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What Is Double VPN & How to Chain VPN Servers

Last updated May 25, 2024
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Senior VPN Editor

Internet users often ask what they can do to increase their security/privacy. This is especially true for journalists and public figures who advocate for sensitive issues on the Web. Well, we all know that a VPN connection can secure your connection. But is it possible to use a double VPN instead of a single one? The answer is, yes!

A double VPN connection creates a chain of two VPN servers and encrypts your Internet traffic twice, hence adding an extra layer of security. However, while it increases your security, it also slows down your connection speed, which is its biggest drawback.

Unfortunately, only a few VPNs offer built-in double VPN or multi-hop VPN options. But you can also manually set up a double VPN connection on your device by installing the additional VPN on your router or a virtual machine.

In this article, we will answer your questions about double VPNs and teach you how to create a chain of servers to maximize your online security. We’ll also share some recommendations, talk about the pros and cons of using a double VPN, and more. Let’s jump right in!

What Is Double VPN?

A double VPN is a chain of two VPN servers, in which traffic from the first server goes straight into the next server before reaching its destination. Also known as multi-hop VPN, it provides double encryption and adds an additional layer of security to your connection.

However, this feature is not usually built into most VPN applications. That is because a double VPN connection can result in a huge drop-off in your Internet speeds. In fact, you can consider it a special feature that only appeals to a certain group of people. 

So, who should use a double VPN? It is a valuable feature for lawyers, journalists, and political activists who talk about sensitive topics on the Internet and want to maximize their privacy. 

In such cases, the additional security of multi-hop VPNs is worth it, even if it comes at the cost of reduced speeds. However, it provides no benefit for everyday use like streaming and gaming.

How Does Double VPN Work? 

Before we talk about double VPNs, it’s important to step back and understand the workings of a regular VPN. This will make it easier for you to understand how a double VPN works. 

Normally, when you turn on a VPN, this is what happens: 

  1. The VPN encrypts and routes your Internet traffic to its secure server.
  2. This secure server acts as an intermediary and decrypts your traffic, hiding your IP address in the process. 
  3. The secure server then sends your Internet traffic to the target website. 
  4. Target website then responds back to you.

Here is a schematic figure showing how your data flows through a regular VPN:

Infographic showing how VPN connection works

Now, let us talk about double VPN. In this case, what we are doing is adding another VPN server alongside the first one. Think of it as being connected to two VPNs, one after another. So, this is what happens when you turn on a double VPN: 

  1. Your VPN application encrypts and routes your Internet traffic to the first server.
  2. The first server adds another layer of encryption and masks your IP address
  3. This traffic with double encryption then goes into the second secure server
  4. The second server decrypts and routes the traffic to the target website. 
  5. The target website then responds back to you.

Here is how your data flows through a double VPN connection

Infographic showing how double VPN connection works

Pros and Cons of Using Double VPN

Unlike a kill switch and Web RTC leak protection, it’s not mandatory to have a double VPN connection for strong security. Hence, many capable VPNs don’t provide such a built-in feature. 

That being said, let us now take a look at some pros and cons of using a double VPN.

What Are the Pros of Using Double VPN?

Remember that it’s not necessary to use a double VPN connection for the best protection. That is because such a connection will cause massive speed drop-offs. However, it has certain advantages that might prove beneficial in some cases. 

That being said, here are the pros of using a double VPN: 

What Are the Cons of Using a Double VPN?

The biggest drawback of creating a chain of VPNs is that the longer the chain gets, the more obstructions your data has to pass through. This can result in massive speed drops with diminished returns in terms of security. 

Here are some of the biggest cons of using a double VPN: 

How to Chain VPN Servers & Use Double VPN?

Now, let’s talk about different methods of chaining VPN servers and using double VPN. After thorough research, our team at TechNadu has found the three best methods to set up a double VPN connection. Here are three possible ways: 

Let’s take a look at each of these methods in detail. 

Method 1: Use a VPN with Built-in Multi-Hop Features

This option is the easiest one because it does not require manual setup. The only drawback is that most VPN apps do not have such features built in, which can limit your options.

Here’s a list of the best VPNs that come with built-in double VPN features:

Here’s a table summarizing each of these VPNs. However, you can learn more about the VPNs mentioned above in our guide to the best VPNs for double VPN connections.

VPN Service Number of Chain Servers Encryption Logging policy Jurisdiction Simultaneous connections
NordVPN 2 AES 256-bit  No logs Panama 6
Surfshark 2 AES-256-GCM No logs Netherlands Unlimited
Proton VPN 2 AES 256-bit  No logs Switzerland 10
VPN.ac 2 AES 256-bit  Keeps user logs Romania 6
IVPN More than 2 AES-256-bit-GCM/CBC Keeps user logs Gibraltar 7
Perfect Privacy More than 2 AES 256-bit  No logs Panama Unlimited

Method 2: Use a VPN on Your Router and Another Device Simultaneously

This is another relatively easy method of setting up a double VPN connection. Most capable VPNs offer resources with which you can configure the VPN on your router. 

