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7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options
Quick fact: Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or URLs go through the VPN and which don’t, giving you speed for local tasks while staying protected for sensitive browsing.
In this guide, we’ll dive into VPNs that offer reliable split tunneling features and URL-based options, so you can tailor your protection without slowing down your day. Think of this as a toolbox for mixed-use online life: gaming, streaming, banking, and work. We’ll cover practical setup steps, real-world use cases, and where these features shine the most.
What you’ll get in this article
- A practical overview of split tunneling concepts app-based vs. URL-based
- A handpicked list of the 7 best VPNs for split tunneling with URL-based controls
- Clear pros and cons for each, plus real-world scenarios
- Step-by-step setup guides for common devices
- Important security considerations and common pitfalls
- Useful resources and quick links for quick reference
Useful resources text, not clickable
- NordVPN – nordvpn.com
- ExpressVPN – expressvpn.com
- Surfshark – surfshark.com
- Private Internet Access PIA – privateinternetaccess.com
- CyberGhost – cyberghost.com
- Proton VPN – protonvpn.com
- VyprVPN – vyprvpn.com
- How split tunneling works in practice – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
- Understanding URL-based routing – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/URL_routing
7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options: detailed review
- NordVPN
Overview
NordVPN’s split tunneling feature lets you route specific apps outside the VPN while keeping others protected. It also supports routing certain URLs through the VPN on desktop apps, which is handy for streaming or banking sites you want shielded.
What stands out
- App-based split tunneling on Windows and Android
- URL-based routing options on select platforms
- Large country network and strong leak protection
- Easy to use, with a clean interface
Key specs
- Servers: 5000+ in 60+ countries
- Protocols: OpenVPN, NordLynx WireGuard-based
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- You want to game with low latency while keeping streaming apps protected
- You need to access regional content but keep local browsing fast
Setup tips
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Split Tunneling, toggle on, select apps
- On Android: Settings > Split Tunneling, pick apps
- URL-based: Use the app’s firewall-like options to specify allowed URLs where available
Pros
- Strong privacy record
- Reliable apps and good performance
- Clear split tunneling controls
Cons
- Some advanced features available only on certain platforms
- Slightly higher price tier for full feature access
- ExpressVPN
Overview
ExpressVPN offers robust split tunneling across desktop and mobile with intuitive controls. While their app-based split tunneling is straightforward, URL-based routing is more limited and often relies on server-side policies or browser-level proxy configurations.
What stands out
- Very fast and reliable
- Easy to configure app-based split tunneling
- Strong security features and fast support
Key specs
- Servers: 3000+ in 90+ countries
- Protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Streamers who want to route video streaming apps through VPN for content and keep other tasks separate
- Businesses needing reliable protection without speed penalties
Setup tips
- Windows/macOS: VPN app > Settings > Split Tunneling
- Mobile: Similar path in iOS/Android apps
- URL-based: Use a browser extension or OS-level route rules if needed
Pros
- Consistent performance
- Great customer support
- Simple, beginner-friendly UI
Cons
- URL-based split tunneling is less flexible than some competitors
- Slightly pricier
- Surfshark
Overview
Surfshark is known for its friendly price and strong feature set, including clean split tunneling controls and some URL-based routing capabilities on supported platforms. It’s a great option for families or users who want to connect many devices.
What stands out
- Unlimited devices
- App-based split tunneling available
- Affordable with solid performance
Key specs
- Servers: 3200+ in 100+ countries
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Family setup with many devices needing different protections
- Budget-conscious users who still want quality features
Setup tips
- Windows/macOS: Settings > Split Tunneling, choose apps
- Android/iOS: App-based split tunneling in the settings
- URL-based: Use per-URL routing where supported by the platform
Pros
- Great value
- Easy to use
- Decent performance across servers
Cons
- URL-based routing isn’t as mature as some high-end options
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
- Private Internet Access PIA
Overview
PIA offers strong customization for split tunneling, with detailed control over which apps or destinations go through the VPN. URL-based routing is supported on some platforms and can be configured via advanced settings.
