Tor is a privacy tool that allows people to browse the internet anonymously. However, not all VPNs are compatible with Tor. In this article, we will recommend 7 VPNs that work with Tor and have fast speeds that make browsing more comfortable and secure.
ExpressVPN is a VPN service that has been around for many years. It is one of the best on the market because it has fast speeds, works with Tor, and offers 7 different plans.
The Tor Browser is one of the greatest tools you have at your disposal if you want to browse the web privately, particularly if you want to visit the dark web.
However, it just adds a single layer of anonymity to your online activities since it only shields your web surfing from prying eyes; all of your other online activities remain visible.
I provide the details you’ll need to decide which VPN will work best with the Tor Browser to secure your privacy in this post.
Why Employ a VPN When Using Tor
By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you may further secure your Tor Browser-based activities while also maintaining the privacy of all of your online activity, including downloading torrents and watching foreign video streams.
The Tor Browser and a VPN work together as a powerful combo to effectively secure your privacy.
Always keep connection speed in mind while shopping around for a VPN to use with Tor. I can guarantee that utilizing a sluggish VPN with the Tor browser will be completely ineffective.
The explanation is that while utilizing the Tor network, your connection is routed via a number of anonymous relays, which makes your activity more anonymous. Your browsing activities are likely to slow down as a result of this relay procedure. A VPN will often slow down your connection speeds as well.
This makes speed a crucial factor to take into account when choosing a VPN to use with Tor so that your connections are as quick as possible.
Remember that many third parties would be happy to be able to see what you do online while you’re using the internet. Hackers, governmental organizations, even your own ISP and its marketers, would all want to follow you. This makes privacy yet another crucial consideration.
Best VPNs for Using Tor to Browse the Web
The following seven VPNs are my top picks for using Tor, according to my thorough testing:
- #1 VPN for Tor is NordVPN. Excellent security, quick connections, no logs, extensive server coverage, and reasonable prices.
- Best inexpensive VPN option: Surfshark. Unlimited simultaneous connections, quick download times, no logs, and affordable prices.
- ExpressVPN: Tor’s top security defense. Fast connections, no logs, Bitcoin acceptance, and a.onion site are all provided.
- The best VPN for new users is CyberGhost. Fast speeds, affordable prices, user-friendly design, and no logs
- Reliable Secure Connections for Tor: Private Internet Access. This reputable VPN service offers trustworthy internet security and access to the Onion Network.
- Comprehensive Tor user protection with PrivateVPN. Simple applications, quick connections, no logs, and thorough internet security and privacy.
- Atlas VPN: Upgrades are Coming. We may anticipate changes in service soon since NordVPN’s parent firm just acquired this provider.
Using the following criteria, I assessed and rated my top seven VPNs:
- Adaptability to Tor
- Additional capabilities for usage with Tor
- rapid connection rates
- No-logs rule
- outstanding encryption
- provides secure payment options
The top seven VPNs for Tor are shown below.
NordVPN is my #1 pick for use with Tor because of its excellent security and privacy protections, rapid connection rates and affordable price.
To secure all of your online activities, not just web surfing, the service provides specialist Onion Over VPN servers that are set up to collaborate closely with the Tor network.
In order to assist you conceal your connection while using the Tor Browser, NordVPN additionally provides a Double VPN option. Please be aware that the functionality necessitates the usage of two VPN servers, which might significantly slow down your connection speed. Although the provider’s connections are some of the quickest I’ve ever seen, they should still be more than capable of handling everything you throw at them.
The company has an excellent worldwide server network, with around 5,400 machines spread across 60 nations. By switching to a proprietary server infrastructure, NordVPN has prevented outside contractors from seeing your personal information.
The fact that no data is ever written to a hard drive and all servers are entirely operated from RAM is another plus. This makes sure that every time the server restarts, all data is entirely deleted.
With no records of any type kept and kill switch-protected connections that employ AES 256-bit government-grade encryption to prevent your connection from being monitored, NordVPN also provides great privacy measures. The service provider also takes Bitcoin as payment for its excellent offerings.
There are native applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV platforms, as well as native support for M1 Macs. With the help of extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, you may also secure regular surfing sessions.
Up to six devices may be connected at once, and complete router support is offered.
A live chat feature, email, a contact form, and a searchable help library are all part of NordVPN’s 24/7 customer care system.
Pros:
- Offers VPN servers with Onion
- a pair of VPN servers
- rapid connection rates
- Zero user logs
- Recognizes Bitcoin
Cons:
- There may be greater clarity in server selection.
BEST VPN FOR TOR: NordVPN offers a great deal for the money, offers really fast connections, and assures the highest level of security for Tor users. Since they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, trying them out is risk-free.
Surfshark gives dependable connection to Tor, making it possible to browse completely anonymously. The supplier charges a reasonable fee for its excellent service.
