Split Tunneling

Explanation

Split tunneling is a VPN configuration option that divides internet traffic into two streams: one routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel, and one going directly through the user's regular internet connection. This allows a user to stream a geo-restricted service through the VPN while simultaneously using local banking apps, domestic streaming services, or other traffic that should appear from the home IP address. Split tunneling reduces VPN bandwidth overhead and avoids speed penalties on traffic that does not need encryption. Most major VPN services (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark) offer app-level split tunneling — the user specifies which apps use the VPN and which bypass it. Inverse split tunneling (VPN bypass mode) routes all traffic through the VPN except specified apps.