In today’s world, where digital privacy and security are becoming increasingly important, many people are turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect their online activities. ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two popular VPN providers that offer a range of features to ensure users’ privacy and security. Among these features, split tunneling and kill switch are two crucial tools that many VPN users seek. In this article, we will compare ExpressVPN and PIA’s split tunneling and kill switch features to determine which VPN provider offers better functionality.
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows users to select specific apps or websites that they want to access through the VPN, while the rest of the traffic goes through the regular internet connection. Split tunneling can be useful in several scenarios, such as accessing local websites, using VoIP apps, or reducing the load on the VPN connection.
ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on both its desktop and mobile apps. In the desktop app, split tunneling is available in the form of the “Network Lock” feature, which is a combination of a kill switch and split tunneling. When Network Lock is enabled, all internet traffic is routed through the VPN by default. However, users can create a split tunneling rule to allow specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN connection. Network Lock also acts as a kill switch, which means that if the VPN connection drops for any reason, all internet traffic is blocked to prevent any data leakage.
In the mobile app, ExpressVPN offers split tunneling under the name “Split Tunneling,” which is available on both iOS and Android. In the Split Tunneling feature, users can select which apps they want to use with the VPN connection and which ones they want to bypass. ExpressVPN also allows users to exclude certain apps or websites from the VPN connection, which can be useful in cases where the app or website doesn’t work properly with the VPN.
On the other hand, Private Internet Access also offers split tunneling, but only on its desktop app. The split tunneling feature on PIA is called “Split Tunneling” and is available in the settings menu. When enabled, users can select which apps they want to bypass the VPN connection, while all other internet traffic goes through the VPN by default. However, PIA’s split tunneling feature is not as flexible as ExpressVPN’s, as it doesn’t allow users to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN connection.
Overall, ExpressVPN offers a more flexible split tunneling feature, as it’s available on both desktop and mobile apps, and allows users to create rules for specific apps and websites. PIA’s split tunneling feature is limited to its desktop app and doesn’t offer the same level of customization.
A kill switch is a crucial VPN feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops for any reason. A kill switch is important because it prevents any data leakage or exposure to the internet service provider (ISP) or hackers. Both ExpressVPN and PIA offer a kill switch feature, but the functionality varies between the two providers.
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is available in its desktop app under the Network Lock feature. When enabled, Network Lock blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops for any reason. The Network Lock feature is also available on the mobile app, but it’s not called a kill switch. Instead, it’s called “Automatic Kill Switch,” and it works similarly to the desktop app.
Private Internet Access also offers a kill switch, but it’s not enabled by default. Users have to go to the settings menu and enable the “Kill Switch” feature manually. When enabled, the kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. However, PIA’s kill switch is not available on its mobile app, which can be a significant drawback for users who frequently use their mobile devices.
In terms of functionality, ExpressVPN’s kill switch offers more features than PIA’s. For example, ExpressVPN’s Network Lock feature also acts as a split tunneling feature, which allows users to create rules for specific apps and websites. Additionally, the Network Lock feature also blocks all traffic when the computer is starting up or shutting down, which further ensures users’ privacy and security.
Overall, when it comes to split tunneling and kill switch features, ExpressVPN offers a more comprehensive and flexible solution compared to Private Internet Access. ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature is available on both desktop and mobile apps, and it offers more customization options, such as the ability to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN connection. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s Network Lock feature acts as both a kill switch and split tunneling feature, which provides additional functionality and protection. In comparison, PIA’s split tunneling feature is limited to its desktop app and doesn’t offer the same level of customization. Similarly, PIA’s kill switch is not enabled by default, and it’s not available on its mobile app.
It’s worth noting that both ExpressVPN and PIA are reputable VPN providers that offer a range of other features to protect users’ privacy and security. For example, both providers offer strong encryption, no-logs policies, and multiple server locations. Additionally, both providers offer 24/7 customer support, which can be helpful for users who encounter any issues or have questions about their VPN service.
In conclusion, when it comes to split tunneling and kill switch features, ExpressVPN offers a more comprehensive and flexible solution compared to Private Internet Access. However, it’s important to consider other factors, such as pricing, server locations, and other features, before choosing a VPN provider. Ultimately, the best VPN provider is the one that meets your specific needs and provides the level of protection and privacy that you require.
