The Double VPN Feature: Extra Security for your VPN Connection

If you’re someone who’s concerned about online privacy and security, then you’ve probably heard of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or even use one right now.

But have you ever wondered what happens when you use two VPN connections at the same time? It’s called VPN chaining or Double VPN, and it’s a technique that some people use to increase their online anonymity while browsing the web.

In this article, we’ll explore what Double VPN is, and what its benefits and risks are, as well as some tips and tricks on how to get extra security when using a VPN. Let’s begin!

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Best VPNs with Double VPN feature

If you are short on time, and you’re looking for the best VPNs with double VPN feature, here are the top options:

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NordVPN Double VPN

When it comes to VPN providers with Double VPN feature, NordVPN is one of the best in the market.

Its Double VPN feature is an advanced security measure that takes security to the next level, by routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.

This effectively encrypts your data twice, providing an additional layer of security to your online activities.

According to various tests, NordVPN has the best Double VPN feature in the VPN industry.

The feature hides your identity behind an additional server, making it nearly impossible to identify your real location. Additionally, the double encryption of data helps keep your data secure, even if one server is compromised.

Double VPN servers in different countries make it even harder to identify your real location. This increased protection against traffic correlation attacks is a key benefit. With two IP addresses, your real IP is even more secure.

NordVPN also offers a vast selection of servers, not just in terms of geography, but also in server type, making it a versatile and reliable VPN service.

ExpressVPN Double VPN

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While ExpressVPN does not provide a Double VPN feature, it does offer an alternative feature known as Multi-hop VPN. This feature is designed to increase security and privacy by routing your traffic through multiple VPN servers.

ExpressVPN’s Multi-hop VPN feature allows you to choose two different server locations to route your traffic through. By doing so, Multi-hop VPN adds extra layers of encryption and security, making it more difficult for anyone to trace your online activity back to you.

Multi-hop VPN can also help you bypass censorship and geo-restrictions by making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.

It’s important to note that Multi-hop VPN is not as fast as regular VPN connections, but it provides an extra layer of security for those who need it.

Overall, Multi-hop VPN is a great alternative for those who seek added protection beyond a conventional VPN connection. While it’s not the same as Double VPN, it provides similar benefits and can help keep your online activities more private and secure.

Surfshark Double VPN

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Another VPN provider that offers a great Double VPN feature is Surfshark. Dubbed as Dynamic MultiHop, Surfshark’s Double VPN feature allows users to connect to two different VPN servers simultaneously, effectively doubling their online security.

With Dynamic MultiHop, users are given the ability to customize their server pairs and double up on Surfshark’s industry-leading encryption.

Typically, the two servers are located in different countries and are pre-selected for the user. But Surfshark also allows full customization by letting users manually select both servers, which adds a whole new level of versatility and security.

Advantages of Double VPN vs. Regular VPN

Double VPN is an advanced VPN feature that offers a range of advantages when it comes to online security and privacy. It works by encrypting your internet traffic twice, which effectively makes it twice as hard for cyberattackers to decrypt and access your data, giving you an extra layer of protection.

One of the key benefits of using Double VPN is that it can help you hide your IP address better. By routing your traffic through two VPN servers, Double VPN makes it more difficult for anyone to trace your online activity back to your real location or identity.

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Another benefit of Double VPN is that it can help you bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. By making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location, Double VPN can enable you to access content that may be otherwise blocked in your area.

For those who value their privacy and security online, Double VPN can provide an additional layer of security. This is especially true for journalists, activists, and anyone who needs to keep their online activities private.

Double VPN can also be used to protect your data from traffic correlation attacks, which is a technique used to link your online activity to your real identity. By making it more difficult for anyone to link your online activity to your real identity, Double VPN can help protect your online privacy.

It’s worth mentioning that Double VPN can be used with other security measures, such as Tor, to provide even more protection for your online activity. Additionally, Double VPN can be used on any device that supports VPN connections, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Disadvantages of Double VPN compared to Normal VPN

While Double VPN has several advantages when it comes to online privacy and security, it also has some potential disadvantages to consider.

