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MultiHop double VPN

A man wearing a black beanie and brown jacket holding a globe with location markers connected by dotted lines.

Double VPN for double the privacy and security

With Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop, you can:

Connect via two VPN servers

Create your own server duos

Add an extra layer of security

Get started

30-day money-back guarantee

Available on:

iOS macOS Android Windows Linux

What is a double VPN, and how does it work?

A double VPN, or multi-hop VPN, is an advanced security feature that routes online traffic through two VPN servers, encrypting your data twice and providing higher anonymity.

It works by initially encrypting data from your device and routing it via a remote VPN server. Then, the data is sent through a second VPN server and re-encrypted. This process hides your online activity behind two servers, doubling the security of your data.

Here at Surfshark, the Double VPN feature is called MultiHop. The VPN servers are located in different countries and are pre-selected for you.

If you wish to select the servers manually, Dynamic Multiphop allows you to do just that, thanks to Surfshark Nexus.

An infographic showing Double VPN routing encrypted data from a device through two servers before reaching the internet.

Is a double VPN safer than a regular VPN connection?

A double VPN is safer and more private than a regular VPN, thanks to the additional encryption layer.

The second server has no information about you because the first VPN server already changed your IP address and encrypted your data.

However, a double VPN isn’t always necessary, and there are times when you shouldn’t use it — but more on that later.

Is a double VPN safer than a regular VPN connection?

How do I use a double VPN?

Learn how to use Surfshark’s double VPN feature, Dynamic MultiHop, in three easy steps:

1. Get Surfshark

2. Open the MultiHop tab

In the Surfshark app, click MultiHop on the home screen under the search bar.

3. Connect

Choose a location set or create your own server pairs, mark your favorites, & connect to them.

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Double VPN benefits you’ll love

Choose your entry & endpoint IP

Dynamic MultiHop allows you to select any server you want & create your own server pairs, fully adapting to your security needs.

Increase untraceability

The more servers between you and whoever wants to track you, the harder it is for them to reach you or for data leaks to occur.

Double your security

A double VPN lets you enjoy the internet freely and more securely, thanks to doubled traffic encryption.

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.

— Teshir Jennifer (@Aikojenny_) July 28, 2024

I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.

— Morgan Leggett (@YouBettaLeggett) August 13, 2024

Trialling out @surfshark‘s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.

— Eakan (@eakangk) October 26, 2024

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

When should you use Surfshark’s double VPN — Dynamic MultiHop?

Use it if:

You want to increase your online security and anonymity
You want to avoid online tracking and profiling
You’re a political activist who wants to access information securely and privately
You’re a journalist protecting your sources, and you’re sending sensitive information over the web

Don’t use it if:

You’re browsing casually — a single VPN server is enough
You’re streaming — routing your traffic via multiple servers may decrease your speed

The difference between a double VPN and a VPN over VPN

There are two major differences between using a VPN over VPN (sometimes called layered VPN) and using a double VPN — the servers used and the complexity of the data journey.

Servers used

Data flow

Speed

Encryption layers

Potential issues

Double VPN

Two servers from the same VPN provider

Your device → 1st VPN server → 2nd VPN server → the website → back

More efficient routing within the same server infrastructure

Multilayered encryption (via two servers)

Generally reliable

VPN over VPN

One server each from two different VPN providers

Your device → 1st VPN provider’s server → 2nd VPN provider’s server → the website → back

A VPN tunnel within a tunnel significantly reduces the speed of data routing

Multilayered encryption (via two servers)

May lead to VPNs malfunctioning or not working at all.

Can I use two separate VPNs instead of a double VPN?

You can, but we don’t recommend using two separate VPNs.

Using two separate VPNs (VPN over a VPN) creates a VPN tunnel within another VPN tunnel.

They may conflict with each other, significantly slow down your internet speed, cause data leaks, or even crash both VPNs.

Separate VPNs aren’t built to run alongside each other. Running a second VPN can likely result in a routing error and potentially trigger the kill switch feature.

Such errors arise when two VPNs create conflicting routing entries on the user’s device, misdirecting internet traffic from the intended gateway. A VPN may then pick that up and interpret it as if your connection is dropping, triggering the kill switch feature and shutting down your internet connection altogether.

We recommend using a double VPN, which is designed to ensure double data encryption is as smooth as possible.

Can I use two separate VPNs instead of a double VPN?

Frequently asked questions

Is VPN chaining with Dynamic MultiHop safe?

Yes, it is safe. Our industry-leading encryption secures your traffic even without Dynamic MultiHop. This feature only improves your security and privacy online.

Is a double VPN overkill?

A double VPN can be overkill because of the double encryption — a single layer of AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption provides enough security for most users. However, a double VPN isn’t overkill for those who need a higher level of security and are okay with the drop in internet speed.

Is a double VPN better than regular VPN servers?

A double VPN connection usually increases privacy and security by doubling the encryption. However, in most cases, it reduces your overall speed. A double VPN is a better choice than a regular VPN when you need the highest level of privacy and want to send sensitive info. Regular VPN servers are better for casual browsing, streaming, etc.

What made Dynamic MultiHop possible?

Surfshark Nexus. Nexus is a Surfshark VPN innovation that connects our VPN servers to a single, global network.

All servers belong to the same network, meaning you can choose any two countries to connect to and easily switch between them to maximize your security.

What is the difference between obfuscated and double VPN?

An obfuscated VPN hides the fact you’re using a VPN and helps get around censorship. A double VPN sends your traffic via two VPN servers, adding a double layer of encryption, but it doesn’t hide VPN use.

Is it safer to use an onion over a VPN or a double VPN?

Onion over a VPN and a double VPN are both generally safe. Onion over a VPN routes traffic through a minimum of three nodes, providing more layers of encryption than a double VPN.

However, Onion over a VPN is designed to access the Onion network; the process is more complex and might slow down the connection speeds, while a double VPN is meant for regular internet use with an extra layer of protection.

What is the difference between Double VPN and VPN chaining?

VPN chaining is a general concept of using multiple VPN servers to route traffic. It can describe a double VPN when two servers from the same VPN provider are used. However, VPN chaining can also mean VPN over VPN or using three (or even more) VPNs from different providers.

Double VPN for double the privacy and security

Available on:

What is a double VPN, and how does it work?

Is a double VPN safer than a regular VPN connection?