After thorough research and testing,here’s a quick overview of the seven best VPNs for Tor to use in 2023:
- NordVPN: It offers dedicated Tor browser servers and an Onion over VPN feature that ensures a safe browsing experience.
- ExpressVPN: Strong encryption and advanced features keep you safe on the Tor browser.
- CyberGhost: It utilizes strong AES-256-bit encryption, Smart Rules, a dedicated IP address, and No Spy servers that guarantee maximum security on the Tor browser.
- Surfshark: Its privacy-focused features, like camouflage and no borders mode, are great to use while accessing the Tor browser.
- Proton VPN: It uses Tor nodes that establish a new route on every VPN session and has added an anti-censorship protocol to ensure safe and unrestricted access.
- VyprVPN: It uses an Anonabox router that connects users to the Tor browser.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): A reputable VPN service with an extensive server network that has stable and decent speeds.
To know more about how each Tor browser VPN read their short reviews in the latter part of this guide.
The Tor browser is a privacy-focused browser that ensures user anonymity. It helps users to bypass internet censorship, browse the web anonymously, and access the dark web. However, while it does enable safety, over time, the Tor browser has become vulnerable to various security loopholes, which is why it is crucial to use it with the best VPN for Tor.
The first core issue that has become a part of Tor is its association with the dark web. Moreover, it has several other vulnerabilities that endanger users of ISP throttling, possible trackbacks, and slow browsing speeds.
Nevertheless, Tor is a great security tool as it’s better than most other private browsers. Its security becomes ten folds when you mitigate these issues by using it with a legitimate VPN provider. Using a VPN with the Tor browser bolsters your online anonymity and privacy. However, finding a good Tor browser VPN is challenging unless you know what to look for.
Why is using a VPN Essential on the Tor browser
Tor browser allows users to surf the internet safely, so people use them for anonymous communications and to bypass internet censorship. It uses partial encryption and many useful security features and settings that make its online activities private.
Tor is relatively safe to use, but it has developed vulnerabilities with time, and researchers have found flaws. On the top, the Tor browser hides your IP address while hopping your internet traffic into multiple nodes. Though this ensures anonymity, it still poses data privacy issues. ISP can see that you’re using the Tor network and can block your IP address as Tor allows access to the dark web.
Moreover, using the Tor browser also makes you prone to ISP throttling. Since Tor offers layered encryption, this also results in slow browsing speed and hence is incapable of protecting the data at the Tor exit nodes. Thus, a VPN provider is the best way to combat all these issues.
Here’s how using the best Tor browser VPN benefits the users:
- A VPN hides the actual IP address by connecting to a remote VPN server, ensuring greater anonymity.
- You can enjoy fast and stable internet speed by connecting to the fastest VPN servers. In addition, some VPNs offer particular protocols or features, which is a plus point and boosts connection speed.
- The strong VPN encryption helps in preventing the Tor exit nodes’ vulnerabilities.
- The VPN’s Tor-centric features allow safe access to the Tor browser and strengthen digital privacy.
- Because of robust encryption, ISPs, government authorities, or hackers won’t be able to monitor and track your online behavior. Hence, you can do whatever you want while using the Tor browser.
Thus, use a secure and trusted VPN provider for better privacy and security on the Tor browser.
Should you use a VPN with Tor?
A VPN encrypts all your web traffic and directs it via a remote server to give you a new IP address. The encryption blocks ISPs from monitoring your online activities. However, you can only trust the VPN provider not to log your data and sell it to third parties, implying that your activity is private but not completely anonymous.
On the other hand, Tor encrypts your traffic and passes it through the Tor Network, which comprises several volunteer nodes. However, your ISP can see you are using Tor from the exit node, not your online activities, and can block you. It means that your online activities are anonymous but not entirely private. Using a VPN with Tor offers an extra layer of security, privacy, and anonymity. VPN services include extra security features like a kill switch, IP leak protection, private DNS, and split tunneling, essential for unblocking the Tor browser in censored countries.
How to use Tor with a VPN?
If you already have the Tor browser installed on your device, follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a top-notch VPN service like NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server.
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Start Browsing!
