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Double VPN for double the privacy and security

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Available on:

iOS

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

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

A double VPN 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, known as VPN server chaining, 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, the Dynamic Multiphop allows you to do just that, thanks to Surfshark Nexus.

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

Is a double VPN safe?

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

Besides, the second server has no information about you because the first VPN server already changed your IP address and encrypted the rest of 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.

How do I use Dynamic MultiHop?

Learn how to use Surfshark’s Double VPN in three easy steps:

1. Get Surfshark

2. Open the Multihop tab

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

3. Connect

Start creating your own server pairs, mark your favorites, & connect to them.

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Dynamic MultiHop benefits you’ll love

Choose your end point 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.

Avoid censorship

Similar to a regular VPN, a double VPN lets you enjoy the internet freely and in a more secure way, thanks to doubled traffic encryption.

Note: complete online anonymity is impossible, so when using a VPN or a double VPN, make sure not to use your online accounts (Gmail, FB, IG, etc). Otherwise, all your activities can still be recorded and tied to your account.

Experts recognize us

Independent Advisor Best Value VPN 2023

Forbes Advisor Best VPN for Unlimited Connections 2023

VPN Solution of the Year at CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards 2022

When to use Surfshark’s double VPN — Dynamic MultiHop?

Use it if:

You want to increase your online security and anonymity when connecting to your own country
You want to avoid the government and your internet service provider’s tracking
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, because routing your traffic via multiple servers may decrease your speed

Difference between a double VPN and a VPN over VPN

Two major differences between using two VPNs at once and a double VPN — the servers used and the distance the data has to travel.

Servers difference: a double VPN uses two servers of the same provider, while two separate VPNs at the same time use one server from each provider.

Data journey difference: let’s say you visit a website, and the data from your device has to make it there and back. This is how it would look like in both ways:

The data flow using a double VPN: your device → first VPN server → second VPN server → the website → second VPN server → first VPN server → your device.

The data flow using VPN over a VPN: your device → first VPN provider’s server → your device → second VPN provider’s server → the website → second VPN provider’s server → your device → first VPN provider’s server → your device.

Ultimately, the effect is the same in both cases — the data encryption is multilayered. However, running a VPN over a VPN in practice may lead to none of the VPNs even working.

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

You can, but we don’t recommend using two separate VPNs. 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 away from the intended gateway. A VPN may then pick that up and interpret it as if your connection is dropping, and then trigger the kill switch feature, shutting down your internet connection altogether.

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

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

FAQ

Is VPN chaining with Dynamic MultiHop safe?

It is. Our industry-leading encryption secures your traffic 100%, even without a Dynamic MultiHop. This feature only improves your security and privacy online.

Is a double VPN overkill?

Double VPN can be overkill because of the double encryption — a single layer of AES-256 encryption provides enough security for most users. However, a double VPN isn’t overkill for those who need that 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, 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.