The Best VPN for Tor to Boost Privacy & Anonymity

While Tor offers improved privacy and anonymity, using it without a VPN can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats. ISPs have the ability to detect Tor usage, potentially raising suspicion even if your intentions are innocent. Additionally, since Tor relies on a network of volunteers, you can never be too sure who might be snooping on your online activities. 

If you are looking for a way to address these concerns and enjoy a higher level of protection, we strongly recommend combining the Tor browser with a premium VPN service like PureVPN. In this blog, we will go over the reasons to use a VPN for Tor and provide step-by-step instructions on setting it up in a matter of minutes:

How to Use a VPN for Tor Browser

To experience improved privacy and security while using Tor, just follow these steps mentioned below:

1. Visit our order page and purchase a PureVPN subscription (we support Tor over VPN connections).

2. Download our VPN app on your device. We offer easy-to-use apps for all platforms that Tor is available on.

3. Install the Tor browser from the official Tor website. Once the setup process is complete, launch it.

4. Open the PureVPN app and log in using your credentials. Connect to a high-speed VPN server in any country.

5. Go back to the Tor browser, find the proxy settings, and configure them to use the VPN connection.

6. You can now browse the internet through Tor while benefiting from the additional security and privacy provided by the VPN!

Note: If you run into any issues while setting up PureVPN over Tor, contact our customer support team via live chat for immediate assistance.

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Why Do You Need a VPN for Tor?

Increased Encryption

By connecting to Tor first and then routing your traffic through a VPN, you add an additional layer of encryption to your data. This double encryption helps protect your internet activities from potential eavesdropping or surveillance, providing a higher level of security.

VPN Server Anonymity

When using a VPN over Tor, your internet traffic exits the Tor network before reaching the VPN server. This means that the VPN server does not know your true IP address, enhancing your anonymity and making it more challenging for anyone monitoring the server to trace your online activities back to you.

Protection from Tor Exit Node Surveillance

Tor exit nodes are the final point in the Tor network where your encrypted traffic exits and reaches the internet. By routing your traffic through a VPN, you avoid the potential vulnerabilities associated with certain Tor exit nodes that may be subject to surveillance or compromised. The VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your traffic beyond the exit node.

Accessing Blocked Websites

Some websites or online services may block or restrict access to Tor exit nodes. By using a VPN over Tor, you can bypass these restrictions as the VPN server’s IP address is presented instead of the Tor exit node’s IP address. This allows you to access blocked content while benefiting from the anonymity and privacy offered by Tor.

What makes PureVPN the best VPN for Tor Browser?

Here are a few good reasons why you should choose PureVPN:

• Robust Security: PureVPN offers essential security features like AES 256-bit encryption, obfuscation, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. 

• Complete Privacy: Our Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy ensures that your data is not recorded or shared with anybody. We also support anonymous payment methods.

• Blazing-Fast Speeds: Since Tor slows down your internet, it is important to choose a high-speed VPN. Luckily, PureVPN provides 20 Gbps VPN servers.

• Extensive Compatibility: Tor is available on platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android. We have user-friendly apps for each of these operating systems.

• 24/7 Customer Support: Facing technical issues using PureVPN over Tor? You can get prompt support via live chat, email, and a contact form.

• Reliable Refund Policy: A 31-day money-back guarantee lets you test our service for Tor risk-free. If you are not satisfied, we will refund you.

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Tor over VPN or VPN over Tor: Which is better?

Tor over VPN

When using Tor over VPN, your connection is first established with the VPN server, and then the VPN traffic is routed through the Tor network. This means that your internet traffic is encrypted by the VPN before it enters the Tor network. The encrypted data is then relayed through multiple Tor nodes, ensuring anonymity and privacy. 

The traffic flow in Tor over VPN is: User Device -> VPN Encryption -> Tor Network -> Destination.

Pros of Tor over VPN

• The VPN server’s IP address is presented to the Tor network, providing an additional layer of anonymity.

• Your ISP can’t detect that you are using Tor, making it useful in regions where Tor may be blocked or restricted.

• The VPN encryption safeguards your traffic from potential snooping or manipulation by compromised exit nodes.

Cons of Tor over VPN

• You need to trust the VPN provider as they can see your internet traffic.

• There might be a slight performance impact due to the added layer of encryption and routing.

VPN over Tor

In VPN over Tor, you first establish a connection to the Tor network, and then the Tor traffic is routed through the VPN server. Your traffic exits the Tor network and enters the VPN server before reaching its final destination. This setup provides an extra layer of encryption as your traffic is encrypted by Tor before it reaches the VPN server. 

The traffic flow in VPN over Tor is: User Device -> Tor Network -> VPN Encryption -> Destination.

Pros of VPN over Tor

• The VPN server only sees encrypted traffic from the Tor network, which enhances your anonymity.

• The encryption used by the VPN shields your traffic from potential surveillance or compromise at Tor exit nodes, providing an extra layer of protection.

• By presenting the VPN server’s IP address, you can bypass restrictions imposed on Tor exit nodes and access content that might otherwise be blocked.

Cons of VPN over Tor

• Since the VPN server knows your IP address, you have lower anonymity to some extent.

• Some websites or services may block or restrict access from VPN IP addresses, limiting your ability to access certain content or services.

• The additional routing through the Tor network may introduce latency and impact overall connection speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Tor Browser in My Phone?

Yes, you can use Tor on your phone. For Android users, you can download the Tor Browser app from the Play Store. However, for iOS users, there is no official Tor Browser app available. Instead, iOS users can opt for the Onion Browser, a third-party app available on the App Store that allows you to access the Tor network on iOS devices.

Should I Use a Free VPN for Tor?

No. While free VPNs may seem appealing due to cost savings, they often come with limitations and potential risks. Free VPN providers may have slower speeds, limited server options, and may log and sell your data for profit. Additionally, they may not offer strong encryption or reliable privacy practices. 

When using Tor, it is crucial to prioritize privacy and security. Investing in a reputable, paid VPN service with a proven track record of protecting user privacy and offering robust security features is the recommended approach.

Is Tor a Free VPN?

No, Tor is not a free VPN. Tor and VPNs serve different purposes and operate differently. Tor is a free and open-source network that helps protect your online privacy and anonymity by routing your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers

A VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your IP address and providing an additional layer of security. While both Tor and VPNs offer privacy benefits, they have distinct features and use cases.