for split tunneling, a few questions matter:
- Do you want to pick which apps bypass the VPN, or do you want to set specific websites to bypass?
- Do you need cross-platform support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS?
- How important are speed and latency for your use case streaming, gaming, or remote work?
- What about privacy features like no-logs policies, robust encryption, and leak protection?
In this guide, you’ll see a mix of providers that excel at app-based split tunneling and, where available, domain-based URL bypass. I’ve included practical notes you can test on your own setup, plus real-world considerations like how split tunneling might affect DNS leaks or IP exposure if misconfigured.
- Surfshark
Split tunneling: Yes — Whitelister for apps and websites
URL-based split tunneling: Yes — domain-level bypass supported
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
Key strengths: Unlimited device support, strong privacy posture, affordable pricing
What you’ll use it for: If you want one solution that handles streaming and work, Surfshark’s Whitelister makes it easy to decide which apps or domains bypass the VPN.
What to know about performance and features:
- Server network: Thousands of servers worldwide, with broad coverage in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania
- Speeds: Consistently strong for 4K streaming and gaming in many regions
- Privacy: No-logs policy, MultiHop, RAM-only servers in some locations
- Extra perks: Kill switch, CleanWeb ad/m tracker blocker, obfuscated servers for VPN-detection resistance
- Price: Competitive monthly rates with generous discounts on longer plans
Best use case: You’re streaming on one device while checking local network resources on another, and you want a simple, reliable domain-level bypass for specific sites like social networks or banking sites without swapping between apps.
NordVPN
Split tunneling: Yes — app-based split tunneling
URL-based split tunneling: No domain-based bypass not natively supported
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Key strengths: Large global network, strong privacy features, reliable performance
What you’ll use it for: High-traffic users who want strict control over which apps use VPN protection.
What to know:
- Server network: Thousands of servers across numerous countries
- Speed and reliability: Excellent for streaming and secure browsing
- Privacy: Independent audits. no-logs policy. DNS and WebRTC leak protection
- Extra perks: Onion over VPN, CyberSec security feature
- Price: Mid-range with frequent deals
Best use case: Professional or heavy multi-device users who want robust, app-based control and a broad server footprint for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- NordVPN
- App-based split tunneling supported
- URL-based bypass not available natively
ExpressVPN
Key strengths: Speedy performance, broad device compatibility, trusted reputation
What you’ll use it for: Quick, reliable control of which apps use VPN, especially for those who travel or work with multiple devices.
- Server network: A large, reliable network in many countries
- Speed and reliability: Excellent for streaming and secure remote work
- Privacy: No-logs policy and trusted security posture
- Extra perks: Split tunneling can be very granular by app
- Price: Typically higher than average, but with frequent promotions
Best use case: Users who want easy-to-set-up app-based split tunneling across major desktop and mobile platforms.
- ExpressVPN
- URL-based bypass not available
ProtonVPN
Split tunneling: Yes — per-app and per-destination configurations where supported
URL-based split tunneling: Limited/Partial domain-level bypass not universally documented. varies by platform
Key strengths: Strong privacy focus, transparent operations, solid security features
What you’ll use it for: If protecting your data and privacy is a priority but you also need selective access to non-VPN sites.
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Server network: A well-curated network with strong privacy defaults
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Speed and reliability: Solid, with careful server selection
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Privacy: Strong no-logs posture and advanced encryption
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Extra perks: Secure Core advantage for additional protection on certain plans
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Price: Moderate to premium. often has inclusive features in higher tiers
Best use case: Privacy-focused users who want per-app control and, where available, per-destination split tunneling to route specific traffic more efficiently. -
URL-based bypass limited or platform-dependent
- Private Internet Access PIA
URL-based split tunneling: Limited/no official domain-based bypass
Key strengths: Large server fleet, transparent pricing, strong customization options
What you’ll use it for: Detailed traffic control on multiple devices with a flexible, feature-rich client.
