A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives you a ninja’s mask. It acts like a secret tunnel for your internet connection and then wraps your data in an invisibility cloak to ward off prying eyes while protecting your true identity. But not all VPNs are the same; they handle your internet traffic differently.
Some VPNs feature split tunneling, while others use full tunneling. What do these terms mean? Which is better for you?
What Is Split Tunnel VPN?
A VPN keeps all your data encrypted, and every bit of it has to pass through the VPN tunnel. You might experience really slow internet speeds. That’s where a split tunnel VPN comes in.
Split tunnel VPN breaks your internet traffic into two streams, one passing via the VPN and the other going directly to the internet. You have more control over your online activity this way, and your network speed and performance are well-optimized.
For example, you can use split tunnel VPN to:
- Download large files or torrents with a VPN connection while using VoIP services like Skype or Zoom with your normal internet speed.
- Use online banking or other sensitive websites with your real IP address while protecting your other online activities with VPN encryption.
- Access geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix or Hulu while browsing local websites with your regular IP address.
How does a split tunnel VPN work? The client is responsible for routing traffic when you open an app or a website. It checks your VPN settings and decides whether to use the VPN server or the internet. If you have configured the app or website to use the VPN, the client will encrypt your data and send it to the VPN server. Otherwise, the client connects your traffic directly to the internet without encryption.
Some popular VPN providers that offer split tunneling features include NordVPN and ExpressVPN, both of which offer discounts on plans.
Why Should You Use Split Tunnel VPN?
Split tunnel VPN has several advantages which might tempt you into using a service with this option.
- Faster speed: Using your regular internet connection for some apps or websites can avoid bandwidth and latency issues that sometimes affect VPNs. Split tunnel VPN can improve your browsing experience and reduce buffering or lagging.
- Less data usage: You can save data on your VPN plan using your regular internet connection for some apps or websites. This can be useful if you have a limited data allowance or pay per gigabyte.
- More flexibility: You can tailor your online activity to your specific needs and interests by selecting which applications or websites use the VPN. You can also switch between VPN servers for various reasons without interfering with your other traffic.
- Better compatibility: You can prevent potential conflicts or issues with some services that do not perform well with VPNs by using your regular internet connection for select apps or websites. For example, some online banking or gaming platforms might block or flag VPN users as suspicious.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Split Tunnel VPN
While split tunneling may seem useful to give you more control and flexibility over your internet traffic, it also comes with disadvantages and risks that may outweigh its benefits. For instance, with split tunneling, you expose part of your internet traffic to potential threats such as hackers, ISPs, and government agencies. They can monitor, intercept, or manipulate your data without encryption or protection from the VPN, resulting in data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
Similarly, when you use split tunneling, you reveal part of your IP address and location to the websites and apps you access without the VPN. They can monitor your digital activities, interests, and patterns across various platforms and devices. Moreover, they can sell your personal data to third-party advertisers, marketers, or data brokers.
Split tunneling further increases your device's and network's complexity and workload. You have to manage two different connections simultaneously, which can cause conflicts, errors, or slowdowns. You also often need to switch between different apps or websites depending on whether they require the VPN or not, which may be time-consuming and laborious.
What Is Full Tunnel VPN?
In stark contrast to a split-tunnel VPN, a full-tunnel VPN takes a comprehensive approach by routing all traffic through the VPN tunnel, leaving no room for selective routing decisions. It's like driving on a highway without exits or detours—you're committed to a single lane.
Instead of a reroute, a full tunnel VPN routes all internet traffic from the device through the VPN, regardless of the source or destination.
The VPN encrypts the data and securely transmits it to its server. The VPN server then acts as an intermediary, accessing the internet on behalf of the device. All data sent and received by the device passes through the secure VPN tunnel.
This means that regardless of the destination or type of traffic, such as web browsing, email, or file transfers, it is encrypted and sent through a single VPN server.
Why Should You Use Full Tunnel VPN?
Routing all traffic through the VPN ensures that your online communications are encrypted and protected from potential eavesdropping or interception.
- Heightened security: Full tunneling ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and securely routed through the VPN. This provides a robust layer of protection that safeguards sensitive data from potential threats and surveillance.
- Enhanced privacy: By channeling all traffic through the VPN, full tunneling shields your online activities from government surveillance, ISPs, or any prying eyes, preserving your privacy and maintaining anonymity.
- Circumventing restrictions: Full tunneling empowers you to bypass censorship or geographical restrictions by appearing to connect from a different location, granting you access to blocked websites or services.
- Seamless protection: With full tunneling, you don't need to selectively choose which traffic to route through the VPN, as all data automatically traverses the secure tunnel, providing hassle-free and consistent protection.
Downsides of Full Tunnel VPN
Though potentially better than split tunnel VPNs, some disadvantages come with using full tunnel VPNs. Perhaps the most notable for most is reduced speed. The additional encryption and routing processes involved in full tunneling can introduce latency and impact internet speed. This ultimately results in slower data transmission that may hinder the user experience, particularly for bandwidth-intensive activities.
Some applications or services may encounter compatibility problems when all traffic is funneled through the VPN, potentially disrupting user productivity or limiting access to specific resources.
And VPN providers often charge based on data usage or bandwidth consumption, and routing all traffic through the VPN can lead to escalated usage. This, in turn, results in higher subscription fees compared to limited or split tunneling alternatives.
Making a Decision: To Split or Not to Split
Both options have their merits and can be suitable depending on your specific needs and reasons. A split tunnel VPN is your go-to if you prioritize flexibility, simultaneous access to local resources, and optimized bandwidth.
You can use the full tunnel VPN instead if you aim for maximum security, privacy, and bypass of borderland restrictions.