VPNs are great for protecting you online, but can they get even more secure? You might've heard about multihop VPNs, but what actually are they?

Here's what you need to know about multihop VPNs, how they differ from a standard VPN, and whether they're worth trying when you're surfing the web.

What Is a Multihop VPN?

blue multihop vpn diagram

A multihop VPN, also known as a double VPN, works by sending your internet traffic through two secure servers, instead of one, when you go online. You can think of this as a secure tunnel within a secure tunnel, which provides an extra layer of security. This is because using two servers adds an extra layer of traffic encryption, so both your IP and traffic are therefore protected twice as much.

Using a multihop VPN, your traffic is first sent to one VPN server and encrypted. This server then sends your traffic, double-encrypted, to the second server, which then decrypts your traffic and adopts the server's IP address before you access the internet. So, as your data reaches each server, it receives another layer of encryption, to the point where your data is almost entirely inaccessible to cybercriminals.

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If an attacker tries to access your data by hacking the first server, your data will be encrypted, and therefore indecipherable. Then, if the attacker tries to access your data via the second server, it won't be able to access any data before it was encrypted by the first server. And so it will be extremely difficult for anyone to ever access a decrypted version of your data if you use a multihop VPN.

Sometimes, multihop VPNs use even more than two servers, providing even more encryption. In short, the more servers that your traffic passes through, the more protected it is.

There are two ways in which a multihop VPN can operate: via a cascaded connection or a nested chain configuration.

The Two Modes of A Multihop VPN

The two ways through which a multihop VPN can function involve using one or more VPN providers. A cascaded connection involves using just one VPN provider. On the other hand, a nested chain configuration involves using two or more VPN providers, which then results in the use of multiple VPN servers.

Of course, one would think that using the nested chain method would be the best bet, but this isn't necessarily the case, which brings us to the major downside of VPN protocols using two or more servers.

What Are the Downsides of Using a Double VPN?

wifi and clock logo on laptop screen

The biggest downside of using any kind of multihop or double VPN is the significantly reduced connection speed. The general rule among VPNs is that the more servers your traffic has to pass through, the more time it'll take to load pages, stream videos, or use the internet in general.

People already complain that standard VPNs, which use just one server, have unsatisfactory connection speeds, so adding one or more additional servers to the process will only worsen this issue. This is why the majority of reputable VPN providers do not offer a multihop VPN feature, as this will most likely lead to customer complaints due to the greatly reduced connection speed.

Related: What Is Split Tunneling and Should You Use It?

On top of this, the performance of your device can be negatively affected when you use a multihop VPN. Your computer is going to have to encrypt and decrypt all your online data, so this probably won't be great for its overall performance.

So there is a frustrating inverse relationship between connection speed and security levels when it comes to VPNs. But don't worry: standard VPNs still offer enough protection to keep you safe in most cases when using the internet. Regular VPNs remain the most popular option for the majority of individuals.

If you are, however, considering using a multihop VPN, there are some services that can provide you with one. So let's discuss just a few of them.

Which Providers Offer Multihop VPNs?

Though multihop VPNs certainly aren't as popular as standard VPNs, you can surely use a multihop VPN via these three providers.

1. Surfshark

surf shark vpn active on laptop screen

Surfshark is among the most popular VPN providers in the game right now. Available on all your typical operating systems, Surfshark's "Double VPN" feature can be accessed easily through its subscription service. And, surprisingly, Surfshark claims that their multihop VPN can potentially improve your internet connection speed.

Surfshark states that "bouncing via two unusual routers might put you on a faster path", yet discourages those who regularly stream from using their multihop feature.

On top of this, they list a few specific reasons as to why you may want to use a multihop VPN, including dodging government tracking and hiding your sources if you're a journalist. Pretty niche, indeed. But the company also states that a multihop VPN is a good option for those who prioritize security above all else.

2. NordVPN

nordvpn running on laptop

NordVPN is another great VPN provider with a multihop option. Nord uses a double VPN, involving the use of two servers, which allows for the double encryption of your internet traffic. Like Surfshark, NordVPN states that its double VPN is more suited for those who want to stay under the radar from government surveillance or those who wish to hide their sources if they're in the journalism business. So, again, it isn't essential for everyday folk.

Related: NordVPN Now Offers Antivirus Protection and Here's How to Get It

NordVPN even states that you don't need a double VPN for everyday browsing, or when you're using the Tor network. But if you're still interested in the service's multihop VPN feature, you can access it easily via the app on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

3. ProtonVPN

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Logo credit: ProtonVPN/Wikimedia Commons

ProtonVPN's "Secure Core VPN" sends your traffic through a number of servers to multiply encryption layers and provide top-level security. ProtonVPN states that their "Secure Core" feature can "protect our users from network attacks that other VPNs cannot defend against", and claims to place its servers in Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden because of their strict privacy laws.

If you already have ProtonVPN's "Plus" or "Visionary", its multihop VPN feature can be accessed quickly on any device using its app.

Multihop VPNs Aren’t for Everyone but Can Be of Use

While the majority of individuals don't really need a multihop VPN, it's certainly a solid option for those whose priority is to ensure their internet traffic is never decipherable to anyone else.

The multi-layer encryption offered by multihop VPNs can ensure that no one will be accessing your online data any time soon, so take a look at one of the recommendations above if you're looking to keep your internet traffic super safe.