Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best VPN for Tor. In today’s digital age, anonymous browsing has become a necessity for people concerned about their online privacy. Tor is one such platform that enables anonymous browsing, but it is not entirely secure. That’s where VPNs come in – they offer an additional layer of protection to your online activity. In this article, we’ll explore the best VPNs for Tor, their features, advantages and disadvantages, and how they can help protect your online privacy.
Whether you’re a journalist, activist, or simply an internet user who values privacy, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which VPN to use with Tor.
What is Tor?
Tor (The Onion Router) is a decentralized network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. When you use Tor, your internet traffic is routed through a series of servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Tor is widely used by journalists, activists, and individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship laws.
While Tor provides anonymity, it is not entirely secure. Your ISP, government agencies, or cybercriminals can still monitor your online activity if they have the resources and tools to do so. That’s where VPNs come in as an added layer of protection.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server. VPNs protect your online activity from prying eyes by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.
VPNs offer various benefits apart from anonymity, such as access to geo-restricted content and protection from cyber threats. When you use a VPN with Tor, your online activity is encrypted twice, making it challenging for anyone to track your online activity.
Best VPNs for Tor
Choosing the best VPN for Tor can be a daunting task, given the sheer number of VPNs available. However, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top VPN services that offer robust security and privacy features for users.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services that offer a reliable and robust platform for anonymous browsing. The Panama-based VPN service offers over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, ensuring fast and reliable access to the internet. NordVPN implements robust security features such as AES-256 encryption, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN. The VPN service also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activity is not recorded.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another popular VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features. The British Virgin Islands-based VPN service offers over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ensuring fast and reliable access to the internet. ExpressVPN implements robust security features such as AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN also has a built-in Tor over VPN feature that allows users to access Tor over VPN with a single click.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a Romanian-based VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features for anonymous browsing. The VPN service offers over 6,000 servers in 90 countries, ensuring fast and reliable access to the internet. CyberGhost VPN implements robust security features such as AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy. The VPN service also has a built-in ad blocker and malware blocker to protect users from cyber threats.
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that offers a reliable and robust platform for anonymous browsing. The VPN service offers over 1,200 servers in 55 countries, ensuring fast and reliable access to the internet. ProtonVPN implements robust security features such as AES-256 encryption, Secure Core, and a strict no-logs policy. The VPN service also has a built-in Tor over VPN feature that allows users to access Tor over VPN with a single click.
The above-listed VPNs are some of the best VPN services that offer robust security and privacy features for anonymous browsing. However, each VPN service has its advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a VPN with Tor
Advantages of Using a VPN with Tor
1. Increased anonymity
Using a VPN with Tor adds an extra layer of security to your online activity, making it challenging for anyone to track your online activity. VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, ensuring complete anonymity.
2. Access to geo-restricted content
VPNs allow users to circumvent geo-restrictions and access content that is not available in their country or region. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, users can access websites, services, and content that is not available in their region.
3. Protection from cyber threats
VPNs protect users from cyber threats such as hackers, malware, and phishing attacks. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it challenging for cybercriminals to steal your data and use it for malicious purposes.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN with Tor
1. Slower internet speeds
Using a VPN with Tor can slow down your internet speeds, as your internet traffic is encrypted twice. This can be particularly frustrating for users who require high-speed internet connections for various activities such as online gaming and video streaming.
2. No guarantee of complete anonymity
While using a VPN with Tor can increase your anonymity, there is no guarantee of complete anonymity. Your online activity can still be traced back to you if your VPN service has any security flaws or if you make any mistakes while using Tor.
3. Additional cost
Using a VPN with Tor requires an additional cost, as most VPN services are not free. While some VPN services offer free versions, they come with limitations such as data caps and fewer server locations.
VPN for Tor Table
VPN Service |
Number of servers |
Encryption |
Tor over VPN |
No-logs policy |
Price |
Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN |
5,500 |
AES-256 |
Yes |
Yes |
$11.95/month |
30 days |
ExpressVPN |
3,000 |
AES-256 |
Yes |
Yes |
$12.95/month |
30 days |
CyberGhost VPN |
6,000 |
AES-256 |
No |
Yes |
$12.99/month |
45 days |
ProtonVPN |
1,200 |
AES-256 |
Yes |
Yes |
$10/month |
7 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Tor?
Tor (The Onion Router) is a decentralized network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
2. What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server to protect your online activity.
3. Can I use any VPN with Tor?
Not all VPNs are compatible with Tor. You should choose a VPN that offers robust security and privacy features for anonymous browsing.
4. What are the advantages of using a VPN with Tor?
Using a VPN with Tor adds an extra layer of security to your online activity, allowing you to browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and protect you from cyber threats.
5. What are the disadvantages of using a VPN with Tor?
Using a VPN with Tor can slow down your internet speeds, offer no guarantee of complete anonymity, and require an additional cost.
6. Can I use Tor without a VPN?
Yes, you can use Tor without a VPN. However, using a VPN with Tor adds an extra layer of protection to your online activity.
7. Is it legal to use Tor?
Yes, it is legal to use Tor. However, the legality of using Tor varies by country, so you should check your country’s laws before using the platform.
8. Can I use Tor on my smartphone?
Yes, you can use Tor on your smartphone by installing the Tor Browser app.
9. How do I know if my VPN is working with Tor?
You can check if your VPN is working with Tor by performing a leak test, which checks if your IP address is hidden while using Tor.
10. What is Tor over VPN?
Tor over VPN is a feature offered by some VPN services that routes your internet traffic through a VPN server before entering the Tor network.
11. What is Double VPN?
Double VPN is a feature offered by some VPN services that routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers before reaching its destination, providing an extra layer of protection.
12. What is a no-logs policy?
A no-logs policy is a commitment made by VPN services not to record or store any information about their users’ online activity.
13. Are free VPNs safe to use with Tor?
Free VPNs are generally not recommended for use with Tor, as they may not offer robust security and privacy features and may collect and sell your data to third parties.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN for Tor is crucial for ensuring your online activity remains secure and anonymous. We’ve explored the top VPN services for Tor, their features, advantages and disadvantages, and how they can help protect your online privacy. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and ProtonVPN are some of the best VPN services that offer robust security and privacy features for anonymous browsing.
Using a VPN with Tor is highly recommended as it adds an extra layer of protection to your online activity. However, it is essential to choose a VPN service that offers robust security and privacy features and has a no-logs policy.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to choose the best VPN for Tor and protect your online privacy. Stay safe and browse anonymously!
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only. The use of Tor and VPNs may be subject to legal restrictions in certain countries. It is your responsibility to check your local laws before using these services.
This guide does not endorse any illegal activities or promote the use of Tor and VPNs for illegal purposes. It is your responsibility to use these services ethically and responsibly.