“Double VPN” is a term that refers to a double VPN connection — this essentially means the VPN routes your traffic through 2 VPN servers instead of just 1 VPN server. However, there is a lot of confusion out there about how double VPN encryption works, when to use a double VPN, and whether using a double VPN connection can cause major slowdowns.
This is understandable since many online sources that cover this topic are incorrect. I read a ton of articles about double VPN and often came across statements that are downright untrue. For example, I have seen sources claim that the VPN app doesn’t encrypt your traffic or that a double VPN connection will stop your internet service provider (ISP) from seeing what sites you browse (a normal VPN connection does that by default).
So I decided to put my experience to good use and write this full double VPN guide. I’ve been regularly using VPNs for 5+ years, and I’m extremely familiar with all the top providers that have double VPN support. I cover everything you’ll need to know about double VPN connections in this article, including how they work, how to use them, when you need to use them, and more.
I also discuss which VPN provides the best built-in double VPN support. I personally prefer Surfshark, since it allows you to set up custom double VPN connections using its entire server network, and it also provides very good security and privacy features.
What Is a Double VPN and How Does It Work?
“Double VPN” is simply the term for routing your VPN connection through 2 VPN servers instead of just 1 VPN server. The term “double VPN” doesn’t refer to a VPN provider in particular, but to the built-in feature inside a provider’s apps that allows you to use a double VPN connection.
Many people also use the term “multihop VPN” to refer to a double VPN connection. This term has been used so frequently that it’s gotten to the point where it’s more or less interchangeable with the “double VPN” term. But I need to highlight one important fact — the term “multihop VPN” can also refer to a VPN connection that runs through more than 2 VPN servers (usually, it’s 3 or more servers).
Like I mentioned above, a double VPN connection will send your traffic through 2 VPN servers instead of 1 VPN server. This means your data is secured with 2 layers of encryption, not just one.
To best illustrate how this works, here’s how a normal VPN connection looks:
Your Device → ISP Network → VPN App → VPN Server → Internet
And this is how a double VPN connection looks:
Your Device → ISP Network → VPN App → VPN Server #1 → VPN Server #2 → Internet
Also, here’s a breakdown of what goes on “behind the scenes” when you use a double VPN connection:
- The VPN app adds one layer of encryption to your data, then forwards it to the first VPN server.
- The first VPN server (called the entry server) adds the second layer of encryption, then forwards your data to the second VPN server.
- The second VPN server (called the exit server) removes both encryption layers, then forwards your data to its destination — the website or web app you’re accessing.
- The site or web app you’re accessing sends the requested data to the second VPN server, which then encrypts it and sends it to the first VPN server.
- The first VPN server adds another layer of encryption, then forwards the data to the VPN app on your device.
- The VPN app finally removes both encryption layers, allowing you to interact with the data on your device.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Double VPN?
The main benefit is extra security. With a double VPN connection, your data is protected by an extra layer of encryption. Normally, additional VPN encryption is redundant since it’s pretty much impossible to compromise just one layer of VPN encryption — but it’s still a good way to get peace of mind if you’re performing activities that require high-end security, like accessing the web in restrictive countries or securing sensitive conversations (with whistleblowers or journalists, for example).
A double VPN connection could also provide more privacy. First of all, it hides your real IP address behind 2 VPN IP addresses instead of just one VPN IP address. Also, the first VPN server won’t know where your data is heading (only the second VPN server knows that). And the second VPN server won’t see the source of your traffic, as only the first VPN server knows that it’s coming from your device. Of course, you only get to enjoy this level of privacy if you’re using a VPN that doesn’t keep any logs.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using a Double VPN?
The main problem is the slowdown. A VPN will slow down your speeds by default due to the added layer of encryption and the distance between you and the VPN server. When you use a double VPN server, the slowdown will be even more noticeable due to the extra layer of encryption and the extra distance your data has to travel by passing through another VPN server.
I ran a few speed tests on several VPNs that have double VPN support (NordVPN,
Also, using a double VPN connection might make your device slower, especially if it’s using old and weak components. That’s because the encryption-decryption process uses your device’s CPU power, so doubling it will increase the strain on your device’s resources.
Finally, many providers with double VPN support only have preset double VPN servers — this means you can only pick certain server locations to connect to. And if the list of double VPN servers is small, you might have to use distant servers, which will cause even bigger slowdowns.
Luckily, there are some exceptions (although, very few) that let you set up custom double VPN connections.
When Should You Use a Double VPN?
It only makes sense to use a double VPN connection in sensitive situations where it’s extremely important to secure your web data and privacy. Double VPN connections are generally best suited for:
- Political activists. A double VPN connection would allow you to access sensitive information securely and also promote freedom of speech online without compromising your privacy.
- Journalists. Double VPN connections would provide much-needed additional security when reporting the news and interviewing vulnerable sources, like informants for example.