Although the service provider doesn’t provide any Tor-specific capabilities, it does offer a “MultiHop” server option that doubles your safety and anonymity by passing your internet connection over two VPN servers.
Tor can significantly slow down your browsing experience, thus it’s crucial to choose a provider with fast download rates, like Surfshark.
Surfshark’s worldwide server network is substantially bigger now than it was a few years ago, with over 3,200 servers spread over 65 different countries.
Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, ad blocking, malware, tracking, and phishing protection all secure those connections. Thanks to a no-server-logs policy and a bitcoin payment option, your privacy is adequately safeguarded.
Apps from Surfshark are available for the following operating systems: macOS (M1 Mac support), Windows, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, and Linux. Additionally, there are browser add-ons for Chrome and Firefox, and the service provider works with a wide range of router brands and models.
One set of login credentials with Surfshark may support an infinite number of concurrent connections.
You’ll want to safeguard your computer and yourself against viruses if you’re using Tor to access the seedier parts of the internet. Additionally, Surfshark provides antiviral defense.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day via chat, email, and a searchable knowledgebase.
Pros:
- offers trustworthy defense for Tor sessions
- very low prices
- many connections at once
- Quick, secure connections
Cons:
- Although limited, global server coverage is growing.
GREAT VALUE: For a sizable number of Tor users, Surfshark can provide online safety, and it does so at a very reasonable cost. The service provider offers excellent privacy and internet security together with dependable, quick access to the Onion network. This is a risk-free investment thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Due to its extensive worldwide server coverage, which includes 3,000+ servers in over 90 countries and gives you access to material all around the globe, ExpressVPN ranks third on my list.
You won’t feel as much of a lag while utilizing Tor because to this provider’s great connection speeds.
Utilizing kill-switch protection on its desktop programs, ExpressVPN shields its customers’ connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to prevent them from being exposed to prying eyes. Additionally, the service provider provides its own Lightway protocol, which is intended to increase security and performance.
Additionally, ExpressVPN’s “TrustedServer” technology, which operates all servers entirely from RAM and writes no data to actual hard drives, is used on all of its servers. The whole contents of an ExpressVPN server are safely erased when it is restarted.
This provider is located in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, allowing it to follow a self-imposed No-logs rule, meaning it doesn’t record the online activities of its users.
The service does, in fact, keep track of certain non-personal data, including login dates (no times are stored), the server location utilized, and the volume of data exchanged. However, none of this will be able to assist law enforcement in tracking down your internet activity.
Bitcoin may also be used to pay for services.
All of the popular operating systems for mobile devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, and Linux, are supported via apps. Additionally, there is protection for routers and well-known browser versions including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
The service provider also provides a.onion version of their website that enables customers to sign up for the VPN service with a totally anonymous account by utilizing a disposable email address and paying with Bitcoin (it also offers a list of .onion sites to get you started).
Pros:
- connections with good encryption
- very rapid rates
- provides.onion sites
- Keeps Zero user logs
Cons:
- pricier than competing suppliers
- Mobile gadgets lack kill-switch protection
GLOBAL COVERAGE: ExpressVPN offers quick, secure access to the internet, collaborating with Tor to provide privacy and security. You get the opportunity to sample material from a variety of nations thanks to the provider’s extensive worldwide server coverage. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives customers a risk-free opportunity to try the features of the supplier.
For those using a VPN for the first time, CyberGhost is a great choice. The program doesn’t have any Tor-specific features, but it is still easy to use and effectively secures your online activities.
You won’t have to worry as much about the Tor Browser slowing you down thanks to this provider’s fast connections.
With more than 7,900 servers located across more than 90 countries, the supplier has a sizable worldwide server network.
The provider does an excellent job of protecting your identity online, storing Zero user logs of any kind and accepting Bitcoin as payment.
Their programs provide robust encryption, flawless forward secrecy, and great kill-switch security, shielding your data from the world’s malevolent actors.
You may connect up to seven devices at once with a single account, and there are apps available for the macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS platforms. Support for routers is also offered.
In addition to providing top-notch VPN security, the company also provides a password manager and the choice to get notifications when your email address is disclosed in a data breach. Users of Windows will have access to privacy protection, antivirus and anti-malware protection, as well as many other features.
The supplier offers live chat, email, a contact form, and a sizable help library as part of its round-the-clock customer service.
Pros:
- No logs
- Recognizes Bitcoin
- superior security
- Simple to use applications
Cons:
- missing functionality unique to Tor
- A lack of sophisticated choices in applications
AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR NEW USERS: CyberGhost provides easy-to-use programs with one-click protection, solid privacy measures, and quick connections—all at a reasonable price. The service supplier provides a 45-day, risk-free money-back guarantee.
In addition to providing thorough safety for all of your other online activities, Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) offers dependable protection for Tor Browser sessions.
