7 Best VPNs With Split Tunneling App And URL Based Options for 2026

7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options. Quick fact: split tunneling lets you route some traffic through the VPN while other traffic goes direct, giving you speed for streaming while staying secure for sensitive tasks. In this guide, I’ll break down the top VPNs that support split tunneling and URL-based routing, show you how they work, and share practical tips so you can pick the right one for your setup. Plus, I’ve included a quick starter guide, real-world usage scenarios, and a handy comparison table. If you’re curious to try one out today, you can click through to NordVPN via this link: NordVPN — upgrade your protection with split tunneling.

Introduction: a quick starter guide to 7 best vpns with split tunneling app and url based options

Quick fact: Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to choose which apps or URLs go through the VPN and which don’t, giving you better speed and flexibility.
What you’ll learn:
- Which VPNs offer robust split tunneling and URL-based rules
- How to configure per-app and per-URL routing
- Real-world use cases: streaming, work from home, secure browsing
- Pros, cons, pricing, and platform support
Formats you’ll see: short summaries, a side-by-side comparison table, step-by-step setup guides, and a FAQ section at the end
Useful URLs and Resources un clickable text:
- Apple Website – apple.com
- Artificial Intelligence Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence
- VPN Basics – vpnmentor.com
- Privacy Tools Guide – pirvacy.org
- Best VPN Reviews – techradar.com/vpn
- How Split Tunneling Works – howtogeek.com
- Streaming with a VPN – netflixculprit.org

Table of Contents

Why split tunneling matters and how URL-based routing helps

Split tunneling is a practical feature for many people. You don’t want all your traffic going through a VPN if you’re gaming or browsing local services. Conversely, you may want your banking or work traffic to take the VPN tunnel for extra security. URL-based routing adds another layer: you can specify that certain websites always use the VPN, while others bypass it.

Here are some quick stats to keep in mind:

A 2023 global VPN usage survey found that 41% of users enable split tunneling at least occasionally.
Streaming and gaming improve when non-VPN traffic is routed directly to reduce latency by up to 30-60 ms in some cases.
Per-app split tunneling is available on most major platforms, but per-URL routing is more common on desktop clients than mobile.

Top picks: 7 VPNs with split tunneling and URL-based options

1 NordVPN

Why it’s a top pick: NordVPN’s split tunneling supports per-app routing on Windows, macOS, and Android. It also offers URL-based routing on desktop apps, which makes it easy to force specific sites to go through the VPN.
Per-app support: Yes Windows, macOS, Android
URL-based routing: Yes desktop
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Number of servers: 5,000+ in 60+ countries
Speed and reliability: Solid speeds with minimal throttle on most server locations
Privacy: No-logs policy, audited, strong encryption AES-256
Pros: Easy to set up, reliable, extensive server network
Cons: UI can be busy for newcomers
Pricing: Plans starting around $11.99/mo discounts for longer commitments
Setup tip: Use per-app split tunneling for streaming apps, and set URL-based routing for sites you want always protected.

2 ExpressVPN

Why it’s a top pick: ExpressVPN offers comprehensive split tunneling options and strong per-app routing on major platforms, including intuitive mobile app support.
Per-app support: Yes
URL-based routing: Available via advanced settings on desktop
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers
Servers: 3,000+ in 90+ countries
Speed and reliability: Consistently fast—great for 4K streaming
Privacy: Independent audit, no-logs
Pros: Very fast, reliable, excellent customer support
Cons: Slightly pricier
Pricing: Around $12.95/mo with longer-term discounts
Setup tip: Combine per-app tunneling with selective URL routing for home office tasks.

3 Surfshark

Why it’s a top pick: Surfshark combines budget-friendly pricing with robust split tunneling and URL routing features, plus unlimited device support.
Per-app support: Yes
URL-based routing: Yes per-URL rules on desktop
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browser extensions
Servers: 3,200+ in 100+ countries
Speed and reliability: Strong for most activities
Privacy: No-logs, audited
Pros: Great value for money, easy setup, unlimited devices
Cons: Some servers may be slower for HD quality on peak times
Pricing: Very competitive, with multi-year plans
Setup tip: Create per-app rules for video conferencing while routing other apps through the VPN.

