Split Tunnel vs. Full Tunnel: Which Mode Should You Use?

VPNs protect your internet traffic by routing it through an encrypted tunnel. There are two main ways this tunneling works: full tunnel and split tunnel. Each approach has trade-offs in security and performance, and knowing the difference makes it easy to choose the right setup.

In this guide, we explain how both approaches work, outline when each is the better fit, walk through the security trade-offs, and show how to set them up using Private Internet Access.

What Is a Full Tunnel VPN?

A full tunnel VPN routes all of your device’s internet traffic through the VPN connection, without exception. Every app, website, and background service you open that connects to the internet goes through the VPN tunnel and the VPN server. 

If you configure a VPN on your router, every device on your network that connects through the router, including your Alexa or Google Assistant, will also route its traffic through the VPN tunnel as well.

Benefits of Full Tunneling

• Excellent security: All traffic is encrypted before it leaves your device, preventing hackers or other third parties from seeing or tampering with your data, especially on unsecured networks.
• Strong privacy: Your internet service provider (ISP) and local network admins can’t see your browsing activity, and websites you visit only see the VPN server’s IP, not your real one.
• Easy to manage and monitor: Routing all traffic through a single tunnel simplifies firewall rules and reduces the risk of anything slipping through unprotected, particularly in managed networks.
• Simplicity: There’s nothing to configure. Connect once, and all traffic is secured without managing exceptions or traffic rules. 

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Reduced speed: Encrypting and routing all your data through a remote VPN server adds extra steps to your connection. The encryption process uses system resources, and the longer path your traffic takes can cause noticeable slowdowns during high-bandwidth activities like streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
• Blocked local resources: You may not be able to access local devices like printers, file shares, or smart home systems while connected to the VPN since technically you’re not on the same network (unless you configure the VPN on your router).
• Service compatibility issues: Some apps and websites (like bank services) may block VPN connections. With full tunneling, you’ll need to disconnect the VPN entirely to access those services.

What Is a Split Tunnel VPN?

A split tunnel VPN allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes to the internet through your regular network connection. 

For example, you can route your browser and email through the VPN while keeping your Netflix app or smart home system outside of it. This way, you enjoy the privacy benefits of a VPN without giving up access to local content or slowing down bandwidth-heavy apps.

There are several types of split-tunneling depending on how you can split the traffic, including:

• Include-based tunneling: Only selected apps or websites use the VPN, while everything else goes through your normal internet.
• Exclude-based tunneling: This is the inverse of include-based tunneling. All traffic uses the VPN except for specific apps or sites you choose to exclude.
• App-based tunneling: You pick which apps go through the VPN and which ones don’t.
• URL/IP-based tunneling: You control VPN use based on specific websites, IP addresses, or device groups.
• Dynamic or policy-based tunneling: VPN rules automatically adjust based on app, website, or network conditions, often used in businesses.

Benefits of Split Tunnel VPN

• Improved speed and performance: By only encrypting selected traffic, split tunneling reduces processing overhead, which can result in better speeds for non-VPN activities.
• Access to local network devices: With split-tunneling, you can set your VPN to ignore local traffic, so you can still reach printers, shared folders, or smart devices on your home network while the VPN is active.
• Better compatibility: Some services, like online banking or region-locked streaming apps, block VPN IP addresses. With split tunneling, you can let those apps use your regular internet connection instead.
• Efficient bandwidth use: You can choose to encrypt only essential traffic, which helps reduce VPN server load and improves overall system performance.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Security trade-offs: Any traffic not routed through the VPN is unencrypted and exposed to your ISP, network admins, or attackers on untrusted networks.
• More setup involved: You have to decide which apps or destinations should use the VPN, and getting that balance right can take some trial and error.
• Risk of misconfiguration: If you forget to route a sensitive app through the VPN, its data will travel unprotected.

Split Tunneling vs. Full Tunneling: Key Differences

By default VPNs use full tunneling because it’s one of the best ways to protect your privacy online, but it can come with frustrating side effects. Two of the most common issues are getting wrong results for local search queries and losing access to apps that only work in certain regions. For example, if you live in the US and connect to a VPN server in the UK, you can’t stream Fubo, Hulu, and your Netflix library is all different.

Split tunneling addresses this by letting you decide what needs encryption and what doesn’t – without turning the VPN off entirely.

