Trustworthy VPN connections are always protected by end-to-end encryption, but is there an even more secure way of accessing the internet? Double VPN is the advanced security feature from the best VPN, NordVPN, that allows you to do just that.
With Double VPN, your traffic is routed through not one but two VPN servers, providing an extra layer of protection and security.
To many it's a handy extra feature, but for some it's a crucial lifeline for accessing the internet safely and securely.
Here, we’ll explain Double VPN, running down what it is and how it works, the pros and cons of using it, and if it’s something you should consider using yourself.
What is NordVPN Double VPN?
In the most general sense, a VPN sits between you and the wider web, and any and all traffic going to and from your device is encrypted and routed through a server owned by the VPN.
NordVPN’s Double VPN feature goes one better, and routes your traffic through two servers. Both times your traffic passes through a NordVPN server it is encrypted, so when using Double VPN your activity will be encrypted twice.
In the app, all you need to do is head to Specialty Servers, and then select Double VPN. Select your server destination of choice, and then connect.
Double VPN is currently available for NordVPN's Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Windows apps.
Which NordVPN servers support Double VPN?
Double VPN isn’t available on every NordVPN server location. In fact, it’s only available from 10 countries:
- US
- UK
- Canada
- The Netherlands
- France
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
What are the pros and cons of Double VPN?
The biggest benefit of Double VPN is the fact that your traffic is doubly encrypted. This makes the already incredibly difficult-to-crack encryption absolutely bombproof.
In the unlikely event of your normal VPN connection becoming compromised, your IP address and activity can be seen. Double VPN acts as a failsafe as neither server has access to your end destination and your connecting IP address.
We consider NordVPN one of the most secure VPNs, and its no-logs policy has just been proven for a fifth time. But if you're still unsure, the extra security Double VPN provides may put your mind at ease.
That extra encryption comes at a cost, though, namely connection speeds. Due to the fact your internet traffic is being transferred through a second server, more resources are required and this will affect speeds.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN providers around, but when using Double VPN you may well notice some slow-down.
If you're just using a VPN for everyday browsing, then we don't recommend using Double VPN – a standard single connection will provide more than enough protection.
Who should use Double VPN?
As with any software, no special feature can or should be used all of the time – and Double VPN is no exception.
If you’re looking for absolute privacy online, then Double VPN is definitely worth using. This could include journalists or political activists in restrictive countries, those looking to evade government surveillance and censorship in countries like China or Russia, and whistleblowers and informants.
That’s quite a niche selection of people, so if you’re just looking to use NordVPN as a Netflix VPN or for added privacy when browsing the web, Double VPN is probably overkill.
Do any other VPNs offer a similar feature?
Not every VPN offers something like Double VPN, but some of the top providers do. Surfshark’s MultiHop is much the same as Double VPN, and offers pre-selected combinations of two servers in different countries to route through. And, in fact, Surfshark offers a couple more possible locations than NordVPN does.
ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature is similar, but instead of using two regular servers, it first passes your traffic through ultra-secure servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before sending your traffic to the country of your choice. There are 63 locations available with Secure Core, but be aware that since traffic always routes through the specialized European servers, connection speeds may take more of a hit.
Other popular VPNs, Private Internet Access (PIA) and IPVanish, include multi-hop features. However ExpressVPN is one of the only leading VPN providers not to offer a form of multi-hop connection.
Is NordVPN Double VPN a deal breaker?
If you’re in one of the groups that we outlined above who should be using Double VPN, then yes, as one of the small number of providers to offer a multi-server feature, NordVPN may be the VPN for you.
However, for the vast majority of users, Double VPN will be a nice-to-have, but by no means a deal breaker. However, NordVPN is still a very capable VPN, and should definitely be on your shortlist.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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