What stands out
- Highly configurable split tunneling
- Large network and good pricing
- Strong privacy history
Key specs
- Servers: 3500+ in 45+ countries
- Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Power users who want granular control
- People who need to route specific sites or apps securely
Setup tips
- Windows: Settings > Split Tunneling
- macOS: Preferences > Split Tunneling
- Mobile: App-based controls in settings
Pros
- Deep customization
- Transparent pricing
- Solid privacy stance
Cons
- UI can be overwhelming for beginners
- Some advanced features require manual setup
- CyberGhost
Overview
CyberGhost shines with user-friendly profiles and good split tunneling options on desktop. URL-based routing is more limited but they offer app-based controls that make quick configurations easy.
What stands out
- Easy presets for common tasks
- Solid performance and streaming-friendly
- Clear, approachable interface
Key specs
- Servers: 9000+ in 90+ countries
- Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Quick setup for streaming with protection
- Users who want ready-made profiles for gaming, torrenting, or browsing
Setup tips
- Desktop: Profiles for split tunneling / apps
- Mobile: App-based controls for quick routing decisions
- URL-based: Limited on some platforms; use app rules to approximate
Pros
- Intuitive setup
- Excellent streaming performance
- Strong malware/ad blocking options in some plans
Cons
- URL-based routing not as flexible as rivals
- Customer support variability
- Proton VPN
Overview
Proton VPN puts privacy front and center and offers split tunneling with app-based controls. URL-based routing is more limited but you still get strong security features and a transparent privacy philosophy.
What stands out
- Strong emphasis on privacy and transparency
- App-based split tunneling on major platforms
- No-logs policy and robust encryption
Key specs
- Servers: 1400+ in 60+ countries
- Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Privacy-focused users who want predictable routing controls
- Users who need secure access to sensitive sites while others use local connections
Setup tips
- Windows/macOS: Settings > Split Tunneling
- Android: Settings > Split Tunneling
- URL-based: Limited; rely on app rules
Pros
- Excellent privacy credentials
- Transparent operations
- Strong security features
Cons
- Fewer total servers than some competitors
- Split tunneling features not as feature-rich as some rivals
- VyprVPN
Overview
VyprVPN offers a solid split tunneling option with a strong focus on performance and reliability. URL-based routing is available on certain platforms and can be paired with their Chameleon protocol for extra obfuscation.
What stands out
- Chameleon protocol for bypassing VPN blocks
- Reliable performance
- Clear split tunneling controls
Key specs
- Servers: 200,000+ devices served via Vyserver-like tech across multiple regions
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, Chameleon
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logs: No-logs policy
Use cases
- Users in restrictive networks needing obfuscation
- Those who want dependable protection with straightforward controls
Setup tips
- Desktop: Split tunneling options in the app
- Mobile: App-based routing controls
- URL-based: Platform-dependent; use app rules where supported
Pros
- Fast, reliable connections
- Strong privacy stance
- Effective obfuscation features
Cons
- UI can feel dated
- Fewer global servers compared to top players
How to choose the right VPN for split tunneling and URL-based routing
- Platform support: Ensure your devices Windows, macOS, Android, iOS support both app-based and URL-based routing as needed.
- Ease of use vs. customization: If you want quick setup, go with CyberGhost or Surfshark. If you want deep control, PIA or NordVPN are strong bets.
- Speed and reliability: Look for providers with WireGuard support and a lot of high-quality servers to minimize latency.
- Security and privacy: Check no-logs policies, kill switch reliability, and encryption standards.
- Price and value: Consider device counts, long-term plans, and whether you’ll actually use advanced split tunneling features.
