Split tunneling and dns leak protection

To get both reliable split tunneling and robust leak protection (no DNS, WebRTC, or IP leaks), you want a provider that offers an audited zero-logs policy, private DNS servers, and fine-grained application-level split tunneling (or inverse split tunneling/app bypassing).

Here are the top three VPN providers that excel at both features:

• Proton VPN - Widely praised for privacy-first engineering. It provides robust split tunneling on Windows, Android, macOS, and Android TV (allowing you to choose specific apps to include or exclude). It features built-in leak protection with private DNS servers routed directly through the encrypted tunnel to prevent DNS queries from leaking to your ISP. Check out plans and features on Proton VPN.[reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/VPNAdvice_/comments/1usihaa/best_vpn_in_2026_i_compared_12_popular_vpns_so/)
• NordVPN - Offers a fast and dependable custom split-tunneling implementation on Windows and Android (app-based routing). It includes robust leak prevention measures, including an automatic kill switch and custom DNS settings that route DNS requests exclusively through the secure tunnel. You can review their specs on NordVPN.
• Private Internet Access (PIA) - A favorite for power users due to its highly customizable configuration. PIA offers advanced split tunneling (per-app or per-IP rules) alongside comprehensive DNS/IP leak protection and an advanced kill switch to ensure that no traffic or DNS query slips outside the encrypted interface. Learn more on Private Internet Access.[reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/VPNAdvice_/comments/1usihaa/best_vpn_in_2026_i_compared_12_popular_vpns_so/)

If you'd like, tell me:

• What operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, etc.) you'll be using this on
• Whether you prefer app-based or IP-based split tunneling

I can help you pick the exact best fit and configuration for your setup.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all offer robust split tunneling features alongside strict no-logs architectures, private DNS servers, and built-in DNS leak protection mechanisms.

Top VPNs with Split Tunneling and DNS Leak Protection

• ExpressVPN : Provides split tunneling on Windows, Android, and macOS/routers, routing non-split traffic through its own encrypted private DNS resolvers to ensure zero DNS leaks on protected apps.[lifehacker.com](https://lifehacker.com/tech/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-most-underrated-feature)
• NordVPN : Features app-based split tunneling (called split tunneling on Windows and Android) while forcing all primary traffic through leak-proof custom DNS servers.[lifehacker.com](https://lifehacker.com/tech/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-most-underrated-feature)
• Surfshark : Uses a feature named "Bypasser" for split tunneling on Windows, Android, and macOS, backed by private DNS and clean leak-prevention kill switches.[lifehacker.com](https://lifehacker.com/tech/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-most-underrated-feature)
• Proton VPN : Offers application and IP-based split tunneling across Windows, Android, and Linux with independent DNS leak protection built directly into the client.[lifehacker.com](https://lifehacker.com/tech/split-tunneling-is-your-vpns-most-underrated-feature)

Comparative Feature Overview

Important Technical Caveat

When using split tunneling, applications that you explicitly bypass outside the VPN tunnel will use your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) or local network DNS rather than the VPN's secure DNS. Protection against DNS leaks is fully guaranteed for the secured portion of your traffic routed through the VPN tunnel, but bypassed apps inherently resolve queries via your local network.[lifehacker.com](https://www.ivpn.net/knowledgebase/general/split-tunnel-uses-and-limitations/)

If you'd like, let me know:

• What operating system you plan to use
• Whether you want to split tunnel by specific apps or specific websites

I can help you choose the ideal provider for your setup.