What is a Double VPN and How do We Set it Up?
If you know how a VPN works and why we use one, you might have heard about a Double VPN at some point in time. A Double VPN means the second layer of encryption or security protection.
There are a couple of differences between a normal VPN and a Double VPN. We’ll get into more of its details further, where you’ll learn how to use a Double VPN, and why it’s sometimes necessary.
What is a Double VPN? Is it different from a normal VPN?
A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is software that allows users to pass all internet traffic through a virtual server, secured by an encrypted tunnel. When you connect to one of its servers, your physical IP address is automatically masked by another virtual IP provided by the VPN.
All data is transferred and encrypted on the end-users device, passed through the VPN server, secured by military-grade encryption. After being secured, all data is then sent to the last stop: the internet, streaming service, app, or website.
Now, the difference between a regular VPN and a Double VPN is that there’s a second or double layer of protection passed through not one, but two VPN servers. The data passing through Double VPN is encrypted on the end-user device, and then encrypted for a second time. The double encrypted data is then passed on to the first VPN server, and then through the second, ultimately reaching the internet anonymously.
How can a Double VPN be created?
Although a Double VPN would typically be offered by certain VPN services, which is the best option to choose, there are still other ways to achieve it. Here is how:
· Double VPN feature
This is through a VPN that offers a Double VPN feature, sometimes known as a Multi-Hop server feature. You can set up and use this by simply connecting to the Double VPN servers provided on the VPN app.
· Connecting to two VPNs
You can create a Double VPN by connecting to two servers from two different VPNs. Start by connecting to a server of one VPN, for example, a Canadian server. Now connect to another VPN simultaneously and make sure the first VPN IP is reflected on the second VPN. Then, click on connect on the second VPN app to establish Double Hop servers.
· Proxy or extension with a VPN connection
Created using a regular VPN connection with a proxy or VPN extension of another provider. Connect to a server on your VPN, and then download a VPN extension or proxy for your browser. Then connect to the browser extension, and the browser will mask your first IP from the VPN.
· Pairing a VPN with TOR
Use a VPN server connection and pair it with TOR (Onion Routing). Connect to your VPN server, download the TOR app and run it over it by connecting the two.
· Connecting a VPN with a VPN installed on a virtual machine
Establish a connection to a VPN server and use it simultaneously with a VPN installed on a virtual machine you’ll have to create. This procedure is a little too time-consuming, which is why you should avoid it altogether and consider the above alternatives.
What are the benefits of using a Double VPN? Is it important?
There’s honestly no hard and fast rule to use a Double VPN. It solely depends on the kind of activity you’re engaged in, where you’re located, and whether it requires an extra layer of protection. Yes, most users might question it, saying that they could use TOR alone, but it doesn’t have the same functionality and performance as a VPN, like servers and encryption.
What’s good about a Double VPN is that it adds extra anonymity. It masks your original IP address twice through two virtual servers. Additionally, the second VPN server won’t have access to discover your physical IP. The first server will mask it.
The positive side about this is that if ever your device or second server is compromised, there’s no way for the perpetrator to track your original or real IP. All your web traffic will be bounced and juggle to and from two servers.
Double VPN protection is the best option for those trying to dodge online or government surveillance in countries that promote harsh censorship laws or dictatorship. For example, countries like China and Russia ban access to Facebook, YouTube, and even WhatsApp. With a Double VPN connection, you can unblock these platforms by connecting to two different international servers that allow access to blocked content worldwide.
Plus, if you’re trying to connect to services within your own country but require full anonymity, a Double VPN lets you connect to a local IP of your country, while your actual web traffic will be shown in another country to avoid detection.
With a Double VPN connection, your ISP will be able to see the initial IP address you connected to, but won’t be able to see where the traffic is passing through via the second server. In short, you can bypass ISP throttling much easily.
But…do I need a Double VPN?
Honestly, the answer varies. Beginners or users who only require basic online protection don’t necessarily require Double VPN services. It’s because when you invest in the best VPN, it should offer military-grade encryption, plenty of servers to choose from, and many advanced features to protect you.
Users who require heavy or intensive online protection in countries with extreme online laws, could consider using a Double VPN, although the feature is offered in high-end and pricey VPNs. A few cheap VPN services are reliable—however, only a few of them, like Surfshark or NordVPN, offer a Double VPN feature.
Are there any disadvantages to a Double VPN?
The only issue that comes with using a Double VPN, is the speeds. Because you’re connecting to two virtual servers, the time with which your data travels from one endpoint to the other, depending on where you geographically reside, could hamper the speeds. Other than that, Double VPN is quite a fantastic tool.
To conclude
Using a Double VPN can add an extra layer of online protection or security, but it’s not advised if you’re after faster speeds. Double VPN does come with advantages, but the slower speeds are the only drawback. You could test it out using a premium VPN that offers a free trial. Either way, it’s good to give it a try; nothing can go wrong with that!
Author Bio: is a writer at topvpnservice . She takes a keen interest in writing how-to guides and
awareness blogs related to cybersecurity measures and software. To instill a little cyber-knowledge in
her readers using layman’s terms is what she aims to do.
