If you’re trying to use split tunneling with NordVPN for Mac in 2026, the short answer is: no, not natively.
Unlike the Windows version, the macOS app for NordVPN currently does not support true app-level split tunneling on modern versions of macOS including macOS Sequoia.
This is due to networking and security changes Apple introduced starting with macOS Big Sur which significantly restricted how VPN apps can route traffic on Macs.
However, there are still several workarounds that allow you to achieve similar results on a Mac, and a few VPN providers continue to offer limited split tunneling support on modern macOS releases.
In this guide, we explain:
- Why NordVPN split tunneling doesn’t work on Mac
- The best workarounds available in 2026
- Which VPNs still support split tunneling on macOS
- Whether split tunneling is still worth using on a Mac
What Is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps, websites, or devices use your VPN connection and which connect directly to the internet.
For example, you might want to:
- Use a VPN for streaming or torrenting
- Access local banking websites outside the VPN
- Print over a VPN
- Route only specific apps through an encrypted connection
- Reduce VPN bandwidth usage for gaming or video calls
Without split tunneling enabled, all internet traffic on your Mac is routed through the VPN connection.
However, if you try to setup split tunneling on a recent version of macOS using most VPN services, you’ll get an error message similar to this one: “Split tunneling is not available with this version of macOS and has been disabled.”
Why NordVPN Split Tunneling Doesn’t Work on Mac
NordVPN supports split tunneling on Windows and Android, but not on modern versions of macOS.
The reason is largely due to Apple’s Network Extension framework.
Starting with macOS Big Sur, Apple replaced older low-level networking access methods with a more restrictive VPN architecture designed to improve security, privacy, and system stability.
While this improved overall security on Macs, it also limited the ability of VPN apps to selectively route traffic from individual apps.
As a result, many VPN providers removed or discontinued split tunneling support on macOS entirely.
If you search for split tunneling settings in the NordVPN Mac app, you won’t find them available like they are on Windows.
How To Use Split Tunneling With NordVPN on Mac
Although native split tunneling is unavailable in NordVPN for macOS, there are several practical workarounds.
1. Use the NordVPN Browser Extension
The easiest workaround is to use the NordVPN browser extension instead of the full desktop app.
The browser extension is available for:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
Unfortunately however, it is not available for Safari.
This allows you to encrypt browser traffic while keeping the rest of your Mac’s internet traffic outside the VPN.
You can also exclude certain websites from using the VPN within the extension settings.
This is the closest alternative to website-based split tunneling on a Mac.
To use NordVPN split tunneling with a browser:
- Open the NordVPN browser extension
- Select the “Exclude from VPN option” on the left of the pop-up windows
- Add the websites you want to exclude from using the VPN
Best for:
- Streaming
- Region-restricted websites
- Banking sites
- Quick VPN switching
Limitation:
Only browser traffic is protected – not desktop apps. Safari is also not supported.
2. Use Separate Browsers
If you’re a Safari user, another simple workaround is to dedicate Chrome, Firefox or Edge to VPN activity and Safari to normal browsing.
This approach works surprisingly well for many Mac users and avoids the complexity of router or firewall configuration.
For a selection of browsers to use, check out our guide to the best browsers for Mac.
3. Install NordVPN on Your Router
You can also install NordVPN directly on a compatible router.
This encrypts traffic for all devices connected to your network while still allowing some devices to bypass the VPN entirely.
For example:
- Apple TV uses VPN
- MacBook bypasses VPN
- Gaming consoles connect normally
This is useful for streaming setups or households with multiple devices.
The method for doing this depends on what make of router you have but you can find instructions for each one here.
Best for:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices
- Gaming consoles
- Whole-home VPN protection
Limitation:
Configuration is more technical than using the Mac app or browser extension.
4. Use a VPN That Supports Split Tunneling on macOS
If split tunneling is essential for you, then you may want to consider a VPN provider that still supports it on modern versions of macOS.
As of 2026, the two best-known VPNs offering split tunneling support on macOS are Surfshark and Private Internet Access (PIA).
VPNs That Support Split Tunneling on macOS
| VPN | Split Tunneling on macOS | Website Exclusions | App Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | No native support | Browser extension only | No |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | Limited legacy support | No | No |
| Windscribe | Partial support | Host/IP-based | Limited |
Surfshark
Surfshark includes a feature called “Bypasser” on macOS which allows you to exclude specific apps and websites from the VPN connection.
This is currently one of the most complete split tunneling implementations available on a Mac.
You can configure it by going to:
Settings > VPN Settings > Bypasser
Simply add the apps and websites you want to exclude from the VPN and then click the Bypass VPN button to activate it.
For more details, check out our guide on how to setup split tunneling on Surfshark.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA officially re-introduced the split tunneling feature to macOS Sonoma and onwards in March 2024.
However, website-based exclusions are more limited compared to Surfshark.
To use split tunneling in PIA on a Mac, simply go to Settings and select Split Tunneling.
You can then configure which apps you want to setup split tunneling on.
Note that it only works on an app basis – you can’t make it use the VPN just for visiting certain domains or specific websites.
Can You Still Use Split Tunneling on Older Macs?
Some VPN providers still support split tunneling on older Intel Macs running macOS Catalina or earlier.
However, these versions of macOS are now outdated and unsupported by Apple, so we generally don’t recommend relying on them for VPN security.
Additionally, many VPN providers have stopped updating legacy macOS clients.
For example, Hide.me supports both standard split tunneling and inverse split tunneling on macOS Catalina and earlier.
Express VPN also supports split tunneling on Intel Macs running macOS Catalina or earlier. To use Split Tunneling with Express VPN on older Intel Macs:
- Go to Preferences > General and check the Connection Per App box at the bottom of the panel.
- Then select Do Not Allow Selected Apps To Use The VPN. You then simply select which apps you want to exclude from using the VPN.
- Click OK and close the Preferences and you’re done.
Is Split Tunneling Safe?
Split tunneling is generally safe when used correctly, but it does reduce the amount of traffic protected by your VPN.
For example:
- Traffic outside the VPN is visible to your ISP
- Non-VPN apps won’t benefit from encryption
- Incorrect configuration can leak traffic unintentionally
For this reason, it’s best used selectively rather than as a permanent default configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NordVPN support split tunneling on Mac?
No. NordVPN does not currently support native split tunneling in its macOS app on modern versions of macOS including Sequoia.
Why did Apple restrict split tunneling on macOS?
Apple introduced the Network Extension framework starting with macOS Big Sur which limits how VPN apps can intercept and route traffic.
This improves system security and stability but makes app-level split tunneling more difficult.
Which VPN works best for split tunneling on Mac?
Surfshark currently offers one of the most complete split tunneling implementations on macOS, while PIA also supports app-level exclusions.
Can I split tunnel websites only on a Mac?
Yes. Using the NordVPN browser extension allows you to exclude specific websites from VPN traffic within your browser.
Summary
Although NordVPN still does not support native split tunneling on macOS, there are several practical alternatives depending on what you need.
For most users, the easiest solutions are:
- Using the NordVPN browser extension
- Using separate browsers for VPN and non-VPN traffic
- Installing NordVPN on a router
If you specifically need true app-level split tunneling on a Mac, Surfshark and PIA currently offer the best support for modern versions of macOS.