- Server network: Large and widely distributed, with many locations
- Speed and reliability: Consistent for many typical tasks. may depend on server choice
- Privacy: No-logs claims and robust encryption
- Extra perks: MACE ad/tracker blocking, customizable firewall rules
- Price: Very competitive, especially on longer-term plans
Best use case: Advanced users who want granular app-based routing and extensive customization to fit corporate or home setups.
PIA
- URL-based bypass not officially supported
- VyprVPN
Split tunneling: Yes — App-based split tunneling
URL-based split tunneling: Not widely supported
Key strengths: Strong performance with the VyprVPN Chameleon protocol to bypass VPN blocks
What you’ll use it for: Reliable, secure connections where you want precise control over which apps go through the VPN.
- Server network: Solid coverage across key regions
- Speed and reliability: Consistent, especially with VyprVPN’s own TAP adapters
- Privacy: Good no-logs stance and independent audits
- Extra perks: Built-in NAT firewall, exclusive Chameleon protocol
- Price: Competitive with other premium providers
Best use case: Users who need reliable bypass protection for streaming or business apps and prefer a platform that’s easy to configure on multiple devices.
VyprVPN
- Mullvad
Split tunneling: Yes — per-app or per-port routing on desktop platforms
URL-based split tunneling: Not primarily advertised. domain-level bypass not a core feature
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS via third-party apps, Android
Key strengths: Privacy-centric, straightforward pricing flat monthly rate, strong anonymity features
What you’ll use it for: People who want strict control at a lower price point and don’t mind a slightly more hands-on setup.
- Server network: Moderately sized but carefully chosen, with strong privacy considerations
- Speed and reliability: Solid for everyday tasks. depends on server choice
- Privacy: Strong focus on anonymity and straightforward policy
- Extra perks: No-logs approach, simple pricing, transparent operations
- Price: Competitive and predictable
Best use case: Tech-savvy users who value privacy and control and don’t require broad enterprise-grade features.
Mullvad
- URL-based bypass not primarily supported
- Windscribe bonus option in some discussions
Split tunneling: Yes — app-based split tunneling. features vary by platform
URL-based split tunneling: Some domain-based bypass capabilities through WIndscribe’s settings
Key strengths: Generous free tier, solid privacy practices, user-friendly interface
What you’ll use it for: A flexible option if you want a cost-effective approach with adjustable privacy settings.
Windscribe
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App-based split tunneling available
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URL-based bypass possible in some setups or via domain rules on supported platforms
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Server network: Decent global coverage. good for testing and casual use
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Speed and reliability: Good for everyday tasks and streaming with the right server
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Privacy: Reasonable no-logs stance with optional features
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Extra perks: Built-in firewall and ad-blocking options
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Price: Free tier with paid plans that add more data and servers
Best use case: Casual users who want a balance of price, features, and flexibility, with some domain-based bypass options on compatible platforms.
How to choose the right VPN with split tunneling for you
- If you want domain-level control URL-based bypass as a core feature, Surfshark is the standout option and is worth testing first.
- If you need broad server coverage and a strong privacy story, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are solid bets, but plan for app-based split tunneling primarily.
- For value and customization, Private Internet Access and Mullvad offer robust app-based controls at competitive prices.
- For a ready-to-use experience with strong performance for streaming, ExpressVPN remains a reliable option, though domain-based bypass might be limited.
- If you want maximum flexibility on multiple devices, consider Windscribe for its mix of features and free tier to test capabilities.
Tips for setting up split tunneling
- Start small: Enable split tunneling for one or two everyday apps e.g., browser, podcast/video streaming app to see how it behaves.
- Test for DNS leaks: After setting up, run a DNS leak test to ensure your DNS requests aren’t leaking when the VPN is enabled for only certain apps.
- Consider your local network: If you rely on local network devices printer, NAS, smart home hubs, ensure those devices work without going through the VPN or set explicit exceptions.
- Check for IP exposure: When bypassing particular domains, verify that those sites aren’t inadvertently leaking IP via WebRTC or other channels.