Our service can easily handle Tor and all of your favorite online activities, even if its download rates are slower than those of the other VPNs on this list (depending upon your usual ISP-provided download speeds).
PIA’s worldwide server network, which has 3,300+ servers located in more than 80 different nations, provides dependable access to geo-restricted material all around the world.
Government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection are used to safeguard every PIA connection. Ad and tracker filtering, virus protection, and malicious-site blocking are further options.
On PIA servers, no server logs of any type are kept. When you subscribe using a temporary email address, a Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your financial information secret.
For the Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS device platforms, there are native app choices for PIA. There are additional browser extensions for the platforms of Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Additionally, the supplier supports a variety of router brands and types.
The company’s servers provide simultaneous connections from up to ten devices.
A live help chat option, a problem ticket form, and a searchable support library are all available to you whether you need assistance or are just interested about a function.
Pros:
- protects other devices while safeguarding Tor surfing
- comprehensive privacy and security online
- Ten devices may connect simultaneously.
Cons:
- No servers designed for downloading or streaming
- Connectivity issues in certain restricted nations
ADDED PROTECTION LAYER FOR TOR:Private Internet Access offers complete online security for the majority of connected devices. You are covered across the majority of the globe thanks to the provider’s extensive worldwide server network. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee offered.
Since PrivateVPN very just entered the market, many of you may not be acquainted with them.
With just 200+ servers dispersed unevenly over 60+ countries, the provider’s worldwide server network falls short of those of the rivals on our list. However, they ought to be enough for the demands of numerous users, barring a server overload.
The provider delivers Quick, secure connections for Tor and any of your other favorite online activities.
The company offers excellent instructions on how to connect to its OpenVPN servers using Tor, even though it doesn’t include particular Tor functionality out of the box. As it conceals the usage of the browser, users are able to connect to websites that would otherwise prohibit connections made using the Tor Browser.
Government-level encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill button are among the online security features available. Your VPN activity is concealed by the provider’s Stealth VPN function, which masks it as regular browser traffic.
PrivateVPN keeps no logs whatsoever connected to their customers’ online travels and Recognizes Bitcoin as payment for its services. Privacy high-fives all around.
The platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android all have native app support. The company does support a few routers, however there is no support for browser extensions. Six devices may connect at once to PrivateVPN servers.
Pros:
- rapid connection rates
- fantastic privacy safeguards
- VPN-Over-Tor assistance
Cons:
- Lack of global server coverage
- only four platforms are supported by the applications
FLEXIBLE AND AFFORDABLE: PrivateVPN customers may connect up to six devices at once, take advantage of quick connections and first-rate anonymity, and benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Atlas VPN offers dependable Tor surfing protection while offering blazingly fast connections.
The connection speeds of Atlas VPN are remarkable and can easily handle your favorite online activities. There are no data limits or throttling regulations here.
The Atlas global server network has more than 750 servers spread across more than 42 nations. Even while that network is by no means large, it should be enough for the requirements of the majority of customers.
A kill switch, banking-level encryption, and other security and privacy measures are used to secure Atlas VPN connections. The provider’s exclusive Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus security measures prohibit harmful websites and advertisements.
Nobody can access records of your online activities thanks to a stringent no-server-logs policy since no logs are ever kept. When utilized with a temporary email address, Atlas VPN’s bitcoin payment options keep your payment details hidden.
This supplier offers native choices for devices running macOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS. Support for Linux, routers, and browser extensions is not yet available, but the business claims that it is in the works.
The number of devices that may join the provider’s vast server network at once is unrestricted.
A support database, email, a contact form, and a live chat option (available to subscribers only) make up the customer service options.
Pros:
- trustworthy Tor protection
- encompassing online safety
- rapid download times
Cons:
- Linux and router support are absent.
- provides no browser extensions
Atlas VPN’s dependable online security and privacy protection is available for the majority of widely used Tor-capable devices. UNLIMITED VPN PROTECTION FOR TOR. Although the service doesn’t yet provide native support for Linux, routers, or browsers, these capabilities are being worked on. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee offered.
Techniques for Evaluating VPNs for Tor
Your main worries are probably internet privacy and security if you use Tor to browse anonymously. This makes the VPN you choose to safeguard your Tor Browser use a crucial factor.
The following characteristics should be taken into account when choosing a VPN to use with Tor:
- Security and privacy: Arguably the most crucial aspects of utilizing Tor are your online security and privacy. At the very least, any VPN worth considering need to have a kill switch, banking-grade encryption, and DNS and IP leak prevention. Additionally, VPNs must never keep any server records that capture your online activities. The features listed above are all provided by NordVPN.
- Speed: While users mostly use Tor for ultra-private web browsing, they can also use it to view video, images, audio and other types of content. Browsing with Tor is much slower than with a normal browser like Chrome due to its routing a connection through multiple anonymous relays. This makes a VPN’s connection speeds an important factor to consider. NordVPN, my top VPN for Tor, delivers rapid connection rates.