Full Tunnel vs. Split Tunnel VPN: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature	Full Tunnel VPN	Split Tunnel VPN
Data Encryption	Encrypts all internet traffic, including apps, services, and general web browsing.	Only selected traffic is encrypted; the rest bypasses the VPN.
Internet Access	Routes all traffic through the VPN tunnel.	VPN and direct traffic run simultaneously.
Security	Higher security since everything is routed through the VPN.	Lower overall security because some traffic goes outside the VPN tunnel.
Speed/ Performance	May be slower because all traffic is routed through the VPN.	Usually faster for non-VPN traffic (no encryption overhead).
Bandwidth Usage	Higher usage since all data passes through the VPN.	Lower usage on the VPN connection, reducing potential congestion.
User Experience	Simpler setup but can feel restrictive or slower.	More flexible, but setup may be more complex.

How to Set up Split Tunneling on PIA VPN

With just a few quick steps, you can customize your connection and fine-tune your privacy and performance.

Here’s how to set up split tunneling in the PIA desktop app:

1. Launch the PIA app on your desktop and click the gear icon to open the settings panel.

2. In the left-hand menu, select Split Tunnel. At the top of the Split Tunnel section, make sure to check the box labeled “Split Tunnel.” 

3. Once enabled, you’ll see two main options:

• Add application: Select individual apps and assign how they should behave. “Bypass VPN” means they connect directly to the internet and “Only VPN” means they always use the VPN tunnel.  

• Add IP address or subnet: Define specific IP addresses or entire networks to bypass the VPN. This is helpful when you want to access local devices like printers, shared folders, or internal business networks while staying protected online.

4. Once your rules are added, they’ll appear in a clear list that you can manage at any time. You can edit, reorder, or delete entries depending on your needs.

When to Use Full Tunnel vs. Split Tunnel: Real-World Use Cases

Not sure when to use split tunnel or full tunnel? Let’s break it down with real-life examples. These common scenarios show how each VPN mode fits into your day-to-day internet use.

Streaming Content: It Really Depends

There are situations when you need a streaming VPN, like if you’re traveling abroad and want to watch shows, movies, or live sports on your streaming accounts. In those cases, keeping a full tunnel helps avoid login or playback issues. But, if that isn’t the case, then moving your streaming apps outside the VPN tunnel is a good idea. This also helps avoid potential speed slowdowns that can happen when you’re connected to a VPN server far from your physical location.

File Sharing: Full Tunnel

For P2P file sharing, a full tunnel is the way to go. It encrypts your entire connection and keeps your real IP address hidden from other peers. Routing any part of file-sharing traffic outside the VPN increases exposure, so full tunneling offers stronger privacy and protection.

Remote Work (Corporate VPN): Split Tunnel

If you’re working remotely and need access to your company’s internal systems, a split tunnel is a practical choice. Route work-related apps through the VPN to stay connected to the office, while allowing personal browsing or video calls to use the regular connection. This keeps work traffic protected without slowing down unrelated activities.

Online Gaming: Split Tunnel

Unless you need an online gaming VPN, you’re better off with a split tunnel configuration. Games often run better without the added latency of a VPN, especially for real-time multiplayer. Allow game traffic to bypass the VPN while keeping other apps, such as browsers or chat clients, encrypted. This helps keep ping low and connections responsive.

Online Banking: Full Tunnel

For sensitive activities like online banking, shopping, or tax-related tasks, choose a full tunnel to encrypt all related traffic, hide your real IP address, and protect login sessions from interception. This added privacy layer is particularly important when using public or shared Wi-Fi networks.

Split Tunnel VPN Tips  

With split tunneling, any app or destination you exclude from the VPN connects directly. That traffic is no longer protected by your VPN, which means your real IP address and activity could be visible to your ISP or others on the network.

That said, using split tunneling safely is simple with PIA. Just follow these tips:

• Only exclude trusted apps or websites. If you’re unsure, keep it in the tunnel.
• Test your configuration using an IP address checker or other trusted tools to confirm your split tunnel rules are working as expected.
• Use HTTPS when bypassing the VPN so traffic outside the tunnel still has encryption.
• Keep your VPN and operating system updated, as security patches help prevent leaks and other vulnerabilities.

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