Split Tunneling

Control Your
Traffic Flow

Choose which apps and websites use the VPN tunnel. Get the best of both worlds—protection where you need it, speed where you want it.

Download OrbVPN

Two Powerful Modes

Choose how you want to route your traffic

Include Mode

Only selected apps use the VPN tunnel. Everything else uses your regular connection.

Best for: Gaming while browsing securely, or streaming local content while protecting other traffic.

Exclude Mode

All traffic goes through VPN except selected apps. Perfect for local services.

Best for: Banking apps that block VPNs, local network printers, or smart home devices.

Your Device

Apps & Traffic

Split Tunnel

Routes Traffic

VPN Tunnel

Protected traffic

Direct

Regular connection

Popular Use Cases

Work & Personal Split

Route work apps through VPN while personal browsing stays on your regular connection

Gaming Performance

Keep games on your direct connection for lowest latency while protecting other traffic

Local Network Access

Access local printers, NAS devices, and smart home gadgets while VPN is active

Banking Compatibility

Exclude banking apps that block VPNs while keeping everything else protected

Granular Control

App-Level Control

Choose exactly which apps use the VPN tunnel

URL-Based Rules

Set rules for specific websites or domains

IP Address Rules

Include or exclude specific IP addresses or ranges

Profile Presets

Save and switch between different split tunnel configurations

Platform Support

Windows(Full)

macOS(Full)

Android(Full)

iOS(Per-app)

Linux(Full)

FAQ

Does split tunneling reduce security?+

Traffic excluded from the VPN uses your regular connection without encryption. Only exclude apps you trust and that don't handle sensitive data. We recommend keeping browsers and email protected.

Can I use split tunneling with the kill switch?+

Yes. The kill switch only affects VPN-routed traffic. If VPN disconnects, excluded apps continue working normally while protected apps are blocked until VPN reconnects.

Why would I exclude an app from VPN?+

Some apps like banking software block VPN connections. Local network services (printers, NAS) need direct access. Gaming benefits from lower latency without VPN overhead.

Does split tunneling work on all platforms?+

App-level split tunneling works on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. iOS has some limitations due to Apple's restrictions but supports per-app VPN configuration.

Smart Traffic Routing

Get granular control over your VPN connection with split tunneling.