What is Split Tunneling?

Are you tired of being restricted by location-specific content blocks? Are you concerned about your online privacy? If so, you may benefit from using a VPN. But have you heard of a term called “split tunneling”? If you’re not well-versed in cybersecurity features, you may be wondering: what is split tunneling, and how can it benefit me? In this post, we will explore split tunneling and how it can enhance your online experience.

What is Split Tunneling?

Simply put, split tunneling is a feature offered by many VPN services that allow users to divide their Internet traffic into two separate paths, also known as “tunnels.” One of these tunnels directs traffic through the VPN server, while the other bypasses the VPN and goes directly to the Internet service provider (ISP). Ultimately, this means that users can choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which ones don’t, providing more control over how their online activity is shared.

To better understand the practice of split tunneling, let’s consider an example. Imagine you are using a VPN to access restricted content at work, like a social media app or a music streaming website. However, you also want to check your bank account information or find out what the weather will be like in your area tomorrow. With split tunneling, you can configure your VPN to route your streaming and social media app traffic through the VPN server, while allowing your online banking and local weather apps to bypass the VPN and connect directly to your local ISP. This way, you can enjoy the content you want while still accessing local services both quickly and safely.

What are the Advantages of Split Tunneling?

Now that you understand what split tunneling is, you may be wondering what advantages it can offer you while you browse and stream on the Internet. When it comes to using the split tunneling feature through your VPN, here are some key advantages:

• Improved performance: When using a VPN, your online traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure VPN server. In some cases, this can occasionally result in decreased Internet speeds. Split tunneling allows you to choose which traffic goes through your VPN, allowing other traffic to bypass it. This can help improve the performance of certain apps or websites that do not require the added encryption and routing through the VPN server, resulting in faster speeds and a smoother online experience.
• Flexibility and convenience: Split tunneling gives you the flexibility to choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which ones do not. This can be especially convenient if you have specific requirements for accessing different types of content or services that may have regional restrictions. You can easily configure your VPN to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your online experience more convenient and efficient.
• Enhanced privacy: While VPNs are known to protect your online privacy by encrypting your Internet traffic, there may be times when you don’t want all of your traffic to go through the VPN. For example, you may want to access local services or devices on your home network that doesn’t require the VPN’s encryption. With split tunneling, you have the option to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which does not, giving you more complete control over your privacy.
• Cost savings: Another notable benefit of split tunneling is that it can help you save on bandwidth costs. VPNs encrypt and route your traffic through their servers, which can occasionally result in higher data usage and potential fees if you have limited bandwidth or data caps with your ISP. By using split tunneling and allowing certain traffic to bypass the VPN, you can reduce the amount of data that goes through the VPN and increase the amount you save on bandwidth costs.

It’s important to note that not all VPN services offer split tunneling. Additionally, the way split tunneling is implemented may vary from one provider to another. Some VPNs may offer split tunneling as a default feature, while others require you to manually configure it. Certain providers only offer it on certain devices or plans. It’s always a good idea to check with your VPN provider to see if they offer split tunneling and how it works with their service.

Does PrivadoVPN Offer Split Tunneling?

PrivadoVPN is proud to be a VPN provider that offers split tunneling to our customers. We understand the need to route specific traffic through your ISP while masking other traffic at the same time. Some users require the ability to access both foreign and local Internet services at the same time, which is one of the many ways where split tunneling comes in handy. This is just one of the many reasons why PrivadoVPN offers split tunneling. 

Using the split tunneling feature gives you more control and flexibility over your connection and the traffic you route through your ISP. You can manage which server to route your traffic through and what traffic actually passes through that specific server. Using split tunneling is a great way to help improve your Internet connection speeds while keeping your data protected. 

It’s important to note that any data not passed through your VPN is at risk of being monitored, tracked, and recorded by your ISP or third parties. Without the encryption of your VPN, you run the risk of exposing your personal data and Internet activity to anyone who may be observing your traffic. The best way to ensure that you are safe while using split tunneling is to pass your private information, such as login credentials and passwords, through the VPN while using the split tunneling functionality for the rest of your traffic. 

Get Reliable VPN Access with PrivadoVPN

Protecting your online activity is more important than ever before. This is why PrivadoVPN is proud to offer split tunneling, and other great VPN features, to our users who are looking for more control over their online activity. Simply open up the PrivadoVPN app and select which traffic you want to route through our secure servers, then determine which activity can be sent through your ISP. It’s never been easier to protect your online privacy.

Get started today and sign up for PrivadoVPN.