What is Double VPN? All you need to know

What is Double VPN?

Double VPN, also known as multi-hop, is a feature that routes your internet traffic through two separate VPN servers instead of just one. This dual-layer encryption offers enhanced security and privacy by adding an extra level of protection to your IP address. Unlike a standard VPN, you often have limited options when selecting servers, as you are typically confined to pre-configured server pairs.

Despite its added security benefits, Double VPN is not widely adopted. Most VPN providers do not offer this feature, primarily because it can significantly reduce connection speeds. When your data is routed through two VPN servers located far apart, the lag is inevitable. Additionally, the process of double encryption is more resource-intensive.

However, Double VPN can be particularly useful for individuals needing heightened security, such as political activists or journalists working on sensitive subjects. For these users, the additional protection provided by double encryption can be worth the trade-off in speed.

Advantages and disadvantages of Double VPN

Advantages of Double VPN

Double VPN enhances your security and privacy in several ways:

• Double encryption: With two VPN servers encrypting your traffic, it becomes nearly impossible to decrypt.
• Additional IP layer: The second VPN server masks the IP address of the first server, which in turn hides your real IP address.
• ISP obfuscation: Although your ISP will see that you're using a VPN, the website you're visiting remains concealed.
• Enhanced anonymity: Typically, Double VPN servers are located in different countries, providing multiple layers of anonymity between your real location and your virtual one.
• Protocol combination: You can further boost security by combining TCP and UDP versions of the OpenVPN protocol.

Disadvantages of Double VPN

Double VPN is not essential for every user, and several drawbacks limit its appeal:

• Reduced speeds: The most significant downside is the decrease in connection speed. Adding a second server and extra encryption can drastically lower your Mbps, making it unsuitable for activities like streaming 4K videos or downloading large files.
• No tor over VPN: You can't use Double VPN in conjunction with Tor for browsing. While it’s possible to use both separately, combining them results in extremely slow speeds.
• Increased power consumption: Double VPN can drain battery life faster on mobile devices, though it’s less of an issue for plugged-in devices.
• Limited server options: While top VPNs typically offer servers in many countries, Double VPN usually provides a much smaller selection, focusing on popular destinations like the US or the Netherlands.

In summary, Double VPN's primary drawbacks are slower speeds and fewer server options. However, for those with high-speed connections, the impact on performance may be minimal. The reduced server options generally cover the most popular locations, which should suffice for most users.

Is Double VPN safer than a regular VPN connection?

Double VPN offers enhanced security compared to a regular VPN connection, even if it doesn't use double encryption. Here's why:

• Dual VPN servers: With Double VPN, your IP address is concealed behind two VPN servers instead of just one. This added layer of obfuscation strengthens your privacy.
• Data segregation: In a Double VPN setup, one server handles your IP address but not your traffic destination, while the other server manages your destination but not your IP address. This separation further enhances security.
• Brute-force resistance: Even if double encryption is not used, the complexity of routing traffic through two servers makes brute-force attacks far less effective.

However, the overall safety of Double VPN depends on the quality of the VPN provider. For optimal security:

• No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy. Without this, using Double VPN may not provide additional security benefits if logs are being kept.
• Independent audits: Choose a VPN that has been independently audited or whose privacy practices have been verified in court.
• RAM-only servers: VPNs using RAM-only servers can't log your traffic, adding another layer of security.
• Privacy jurisdiction: Opt for a VPN based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
• Leak Protection and Kill Switch: Ensure the VPN includes robust leak protection and a reliable kill switch to prevent accidental exposure of your data.

In summary, Double VPN enhances safety by adding an extra layer of obfuscation and segregation of data. Nonetheless, its effectiveness relies on the underlying security features and policies of the VPN provider.

Difference between Double VPN and VPN Over VPN

Double VPN and VPN over VPN are similar in that both involve routing your traffic through two VPN servers. The key distinction lies in how these servers are sourced:

• Double VPN: This setup involves using two servers from the same VPN provider. Both servers are configured and maintained by the same company, ensuring a unified approach to privacy and security.
• VPN Over VPN: In this scenario, you use one server from each of two different VPN providers. This method combines the services of two distinct companies, adding an extra layer of separation between your data and potential logging or surveillance.

Key differences:

• Provider compromise: If a VPN provider that logs user data is compromised or subpoenaed, all data passing through its servers can be exposed. With VPN over VPN, if one provider is compromised, it only has access to part of your data—either your IP address or your traffic destination—but not both. This separation can make it harder for authorities to piece together your full browsing history.
• Security considerations: Using two different VPN providers can enhance privacy by distributing your data across separate entities, but it also introduces challenges. If both VPN providers are located in the same country or have overlapping jurisdictions, it may not provide additional protection.
• Practical issues: Configuring and running two VPN services simultaneously can be complex. Many VPN clients are not designed to support multi-hop with different providers, leading to potential compatibility issues. This setup may require advanced configuration or additional software to manage the connections effectively.

In summary, while both Double VPN and VPN over VPN offer increased security, VPN over VPN can provide added privacy by leveraging different providers. However, this setup may come with practical challenges and additional costs.