What Is Onion Over VPN & Should You Use It?

For those worried about online privacy, the threat of surveillance by unwelcome third parties is all too real. Some secure their everyday browsing with a VPN, while others rely on The Onion Router (Tor).

However, there is a method that combines the strengths of both: Onion over VPN. If you are wondering what Onion over VPN is, how it works, and whether you need it, go through our guide below:

What is The Onion Router? How Does it Work?

The Onion Router, commonly referred to as Tor, is a free and open-source software designed for anonymous web browsing. It operates on a system known as the onion network (or Tor network). Users interact with the onion network primarily through the Tor Browser, developed and maintained by the Tor Project. 

The concept of onion routing, the technology behind Tor, originated with the US Navy and has since gained traction among privacy-conscious internet users. It channels internet traffic through three different types of Tor nodes:

• Entry Node: Your connection starts at an entry node, where your real IP address is visible to the node operator, but the content and final destination of your traffic remain hidden. 

• Relay Nodes: As your traffic moves through the Tor network, it passes through multiple relay nodes, which handle it in encrypted layers. These nodes do not know both the origin and the destination of the traffic, meaning no single point can link you to your online activities. 

• Exit Node: The final leg of the journey occurs at the exit node, where your traffic leaves the Tor network and reaches the internet. The exit node can see the destination of your traffic but not its origin.

Despite its strengths, Tor is not foolproof. The network relies on volunteer-operated servers, which can vary in reliability and integrity. Vulnerabilities like malicious exit nodes can compromise your anonymity, and because Tor can significantly slow down your internet speed, it may not be ideal for everyday browsing.

What is a VPN? How Does it Work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that creates a secure and private connection to the internet. Unlike The Onion Router that secures only browser traffic, a VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, so that every activity on your device is protected.

A VPN works by encrypting your data directly on your device before it leaves. This encrypted data is then sent through a secure tunnel to a VPN server. Once it reaches the server, the data is decrypted and passed on to its final destination, such as a website or an online service.

During this process, your real IP address is replaced with the VPN server’s IP address, making it look like your internet activity is coming from the server’s location instead of your own, which masks your real location and identity.

The most secure VPN providers maintain their own servers rather than relying on volunteer-operated networks—this eliminates the risk of encountering a malicious or compromised server controlled by bad actors.

What is Onion over VPN? How Does it Work?

Onion over VPN, also known as Tor over VPN, refers to the process of connecting to a VPN server before accessing the Tor Browser. This adds an extra layer of protection to your connection, shielding you from potential risks associated with compromised servers in the Tor network.

When you activate a VPN first, your data is encrypted before reaching a Tor entry node. As you browse via Tor, all traffic appears to originate from the VPN server’s IP address rather than your actual IP, so it is impossible for anyone to trace your activity back to you, even after it exits the Tor network.

By combining VPN encryption with Tor’s layered anonymity, you gain the benefits of both tools. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) cannot detect that you are using Tor—it only sees VPN traffic. And if your VPN supports obfuscation, even the fact that you are using a VPN can be hidden.

Should You Use Onion over VPN?

For most internet users, a reliable VPN is sufficient to meet their privacy and security needs. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and provides a secure connection without requiring the additional complexities of the Tor network. 

However, for those seeking an extra layer of anonymity or needing access to the Tor network, Onion over VPN can be a valuable option. To help you decide if Onion over VPN is right for you, here are its main pros and cons:

Pros of Onion over VPN	Cons of Onion over VPN
Tor nodes (entry and exit) will not expose your actual IP address.	Combining Tor with a VPN can significantly slow down your connection.
Your ISP cannot tell you are using Tor, as it only detects VPN traffic.	A VPN with few server locations might reduce anonymity.
Adds extra privacy for all activities, even those outside the Tor Browser.	The setup process for Onion over VPN is more complex than just using a VPN.
Protects your entire device, not just browser traffic.	Running both can consume more system resources, slowing your device.

How to Use Onion over VPN

Using Tor with a VPN is straightforward. All you need is the Tor Browser and a high-quality VPN like PureVPN. Check out the quick guide below to get started:

1. Sign Up for a VPN: Subscribe to a VPN that supports Onion over VPN, such as PureVPN. Look for strong encryption and plenty of server options. 

2. Launch the VPN App: Go to your VPN provider’s website, download the app for your device, and install it. Once done, log into the VPN app using your credentials.

3. Connect to a VPN Server: Open the server list and connect. While any server may work, some providers have specific servers optimized for Onion over VPN.

4. Download and Install Tor Browser: With your VPN connected, download and install the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website. 

5. Browse the Web Anonymously: Open the Tor Browser and use it with a VPN to access .onion sites securely while keeping your online activities private!

Note: To avoid security risks, keep your VPN and Tor Browser updated with the latest patches. Also, be cautious with downloads and scripts that could expose your identity.

Onion over VPN vs VPN over Onion

When you use VPN over Onion, you connect to the Tor network first and then turn on your VPN. This might help if you need to access sites that block Tor, but it is not very common or particularly safe. 

Essentially, it misses the main advantage of putting Tor first: maintaining your anonymity online. With VPN over Onion, compromised Tor nodes could expose you, and your ISP will know you are using Tor, which is not ideal.

Onion over VPN vs Double VPN

Tor wraps your data in multiple layers of encryption, while a typical VPN only uses one layer, unless it features a double VPN option, which encrypts your data twice using two different VPN servers. 

A double VPN enhances your online security, allows you to select both your entry and exit IP addresses, and minimizes the risk of data leaks even if one VPN server fails. Often, a double VPN is more beneficial than Onion over VPN. 

Using Onion over VPN means your data passes through a network of servers managed by volunteers, which could potentially expose it to malicious interception. On the other hand, a double VPN sends your traffic through two provider-owned servers, resulting in faster, more stable connections, especially if the servers are independently audited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Onion Router a VPN?

No, Tor is not a VPN. Tor anonymizes traffic by routing it through multiple servers, while a VPN secures your connection by encrypting data and masking your IP address through a single server.

Is Onion over VPN safe?

Onion over VPN is generally safe as it adds a layer of encryption before your data enters the Tor network, hiding your activity from your ISP. However, its safety depends on using a trusted VPN provider with strong no-logs policies, as the provider can still see your IP address.

Is Onion over VPN legal?

In most jurisdictions, using Onion over VPN is legal, as both Tor and VPNs are legitimate tools for enhancing online privacy. However, engaging in illegal activities through these services remains unlawful. 

Why is Onion over VPN so slow?

Onion over VPN can significantly reduce internet speed because your data is encrypted multiple times and routed through both the VPN server and several Tor nodes. Each step adds latency, resulting in slower connection speeds compared to using a VPN or Tor individually.