What is Double VPN and Should You use it? [Updated 2023]

Unlike a traditional VPN setup that uses a single VPN server at a time to encrypt and transfer your data, a Double VPN simply uses two VPNs simultaneously. With a Double VPN setup, your data get transferred through two different secure VPN tunnels and gets encrypted twice. 

For instance, the first VPN tunnel that you get connected to encrypts your data with 256-bit encryption and transfers it to the second VPN tunnel which then encrypts it again before transferring it. The technique essentially adds double security and privacy.

Although there are different types of Double VPNs, it all works more or less the same and basically helps mask your IP address twice for added security. Typically, only popular VPN providers like Surfshark, NordVPN, and some more offer a Double VPN feature, however, you can achieve the same level of double encryption by using two different VPNs and virtual machine setup.

You can install a free Virtualization tool like Virtual Box on your computer and run one VPN app on your computer and other VPN apps on the virtual machine. Although Double VPN works great and offers more security, it can slow down your network speeds quite significantly due to added encryption and tunneling.

Why Get Surfshark or NordVPN?

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are our top VPN recommendations in 2023. That said, we highly recommend Surfshark because of its price ($2.05/mo).

Here are some reasons why you should consider getting Surfshark or NordVPN – whichever one you prefer:

• Surfshark –Most Affordable VPN. Starts from just $2.05/mo. Offers 3200+ servers in 65 countries. Offers Double VPN feature. Can easily unblock streaming services like Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Netflix US and Hulu with ease. Tested to offer speeds of up to 47.83 Mbps (50 Mbps standard connection). Supports unlimited simultaneous connections and also offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.

• NordVPN – Most Secure VPN. Comes with powerful security features such as Nordlynx, AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, CyberSec, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers. Offers an audited strict no-logging policy. Offers 5200+ in 59+ countries. Capable of unblocking all geo-restricted websites. Fast enough to offer speeds of up to 36.43 Mbps (50 Mbps standard connection). Costs just $5.29/mo, supports 6 multi-logins, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.