Split-tunneling is an essential VPN feature. It optimizes your speeds and lets you access bank sites. But not many VPNs offer it. So we did some research to find out what the best VPN for split-tunneling is.
We also included some FAQs at the end of the list to help you better understand what split-tunneling is and how it works.
How to Use a VPN with Split-Tunneling
- Sign up for a VPN that has split-tunneling (like ExpressVPN).
- Download and install the provider’s app.
- Run the app.
- Choose which apps and/or sites bypass the VPN tunnel (or only get routed through the VPN tunnel).
- Surf the web with better speeds!
The 5 Best VPNs for Split-Tunneling
We checked 50+ providers and ran dozens of tests. Our results show that these are the five best VPNs for split-tunneling on the market:
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN for Split-Tunneling in General
ExpressVPN offers split-tunneling on their Windows, macOS, and Android app. We really like that the macOS app supports split-tunneling. Many VPNs don’t offer it on that operating system. Using split-tunneling on ExpressVPN’s app is easy too.
ExpressVPN also offers fast speeds, great security (AES-256 encryption + full leak protection), and its own proprietary protocol (Lightway) that offers fast connection times to servers. This provider has a kill switch on all platforms (except iOS) that protects you from traffic leaks.
ExpressVPN has 24/7 customer support. You can reach them over email, but live chat is available too (and is much faster). And all their plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To find out more about ExpressVPN, please read our review.
2. Surfshark – Best Multi-Device VPN for Split-Tunneling
Surfshark’s split-tunneling feature is called Whitelister. It’s only available on Windows and Android, but it has a unique perk – it lets you split-tunnel traffic to individual websites, not just apps. For example, you can make your bank’s site bypass the VPN so that it doesn’t block your connection.
And here’s another cool thing about Surfshark – it allows unlimited connections with one account! You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want. Yes, that means you can even share the subscription with your friends and family to save money.
Besides that, Surfshark offers strong encryption, good leak protection (you have to manually disable IPv6 traffic on your end, though), a kill switch, user-friendly apps, an ad blocker (CleanWeb), and fast speeds. Surfshark also has 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To read more about Surfshark, check out our review.
3. Private Internet Access – Best Server Network
PIA offers split-tunneling on its Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux apps. The Windows and Linux apps can also split-tunneling DNS traffic, meaning that apps that bypass the VPN will use your DNS server instead of the VPN’s DNS server.
One thing we really like about PIA is the server network. It’s one of the largest we have ever seen, with over 20,000 servers (and counting). It’s very easy to find a nearby server that’s not overcrowded so that you can enjoy fast speeds.
On top of that, PIA offers strong security, fast speeds, intuitive apps, a kill switch, and an ad blocker (PIA MACE). If you ever experience problems, you can contact PIA’s support team 24/7 through live chat. Also, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to read more about PIA? Check out our review.
4. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for Split-Tunneling
NordVPN has split-tunneling on Windows, Android, and Android TV (the only VPN we have seen to offer it on this platform). The feature is intuitive, so you don’t need a tutorial to use it.
NordVPN offers excellent security – AES-256 end-to-end encryption, a kill switch (both system and app-level), a powerful ad blocker (CyberSec), and really fast speeds. NordVPN can also obfuscate your traffic (hide your VPN usage) and double-encrypt your data. With NordVPN, you get 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To read more about NordVPN, please read our hands-on review.
5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Option for Android Users
CyberGhost VPN only has the split-tunneling feature on the Android app. On Windows, you can split-tunnel traffic to websites. You choose which ones bypass the VPN tunnel, which is useful for accessing bank sites.
CyberGhost VPN’s Android app has a user-friendly design. CyberGhost VPN also offers powerful encryption, leak protection, an ad blocker, a kill switch, decent speeds, and a huge server network. It also has apps for other platforms (macOS, iOS, and Linux), but they don’t offer split-tunneling.
CyberGhost VPN has 24/7 live chat support and a 45-day money-back guarantee (if you get the long-term plans).
If you’d like to read more about CyberGhost VPN, please follow this link.