---
title: "VPNs Offer Split Tunneling Feature to Balance Security and Performance"
url: https://newscentral.site/vpns-offer-split-tunneling-feature-to-balance-security-and-performance/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-10-23T11:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-24T05:39:13.067Z
id: 3ec46a72-e21a-493e-98e8-a51dca33b761
source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-best-feature-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-it/"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/vpns-offer-split-tunneling-feature-to-balance-security-and-performance/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# VPNs Offer Split Tunneling Feature to Balance Security and Performance

Users of virtual private networks (VPNs) can select which applications or websites use the protection provided by a VPN and which do not through split tunneling.

A key feature of virtual private networks (VPNs) is gaining attention among users: split tunneling. This functionality allows individuals to select which applications or websites use the protection provided by a VPN and which do not.

While VPNs offer significant security benefits, including thwarting online tracking and concealing one's location, they can also introduce speed limitations due to their nature of encrypting internet traffic. For example, gamers seeking optimal speeds may choose to exclude their games from the VPN's coverage area, ensuring faster performance.

Similarly, users who want access to local services without being hindered by a VPN's geographical obfuscation can utilize split tunneling to keep specific apps, such as those used for checking movie showtimes or purchasing tickets, outside of the VPN. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining seamless interactions with nearby devices on one's local network, like smart home gadgets and printers.

Split tunneling is available in many VPN packages, offering users a level of control that can be beneficial for balancing security with performance needs. The next section will delve into how split tunneling works within the context of VPNs, providing insight into their fundamental operation.

Split tunneling technology allows you to route specific online activities away from your virtual private network (VPN) connection, giving you more control over your internet usage.

This feature is particularly useful for situations where you want to balance security and performance. For instance, if you're banking online, it's essential to have a secure connection to protect sensitive information. However, accessing weather forecasts may not require the same level of protection.

App-based split tunneling is one common approach that allows you to choose which apps use your VPN connection while others do not. This can be particularly useful for balancing security and performance needs depending on the specific app or website in question.

URL-based split tunneling offers another option, where rules are set based on domain names rather than individual apps. This means you can keep certain websites protected by your VPN while allowing others to access the internet without encryption.

While these options provide more flexibility with your VPN connection, there are other types of tunneling available, such as route-based and policy-based tunneling, which may be less common in consumer VPN software but offer additional layers of control.

Enabling split tunneling is a relatively straightforward process that varies depending on the VPN software being used.

Most VPN programs now offer some form of split tunneling feature, particularly for users on paid tiers or those using popular apps.

This means that finding and activating the option should not be too difficult, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

For instance, in ProtonVPN for Windows, users can find the split tunneling link on the main console, alongside other features like a kill switch and port forwarding.

To customize your split tunneling experience, navigate to the settings for your chosen VPN app on your mobile device. This is usually found within the app itself, but be prepared to dig around depending on the specific service you're using.

On some devices, like iPhones, users are limited in their ability to control which apps receive VPN protection. Instead of choosing individual apps, iPhone users can opt to exclude specific websites and IP addresses from the VPN's reach.

By setting up split tunneling correctly, you can enjoy seamless VPN coverage exactly where you need it, without unnecessary interference elsewhere on your device.

---
Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-best-feature-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-it/)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/vpns-offer-split-tunneling-feature-to-balance-security-and-performance/