Is It possible to use Multiple VPNs Simultaneously? Answered

If you are a VPN user, you might have come across the term double VPN or VPN chain connection. Some VPN users might think of using multiple VPNs simultaneously will provide additional privacy & security. It’s not that simple, but the simple answer to your question will be: Yes. But, how? Well, you need to be techy for that (as it is a complicated thing).

VPNs (Virtual Private Network), running several VPNs simultaneously won’t benefit much in the first place. Even when you do it, you might run into some trouble being unaware of that. If you want to know about it, then this guide is for you. While this article will brief you how to setup multiple VPN connections along with pros & cons of using multiple VPNs simultaneously.

⏳ Short in time? Here is a quick guide for you:

It’s possible to use multiple VPNs same time. But, it will require some configuration & multiple VPNs subscriptions. So, Instead of wasting your money, efforts & resources. It’s recommended to use VPNs like NordVPN offering the same features (Double VPN) that can do the work of multiple VPNs. Still maintaining your speeds up NordLynx, boosting the growing & downloading speeds. NordVPN is a nut-shell to crack (using encryption the same as government). Allowing them to use six devices simultaneously (Mobile, laptop, tablet, etc…).They are also offering a 30-days money-back guarantee program to taste their service for free.

What is double VPN

Instead of routing your internet traffic through one server. It will be routed through two VPN servers. Some users misunderstand double VPN as AES-512 (when it uses AES-256), this is entirely different. But, it is not far from the truth.

Instead of providing one level of encryption (without doubling it), another level will be added to the second server. At first, it will be encrypted at the first server & again at the second server before reaching the internet. Here is the representational view:

In simple terms, your data will be encrypted-decrypted twice in order to serve your request. So, with double-VPN, your IP will be re-assigned twice (instead of once).

Using Multiple VPNs simultaneously

The case of double VPN is different from simultaneous VPNs. Some VPNs like NordVPN have a double VPN feature (only one VPN service provider sent through two servers). But, in the case of multiple VPNs (you will have different services providers). Can you do that? Yes, of course, you can have multiple VPN connections simultaneously.

It will be called VPN chaining or hopping (as the traffic will get routed through multiple servers).

So, instead of routing your traffic through two servers of the same service provider. You can pass it through multiple VPNs for an additional layer of encryption (IP Address will be mixed) enhancing your privacy.

Simply installing & connecting to two VPNs won’t work. You will fall into a routing error (when you click on connect button on the second VPN). if this doesn’t happen both service providers will fight against each other and finally one will win to route your traffic.

All this is because when you hit the connect button on VPN (it will create entries, lines, and netmask overriding default gateway). Now when you do the same with the second VPN (it will also create entries) as the entries already exist resulting in conflict. But, if you want to avoid this, you need to access (OpenVPN configuration files & configure them).

But, the best way is to use them (without many technical things) is to install one VPN on your operating system and another on Virtual Machine. So, firstly install a VM (virtual machine) on your computer along with OpenVPN.

This will create two tunnels, from your computer and then through a virtual machine. But this will affect your speeds severely (for the additional tunnels).

You can also do this for routers as well and need to be configured to allow concurrent connections. For this many OpenVPN clients have to be set up and Accept DNS Configuration=Exclusive setting.

Advantages of Multiple VPNs

Most benefits you attain using multiple VPNs is a higher level of security

  • Second VPN you connect to will not know your real IP Address (as it can only see first VPN Address).
  • Your traffic will be encrypted multiple times (depends on how many you use).
  • There will be a slight advantage when the connection between servers uses TCP & UDP.
  • Reduces the risk of traffic getting attacked by middle man.

Disadvantage of Multiple VPNs

Though there aren’t many cons, the major problem is that you need to be technically stuffed to handle the errors. They will hugely impact your speeds (if you go further more than single encryption).

Though you can prevent some speed loss by connecting to nearby servers and some tips to boost your VPN speeds. But our main intention is you shouldn’t get buffered for security. For instance, if your internet connection is 100 Mbps a double VPN connection will make it around 50 Mbps.

Besides that, even a double VPN cost more than a single. Better to go with a VPN service provider offering double VPN or VPN chain connection support to save your money.

How to setup Multiple VPNs

As there are different ways to achieve simultaneous VPNs connections. Here are the best ways among them (as per our research).

