Double VPN

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What Is Double VPN?

Double VPN is a VPN security feature that transfers your online traffic through two servers instead of one. This means that your data gets encrypted twice, making it even more complicated to decrypt.

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Additionally, Double VPN, or the so-called server chaining technology, ensures a higher level of security to your IP address.

How Does Double VPN Work?

Double VPN, also known as multi-hop VPN, works in a way that’s fairly easy to understand. Here’s a quick explanation of how it works:

  1. Your online traffic is encrypted locally on your device and transferred to a first remote VPN server.
  2. The first remote server encrypts your traffic and transfers it to a second remote server.
  3. The second remote server decrypts the twice-encrypted traffic and sends it to the final destination, where it’ll be completely anonymous.

Some robust VPNs, such as NordVPN, apply dual encryption with a Double VPN feature. Providers, like Private Internet Access, use a VPN and proxy for a Double VPN configuration, skipping re-encryption.

How to Set Up a Double VPN

Setting up a Double VPN differs slightly among different VPN providers, but the process is generally fairly quick and simple and only takes a few clicks.

  1. Select a VPN provider that has a Double VPN feature. I recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app onto your device.
  3. Launch the NordVPN application. From the Dashboard or VPN tabs, look under Specialty Servers for the Double VPN option. Some providers may label these as MultiHop servers.
  4. Select the location of your choice and click Connect, and you’ll be protected by a Double VPN connection with NordVPN.

Pros and Cons of Using Double VPN

Even though Double VPN is known for significantly enhancing your online privacy, it’s not an indispensable VPN security feature like, for example, having a fast, secure tunneling protocol. In addition, not all VPNs offer this feature, and there are some questions about it.

Because of this, it’s worth considering both positive and negative points about the technology. Here are a few Double VPN pros and cons:

Double VPN Pros

Here are some reasons to use Double VPN in your daily browsing:

  • Improved online privacy – Using two different VPN servers to route your traffic with Double VPN makes it much more difficult for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other online snoopers to trace your IP address and original location.
  • Enhanced security – The most noticeable advantage of Double VPN is having dual encryption, which ensures your online traffic is virtually untraceable.
  • Unlocking geo-restricted content – Chaining VPN servers can make it more difficult to identify your original IP address, resulting in better chances of bypassing geo-blocks on websites and applications.

Double VPN Cons

I’ve covered how Double VPN can enhance online anonymity and security, but there are a few drawbacks too:

  • Slower connection speeds – All VPNs impact your baseline connection speed, and dual encryption will slow it down further, resulting in a slower connection, which will particularly impact streaming and torrenting.
  • Limited server selection – Most VPN providers limit their Double VPN server fleet to the US and Europe. Because of this, you won’t be able to unblock Netflix Japan or other content outside these regions.
  • Not compatible with Tor over VPN – Due to the impact on your connection speed, it’s likely to be unrealistic to run both services at the same time.
  • Battery drain – If you’re using Double VPN on the move, you may see increased device power consumption.

When Should You Use Double VPN?

Double VPN is valuable when the highest level of online security is needed. Here are some situations when you might use Double VPN instead of a regular VPN connection:

  • You’re looking for a way to avoid government surveillance – If you live or travel in a highly censored country, such as China or Iran, your online activities are constantly monitored by the government. This means that extra precautions are wise. With Double VPN, you can stop your ISP and government institutions from tracking your data.
  • You’re working with sensitive information – If you work with highly sensitive data online, it’s good to use Double VPN to minimize the risk of exposure to online snoopers.
  • You’re planning to use public Wi-Fi – A Double VPN connection offers greater protection against hacking, snooping, and online surveillance when accessing unsecured public Wi-Fi.
  • You work in media – Journalists working in dangerous regions can benefit from a Double VPN feature, ensuring sensitive data and their messages and location are secured.
  • You’re an activist or a whistleblower – If you may be the subject of hostile surveillance then using a Double VPN is crucial, as it can help you block online spying.

Is Double VPN Safer Than a Regular VPN Connection?

Yes, Double VPN is safer than a regular VPN connection as it masks your identity using two IP addresses instead of one. Some VPNs, like NordVPN, also offer Double VPN with dual encryption, making your data far harder to trace. In addition, if one VPN server fails, your identity will remain protected on the second working server.

That said, when weighing up the impact of Double VPN on connection speeds, there are scenarios where opting for a regular VPN connection is advisable. For example, if you want to use a VPN for torrenting, Double VPN may have an excessive impact on your network speed.

Differences Between Double VPN and VPN Over VPN

The main difference between Double VPN and VPN over VPN is that the former uses two servers from the same provider, whereas the latter method uses one server from one VPN provider and a second from another VPN provider.

Here are some additional characteristics that distinguish one VPN technology from another:

  • Encryption – In Double VPN, each server applies its encryption layer individually. VPN over VPN deploys encryption from both VPN providers.
  • Traffic layering – A Double VPN feature sends your traffic through two VPN servers. VPN over VPN integrates one VPN connection within another, creating a layered approach.
  • Server selection – Not all VPN servers have a Double VPN feature. VPN over VPN allows you to select servers from different providers, resulting in more flexible server selection.
  • Ease of use – Double VPN is a built-in feature, while VPN over VPN requires manual configuration and technical knowledge.

The Bottom Line

Double VPN offers greater online privacy by chaining two VPN servers together to encrypt and route your traffic. Though it results in slower speeds, Double VPN from providers like NordVPN will help you unblock geo-restricted content, stop snooping, and evade state-level monitoring.

For most VPN users, a secure VPN connection is enough to protect and anonymize their connection. However, individuals like journalists, activists in high-risk regions, and those handling sensitive data should consider using a Double VPN feature for maximum security.

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Michael Simon
Tech Editor
Michael Simon
Tech Editor

Michael is a Tech Content Editor at Techopedia and is passionate about delivering high-quality tech content and ensuring the accuracy of our guides, with a focus on cybersecurity and privacy solutions. With over a decade of experience in editorial and marketing, he has worked with leading publishers and a range of SaaS firms, gaining expertise in the tech sector.