One of the main drawbacks of using Double VPN is that it can slow down your internet connection due to the extra encryption and routing of your traffic through two VPN servers. This can be a significant concern, especially for users who require high-speed internet connections.

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Another potential disadvantage of Double VPN is that it may not be available on all VPN services. This lack of availability can limit your options for using this feature, and may require you to switch to a new VPN provider.

It’s also worth noting that Double VPN may not be necessary for all users. While it does provide an extra layer of security and privacy, a regular VPN connection may provide sufficient protection for most online activities.

Furthermore, Double VPN may not be effective against all types of cyberattacks. For example, it may not protect against attacks that target your device or exploit vulnerabilities in software.

Finally, Double VPN may not be suitable for streaming or gaming activities. The extra encryption and routing can cause buffering or latency issues, which can negatively impact the user experience.

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VPN over VPN vs. Double VPN – What’s the Difference?

Double VPN and VPN over VPN are both VPN features that route internet traffic through multiple VPN servers.

Double VPN encrypts data twice by routing traffic through two servers operated by the same provider.

VPN over VPN encrypts data by routing traffic through two servers operated by different providers. Double VPN is generally more secure and easier to set up, while VPN over VPN may provide more advanced security features.

However, both can slow down connection speeds because of increased encryption and routing. The choice between the two depends on the user’s specific preferences and requirements for online security and privacy.

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How does Double VPN Differ From Onion over VPN?

Double VPN and Onion over VPN are two distinct features offered by some virtual private network (VPN) providers. While both can improve your online security and privacy, there are some key differences between the two.

Double VPN involves routing your traffic through two VPN servers operated by the same provider. This means that your data is encrypted twice, providing an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.

On the other hand, Onion over VPN routes your traffic through the Tor network before it reaches the VPN server. The Tor network is an open-source software that masks your IP address and encrypts your online traffic, ensuring your anonymity.

Double VPN is generally considered to be more secure than Onion over VPN. This is because it reduces the risk of data leaks or other security issues that can arise when using multiple providers.

However, Onion over VPN provides an extra layer of anonymity by routing your traffic through the Tor network, which is designed to protect your privacy and anonymity online.

Both Double VPN and Onion over VPN can slow down your internet connection due to the extra encryption and routing of your traffic through multiple servers. However, some VPN providers offer optimized servers for Double VPN or Onion over VPN, which can mitigate this issue.

While Double VPN and Onion over VPN have different approaches to protecting your online security and privacy, they both have their unique benefits.

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Do You Really Need Double Encryption?

Deciding whether you need double encryption with a Double VPN can depend on several factors. For most people, a regular VPN connection from a reputable provider should suffice for their online security and privacy needs.

If you aren’t a specific target of government surveillance, a dissident or a political activist, or any other person targeted by cybercriminals in particular, a Double VPN may be an overkill for your case. While it’s always good to take measures to protect your online privacy and security, a regular VPN should be enough to encrypt your traffic, hide your IP address, and prevent third parties from accessing your online activity.

However, for individuals who require a higher level of security, such as journalists, whistleblowers, or businesses dealing with sensitive information, a Double VPN may provide an extra layer of protection. Additionally, if you live in a country with strict internet censorship laws or if you use public Wi-Fi often, a Double VPN can help ensure your online privacy and security.

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Can I use a free VPN subscription to get multiple VPN connections?

Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no.

This is because most devices can only have one active VPN connection at a time, which makes it impossible to use two VPNs simultaneously. Additionally, while some free VPNs offer basic encryption and privacy features, none of them offer a Double VPN feature. This is mostly considered as a premium and advanced feature only offered by a few VPN providers.

Even if you attempt to use two free VPNs to achieve a similar level of protection, you may still be left with some privacy and security issues. This is because free VPNs have been known to track user data, display ads, and even sell user data to third-party advertisers. This puts the user’s privacy at risk, rendering the use of two free VPNs impractical.

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Is it feasible to connect with a VPN, then use Tor (Onion over VPN)?