In this case, your web traffic is routed initially via the VPN server and then via the Tor network. This means that your data travels through 2 phases before leaving your gadget, making it difficult for your ISP to see that you are using Tor.
End-to-end timing (e2e) attacks
It is a method used for de-anonymizing VPN and Tor users by linking the time they were connected to the time of the anonymous online conduct. Executing an end-to-end timing attack against a Tor user can be challenging for almost everyone except the NSA, suspected of running a significant percentage of the global Tor exit nodes. Fortunately, if an e2e attack is made against you while accessing Tor, a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN will offer an extra layer of security.
Seven best VPNs for Tor browser to use In 2023
The best Tor browser VPNs are the safest way to access the Onion network. These service providers offer top-notch security and anonymity while connected to the Tor browser. They also have dedicated Tor-specific features that ensure a secure and user-friendly experience.
NordVPN: its top-ranked VPN provider, 5000+ servers, all security features, works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and ISP throttling – 30-day Free trial www.nordvpn.com
ExpressVPN: it has 3000 servers around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.expressvpn.com
CyberGhost: it offers 7500+ servers around the world, works with torrenting, Netflix and also provides great privacy features. 45-day Free trial available www.cyberghost.com
Surfhark: It’s great with Netflix and torrenting, can bypass ISP throttling, and has great privacy features. 3500+ servers and come with a 30-day free trial www.surfshark.com
![](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-56x56/Proton-VPN-small-logo-new.webp)
Proton VPN: it has 1400+ servers and is loaded with all privacy features. Works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and bypassing the ISP throttling. Free Version available www.protonvpn.com
VyprVPN: it has 700+ servers in over 70 Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.vyprvpn.com
![](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-56x56/Private-internet-Access-logo.webp)
Private internet Access (PIA): it has 35000 servers in over 75+ Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.vyprvpn.com
Detailed overview of the best VPN for Tor Browser
1. NordVPN
NordVPN: its top-ranked VPN provider, 5000+ servers, all security features, works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and ISP throttling – 30-day Free trial.
![NordVPNreview](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x458/NordVPNreview.webp)
- DoubleVPN
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Split Tunneling
- Dedicated IP
- Next-Generation Encryption
- Onion Over VPN
- SOCKS5 Proxy
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Threat Protection
- Meshnet
- Browser Proxy Extensions
- Up to six devices
- 24/7 live chat support
- Windows
- Apple (Mac, iOS)
- Android
- Router
- Linux
- PSP4 and Xbox
- Streaming devices
- Netflix
- Torrenting
- SmartPlay
- HBO Max
- DisneyPlus
- Amazon Prime
- Games
NordVPN is the best VPN for the Tor browser; all credit goes to its solid security, fastest connection speed, and Tor-centric features. The VPN offers an impressive Tor over VPN feature that hides the IP address at the Tor entry nodes and protects the users from ISP monitoring and hackers looking for the chance to invade your privacy.
It offers dedicated Tor browser servers making NordVPN a great Tor browser VPN. Connecting to these specialized servers sends all the data traffic to the VPN servers and then redirected via the Tor network. It doesn’t require users to download the Tor browser separately, a rare feature that other VPN providers lack. All these dedicated servers ensure the fastest connection speed. But on the top, NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol, arguably the best in the industry, further boosting internet speed.
Moreover, NordVPN has incredible security and privacy-centric features that are excellent to pair with when using the Tor browser. Some of these features are:
- Obfuscation Mode
- Double VPN
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Dedicated IP address
What’s more impressive about NordVPN is that it also offers a dark web monitoring feature. It scans for leaked or compromised NordVPN account credentials on the dark web. It, therefore, protects the accounts associated with NordVPN so users can take appropriate security steps immediately. Apart from this, NordVPN also includes a handful of core VPN features like a kill switch and split tunneling features that further maintain security on the Tor browser.
