DoubleVPN

Double VPN (or Multi-hop VPN) is an advanced privacy attribute offered by select VPN services. Double VPN encrypts a user’s internet traffic twice, and sends it through two different VPN servers before it reaches its endpoint. Having multiple servers also means added security and privacy, making this a great option for people who want to remain anonymous online.

What is Double VPN?

In a typical VPN configuration, a user’s internet traffic routes through a single VPN server, where it is encrypted and a new IP address is given before it goes on to the internet. Double VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your traffic and sends it to one VPN server, where it gets encrypted again and routed through a second VPN server before reaching your desired website or service. That means the user’s data gets encrypted twice and takes an additional "hop" between servers.

For example:

• Once the VPN connection initiates, the data from the user gets encrypted on their device and routed to the first VPN server.
• This is then encrypted again at first server and forwarded to a second VPN server.
• The second VPN server decrypts the data one layer and then delivers it to the target Internet destination.

Why do VPN services use Double VPN?

1. Two-stage encryption for a secure messaging experience
   Double encryption is the primary advantage of Double VPN. Data is encrypted every time it passes through a VPN server. Double VPN provides users with an added security layer, which makes data interception or decryption by cybercriminals or surveillance agencies extremely challenging. People dealing in sensitive information or in high-risk professions, such as journalists or activists, should make use of this double encryption approach.

2. An extra layer of IP masking
   Doesn’t only mean an extra layer of encryption but also numerous IP address switches — good double VPN. Users also get an additional layer of anonymity since their IP address changes with every VPN server. So, for example, after routing through the first server, the user’s IP gets replaced with the IP of the first server. Once the data is sent through the second server, it is masked again and the original user's IP address is further hidden.

3. Enhanced privacy from potential threats
   Double VPN offers an extra layer of protection in high-risk areas, including restrictive countries with heavy internet surveillance. Multiple hops of servers can help to defeat more rigorous censorship and monitoring, allowing users have a more safe access to the internet. Double VPN effectively makes it much harder to track user activity or locate the user by routing the data through two separate servers in different geographic locations.

4. VPN server compromise protection
   If one VPN server was somehow compromised, the extra layer of encryption and routing over a second server would still secure the user’s data. Double VPN often caters to users, they account for those of you who need additional protection against potential threats, for example from advanced surveillance.

The downside of Double VPN

Double VPN certainly has some clear privacy benefits, but it also has a few downsides:

• Slower speeds: Because two servers are used to route data, it increases the distance and processing time, meaning the connection speeds can slow down. This may not suit activities such as gaming or streaming, where speed is critical.
• Potential increase in data usage: While still minimal, double encryption does increase your data usage, since each layer of encryption adds additional data to the specific packets.
• Limited access: Not every VPN has a Double VPN feature, and it’s generally limited to certain servers or regions.

When should you use double VPN?

Double VPN is especially useful in use cases where enhanced safety is required, including:

• Sensitive countries — strict censorship/surveillance.
• Processing sensitive information (which requires additional protections).
• Conducting sensitive research or investigative work that needs total anonymity.
• To keep yourself safe when dealing with financial information like during international transfers or crypto trades.

Double VPN is not a necessity for everyday browsing or streaming due to possibly the slow down in speed. But, it’s indispensable when the utmost levels of privacy and security are needed.

List of VPN providers with DoubleVPN feature:

• Surfshark VPN (Surfshark VPN's biggest draw is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single subscription, which is not the case with most other VPN providers.).

• NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).

• VeePN (VeePN is a very popular VPN service with over 40 million active users. It has a reasonable price, an easy-to-learn interface for all the platforms.).

• IPVanish (IPVanish provides a cost-effective 2-year plan, ideal for those who want to use it for a while.).

For privacy enthusiasts and those conducting sensitive online activities, the Double VPN feature is a must. This type of VPN can encrypt the data in two ways, routing it through two isolated servers that provide a layer of security and anonymity that makes it almost impossible for a third party to know, track, or trace any user data. It’s not necessarily needed for every user, but in high-risk situations in which privacy is crucial, Double VPN can be a helpful.