Although it’s technically feasible to use a VPN connection with Tor (Onion over VPN), using both at the same time can significantly slow down your internet speed due to the extra routing and encryption.

This is because both technologies are designed to enhance your online privacy and security. Therefore, using both of them together can create a bottleneck.

However, there is an alternative solution available for users who want to access the Tor network with a VPN connection active. By using a private browser session, such as the Tor Private Browser, with a premium VPN connection, it is possible to achieve a similar level of anonymity while minimizing the potential speed issues.

It’s worth noting, however, that unless one needs a high degree of anonymity online, a regular VPN connection should be sufficient for the majority of online activity.

Two VPNs at the Same Time – Does it Make Sense?

As previously mentioned, most devices only allow for one VPN connection to be active at any given time. This can make it difficult for individuals who require multiple VPN connections for their online activities.

However, there is a workaround that some users have found to be effective.

By using a VPN connection on a mobile device and sharing that connection through a hotspot or tethering to a computer, it is possible to use a different VPN on a desktop or laptop computer. This method can effectively allow for the use of two different VPN connections, from two different companies, at the same time.

While this method can work, it’s worth noting that the overall security and privacy benefits of using multiple VPNs simultaneously can be limited.

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Is Double VPN safe to use?

In general, a reputable VPN provider that implements Double VPN properly, will route outgoing and incoming traffic through a first VPN server before being encrypted again by a second VPN server. This will provide an additional layer of security for sensitive or confidential online activities.

However, it’s worth noting that using a Double VPN may slow down your internet connection due to the extra routing and encrypting, as well as the potential for configuration and compatibility issues.

It’s important to choose a single VPN provider that offers the Double VPN feature in their service, rather than using two separate VPNs simultaneously to achieve a similar result, referred to as double or chain VPNs.

Using two different VPN clients to connect to two different VPN servers can lead to degraded performance, configuration issues or potential security vulnerabilities.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that using Double VPN may not be strictly necessary for most online activities, and a single VPN server should be sufficient in most cases.

Is A VPN bidirectional?

Yes, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is typically bidirectional, meaning it can handle both outgoing and incoming traffic. This is the normal function of a VPN, and most VPN protocols (such as OpenVPN and IPsec) support bidirectional traffic.

However, answering whether a VPN can support “double VPN” or “two VPNs”, is a bit more complicated.

Double VPN (also known as multi-hop VPN) typically involves using two VPN servers, with one VPN server routing traffic through a second server. This can help to further enhance the privacy and security of your online activities, as it adds an extra layer of encryption and anonymization to your traffic.

Not all VPN providers support double VPN, and it may require a specific configuration or setup on your end to make it work correctly. It’s also worth noting that double VPN may increase latency and slow down your internet connection.

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Do VPN users share the same IP?

When using a VPN, it is possible for multiple users to share the same IP address, as most VPNs use shared IP addresses. This approach can increase privacy by making it more difficult to associate specific online activity with a particular user.

However, it also presents a challenge for organizations that need to monitor online activity, as it can be more difficult to identify and track individual users.

Some VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses, which are assigned to a single user and can be beneficial for applications such as online banking or gaming.

Ultimately, the decision to use a shared or dedicated IP address when using a VPN depends on your individual needs and concerns, and whether the benefits of additional privacy and security outweigh the potential drawbacks.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, if you require extra security and anonymity for your online activities, double VPN is a great option to consider. It adds a level of protection that can strengthen your VPN connection and make it more resistant to attacks from hackers and cybercriminals.

However, most users will find that a regular VPN connection is sufficient for their needs, especially if they are not conducting highly sensitive or illegal activities online.

Additionally, VPNs can also be combined with TOR, especially when using the Tor browser, to further enhance your privacy and security.

It is important to remember that while VPNs can help you stay safe and anonymous online, they are not foolproof and should be used with other security measures to make sure your online identity and data are safe.

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Radu Negrean
Radu Negrean

Radu Negrean is a UX designer with a strong passion for online privacy. He contributes to the Privacy Tutor blog, advocating for enhanced security and privacy for all online users.