Tor and VPNs are powerful tools that can be used to protect your privacy online. Although they share similar functions, they perform them in different ways. What is the difference between Tor and VPN? Is it possible to use Tor with a VPN? Let’s dig in and find out.
What is the difference between Tor and VPN?
Tor Tor, also known as Dark Web or Tor, is an anonymity network that routes internet traffic via a global network. You can remain anonymous thanks to the multiple jumps that your traffic makes on the network.
Tor Browser, also known by Onion Browser, allows you to connect the network. You can use the Tor Browser anonymously to access your internet activities. Your internet connection without Tor Network is not secure. ISPs can tell, for example, that you connected to Tor Network, or view other activities such as torrenting.
VPN VPN is a private network which encrypts your entire internet connection and tunnels all your data through a VPN server. VPNs protect all of your internet activity. VPN makes sure that all data entering and leaving your device is encrypted and private. It does not hide your identity like Tor.
Is Tor a VPN?
According to official Tor documentation, Tor does not require VPN to enhance your privacy. A Tor network is sufficient security to function on its own. There are benefits to both.
There are two ways to combine Tor and a VPN.
- Tor over VPN
- VPN over Tor
Let’s explore each method in detail.
Tor over VPN
Before you can use this method, you need to connect to your VPN. The VPN encrypts all traffic and allows you to conduct business on Deep Web.
Your VPN server IP address will be used by the Tor entry node to determine the origin of your data. Tor entry node will not see your true IP address. This VPN would conceal the fact that your ISP accesses the Tor Network. This will allow you to increase your privacy and anonymity.
The pros of Tor over VPN
- It offers extra anonymity and security
- It hides your Tor activities from your ISP.
- Protects you from malicious entry and IP eavesdropping
Use Tor instead of VPN
- Online privacy and anonymity is not possible when your VPN provider logs and shares your data with authorities.
If Tor is something you’re considering, it can be done over VPN. NordVPN It is a great VPN to use. The VPN is reputable and does not log users’ data and is independently audited.
VPN over Tor
This method is opposite to the first. This route your VPN traffic through Tor Network. You will need to set up your VPN to use Tor. This is more than just turning on your VPN. You will need technical assistance or help.
VPN over Tor allows you to reroute your internet traffic through exit nodes. This eliminates the risk of malicious exit nodes. With this method, Tor entry nodes will see your real IP address and your VPN will only see the exit node’s entry address.
This will make it so that your ISP won’t know anything about your Deep Web activities.
VPN is better than Tor
- Allows for easier access to sites that block Tor exit points
- It protects you against malicious exit nodes
- It allows you to hide VPN usage from ISPs
VPN is better than Tor
- This is because it requires technical knowledge to set up your VPN.
You can take, for instance: NordVPN Onion VPN is a special server. It routes VPN traffic over Tor Network, and allows you access Deep Web sites even without Tor Browser. This feature has a downside: it slows down the speed.
Tor VPN Use:
You can increase your privacy by using Tor and a VPN together. Although a VPN isn’t necessary for Tor Network browsing, it will protect all other traffic if you do not use it. VPNs hide your internet activity from ISPs, even the fact that you are accessing Tor. It could also protect your internet traffic such as torrenting, while you only use Tor Browser to do so.
A VPN with Tor is a good choice when you:
- A reliable VPN provider is available A reliable VPN is essential for Tor privacy and anonymity. You should avoid VPNs that log your traffic.
- You wish to hide Tor usage from your ISP Many ISPs do not like Tor. They monitor what their users do, especially with respect to Tor traffic.
- If Tor Network access is restricted: Sometimes Tor Network may block access so you can’t access it. You can bypass these restrictions by using a VPN.
- You want to be protected from malicious nodes: a compromised node in the Tor network is one way for hackers and authorities to try and break Tor’s anonymity. A VPN will significantly reduce the chances that your true IP is exposed in such cases.
- You want privacy from Tor Network VPNs hide the use of any other apps on your device, such as P2P and torrent clients. It also hides all other browsing activities when you don’t use the Onion browser.
- You’re looking to bypass geoblocking Many websites do not like Tor. Some websites do not allow connections from known exit points. A VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content easier.
Is it Safe to Use Tor as a VPN?
You can use Tor as a VPN. A VPN that doesn’t keep logs can even increase your anonymity and privacy. A VPN that has privacy and security features is essential.
A good VPN is able to protect your privacy.
- Compatible with Tor Tor cannot be used with every VPN. Some VPNs might not work with Tor. The most popular services are compatible.
- Solid encryption: a good VPN comes with good encryption for security. Make sure your preferred VPN service supports OpenVPN protocol.
- Log storage is not allowed Good VPNs promote privacy and do not store logs. While choosing a VPN, ensure it does not store users’ logs and have a clear policy about it.
- Located in a secure jurisdiction Good VPNs are located in countries that don’t participate in the Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes alliances. NordVPN is, for instance, located in Panama. Panama has no data retention laws.
The final word
Is it possible to use Tor as a VPN? There are both advantages and disadvantages to using these tools together. The advantages outweigh any disadvantages. When looking to use the two tools together, it’s best to choose a VPN with privacy features like a No-Log policy and strong encryption.
Here are some VPNs that Tor could benefit from:
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