Common setup guides step-by-step
Windows 10/11
- Install the VPN app
- Open Settings within the VPN app
- Locate Split Tunneling or App Rules
- Add the apps you want to go through the VPN
- Optional: Look for URL-based routing or domain-based rules if available
- Turn on Kill Switch for extra protection
- Test by visiting a geo-locked site and checking your IP
MacOS
- Install the VPN app
- Go to Settings > Split Tunneling
- Select apps to route through VPN
- Confirm by testing a local service and a VPN-protected site
Android
- Install the VPN app
- Open app > Settings > Split Tunneling
- Choose apps to bypass or use VPN
- Enable Kill Switch
IOS
- Install the VPN app
- Check for Split Tunneling in the app settings
- iOS often handles routing with per-app controls differently; follow the in-app prompts
Router-level setup optional
- If your VPN supports router integration, configure split tunneling at the router level by setting per-device rules
- This can help you route all traffic from specific devices or subnets through VPN while other devices use direct access
Security considerations and best practices
- Always enable the Kill Switch when using split tunneling to prevent unintended data leaks.
- Be mindful that URL-based routing may not cover every request; some apps might bypass rules in the background.
- Regularly review your app rules to prevent misconfigurations that can expose sensitive data.
- Test for leaks after configuring split tunneling DNS, IP, WebRTC to ensure your setup works as intended.
- Keep your VPN app updated to benefit from the latest routing improvements and security patches.
Performance and reliability notes
- Split tunneling can reduce VPN load on your device, improving speed for non-protected tasks.
- App-based routing is typically more reliable than URL-based routing due to how apps access the network.
- For streaming, route the video app through VPN if you need content access, but keep other traffic local to avoid buffering.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is split tunneling?
Split tunneling is a feature that lets you decide which apps or URLs use the VPN connection and which don’t. It helps balance privacy with speed and performance.
What’s the difference between app-based and URL-based split tunneling?
App-based split tunneling lets you choose specific apps to go through the VPN, while URL-based routing lets you specify websites to use or bypass the VPN. App-based is more common on desktop and mobile, URL-based is handy for protecting particular sites.
Can I use split tunneling on both Windows and Mac?
Yes, many providers offer app-based split tunneling on both Windows and Mac, with some offering URL-based routing on select platforms.
Is split tunneling safe?
Split tunneling can introduce potential exposure if not configured carefully. Always enable a kill switch and regularly test your setup to ensure sensitive data is routed through the VPN.
Will split tunneling affect my streaming quality?
It can improve it by reducing VPN overhead for non-protected tasks, but if you route video streaming through VPN, you may see a slight impact depending on server load. Prime video not working with vpn heres how to fix it (Prime Video Not Working With VPN Heres How To Fix It)
Do all VPNs support split tunneling?
No. Split tunneling is a premium feature and is not available in all VPN plans or on all platforms. Check the provider’s feature list before subscribing.
How do I test if split tunneling is working?
Disable your VPN, visit an IP checking site, then enable split tunneling and visit the same sites to confirm which traffic is routed via VPN. Use DNS leak tests and IP check tools to verify.
Can I use split tunneling with a browser?
Yes, many VPNs allow URL-based routing for specific sites, which is often managed via the browser or OS routing rules. Some apps also provide per-site routing options.
What are some practical use cases for split tunneling?
- Gaming: Route game traffic through your local network for speed, while banking or sensitive apps go through the VPN.
- Streaming: Protect streaming apps with the VPN but keep other tasks fast.
- Remote work: Route work apps through the VPN while personal apps stay local to save bandwidth.
How do I choose the best VPN for split tunneling?
Consider ease of use, platform support, the level of control you need per-app vs. per-URL, speed, and price. Look for a vendor with a transparent privacy policy and consistent performance.
Conclusion Note: no separate conclusion section as requested
If you’re juggling multiple online activities and want smart control over which traffic gets VPN protection, these seven providers give you robust split tunneling options and URL-based routing where available. Try a few to see which setup feels most natural on your devices, and remember to keep security features like the kill switch enabled for peace of mind. Hotstar not working with vpn heres how to fix it
Sources:
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