What Are Single VPNs?
If you currently use a VPN, chances are that it’s a single VPN. This is the most common type of VPN out there and is offered by all the providers you’ve heard of.
As the name suggests, single VPNs send your data through just one remote server and create a secure private network wherein you can surf safely. Your internet traffic includes all your online activity, so your ISP can see every site you visit when you’re not using a VPN.
So, a single VPN diverts your internet traffic through a remote server and encrypts it once before it reaches your ISP. This process also hides your real IP address, instead showing that of the remote server your traffic is sent through. Many VPN providers describe this as sending your data through a “secure tunnel”, i.e. all your data is made indecipherable so that your ISP, third parties, and cybercriminals cannot take and use it for themselves.
Single VPNs also allow you to access geo-blocked content. This is online content that is restricted in certain parts of the world for a number of different reasons. Geo-blocking is particularly frustrating when using streaming services, as a show or movie you want to watch may be available in your neighboring country, but not yours. A VPN masking your IP allows you to access content available in the country where your chosen remote server is located.
If a single VPN can keep you safe online and give you access to geo-blocked content, it’s more than enough, right?
In most cases, yes. Single VPNs are suitable for the majority of internet users, but there are cases in which a double or multi-hop VPN works far better. So, what are these other kinds of VPN?
What Are Double VPNs?
Unlike single VPNs, double VPNs send your internet traffic through two remote servers before it reaches your ISP, which is done by cascading two servers together. This means that your traffic receives two layers of encryption instead of one.
With a double VPN, a cybercriminal will have an extremely hard time reading your data. If they try to access it via the first server, it has already been encrypted, and if they try to access it via the second server, they’ll only be able to go as far back as the first layer of encryption. This makes it almost impossible for your unencrypted data to be stolen.
Double VPNs also mask your IP address and allow you to bypass geo-blocking, but why exactly would you need two layers of encryption?
Double VPNs are often used by specific kinds of internet users. Of course, those who prioritize security above all else could make use of a double VPN, as well as those who are trying to dodge government surveillance, keep their journalistic sources private, or remain totally anonymous under all circumstances.
At this point, you may be considering a double VPN to further increase your level of online security. But there’s a big downside that comes with using double VPNs.
What Are the Downsides of Double VPNs?
When your traffic is sent through a remote server for encryption, it can take a toll on your internet speed. However, when your traffic needs to go through two servers, and therefore two layers of encryption, it takes even longer to reach your ISP. This means that your connection speed will likely be significantly affected. If you want to see exactly how a double VPN can alter your internet speed, check our comparison of the speeds offered by single and double VPNs.
There is a general inverse relationship between the number of servers your traffic goes through and your connection speed, so you should keep this in mind when you consider using a double VPN (especially if you do a lot of streaming, gaming, or other activities that take up more bandwidth). This is why, if you want to use a double VPN, you need to be sure that you’re truly in need of an additional remote server.
But VPNs don’t stop here. After double VPNs come multi-hop VPNs, which provide super-high security levels.
What Are Multi-Hop VPNs?
The term “multi-hop” can also be used to describe a double VPN, as it refers to any scenario wherein your traffic goes through two or more servers. But, in this case, we’ll be describing VPNs with three or more remote servers using this term.
Multi-hop VPNs can have many remote servers through which one’s traffic must pass, and are generally suited to people whose online anonymity or security is beyond essential. While we all want to stay safe online, certain individuals (like those previously listed) have more need to keep themselves, and their identities, safe while on the web.
VPNs with more than two remote servers are a lot rarer than single, or even double VPNs, and can cost more because of the extra servers needed. On top of this, using a VPN that sends your traffic through three or more servers can have a huge effect on your connection speeds, to the point where using the internet for any reason may become very frustrating.
On top of this, your CPU could suffer if you begin using a VPN that requires multiple servers. Each time your traffic is encrypted, the more calculations your CPU is required to perform, which ups its energy requirements. So, using a VPN with three or more servers could quickly overwhelm your CPU and lead to slow performance or even overheating, which can be harmful to your device.
If internet security and privacy are extremely important to you (even more so than your connection speed), we recommend trying a double VPN first. These VPNs are highly secure and can provide you with an added layer of security not offered by single VPNs.
Each Kind of VPN Is Suited to Different Users
While double and multi-hop VPNs are a solid option for certain people, it’s important to note that a single VPN is perfectly suitable for the majority of internet users. If you use the web for pretty typical purposes, such as streaming, shopping, talking to friends, or gaming, then a single VPN should be more than adequate for you. But there’s no harm in checking out a double or multi-hop VPN if your online activities require a little more protection.
