A Virtual Private Network (VPN) serves as a disguise, allowing you to browse the internet with anonymity and shielding your data from unauthorized surveillance. It establishes a secure tunnel for your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain hidden from prying eyes. However, it’s important to note that not all VPNs operate in the same manner; they handle your internet traffic differently, offering varying levels of privacy and protection.
What Is Split Tunnel VPN?
A split tunnel VPN provides a solution for optimizing internet speed and control over online activity. With a traditional VPN, all data passes through the VPN tunnel, potentially resulting in slower speeds. However, a split tunnel VPN divides internet traffic into two streams: one passes through the VPN, while the other goes directly to the internet. This setup allows for better network performance and flexibility.
By using a split tunnel VPN, you can perform specific tasks with the VPN connection while utilizing your regular internet speed for other activities. For example, you can download large files or torrents using the VPN while simultaneously using VoIP services like Skype or Zoom with your normal internet connection. You can also access sensitive websites, such as online banking, using your real IP address while encrypting other online activities with the VPN.
The split tunnel VPN operates based on your client’s routing rules. When you open an app or website, the client checks your VPN settings to determine whether to route the traffic through the VPN server or directly to the internet. If the app or website is configured to use the VPN, the client encrypts the data and sends it to the VPN server. Otherwise, it connects the traffic directly to the internet without encryption.
Notable VPN providers that offer split tunneling features include NordVPN and ExpressVPN, both of which offer discounted plans for users.
Why Should You Use Split Tunnel VPN?
Using a split tunnel VPN offers several advantages that make it an appealing option:
- Faster speed: By utilizing your regular internet connection for certain apps or websites, you can bypass potential bandwidth and latency issues that may affect VPNs. This can result in improved browsing speed, reduced buffering, and decreased lag.
- Reduced data usage: By directing some apps or websites through your regular internet connection instead of the VPN, you can save data on your VPN plan. This can be beneficial if you have limited data allowance or if you pay based on the amount of data consumed.
- Increased flexibility: With split tunneling, you have the freedom to customize your online activity according to your specific needs and interests. You can choose which applications or websites use the VPN, allowing you to prioritize privacy and security for certain activities while excluding others. Additionally, you can switch between different VPN servers for various purposes without affecting your other internet traffic.
- Enhanced compatibility: Certain services may encounter conflicts or performance issues when used in conjunction with VPNs. By utilizing your regular internet connection for select apps or websites, you can avoid potential complications. For instance, some online banking or gaming platforms may block or flag users who access their services through a VPN, considering them suspicious.
Considering these benefits, using a split tunnel VPN can provide you with faster speeds, save data on your VPN plan, offer more flexibility in your online activities, and ensure better compatibility with services that may not work optimally with VPNs.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Split Tunnel VPN
While split tunneling can offer control and flexibility over your internet traffic, it’s important to consider the disadvantages and risks that come with it.
- Exposure to potential threats: By splitting your internet traffic, you leave a portion of it unprotected by the VPN. This exposes it to potential threats like hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and government agencies. They can monitor, intercept, or manipulate your data without the encryption and protection provided by the VPN. This puts your sensitive information at risk, leading to data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
- Privacy concerns: When using split tunneling, the websites and apps you access without the VPN can track and monitor your digital activities, interests, and patterns. They can collect and sell your personal data to third-party advertisers, marketers, or data brokers, compromising your privacy and potentially leading to targeted advertisements or unwanted profiling.
- Increased complexity and workload: Split tunneling adds complexity to your device and network setup. Managing two different connections simultaneously can result in conflicts, errors, or slowdowns. Additionally, you may need to switch between apps or websites depending on whether they require the VPN or not. This can be time-consuming and laborious, requiring additional effort on your part.
It’s important to weigh these drawbacks against the benefits of split tunneling and consider your specific needs and risk tolerance. While split tunneling can offer advantages in certain scenarios, such as improved speed and flexibility, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential security and privacy implications it may introduce.
What Is Full Tunnel VPN?
A full tunnel VPN provides a comprehensive approach to securing your internet traffic. Unlike split tunneling, where only selected traffic goes through the VPN, a full tunnel VPN routes all of your device’s internet traffic through the VPN tunnel.
When you use a full tunnel VPN, all data from your device is encrypted and transmitted securely to the VPN server. The VPN server then acts as an intermediary, accessing the internet on your behalf. Whether you’re browsing the web, sending emails, or transferring files, all of your data passes through the VPN server and is encrypted throughout the process.
With a full tunnel VPN, there are no selective routing decisions or exceptions. All internet traffic is protected by the VPN, ensuring a consistent level of security and privacy for all your online activities. It’s like driving on a highway with only one lane, where there are no exits or detours—you’re fully committed to using the VPN for all your internet communications.
Why Should You Use Full Tunnel VPN?
Using a full tunnel VPN offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for protecting your online activities:
- Heightened security: By routing all of your internet traffic through the VPN, a full tunnel VPN ensures that all your data is encrypted and secured. This provides a strong layer of protection against potential threats and eavesdropping, safeguarding your sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Enhanced privacy: Full tunneling provides an extra level of privacy by hiding your online activities from government surveillance, ISPs, and other prying eyes. It prevents them from monitoring or tracking your internet usage, preserving your privacy and maintaining your anonymity while browsing the web.
- Circumventing restrictions: With a full tunnel VPN, you can bypass censorship or geographical restrictions imposed by certain websites or services. By connecting through the VPN server, you can appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location, granting you access to blocked content or services that may otherwise be unavailable in your region.
- Seamless protection: With full tunneling, you don’t have to make decisions about which traffic to route through the VPN. All of your data automatically passes through the secure VPN tunnel, providing consistent protection for all your online activities. This eliminates the need for selective routing and ensures that your entire internet connection is safeguarded without any additional effort on your part.
Downsides of Full Tunnel VPN
While full tunnel VPNs offer significant advantages, they also come with some downsides that users should consider:
- Reduced speed: Full tunnel VPNs can result in slower internet speeds due to the additional encryption and routing processes involved. This latency can impact the user experience, especially for activities that require a high bandwidth, leading to slower data transmission.
- Compatibility issues: Some applications or services may encounter compatibility problems when all traffic is routed through the VPN. This can potentially disrupt user productivity or restrict access to specific resources, limiting the functionality of certain software or platforms.
- Increased cost: VPN providers often charge based on data usage or bandwidth consumption. Routing all traffic through the VPN can lead to higher data usage, resulting in increased subscription fees compared to limited or split tunneling alternatives.
When deciding between split tunneling and full tunneling, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities. Split tunneling is a suitable option if you value flexibility, simultaneous access to local resources, and optimized bandwidth. On the other hand, a full tunnel VPN is recommended for users who prioritize maximum security, privacy, and the ability to bypass restrictions imposed by geographic borders or censorship.