Split Tunneling VPN Guide: Fast Setup for Nomads

Tired of laggy Zoom calls when your VPN is on? Learn how to enable split tunneling so only essential apps use the encrypted tunnel, keeping speed high and security intact. This guide walks you through the exact steps for ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark—no command line, just a few clicks.

Why Split Tunneling VPN Solves the Speed vs Security Dilemma

Most VPN apps default to full‑tunnel mode, routing every packet through a distant server. On public Wi‑Fi that feels like sprinting with a backpack full of bricks, killing video quality and upload speeds. By turning on split tunneling you choose which apps stay protected (banking, email, work tools) and which bypass the VPN for maximum bandwidth. The result is the security you need without the frustrating slowdown.

Step‑By‑Step Split Tunneling VPN Setup for Top No‑Log Services

Below is the precise process I use for the three VPNs I trust most. Grab your app, follow the clicks, and you’ll see the speed bounce back in minutes.

ExpressVPN

1. Open the ExpressVPN app on your laptop.
2. Click the Settings gear in the lower‑left corner.
3. Find the Split Tunneling toggle and turn it on.
4. Choose “Manage Connection Settings.” You’ll see a list of your installed apps.
5. Tick the boxes next to the apps you don’t want to route through the VPN – things like Chrome, Slack, or your file‑sharing client.
6. Hit Save and close the window.

When you launch those apps, they’ll use the regular internet, while anything else (like your banking site) stays encrypted. If you ever need to reverse the choice, just go back and un‑check the boxes.

Pro tip: On public Wi‑Fi, still enable split tunneling for apps that handle sensitive data. This keeps your passwords safe even when the rest of your traffic runs fast.

NordVPN

1. Launch NordVPN and click the Preferences tab.
2. Scroll down to Split Tunneling and switch it on.
3. Click Add App and browse for the program you want to exclude from the tunnel.
4. Select the app, confirm, and repeat for any other non‑essential apps.
5. Press Apply to lock in your choices.

NordVPN also lets you set split tunneling per network, which is handy if you frequently hop between cafés and coworking spaces. Just make sure the apps you keep protected are the ones that need encryption.

Surfshark

1. Open Surfshark and go to Settings → Features.
2. Find the Whitelister (Surfshark’s name for split tunneling).
3. Click Add App and pick the apps you want to run outside the VPN.
4. Confirm the list and hit Save.

Surfshark’s interface is the simplest of the three, making it a good choice if you’re new to split tunneling. It works the same on both desktop and mobile, so you can keep the same setup on your phone.

Mobile tip

If you’re on the go, the best VPN for split tunneling on mobile devices right now is Surfshark. Their iOS and Android apps both include a split‑tunneling option right in the main screen. Just tap Split Tunneling, choose the apps, and you’re good to go. This means you can stream a video on your phone while your banking app stays protected.

Test your speed

After you’ve set everything up, run a quick speed test (like speedtest.net) with the VPN on. You should see numbers close to your original connection, especially for the apps you excluded. If you notice a dip, double‑check that the right apps are whitelisted.

At [Blog Name] we always keep it simple, so here’s exactly what you need: open the app, flip the split‑tunneling switch, pick the apps, and hit save. No command‑line, no fancy network diagrams. Just a few clicks and your internet feels fast again.

Now I can keep the VPN on all day, knowing my banking, email, and work tools stay encrypted, while my video calls and file uploads run at full speed. The little tweak of split tunneling saved me from countless frustrating moments and a bunch of wasted bandwidth.

If this quick guide helped you reclaim speed without giving up security, feel free to share it with a fellow nomad who’s tired of laggy VPNs. And if you want more no‑fluff tips like this, subscribe to the newsletter at [Blog Name] – I’ll keep sending simple hacks that make the digital nomad life smoother.