Multihop VPNs

Multihop is much similar to double-hop (where your traffic will be routed through two servers). But in multihop (routed through multiple servers). So, for instance, a UK-US connection when you connect to the UK server again your traffic will be routed through a US server before the request is sent to the internet.

All these doublehop VPN connections are static (you can’t choose the servers).

Self-Configurable Multihop Connections

Using cascading connections (VPN provider allows yuo to configure within the VPN clinet). So that you can choose the servers you want to hop (no of hops depends on your VPN provider). VPNs offering such features are usually high in prices.

Router + VPN

This is another best way to use multiple VPNs, infact an easy way. All you need to do is install a VPN service on your router (only few VPNs has dedicated router app). Then install a VPN client app on your device.

Everytime you connect to the internet through router (already connected to a VPN). YOu will be encrypted twiceas it will be routed through your router first and then through your device client app.

Browser Extension + VPN Client

Some VPN providers offers browser support along with client. So, you can combinely use them. The theme behind this is to connect to a VPN server through the client first and then using browser extension.

Note:- Through this you won’t get double VPN connection (if you use proxies) as they are completely different from VPNs.

Host + Virtual Machine

We will be showing you multiple VPNs set up using a virtual machine. For that, you need some requirements

  • Windows, Mac or Linux
  • Admin/Port Privilages
  • OpenVPN
  • VirtualBox / VMware
  • Any two VPNs (Best VPNs in 2024)

Step1:- Install VirtualBox & OpenVPN

Install OpenVPN for Windows, Mac, and Linux users follow the command.

  1. Change yur directory to download
  2. Use the command ./configure
  3. Compile and install make && sudo make install

When this is done, now you need to install VirtualBox on your operating system (this will allow another OS to run on your computer).

Download VirtualBox for Windows, Mac, Linux and install an OS or clone your operating system. Then again install OpenVPN for it.

Step2:- Chaining Multiple VPNs

Once everything (step1) is done.

  1. Connect to a VPN on your original OS.
  2. Open VirtualBox and connect to another VPN.
  3. Now open browser on your virtual machine and start surfing (safe from private eyes).

NordVPN: Best Double VPN in the Market

nordvpn logo
  • 5500+ servers in 62+ Countries
  • Double VPN feature for extra privacy
  • Unlimited Streaming in Ultra HD quality without data caps
  • Unlimited P2P/Torrenting anonymously with dedicated P2P servers
  • Unblocks International services Netflix, Hulu, Prime, HBO, iPlayer, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
  • CyberSec to avoid malware and block ads
  • Reliable kill switch
  • Strict No-logs policy
  • 30 Days full refund policy

Conclusion

With that said, all the essential dicussion happened here about multiple VPNs can be attained using NordVPN (double VPN feature). Instead of paying multiple subscriptions for VPNs. You can use the Double VPN feature offered by very few VPNs in the market in which NordVPN is one of them.

By doing so, there will be no conflict in the traffic when it is redirected through another server after passing through the first server. Also, your data will be as secure as encrypted by multiple VPNs.

FAQs Related to Multiple VPNs

Are VPNs Really Secure?

Yes, Using VPNs will keep you secure and your data safe unless you download a file. Since even VPNs cannot protect you from the virus if someone targets you specifically. Rest of the scenarios you can rest assure you are safe.

Using a VPN is Legal?

The answer to this question lies in the country where you reside. Because in some countries it is legal to use VPN. In some countries like Iran or Iraq, it is considered illegal. If you want to check is it legal in your country here is the list.

Do All VPNs Keep Logs?

Unluckily, there are a lot of VPN services logging user data (to sell the information to any other third-party members). To make sure your privacy matters a lot, we recommend using a secure & anonymous VPN that is really zero logs, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.

Is double VPN & chaining VPNs the same?

No, it’s not the same but the times they encrypt will be the same. Double VPN refers to routing through two servers of a single VPN service provider whereas chaining VPNs refers to connecting multiple VPNs at the same time.

What about my speeds if I use multiple VPNs?

Multiple VPNs will encrypt your traffic multiple times, results in a drastic drop in speeds. Again as different VPN service providers will use encryption techniques (take’s time) to decrypt & encrypt. So, it’s better to stick with a single VPN service provider.

About Nandam Sreenivasulu

Nandam Sreenivasulu is passionate about cybersecurity and tech lover believes in Internet freedom for all. Loves to watch animes in his free time and explore more about the latest animes.

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