- Use a kill switch: Enable the VPN’s kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops for any reason.
Pricing and value notes
- Surfshark and NordVPN are among the best-value options, especially if you plan to protect multiple devices or use domain-based bypass on Surfshark.
- ExpressVPN tends to be pricier but offers a consistently smooth experience across devices and platforms.
- ProtonVPN provides strong privacy and exit options, sometimes with a more conservative feature set on lower tiers.
- Mullvad and PIA are often praised for straightforward pricing and solid support for advanced user setups.
- Windscribe’s free tier provides a risk-free way to test split tunneling and domain-based options before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is split tunneling in a VPN?
Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or traffic goes through the VPN and which traffic goes directly to the internet. It’s handy when you want to access local resources without routing all traffic through the VPN, or when you want to save bandwidth for non-sensitive tasks.
How does URL-based split tunneling work?
URL-based split tunneling lets you bypass the VPN for specific websites or domains. This can be useful if a site blocks VPNs or if you want to reduce latency for certain services. Not all VPNs support this, and the feature is usually implemented as a domain-level allowlist.
Is split tunneling safe?
Split tunneling is generally safe when you configure it carefully. The main risk is accidentally bypassing the VPN for sensitive traffic, which could expose that traffic to your ISP or local network. Always use DNS leak protection and a kill switch to reduce risk.
Which platforms support split tunneling?
Most major VPNs offer split tunneling on Windows and Android, with macOS support also common. iOS support can be more limited due to platform restrictions. Always confirm current platform support in the provider’s docs.
Can split tunneling affect my streaming quality?
Yes, it can improve streaming quality if you route streaming apps through the VPN and bypass others that don’t need protection. However, misconfiguring either the app-based or domain-based rules can cause buffering or IP leaks, so test carefully. Mullvad vpn device limit everything you need to know
Do I need split tunneling for gaming?
Split tunneling can reduce latency by keeping gaming traffic outside the VPN while protecting updates or other network calls through the VPN. But every game and network path is different, so test both configurations.
How do I test for DNS leaks with split tunneling enabled?
Run a DNS leak test e.g., dnsleaktest.com with the VPN connected and with the split tunneling rules applied. If the results show the VPN’s DNS servers in the first test and your ISP’s DNS in the second, you’re likely fine. If you see ISP DNS in both, re-check your settings.
Can I use split tunneling with a free VPN?
Free VPNs often have stricter limits and fewer features, including split tunneling. If split tunneling is critical to you, a paid plan from a reputable provider typically offers better control, performance, and privacy.
How do I set up domain-based bypass on Surfshark?
In Surfshark, use the Whitelister feature to add specific apps or domains to bypass the VPN. You can specify domains or entire applications to ensure precise traffic routing.
What about risks with DNS or IP leaks when using split tunneling?
The risk exists if DNS or IP leak protection is disabled or if the split tunneling configuration is incorrect. Always enable a kill switch and DNS leak protection, and regularly test your setup with a leak test tool. Nordvpn extension edge guide complet pour securiser votre navigation sur microsoft edge en 2025
Are there any notable differences in split tunneling across providers?
Yes. Some providers emphasize app-based control, others emphasize domain-based bypass, and a few offer both to varying degrees. Performance, server network size, and privacy policies also influence which provider is best for you.
Can I switch between app-based and URL-based split tunneling later?
Most providers let you adjust split tunneling settings as your needs change. It’s common to be able to add or remove apps and domains without reinstalling the client.
Closing notes
If you’re aiming for the most flexible setup, Surfshark’s combination of app-based and domain-based split tunneling makes it a compelling starting point. For broader server access and strong privacy, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are excellent alternatives, with Mullvad and PIA offering deep customization at solid price points. Remember, the key is to test your configuration in real-world scenarios—streaming, gaming, work with remote apps—to make sure the split tunneling behaves as you expect. And don’t forget to keep security basics like a kill switch and DNS leak protection enabled, so your traffic stays protected no matter how you route it.
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