Regarding security and privacy, NordVPN is the users’ most preferred choice. It deploys the industry’s highest encryption standards and follows a verified no-log policy that makes it highly secure and capable of safeguarding users’ online privacy within the Onion network.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN: it has 3000 servers around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
![ExpressVPN-Review](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x475/ExpressVPN-Review-1.webp)
- Network lock
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- Threat manager
- Split tunneling
- Tor over VPN
- IP Leak Protection
- Private DNS
- Trusted Server Technology
- Stealth Mode
- Lightway protocol
- Live chat support
- Email support
- Windows
- Apple
- Android
- Linux
- Router
- Gaming consoles
- Up to five device support
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
- Hulu
ExpressVPN is the safest VPN provider to use on the Tor browser. It offers hidden Tor Onion services that provide excellent privacy on the Tor browser and ensure that ISPs or other prying eyes don’t monitor users’ online activities. This feature enables users to circumvent censorship and prevent the Tor exit nodes’ vulnerability. By using the hidden Tor services, users can also access the dark web and sign up for the best dark web news sites to read news stories unavailable on the surface web.
ExpressVPN is a feature-packed VPN provider that offers several features for a safe and secure browsing experience on the Tor browser. Below are some of the valuable features that ExpressVPN comes with:
- Trusted-Server Technology
- Private DNS
- Stealth Mode
- Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN uses virtually uncrackable encryption standards and secure tunneling protocols to protect users’ data from all prying eyes. It deploys its proprietary Lightway protocol, optimized for maximum security and speed. The VPN provides the fastest connection speed across all servers, making it the fastest Tor browser VPN. Also, while choosing the ExpressVPN server, users can perform a speed test to know if the servers would give the best connection speeds.
ExpressVPN thrives on respecting users’ online privacy. They follow a no-log policy and use volatile memory that permanently deletes the users’ data from their servers after every section. However, ExpressVPN does mention in its logging policy that it records minimal information. As it doesn’t have anything to do with users’ online identity, there is nothing to worry about. Plus, ExpressVPN is an independently-audited VPN, proving it’s honest with all its claims.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost: it offers 7500+ servers around the world, works with torrenting, Netflix and also provides great privacy features. 45-day Free trial.
![CyberGhostPro](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x449/CyberGhostPro.webp)
- Dedicated IP
- P2P Allowed
- Ad Blocker
- Wi-Fi Secured
- Ad Blocker
- kill switch
- Strict No Logs Policy
- Up to 7 devices
- 24/7 Live Support
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Netflix
- Hulu Plus
- Torrenting
- Sports Streaming
CyberGhost ranks as one of the best VPNs for the Tor browser. It uses AES-256-bit encryption, a 4096-bit RSA key, and an SHA-256 authentication key for encrypting the data traffic. With such advanced encryption, anyone monitoring Tor’s entry nodes will only see the encrypted traffic.
The VPN provider offers an extensive server network across the globe that ensures consistently fast browsing speed. It also means that CyberGhost VPN prevents ISP throttling which is another reason why users prefer using it. Though CyberGhost VPN doesn’t offer any Tor-specific features, it has many superb features that guarantee protection while using the Tor browser. Some of the CyberGhost’s distinctive features include:
- NoSpy servers
- Smart Play
- Dedicated IP address
The NoSpy servers are the most impressive CyberGhost feature on the Tor browser. These self-owned CyberGhost servers ensure lightning fastest speeds and ultimate privacy and security. With the dedicated IP address, you get a static IP address that’s untraceable and keeps all the Tor-related activities private. Also, connecting to the Smart Play feature quickly enables choosing a specific server within a country and enhances the Tor browsing experience.
Besides this, CyberGhost VPN is a private VPN provider that follows a strict no-log policy and prevents keeping any users’ data.
4. Surfshark
Surfhark: It’s great with Netflix and torrenting, can bypass ISP throttling, and has great privacy features. 3500+ servers and come with a 30-day free trial.
![Surfshark](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x582/Surfshark.webp)
- RAM-only servers
- GPS spoof
- Clean Web
- No borders
- Camouflage mode
- Multihop
- Device invisibility
- Two-factor authentication
- Bypasser
- Perfect forward secrecy
- Auto Connect
- Tor over VPN
- 24/7 live chat support
- Email and online resources
- Windows
- Android
- MacOS
- iOS
- Linux
- Routers
- Gaming consoles
- Unlimited device connections
- Streaming devices
- Torrenting allowed
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney Plus
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- BBC iPlayer
Surfshark VPN is another great VPN provider for the Tor browser that offers a Tor over VPN feature. It allows users to access the Tor browser anonymously and ensure no one can track their online activities. In addition, the VPN also offers the best Tor websites that enable users to access the dark web safely.
