What is a Double VPN, and Why Should You Use One?

What is a Double VPN?

A double VPN offers advanced privacy and security. It encrypts your internet traffic twice, and your IP address is masked behind two servers. Unlike a standard VPN that routes data through a single VPN server, a double VPN tunnels your internet traffic through two VPN servers.

How does a double VPN work?

Here is a step-by-step outline of how the double VPN works.

1. The VPN app in your device encrypts the outgoing internet traffic. (first encryption)
2. The encrypted outgoing traffic is transmitted to the first VPN server.
3. The first VPN server encrypts the outgoing traffic (second encryption). The first server also masks your actual IP address.
4. The re-encrypted data is then transmitted to the second VPN server.
5. The second VPN server decrypts your traffic and sends it to its destination. The destination will see the IP address of the second server.

For incoming internet traffic, the process is reversed. The two VPN servers will encrypt the traffic twice. The re-encrypted data from the internet will then be decrypted entirely by the end-user device.

Double VPN variations

Nowadays, some providers implement variations that rely on the double VPN technique. The most popular variation is known as multi-hop. Multi-hop VPNs use more than one server. Multi-hop VPN uses cascading or nested chain approaches.

A primary server is used in the cascading approach with two or more servers of the same VPN provider. In the nested chain approach, two or more servers of different providers are used.

In both approaches, your internet traffic is re-encrypted, and the IP changes every hop.

Double VPN Use Cases

A double VPN is helpful in cases where complete anonymity and impeccable security on needed. Use cases include:

• When you want to skirt surveillance.
• When you want to circumvent censorship.
• When you want to protect sensitive online traffic.
• For journalists and political activists/dissidents.

When to avoid using a double VPN?

Despite offering maximum privacy and security, there are some cases where a double VPN is not necessary. These include:

• When using the Tor over VPN – your speed will be very slow.
• When you need high speeds – such as for video streaming and gaming.
• For everyday private browsing (unless you are doing sensitive tasks).

Benefits and Disadvantages of Using a Double VPN

Here you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using a double VPN.

Benefits of double VPN

• Double encryption: This means your internet traffic has an extra layer of protection. This makes it twice harder for cyber attackers to decrypt and access your online activities.
• Enhanced security: A double VPN implements dual protocols such as the OpenVPN TCP and UDP protocols. This protocol cocktail increases your VPN security.
• Enhanced IP masking: Anyone tracking your IP address will only get the second server’s IP address. Your actual IP address will be perfectly hidden even from the second server. This provides better anonymity protection.
• Complete geo-location privacy. The double VPN routes your internet traffic through different servers in different geographical areas. This prevents prying eyes such as hackers, your ISP, and even government agencies from knowing your whereabouts.

Disadvantages of double VPN

The major drawback to double VPN is the huge encryption overhead. The results of this encryption overhead include:

• Slower connection speeds: Multiple protocols and re-encryption will have a significant impact on your overall internet speed.
  Hence you won’t be able to undertake speed-intensive tasks. Additionally, you cannot use Tor over VPN due to the slow speeds.
• Heavy power consumption on mobile devices: Devices that rely on battery power, such as smartphones, will experience faster battery drains. You maul also notice overheating.
• Limited server choices: Most VPNs that offer the double VPN functionality offer limited double VPN servers.

Best Double VPN service

ExpressVPN is excellent because it has multiple servers with double VPN technology. It also offers split tunneling and obfuscated servers and a fast connection speed.

You can check out our list of recommended VPN services if you need more options.

How to Set Up a Double VPN?

You can set up a double VPN using two methods. The first involves subscribing to a VPN provider that offers double VPN functionality, such as ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access.

Here is how to use the double VPN functionality on ExpressVPN.

1. Launch the ExpressVPN app.
2. Click on Specialty servers in the app.
3. Next, click on Double VPN.

You can manually select the servers by clicking the three dots. The dots are visible when you hover your mouse on the double VPN section.

The second method involves using two different VPN providers. You will have to install one VPN on your router and the other VPN on your device. The VPN on your router will encrypt the Wi-Fi connection from the router. Once you connect your device, launch the other VPN on your device and connect to another server.

This method will give you a double VPN, either cascaded (same VPN provider) or nested (different VPN provider). If you don’t have a compatible router, you can install the VPN on a PC and share the VPN connection like a hotspo with VPN tethering.

Wrap Up

A double VPN involves the use of two VPN servers simultaneously. This allows your traffic to be re-encrypted and your geo-location hidden behind two IP addresses.

It is also possible to simultaneously use multiple VPN servers in a multi-hop VPN connectivity.

A double VPN offers more privacy and security compared to a regular VPN.

This is through the re-encryption process. However, one major setback of using a double or multi-hop VPN is a significant decrease in the connection speeds. This will affect your overall browsing experience.