What is a Double VPN? When and Why Should You Use It?

Ruheni Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: December 4, 2023
Read time: 21 minutes
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Know what a double VPN is and how it works. Is It better than VPN over VPN or Onion over VPN? Its advantages and disadvantages. Find that all out.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Double VPN, or Multi-Hop, is a unique feature that doubles the data encryption. Undoubtedly, it is a much-needed option for journalists, political activists, and those associated with sensitive jobs. However, Double VPN is still not included in the “must-have options list” because of its inherent limitations and alternative options available with most quality VPNs.

A double VPN feature consists of a VPN connection routed through two consecutive VPN servers instead of one. It’s also known as “multi-hop.” The feature adds an extra layer of encryption to the user’s traffic, thus increasing security, privacy, and anonymity. Unfortunately, most VPN networks do not support multi-hop connections. Why don’t they? Which are the ones that do? In this article, we will answer those questions and many more.

How to configure a Double VPN – Quick steps

  1. Sign up for a VPN service that supports double VPN. We recommend NordVPN for its speed even after routing your traffic twice and employing AES 256-bit encryption. 
  2. Activate the multi-hop feature. For NordVPN, find the ‘Speciality servers’ and tap double VPN. This process may differ from other VPNs.
  3. Browse securely. You will be connected to the fastest available server to surf the web anonymously and securely.

What is a Multi-hop or Double VPN?

As the name suggests, the double VPN feature enables users to route their traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. In this way, traffic encryption happens twice (once on each server), thus providing an extra layer of security for your online activities. However, one significant difference from the regular connections is that even in the VPNs that support such a feature, not every server within the network is suitable, so your choices are limited to those nodes that can be paired together.