Split Tunneling Customization Options: How ExpressVPN Enhances Your Control
Online privacy and secure browsing have become vital concerns in 2025, and VPNs play a crucial role in protecting your digital life. But many users want more than just blanket encryption—they want control over how their data flows. This is where split tunneling comes in. Split tunneling allows you to decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones access the internet directly. ExpressVPN, a leading VPN provider, offers advanced split tunneling customization options to cater to these needs. And if you’re considering signing up, you can look for an ExpressVPN Discount Code to get started at a reduced cost while accessing all these premium features.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which internet traffic gets routed through the VPN and which traffic bypasses it. For example, you might want your banking app to use the VPN for added security while allowing your streaming service to use your regular internet connection for faster speeds. This customization is especially useful when you need to access both local and international content at the same time without having to disconnect your VPN repeatedly.
Why Is Split Tunneling Important?
Many users face the challenge of reduced internet speeds when all their traffic is routed through a VPN. Streaming videos, gaming, or downloading large files may become slower. Split tunneling solves this issue by reducing unnecessary load on the VPN tunnel. It also enables access to local devices on your network, like printers or smart home systems, without interference.
For businesses, split tunneling allows employees to connect securely to company resources while maintaining access to their local network for non-sensitive activities. This balance between security and convenience makes it one of the most sought-after VPN features in 2025.
ExpressVPN’s Split Tunneling Customization Options
ExpressVPN stands out in the VPN market because of how flexible its split tunneling settings are. Users can choose from several modes:
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All Apps Use VPN (Default) – Every piece of internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN.
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Exclude Selected Apps – Choose specific apps to bypass the VPN tunnel. This is ideal for apps that need high bandwidth or local content.
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Only Selected Apps Use VPN – Route only certain apps through the VPN while the rest use your regular connection.
These modes give you control over your browsing experience, ensuring you get both speed and security without compromises.
How to Customize Split Tunneling with ExpressVPN
Setting up split tunneling in ExpressVPN is straightforward:
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Download and install ExpressVPN – Look for an ExpressVPN Discount Code to make your subscription more affordable.
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Open the app and go to Options/Preferences – Navigate to the split tunneling settings.
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Choose your preferred mode – Either exclude certain apps or include only the ones you want to protect.
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Save and reconnect – Your settings will apply immediately, and your selected apps will follow the rules you set.
ExpressVPN supports split tunneling on major platforms like Windows, Android, and certain routers, giving users flexibility across multiple devices.
Real-Life Use Cases of Split Tunneling
Split tunneling has a wide range of practical applications:
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Streaming geo-restricted content – Watch international shows using the VPN while accessing your local news or sports without restrictions.
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Online banking – Use a secure VPN tunnel for financial transactions while keeping regular traffic, like software updates, outside the VPN for faster speeds.
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Gaming – Some gamers prefer to route only their gaming apps through the VPN to reduce lag while letting downloads use the direct connection.
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Business use – Employees working remotely can access company servers securely while still printing documents or using other local network devices.
Security Considerations for Split Tunneling
While split tunneling is convenient, it comes with potential risks. Any traffic that bypasses the VPN is not encrypted, meaning your ISP or third parties may see that activity. To minimize these risks:
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Only exclude apps that don’t require privacy protection.
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Avoid excluding browsers or communication apps when using public Wi-Fi.
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Regularly review your split tunneling settings for potential leaks.
ExpressVPN mitigates these risks by maintaining a strict no-logs policy and using advanced encryption for the traffic that does pass through its servers.
Additional Benefits of Using ExpressVPN in 2025
Aside from split tunneling, ExpressVPN offers a range of features to enhance your online experience:
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AES-256 encryption for secure communication.
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Network Lock (kill switch) to prevent leaks if your VPN connection drops.
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Proprietary Lightway protocol for faster and more reliable connections.
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Extensive server network in over 90 countries for unrestricted access.
All of these make ExpressVPN a reliable choice for users who demand both flexibility and top-notch security.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for anyone who juggles multiple online activities and wants control over their traffic. ExpressVPN’s customization options make this process seamless and user-friendly, allowing you to fine-tune your internet usage based on your priorities.
In 2025, as internet usage becomes more dynamic and bandwidth-heavy, features like split tunneling help you strike the perfect balance between speed and security. And with the availability of an ExpressVPN Discount Code, there’s no better time to invest in a VPN that puts you in control of your digital privacy.