The VPN provider has several valuable features that make it a great pick on the Tor browser. Some of these features are as follows:
- Multihop
- Bypasser
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Camouflage mode
- No Borders mode
The Camouflage and the No Borders mode work as obfuscation technology and greatly help access the Tor browser. The Camouflage mode hides the VPN traces by disguising the VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. At the same time, the No Borders mode allows using of Surfshark VPN in restrictive regions.
Nevertheless, these Surfshark’s features help bypass internet censorship and restrictions and are the most preferred places where authorities have blocked the Tor browser.
Surfshark VPN also uses a kill switch feature that prevents IP address leaking when the VPN connection malfunctions. Besides this, the VPN safeguards the data on the Tor network by using top-notch encryption and tunneling protocols. It uses the modern WireGuard protocol best suited for increased security and speed. The overall speed of Surfshark VPN is also stable and won’t cause any connectivity issues.
Other than this, Surfshark’s verified no-log policy also makes it a reliable Tor browser VPN. It prevents keeping sensitive information, including the user’s IP address and browsing history, thus guaranteeing a private browsing experience.
5. Proton VPN
![](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-56x56/Proton-VPN-small-logo-new.webp)
Proton VPN: it has 1400+ servers and is loaded with all privacy features. Works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and bypassing the ISP throttling. Free Version available.
![ProtonVPN-Review](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x476/ProtonVPN-Review.webp)
- Kill switch
- Split Tunneling
- Alternate Routing technology
- NetShield Ad Blocker
- VPN Accelerator
- Secure core servers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Full disk encryption
- Up to ten devices support
- Email support
- Online resources
- Android
- Apple
- Linux
- Streaming devices
- Gaming consoles
- Windows
- P2P/BitTorrent support
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney Plus
- HBO Max
- Youtube
Proton VPN is another best VPN for the Tor browser that you can consider using. Proton VPN has the Tor over VPN feature like other top VPN providers. It also offers specialized Tor nodes that establish a new route upon every VPN connection and ensure greater anonymity.
On the top, the VPN provider offers various features that bolster security and privacy on the Tor network. Here are the names of the security and privacy-focused features that Proton VPN offers:
- Full-disk encryption
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Alternate Routing Technology
Additionally, the VPN recently launched a Stealth protocol that further enhances the Tor users’ experience. It is a unique protocol that evades firewalls and censorship, ensuring that everyone across the globe can access the Tor browser. Besides, it offers reliable, consistent, and fast browsing speed on the Tor browser. You can also enable the VPN accelerator feature that maximizes VPN speed and promises no throttling and connection lags.
Apart from this, Proton VPN promises to provide users with the highest security and privacy. It protects the users’ Tor traffic using military-grade AES-256-bit encryption or ChaCha20, making it impossible for snooping eyes to monitor and track your activities.
Proton VPN’s no-log policy also makes it an excellent option to use with the Tor browser. It prevents collecting data or browsing logs and has undergone an independent log audit process to prove it is safe to use along with the Tor browser.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN: it has 700+ servers in over 70 Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
![VYPR-Review](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x458/VYPR-Review.webp)
- Kill switch
- Connection per-app
- VyprDNS
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- AnonoBox router
- Site blocker
- NAT firewall
- DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection
- Split Tunneling
- No-Log Policy
- Up to ten devices support
- Email support
- Live chat support
- Android
- iOS
- MacOS
- Windows
- QNAP
- Routers
- Torrenting allowed
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- Netflix
- WatchESPN
- ESPNPlus
- Sky sports
VyprVPN is a less popular yet secure VPN provider to access the Onion network. It uses an Anonabox that enables users to connect to the Tor browser from setups localized from the router. This is a privacy-focused router that’s powered by modified OpenWRT firmware. As soon as the Anonabox connects with the VyprVPN, it wholly encrypts the internet traffic, including location and activities. The best thing about this Anonabox is that it allows users to access blocked sites, thus, making it a reliable VPN on the Tor browser.
