ProtonVPN Split Tunneling vs SafeShell VPN 2025 Guide

Imagine settling down for movie night, excited to stream the latest international release. You connect to your VPN to access geo-restricted content, but suddenly your banking app refuses to work because it detected you're using a VPN. Sound familiar? This was exactly Sarah's dilemma last weekend when trying to balance security with functionality. That's when she discovered the power of split tunneling – a game-changing VPN feature that's transforming how we use secure connections in 2025.

What is Split Tunneling and Why Does It Matter?

Split tunneling allows users to route some of their device traffic through a VPN while other apps connect directly to the internet. This selective routing capability provides the best of both worlds: security for sensitive activities and normal connections for local services.

In today's increasingly connected world, this feature has become essential rather than optional. Whether you're streaming content from abroad while keeping your banking apps on local connections, or protecting sensitive work documents while printing to a local network printer, split tunneling offers the flexibility modern internet users demand.

ProtonVPN Split Tunneling: A Closer Look

ProtonVPN has long been known for its split tunneling capabilities. This feature allows users to select which apps should use the VPN connection and which should connect directly to the internet.

How ProtonVPN Split Tunneling Works

ProtonVPN's implementation offers two main approaches:

• Include mode : Only selected apps use the VPN tunnel
• Exclude mode : All apps except selected ones use the VPN tunnel

This gives users significant control over their connection routing, though implementation varies across platforms:

Limitations of ProtonVPN Split Tunneling

Despite its usefulness, ProtonVPN's split tunneling comes with several notable limitations:

• Not available on macOS or iOS devices
• Limited to app-based routing on Android
• Some users report connection instability when the feature is enabled
• Can cause speed degradation on certain network configurations

SafeShell VPN: The 2025 Split Tunneling Champion

While ProtonVPN pioneered split tunneling technology, SafeShell VPN has refined and enhanced this feature for 2025's demanding users. SafeShell's implementation addresses previous limitations while adding innovative new capabilities.

Advanced Split Tunneling Features in SafeShell VPN

SafeShell VPN's split tunneling goes beyond the basics with:

1. Multi-level routing options :
2. App-level control (choose which applications use the VPN)
3. Website-level control (direct specific websites through or around the VPN)
4. IP address routing (for advanced network configuration)
5. Cross-platform consistency :
6. Full functionality across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and even Apple Vision Pro
7. Synchronized settings across devices with cloud profile syncing
8. Streaming-optimized split routing :
9. The exclusive App Mode allows connecting to multiple regions simultaneously
10. Stream Netflix US while watching BBC iPlayer without switching servers
11. Performance enhancement :
12. Intelligent traffic management prevents the speed degradation often seen with other VPN split tunneling
13. Proprietary ShellGuard protocol maintains security without sacrificing performance

Setting Up Split Tunneling on SafeShell VPN

Getting started with SafeShell's split tunneling is remarkably straightforward:

1. Open the SafeShell VPN application
2. Navigate to Settings > Connection > Split Tunneling
3. Toggle "Enable Split Tunneling" to on
4. Choose your preferred mode (Include or Exclude)
5. Select the applications or websites to route accordingly
6. Apply changes and enjoy your optimized connection

People Also Ask

Does split tunneling reduce VPN security?

When implemented correctly, split tunneling maintains security for the traffic routed through the VPN while allowing convenience for local traffic. SafeShell VPN's implementation ensures that sensitive traffic remains protected with the same high-level encryption as standard connections.

Which is better: ProtonVPN or SafeShell VPN for streaming?

While ProtonVPN offers basic streaming capabilities, SafeShell VPN is specifically optimized for streaming services with lightning-fast speeds and specialized servers. The exclusive App Mode allows accessing multiple regional libraries simultaneously, making it the superior choice for streaming enthusiasts in 2025.

Can I use split tunneling on mobile devices?

Yes! Unlike ProtonVPN which limits split tunneling on iOS, SafeShell VPN offers full split tunneling functionality across all platforms, including iOS and Android devices. This cross-platform consistency is particularly valuable for users who switch between devices throughout their day.

Performance Comparison: SafeShell vs ProtonVPN

Speed is critical when using split tunneling, as the feature itself can introduce overhead. Our 2025 tests show significant performance differences:

SafeShell's lightning-fast speeds are particularly noticeable when streaming content from multiple regions simultaneously, a use case that typically causes significant slowdowns with other VPN services.

Beyond Split Tunneling: Additional Benefits of SafeShell VPN

While split tunneling is a crucial feature, SafeShell VPN offers several other advantages:

• Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously with one subscription
• Top-level security with the proprietary ShellGuard protocol
• No bandwidth limitations for unlimited streaming and downloading
• Flexible free trial plan to test all features before committing
• 24/7 customer support with an average response time of under 3 minutes

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Split tunneling has evolved from a niche feature to an essential VPN capability in 2025. While ProtonVPN offers a serviceable implementation, SafeShell VPN has clearly taken the lead with its cross-platform support, enhanced performance, and streaming-optimized features.

For users like Sarah from our opening story, the choice ultimately depends on specific needs. If basic split tunneling on Windows or Android is sufficient, ProtonVPN might serve adequately. However, for those seeking the most advanced split tunneling capabilities with superior performance across all devices, SafeShell VPN represents the gold standard in 2025.

As we continue to balance security with convenience in our increasingly connected lives, tools like split tunneling will only grow in importance. Whether you're streaming international content, working remotely, or simply trying to maintain privacy without sacrificing functionality, the right VPN with proper split tunneling support makes all the difference.

And for Sarah? She's now enjoying her international movie nights without worrying about her banking apps – all thanks to SafeShell VPN's advanced split tunneling. Sometimes the best technology is the kind that simply works without you having to think about it.