Generally speaking, configuring a VPN on the router is a simple and straightforward process. It consists of the following steps: 

  1. Get a router compatible with VPNs.
  2. Subscribe to a VPN service that supports routers.
  3. Use DD-WRT firmware to flash your router.
  4. Obtain the router’s IP address and username/password.
  5. Get the OVPN files from your VPN.
  6. Install the VPN on your router.

For more information, take a look at our in-depth guide on how to set up a VPN on a router.

Configuring a VPN on a router will keep your Internet connection protected on all devices, even if you have not installed the VPN application on any of them. Now, installing a VPN application on your device will create a chain connection with double VPNs (one on your router and another on the device). 

Method 3: Set Up a Double VPN Using a Virtual Machine 

For this method, we’ll be using ExpressVPN because it offers incredible security features that can further enhance your protection while using a double VPN. With that, let’s jump straight into it. 

Step 1: Install a Virtual Machine on Your PC

To have a virtual machine on your PC, you can choose free virtualization solutions like VirtualBox by Oracle. This service also comes with a user manual and documentation, so you can get started easily.

Furthermore, you don’t necessarily have to choose the same operating system as your host PC for the virtual machine to work. However, in our case, we had Windows 10 Pro on the host PC and installed Windows 10 Home on the virtual machine. 

Step 2: Install VPN on both ends 

Once your virtual machine is ready, install your VPN application on both devices. But for this method to work, your VPN app should support at least two simultaneous connections. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase an extra subscription. 

You can also install VPNs from different providers on your host PC and virtual machine for additional security. In this case, even if the second VPN’s data gets breached or leaked, your privacy will still be protected due to the first VPN. 

However, using different services isn’t a requirement. You can consider yourself safe even if you’re using the same VPN on both ends as long as it’s a trustworthy service. 

Step 3: Create a double VPN connection 

Now we can create a double VPN connection. Make sure you have subscribed to a capable VPN with strong encryption. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its military-grade security features and stable connection. Follow these steps:

Using ExpressVPN to connect to server in Germany
Checking IP address of VPN on virtual machine
Creating double VPN connection on virtual machine

Lastly, you should understand how your traffic is flowing through the double VPN connection. The host PC creates a connection with the first VPN server. On the other hand, the virtual machine connects to the second VPN server. This means that the double VPN is only active on the virtual machine, while the host PC has a single VPN connection.

When Do You Need Double VPNs?

You need a double VPN connection if you can’t afford to risk your privacy and security on the Internet. In such situations, you would simply not want to leave any boxes unchecked. 

You might need a double VPN in these scenarios: 

When Don't You Need a Double VPN?

Remember that you don’t need a double VPN for regular Internet usage because it can significantly reduce your speed. You’re safe even with a single VPN connection, as long as your VPN provider is capable enough in terms of security. 

Here are a few scenarios where you might not need a double VPN: 

What Is the Difference Between Double VPN, Multi-Hop VPN, VPN Chaining, and VPN over VPN?

Terms like double VPN, multi-hop VPN, and VPN chaining can be very confusing for beginners because they sound similar. To help clear up the confusion, here's a breakdown of the differences between each of them.

Final Thoughts

A double VPN can increase your digital security by encrypting your data twice. However, it will also reduce your connection speed. Hence, a double VPN is not needed for regular activities like streaming, torrenting, and web surfing. But it can be useful for certain groups of people who are at risk of cyberattacks or spying.

Regardless, using a double VPN is not mandatory. If you’re using a capable and high-security VPN with a no-logs policy, then your Internet data is safe enough. For this, we recommend ExpressVPN because it has high-end AES-256 encryption and a true no-logs policy.

FAQ

Is Double VPN Safer Than a Regular VPN Connection?

Yes, a double VPN is safer than a regular VPN connection because it encrypts your Internet traffic twice. But it will also slow down your connection as the traffic will have to jump through 2 servers.

Is Double VPN Better Than Onion over VPN?

Yes, a double VPN connection is better than Onion over VPN because it provides faster speeds due to a lesser number of nodes. However, both can be considered overkill for most people.

Can I Use the Kill Switch with a Double VPN?

Yes, you can use a kill switch with a double VPN if your VPN provider offers that feature.

Is There a Difference Between Double VPN and VPN Over VPN?

Yes, the only difference is that double VPN is a general term that refers to a chain of two VPN servers. These servers can be from the same VPN provider or different ones. However, VPN over VPN refers to chaining VPNs from two different providers.

Is Double VPN Worth It?

Yes, a double VPN can be worth it if you want maximum security on the Internet. For instance, it can be very beneficial for celebrities, public figures, journalists, politicians, and activists. 

Is Double VPN Slower?

Yes, a double VPN is considerably slower than a single VPN as the traffic jumps through multiple hoops, which slows it down. 

Can You Use Two VPNs at the Same Time?

Yes, you can use 2 VPNs at the same time. However, you’ll have to install one of them on your router or set up a virtual machine. In most cases, you can’t connect to two different VPNs on the same device or operating system.

That’s all for our guide on double VPN services. If you have any questions, make sure to post them just below. Thanks for reading and stopping by!



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