It uses the Chameleon protocol, which works on obfuscation mechanisms and helps bypass internet censorship. Hence, regardless of your restrictive regime, use VyprVPN and enjoy safe and secure access to the Tor browser. The VPN speed is not very impressive, but this protocol guarantees stable internet speed.
Unlike other top-tier VPN providers, VyprVPN isn’t feature-enriched but includes all the necessary features that offer excellent security and privacy on the Tor browser. Some of the features that VyprVPN offers include:
- Kill switch
- NAT Firewall
- Connection Per App
- VyprDNS
The VPN provider uses the highest and uncrackable encryption to protect the data traffic from ISPs and other spying eyes. It is also a private VPN that doesn’t record or share users’ IP addresses, connection timestamps, or browsing histories. Plus, it has undergone a log audit process, which concludes that it is safe to use.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA)
![](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-56x56/Private-internet-Access-logo.webp)
Private internet Access (PIA): it has over 3500o servers in over 75+ Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
![Private-Internet-access](https://beencrypted.com/app/uploads/jptgb/images/eooDryVyBVWgzHCtvysP8Q/resized-868x560/Private-Internet-access.webp)
- Customized AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption
- A kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Dedicated IP address
- PIA mace ad blocker
- InBrowser
- Portforwarding
- Antivirus Protection
- Private DNS
- A strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 Customer support
- Smart TVs
- Linux
- VPN routers
- MacOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
- Unlimited device connections
- BBC iPlayer
- Netflix
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- Disney Plus
- HBO Max
- Amazon Prime
- Youtube TV
PIA has over 35,000 servers spread across 84 countries globally. It is ideal for unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free.
It is suitable for unblocking Tor because it offers multiple protocols like OpenVPN and Shadowsocks, which uses the same HTTPS port to help bypass any censorship. It also helps mask your identity to keep you completely anonymous while using the Tor browser.
PIA employs robust, customizable encryption of AES 128-bit or AES 256-bit and 4096-RSA keys to enhance your security by encrypting your web traffic. Also, the solid encryption prevents anyone from tracking Tor’s entry nodes and can only see your encrypted web traffic. The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, making it a good choice with the Tor browser. It does not store or collect your information, like data logs, bandwidth usage, browsing history, or IP address. The company provides transparency reports that detail all data requests received from authorities.
How do we test VPNs for Tor?
We only recommend VPN services that are safe, encrypt your data, are malware-free, and do not collect or leak any of your data. Below are the main factors that we consider when testing the best VPNs to use for Tor.
- Privacy: We select VPNs with a zero-logs policy to ensure your online activities are not leaked. They are also based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, allowing you to use the Tor browser anonymously.
- Security: VPN providers must offer at least IPV6 leak protection, AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS to be included in our top list. The VPNs also have monitoring blockers and masking features to enable you to access Tor from any location without being identified.
- Unblocking ability: We recommend VPNs that can unblock geo-restricted content abroad from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This means they are also favorable for unblocking Tor in restricted locations.
- Speed: The Tor browser is relatively slow because it routes web traffic through several nodes. Our top VPNs have fast local speeds that only experience a minimal drop down from the average rate.
- Accessibility: Our best VPNs are user-friendly, with apps for the most common operating systems. They also include additional features like knowledgeable 24/7 customer support, unlimited connections, and VPN over Tor servers for a seamless browsing experience.
Features to consider while selecting the best Tor Browser VPNs
While accessing the Tor browser, you need excellent online protection and security. Therefore, you can’t use any random VPN. It’s essential to focus on the privacy and security aspects of a VPN to ensure that you remain safe.
To help you out, here are the VPN selection criteria that you must follow while picking up the best VPN for the Tor browser:
- Always use a VPN that’s compatible with the Tor browser. In addition, it must provide Tor-specific features that ensure ultimate privacy and security over the Onion network.
- Tor browser already offers slow speed because it routes the traffic in three nodes. Therefore, select a VPN that provides fast speed across all the servers.
- To ensure internet traffic passes securely through the Tor nodes, use a VPN with strong encryption like AES-256.
- Tor browser often provides anonymity but fails to meet privacy standards. Therefore, the VPN must be private and follows a strict no-log policy.