4 Private Internet Access PIA

Why it’s a top pick: PIA’s split tunneling is flexible and has historically offered strong customization options, including per-port and per-URL routing in some builds.
Per-app support: Yes Windows, Android
URL-based routing: Supported in advanced configurations desktop
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Servers: 35,000+ servers
Speed and reliability: Solid performance
Privacy: Mature no-logs claims with independent privacy audits
Pros: Highly customizable, affordable
Cons: UI could be intimidating for beginners
Pricing: Affordable, with monthly and yearly options
Setup tip: Experiment with per-port rules to route sensitive tools through the VPN.

5 VyprVPN

Why it’s a top pick: VyprVPN offers strong split tunneling options and hands-on controls for routing, with a focus on speed and reliability.
Per-app support: Yes desktop
URL-based routing: Available
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Servers: 700+ servers in 70+ countries
Speed and reliability: Consistent across major regions
Privacy: Proprietary Chameleon protocol for extra obfuscation
Pros: Good performance, easy to configure
Cons: Smaller global footprint than the biggest players
Pricing: Competitive, with annual plans
Setup tip: Use URL-based rules to protect login portals and banking sites.

6 Proton VPN

Why it’s a top pick: Proton VPN emphasizes security and privacy, with split tunneling features that respect privacy-focused users.
Per-app support: Yes desktop and mobile
URL-based routing: Available on desktop clients
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Servers: 1,700+ in 63 countries
Speed and reliability: Good performance, especially on secure servers
Privacy: Strong privacy stance with Swiss-based jurisdiction
Pros: Excellent privacy features, transparent governance
Cons: Not the fastest in all regions
Pricing: Free tier available; premium plans unlock more features
Setup tip: Use per-app routing for sensitive apps and keep non-critical traffic un-tunneled for speed.

7 Astrill VPN for advanced users

Why it’s a top pick: Astrill is known for powerful split tunneling capabilities and granular routing features, making it a favorite for power users in specific regions.
Per-app support: Yes
URL-based routing: Available with advanced settings
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Servers: 300+ servers
Speed and reliability: Strong in well-served regions, variable elsewhere
Privacy: Mature platform with robust controls
Pros: Highly customizable, strong routing options
Cons: Complex to set up, customer support can be hit-or-miss
Pricing: Higher-end pricing with bundles
Setup tip: Dive into advanced settings to tailor per-URL routing for critical sites.

How to choose the right VPN for split tunneling and URL-based routing

Platform compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports per-app split tunneling on your devices Windows, macOS, Android. If you use iOS, note that per-app split tunneling support can be limited on mobile.
Per-app vs per-URL routing: Decide if you need per-app routing, per-URL routing, or both. Per-URL is handy for ensuring certain sites always go through the VPN.
Server coverage and speed: For streaming or gaming, prioritize providers with fast servers in your region and low latency.
Privacy and security: Look for a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption AES-256, and independent audits if possible.
Pricing and value: Consider longer commitments for better pricing, but make sure the feature set justifies the cost.

How to configure split tunneling and URL-based routing step-by-step

Windows/macOS per-app split tunneling

Install the VPN app and sign in.
Navigate to the settings or preferences.
Find the split tunneling feature often under “Privacy,” “Network,” or “Advanced”.
Enable per-app split tunneling.
Select which apps should use the VPN and which should bypass it.
If URL-based routing is available, add sites you want to always route through the VPN.

Linux

Install the VPN client or use a desktop GUI if available.
Look for “split tunneling” or “policy-based routing” in the settings.
Configure per-application rules or per-URL rules if supported.

iOS/Android

Per-app support is common on Android; iOS may be limited.
If supported, enable per-app tunneling in the app’s settings and choose which apps use the VPN.

URL-based routing for desktop example

Open the VPN app and go to Advanced settings.
Look for “URL routing” or “URL rules.”
Add the URL patterns you want to force through the VPN e.g., banking sites, corporate portals.
Save and reconnect to apply.

Real-world use cases: practical scenarios you’ll actually use

Work from home: Route your work-related apps and banking sites through the VPN while streaming or gaming stays direct for better speed.
Smart home and streaming: Route streaming services through the VPN to access geo-restricted libraries, but keep local devices on a direct connection for low latency.
Public Wi-Fi: Always enable VPN for security, with per-app routing ensuring only sensitive apps go through the VPN.
Bypassing throttling: Route bandwidth-heavy apps via direct connection if your ISP throttles specific traffic types, while keeping essential security for sensitive apps.

Performance considerations and best practices

Server choice: If you’re streaming, pick servers geographically closer to you for lower latency.
Test speeds: Run speed tests with VPN on and off to measure the impact. Some providers minimize slowdowns with optimized tunnels.
Kill switch: Enable the VPN’s kill switch to prevent traffic leaks if the connection drops.
DNS leak protection: Ensure the service offers DNS leak protection to keep your activity private.
Update policy and software: Keep the VPN app updated to benefit from the latest routing improvements and security features.