- Whistleblowers. A double VPN connection would increase your security and privacy when you’re accessing and sharing sensitive data with your contacts.
- People in restrictive countries. Double VPN connections would make it harder for oppressive governments to monitor your web usage.
I really don’t recommend using double VPN connections for everyday activities, like browsing the web, streaming, torrenting, or gaming. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using a double VPN connection if you just want to enjoy additional security — just keep in mind your speeds will be slower than with a normal VPN connection.
Which VPN Provides the Best Double VPN Support?
I personally think Surfshark has the best double VPN support on the market at the moment. It has 10+ double VPN server presets, but the main thing that stands out is how it allows you to create custom double VPN connections. Even better, it allows you to pick your entry and exit server locations from its entire list of servers — this means you can choose from 100 countries.
This level of variety helps you avoid huge slowdowns when using double VPN connections. That’s because you can create a custom double VPN connection using servers in your country or nearby countries — this way, your data travels over smaller distances, so the slowdown is smaller.
Even better, Surfshark lets you pick specific cities from countries where it has multiple locations. This is useful when connecting to very large countries, like the US or Canada, since you can pick cities that are near your location to optimize your speeds.
I also like the provider’s IP Rotator feature, which provides even more privacy for its double VPN connections. IP Rotator regularly changes your VPN IP address throughout the VPN connection — and it does this without disconnecting you from the VPN server. Basically, this feature will make it harder for anyone to track the IP address of the exit VPN server you’re using.
On top of that, Surfshark has tons of other high-end security and privacy features, and additional perks too. To find out more about this provider, just check out our in-depth review.
How to Use a Double VPN
Most companies that support double VPN connections will provide built-in access to them in their apps. Most of the time, you’ll get access to a list of preset double VPN servers you can connect to — for example, the list could include a US–UK, Canada–US, or Japan–Singapore double VPN connection. But some providers might allow you to set up custom VPN connections (basically, choose which entry and exit servers you want to use).
You can also create your own double VPN connection — this involves renting virtual servers, configuring VPN software on them, and then using the servers to surf the web. I don’t really recommend doing this, as it’s somewhat expensive, and it’s also inconvenient and time-consuming.
How to Increase Double VPN Connection Speeds
In my experience, these are the best ways to boost your double VPN speeds:
- Use a fast VPN protocol. While OpenVPN is secure, its speeds are pretty mediocre — especially if your original internet speeds are slow. To get the best results, I recommend using a fast VPN protocol instead, ideally WireGuard (which most providers support). If WireGuard isn’t available, IKEv2/IPSec is a good alternative.
- Use the nearest VPN servers. Your data already goes through 2 VPN servers, so the extra distance added by the second server will make the slowdown more noticeable. If possible, try to use double VPN servers that are either located in your country or nearby countries.
- Use split-tunneling (if available). Split-tunneling is a feature that lets you choose which apps or sites go through the VPN and which ones use your standard internet connection. The less data that goes through the VPN, the less data there is to encrypt and decrypt. So, your VPN speeds will be faster. I tried this out with NordVPN,
Surfshark , andProton VPN , which all have double VPN support and a split-tunneling tool. I used several double VPN servers from each provider while torrenting as well as split-tunneling to only send P2P traffic through my double VPN connection — that usually boosted my VPN speeds by about 10–20% on average.
- Don’t use Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi, the strength of the signal will determine how fast your VPN speeds will be. Even if the signal strength is strong, you might still experience noticeable slowdowns when using a double VPN connection. I recommend using a device that’s directly connected to your router via an ethernet cable (and an adapter if necessary), as your speeds will be much faster than over Wi-Fi.
- Turn off background apps. Don’t leave web-connected apps running in the background if you’re not using them with the double VPN connection. They’ll put a strain on your bandwidth, and they’ll also eat up your device’s CPU resources (which are used in the VPN encryption-decryption process).
Will a Double VPN Connection Stop ISPs From Seeing That I’m Using a VPN?
No, a double VPN connection doesn’t work that way — although I have seen some online sources claim that this is actually true. However, whether you use a normal VPN connection or a double VPN connection, your ISP will still see that you’re connecting to a VPN.
On their end, your ISP will see that your device is connected to the IP address of the first VPN server. And if they use an IP lookup tool to check out said IP address, they’ll see that it belongs to a data center, which is usually indicative of a VPN connection.
Can You Use More Than 2 VPN Servers at the Same Time?
Yes, and doing this is called “chaining VPNs,” “cascading VPNs,” or setting up a “multihop VPN connection.” In theory, if you manually set up your own VPN servers, you could chain as many VPN servers as you want — though I don’t see why you’d want to do this since your speeds would be extremely slow.
