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Split tunneling essentially gives you more power over how your data is transmitted.
you might either choose the relatively slower, safer tunnel or the faster, not-so-safe tunnel.
To understand why encrypted tunnels are slower, you should probably know how split tunneling works in VPNs.
How Does Split Tunneling Work in VPNs?
There are no middlemen, and your connection speed is whatever your ISP provides based on your internet plan.
The VPN server encrypts the data before transmitting it further.
Since your data now needs to pass through an intermediary, it slows your connection speeds.
This is where split tunneling provides a lot of value.
Its pretty easy to set up.
For a VPN as expensive as ExpressVPN, the lack of a website-based split tunneling feature is a downside.
First, it offers split tunneling based on apps as well as websites.
App-based split tunneling is readily available on the VPNs app.
Regardless, you do have this option, unlikeNamecheap FastVPN.
Plus, it costs significantly less than ExpressVPN something to consider if youre on a budget.
Lets get some context on types of split tunneling as we talk about which option you should choose.
Inverse Split Tunneling
This is the method you should ideally use.
Think of it as whitelisting apps and websites that you want to connect directly to the internet.
App or Website-based Split Tunneling
This is the exact opposite of inverse split tunneling.
The remainder of your traffic goes through your normal internet connection unsecured.
While choosing between the above two types, it is more about being safe than sorry.
When Should You Use VPN Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is a useful feature and can provide great utility in several cases.
#2.When you want to access geo-blocked contentwithout slowing any of your other online activities down.
If youre in China, the great firewall could keep you from accessing a lot of websites.
You could use split-tunneling to access geo-blocked content while still getting good connection speeds for other activities.
#3.Accessing connection devicescan sometimes be a problem if youre connected to a VPN.
Split tunneling can help you access these devices without having to disconnect from the VPN.
#4.Set up inverse split tunnelingif you have a list of apps that you believe dont require much security.
Its a one-time setup that takes a few minutes.
Youll continue to get good connection speeds on select apps while protecting any other data transmitted from your system.
Risks of VPN Split Tunneling
Remember whats the primary job of a VPN?
It ensures user security and privacy.
Thats the number one aspect that pushed the developers to invent something like VPN technology.
And for that, it masks your IP address and DNS queries from the attackers.
In addition, everything that goes under that encryption tunnel converts data into cipher text.
But once you split that tunnel, whatever goes unencrypted becomes a sitting duck for cybercriminals.
It may include data packets exposing your real IP address and DNS requests, which reveal your web activity.
So, a part of your system behaves normally (aka unsafe), which can be compromised.
And its a whole lot worse if youre logged into a corporate connection.
Split Tunnel vs. Full Tunnel
A full tunnel is not standard VPN terminology.
As a matter of fact, this simply means the VPN is being used normally without any split tunneling.
It means everything is encrypted, and no packets are sent outside the encrypted tunnel.
Split tunneling, on the other hand, diverts some of that traffic outside the encryption.
This can be the less sensitive traffic like online games, streaming, etc.
Is Split Tunneling Safe?
Nothing is inherently unsafe about split tunneling, provided you know what youre doing.
Based on the VPN client, it may offer split tunneling based on websites and apps.
Besides, the encryption options can be different.
Or, choose specific apps to function normally while everything else is encrypted.
In the end, it depends on the specific VPN client interface.
The best way to check it is by visitingWhatIsMyIpAddresswith a split tunneled web web app.
If its working correctly, it must show two different IP addresses with split tunneling turned on and off.
Generally, its a one-click toggle to turn on split tunneling after you snag the subject websites and applications.
you might use it if your VPN allows split tunneling and the work computer permits installing that VPN software.
It doesnt have to be like Sophies choice.
Understand that split tunneling is a tool that helps you get the best of both worlds.