Security tips when using split tunneling

Avoid using split tunneling for encryption-sensitive tasks unless you trust the app’s routing rules.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Consider separating work devices from personal devices to reduce risk.
Regularly review routing rules to avoid accidental exposure.

Pros and cons of split tunneling and URL-based routing

Pros:
- Improved performance for non-VPN traffic
- Flexible routing to meet different needs
- Better control over what goes through the VPN
Cons:
- Potential misconfiguration leading to leaks
- More complex setup for beginners
- Not all apps/sites work perfectly with per-URL routing

Quick comparison table high level

NordVPN: Per-app yes, URL-based yes desktop
ExpressVPN: Per-app yes, URL-based yes advanced
Surfshark: Per-app yes, URL-based yes desktop
Private Internet Access: Per-app yes, URL-based routed via advanced settings
VyprVPN: Per-app yes, URL-based yes
Proton VPN: Per-app yes, URL-based yes desktop
Astrill VPN: Per-app yes, URL-based yes advanced

Pricing snapshot approximate, varies by region and promotions

NordVPN: $11.99/mo monthly, lower with 1–2 year plans
ExpressVPN: $12.95/mo with longer-term discounts
Surfshark: Budget-friendly, often $2.49–$5.99/mo on longer plans
Private Internet Access: Affordable, varies by plan
VyprVPN: Competitive, depending on bundles
Proton VPN: Free tier available; premium plans add features
Astrill VPN: Higher tier pricing with bundles

How to test your split tunneling setup

Check for leaks: Use a site like dnsleaktest.com to verify DNS is not leaking.
Verify routing: Use apps you route through the VPN and monitor IP addresses through a service like whatismyip.com.
Test with streaming: Start a video on a site you routed through the VPN to confirm it uses the VPN path.
Test without VPN: Run the same tests with VPN off to confirm the expected direct route.

Advanced tips for power users

Combine per-app tunneling with per-URL routing for tight control over sensitive sites.
Use router-level VPNs for devices that don’t support per-app tunneling.
Create different profiles for work, home, and travel scenarios to switch quickly.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Misconfigured routing rules can lead to IP leaks. Double-check after changes.
Some websites block traffic from VPN IPs; if the site breaks, try a different server or disable VPN for that site.
Mobile devices may have limited per-app routing. Use desktop where possible for granular control.

Frequently asked questions

How does split tunneling work in practice?

Split tunneling lets you select which apps or URLs use the VPN and which bypass it. This helps you balance security and speed by keeping less sensitive traffic on the direct internet path.

Can I route only certain sites through the VPN on Windows?

Yes. Many VPNs offer URL-based routing on desktop apps, so you can specify which sites should always use the VPN tunnel.

Is per-app tunneling available on iPhone or iPad?

Some VPNs support per-app tunneling on iOS, but support is more limited than on Android or desktop. Check specific app capabilities. Github Copilot Not Working With VPN Here’s How To Fix It

Does split tunneling affect my security?

Split tunneling can expose non-tunneled traffic if misconfigured. Always review rules and enable a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Can I use split tunneling for gaming?

Absolutely. Route gaming traffic outside the VPN to reduce latency, while protecting login portals and other sensitive tasks through the VPN.

How do URL-based rules impact streaming?

If your streaming service detects VPN IPs or blocks certain VPNs, you can route streaming sites through the VPN and keep other traffic direct for faster playback.

What’s the difference between per-app and per-URL routing?

Per-app routing controls traffic for specific apps, while per-URL routing targets specific websites. Some VPNs support both, giving you the most flexibility.

Which VPNs support split tunneling on Android?

Most top VPNs offer per-app split tunneling on Android, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and others. Nordvpn extension edge guide complet pour securiser votre navigation sur microsoft edge en 2026

Do all VPNs support per-URL routing?

No. Per-URL routing is available on desktop clients for many, but not all, VPNs. If URL-based routing is essential, verify desktop capabilities first.

How can I test if split tunneling is working?

Run a speed test and a DNS leak test with the VPN on, then route a specific app or URL and re-test to confirm the traffic path changes.

Sources:

Browsec vpn extension for microsoft edge a comprehensive guide to enhanced browsing

Nordvpn wireguard configuration your ultimate guide for speed security

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