Most VPN providers only let you use a double VPN connection, though there are a few that allow you to chain more servers. Perfect Privacy, for example, lets you chain up to 4 VPN servers — and it even lets you pick which server locations you use. I used its multihop feature a few times when I reviewed Perfect Privacy, and I need to highlight how I experienced very noticeable slowdowns and some connectivity issues too.
To be honest, I think that using more than 2 VPN servers at the same time is overkill. The level of security and privacy you get via a double VPN connection should be enough for most people (even those handling sensitive data). Plus, the extra encryption you get via a VPN chain with 3 or 4 hops won’t be of much help when you won’t be able to use the internet due to extremely slow speeds and random disconnects.
Can You Set up a Double VPN Connection by Using 2 Different VPNs?
You can, but I advise against it. Doing this usually won’t work, as it will create connectivity issues between the two providers. For example, if you connect to VPN #1 and then to VPN #2, you might get disconnected from the first VPN when you successfully connect to the second VPN — or you might not be able to connect to the second VPN at all. Or, you might manage to connect to both VPNs, but you’ll lose internet access until you disconnect from one of the VPNs.
I actually tried this out with 5 different VPNs, and I always experienced connectivity issues. Most of the time, I’d just get a connectivity error, like the one pictured below. But, on the few occasions when I did manage to connect to both VPNs, my internet access would just stop working until I disconnected from one of the VPNs.
It’s best to just stick with a good VPN that has built-in double VPN support. It’s easier to use a double VPN connection that way, and you don’t need to deal with connectivity issues. Plus, this method is much cheaper since you only pay for one VPN instead of two.
What’s the Difference Between a Double VPN Connection & an Onion Over VPN Connection?
These terms sometimes get mixed up or used interchangeably. But a double VPN connection and an Onion Over VPN connection are different things.
Like I mentioned before, a double VPN connection is a VPN connection that goes through 2 different VPN servers. This way, it protects your data with 2 layers of encryption, and it hides your IP address behind 2 VPN IP addresses. A double VPN connection looks like this:
Your Device → ISP Network → VPN App → VPN Server #1 → VPN Server #2 → Internet
An Onion Over VPN connection means you’re running a Tor connection over a VPN connection. Tor is a privacy network that you can access by using the free Tor browser — you just download and install it on your device, then use it to access different websites via the Tor network.
The Tor network works similarly to a VPN, as it also changes your IP address and encrypts your traffic. But instead of sending your data through just one encrypted server, it sends it through at least 3 Tor servers.
Running an Onion Over VPN connection just means you first connect to a VPN server, and then use the Tor browser to access websites over the Tor network. This is how an Onion Over VPN connection looks:
Your Device → ISP Network → VPN App → VPN Server → Tor Network → Internet
People use Onion Over VPN connections to get extra privacy while using the Tor network — if the network experiences a leak, only the VPN’s IP address will be exposed. The downside is that your speeds will be really slow, as the Tor network itself experiences noticeable slowdowns because it routes your traffic through 3 encrypted servers.
If you’d like to read more about Onion Over VPN connections, we have an in-depth guide covering this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a double VPN connection worth it?
Yes, if your main goal is to enjoy high-end security while using the internet. That’s because a double VPN connection will secure your data with 2 layers of encryption, and it will also hide your real IP address behind 2 VPN IP addresses.
That said, double VPN connections aren’t suitable for casual online activities (like streaming, gaming, and torrenting) since they’re pretty slow. Instead, it’s best to use them in situations that require a high level of security and privacy, like when handling sensitive data or communicating with whistleblowers.
Will a double VPN connection slow down your speeds?
Yes, and the slowdown will likely be very noticeable. Using a regular VPN connection will cause slowdowns due to the added encryption and the distance between you and the VPN server. And since a double VPN connection adds more encryption and increases the distance your data has to travel, the slowdown will be even bigger — in my experience, my double VPN speeds were usually 35–50% slower than my regular VPN speeds.
There are some things you can try to increase double VPN speeds, like using a fast protocol or split-tunneling. But even if you try those tips, don’t expect your double VPN speeds to be as fast as your normal VPN speeds.
What’s the best double VPN?
I like using Surfshark the most. Its main highlight is that it allows you to create custom double VPN connections, which means you can choose whichever entry and exit servers you want. And you can pick from servers in 100 countries, so you can set up a double VPN connection using entry and exit servers near your location to get the fastest speeds.
Plus, the provider has an IP Rotator feature that regularly changes your VPN IP addresses without dropping your VPN connection. This adds more privacy, as it makes it difficult for someone to track your VPN IP address.
Can you use more than 2 VPN servers simultaneously?
Yes, though I don’t really think it’s worth it. While you get even more security and privacy, your speeds will be extremely slow — plus, you’ll be more likely to experience connectivity issues. But if you still insist on using a VPN connection with more than 2 hops, try Perfect Privacy since it allows you to chain up to 4 VPN servers.