- Look for features like DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection that guarantee your VPN is not leaking your data.
- To enhance your digital security on the Tor browser, look for extra features like a kill switch, camouflage mode, or a dedicated IP address. These features maintain privacy and add more value to your overall browsing experience.
Pay attention to all of the features mentioned above. If you don’t, it increases the chance of using an unreliable VPN on the Tor browser and risks your digital privacy.
VPN over Tor vs. Tor over VPN. Which is better
Security experts recommend using a reliable VPN provider to maintain privacy over the Tor browser. There are two ways to use a VPN on the Onion network; here’s how each method works:
Tor over VPN
You can use Tor over VPN by connecting to a VPN first and accessing the internet via the Tor browser. It is an easy method that doesn’t require technical assistance and can easily be understood by non-tech-savvy users. In this method, the entire internet connection is encrypted, making it impossible for the ISP to know you’re using the Tor network.
In addition, it prevents prying eyes from seeing the Tor entry nodes, making you anonymous on the Onion network. However, this method has some drawbacks. As you connect to the VPN first, this won’t protect the internet traffic from malicious exit nodes. Besides this, some websites can block your access because they have seen the Tor traffic.
VPN over Tor
Using a VPN over Tor is another way to use a VPN with the Tor browser. Under this method, you first connect to the Tor browser and then to the VPN, meaning the traffic is not protected at the entry nodes. As a result, the ISPs or other surveillance eyes know that you’re connected to the Tor browser, which is a significant drawback. Also, it doesn’t offer any option to connect to the remote .onion sites. Besides this, it requires configuration on the VPN server, which is tricky; only some know about it.
However, if your prime concern is to avoid Tor exit node vulnerabilities and access websites blocking the Tor traffic, use this method.
There’s a long debate about using VPN over Tor or Tor over VPN. However, from the above analysis, it’s clear that Tor over VPN is more secure and reliable. It increases privacy, while VPN over Tor guarantees maximum security. But since the primary purpose of using a VPN on the Tor browser is to boost privacy, always opt to use Tor over VPN.
VPNs that Tor users should avoid
Some VPN providers are unreliable because they log your data and may compromise your security when using Tor to access the dark web. So, you should avoid using the following VPN services when accessing the Tor browser.
- HideMyAss: It is an England-based VPN service with poor logging policies, which led to the arrest of a few users after the company shared their data with authorities. Also, the UK recently passed more invasive data collection laws. Therefore, you should avoid using this VPN to maintain your privacy and anonymity while using the Tor browser.
- Hotspot Shield Free: It is not a suitable VPN for Tor because it logs users’ data and sells information to third parties for profit. It also logs metadata such as location, IP address, domain names, bandwidth usage, and timestamps. This means that Hotspot Shield invades your online privacy and undermines your security, making it unfavorable to use with the Tor browser.
- PureVPN: This China-based VPN is not the safest because one of its users was recently apprehended on the allegations of being a cybercriminal. This individual tried to conceal his identity using PureVPN, but the provider shared his logs with the authorities, leading to his arrest. Although the VPN recently updated the zero-logs policy, you should avoid the VPN to maintain safety and anonymity.
- Complete Tor VPN: This service is untrustworthy because it records your IP address, location, and personal information, which can be used to monitor your online activities. Its poor privacy policies make it an unreliable option for Tor browsing.
Conclusion
The Tor browser is an excellent anonymity tool that allows users to browse the web without getting tracked. It offers numerous benefits and significant drawbacks that can put your digital privacy at risk.
Tor browser doesn’t provide privacy on the web. It is because of its working mechanism that only provides encryption within the Tor nodes. Besides, its nodes are open-source and can invite hackers to intercept them and spy on users’ activities. Also, the Tor exit nodes can easily be compromised, leading to malware infection. Therefore, to avoid these security issues, use a VPN.
The best Tor browser VPN will encrypt the entire data traffic. It also boosts the browsing speed and offers a range of security and privacy-focused features that ensures a private and anonymous browsing experience via the Onion network.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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6 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time in 2024
KEY TAKEAWAYS Since the Popcorn Time app needs a P2P client, you need to use it with a VPN. here is ...