- Server Network: It’s crucial to look at a VPN provider’s presence in many global jurisdictions. This will enable you to increase your anonymity by routing your first Tor connection via a nation on the other side of the world. A large number of servers both globally and in a particular area are crucial for sustaining excellent performance because they prevent any one server from being inundated with users.
- Value: Carefully comparing a VPN’s feature list to its asking price will allow you to determine its worth. Avoid using a VPN service if it doesn’t provide high-level features and capabilities for a fair price. For its affordable pricing, NordVPN provides a great level of service.
- Ease of Use: Even though a VPN should be powerful, it doesn’t mean it should be complicated to use. Also, Tor is available on multiple connected devices, so the more devices a VPN supports, the better. NordVPN offers a variety of Simple to use applications for most popular devices.
The elements mentioned above are only the beginning of my considerable investigation. The aforementioned elements are but a portion of my extensive VPN testing approach. I can better comprehend the services that the VPNs I evaluate provide because to my data-driven methodology, which enables me to only suggest those that are a suitable match for the requirements of my readers.
Avoid using these VPNs with Tor!
If you use Tor, you probably care about hiding the fact that you’re accessing the internet. Unexpectedly, some VPN services don’t care about your privacy.
Stomp My Ass!
United Kingdom-based Stomp My Ass! is subject to U.K. laws that require VPN providers to keep logs. It’s known to have turned over user logs to authorities at least once, leading to the arrest of one of its users. Not much privacy or anonymity to be found here, folks.
PureVPN
Authorities tracked and apprehended a guy suspected of cyberstalking an ex-roommate using the purportedly nonexistent records from PureVPN, despite the company’s claim to be a “no-logs” VPN service.
Is a Free VPN Compatible with Tor?
While theoretically viable, I highly advise against using a free VPN with Tor.
Free VPNs sometimes have lax privacy standards. They keep track of users’ online movements and sometimes sell such data to advertising and other interested parties. Hey, they need to generate revenue somewhere, right?
Additionally, many free VPN companies have data or bandwidth limits, and many free VPNs have customers wait in a line before enabling them to connect to a VPN server.
While a slower connection is always a worry, it becomes much more crucial when utilizing Tor with a VPN since Tor itself slows things down.
Additionally, it has been shown that free VPNs send tracking cookies and advertising into their users’ browser sessions. Additionally, these companies often have fewer servers and IP allotments, making it simpler to track down consumers.
Because of everything said above, attempting to utilize a free VPN with Tor is a terrible idea.
The differences between VPN using Tor and VPN using Tor
You may have noted that I referenced both “VPN using Tor” and “VPN using Tor” previously in this essay. Are they interchangeable? What distinguishes them from one another? Let’s look at it.
VPN using Tor
VPN using Tor is when you first connect to your VPN and then browse the internet in the Tor Browser.
This implies that your VPN encrypts your internet traffic before sending it elsewhere, shielding it from prying eyes.
Your actual IP address cannot be found by the first Tor relay. By routing your connection across numerous sites, the Tor network relays further obscure your real location.
Pros:
- prevents your ISP from discovering that you are using the Tor Browser.
- accesses webpages ending with “.onion”
- enables the use of a standard browser for other forms of surfing
- and blocks the Tor relay network from receiving your true IP address.
Cons:
- Certain websites refuse traffic from Tor networks.
- Your genuine IP address is accessible to VPNs
VPN using Tor
VPN using Tor consists of first connecting to the Tor network and then connecting to your VPN.
Whereas VPN using Tor consists of simply connecting to your VPN and then using the Tor Browser, using VPN using Tor requires you to manually set up a few things before use.
Our feature is only offered by a select few VPN services, PrivateVPN being the only one that springs to mind and the only one on this top six list.
Pros:
- prevents your VPN and ISP from monitoring your activity
- access to websites that prohibit traffic through Tor
- reduces the danger posed by poorly configured Tor exit nodes
Cons:
- ISPs may recognize Tor use
- manual setup required; not recommended for beginners
- .onion websites are inaccessible
- A Tor relay network’s entrance port is capable of detecting your actual IP address.
- slows down everything by sending all of your internet traffic via Tor.
FAQs About Tor VPN
Which Free VPN for Tor Is the Best?
The ideal free VPN for Tor does not exist. Never put your privacy in the hands of a free VPN, particularly while using the Tor Browser. Your internet activity data is sold to advertising and other snoopy parties by free VPN services that want to earn money.
The benefits of using a VPN with Tor
When you utilize Tor, your traffic is routed via a number of volunteer-operated anonymous nodes and is encrypted. The connection’s path is altered each time an info request is made, making it practically difficult to identify the user.
The destination server and your Internet service provider may readily determine whether you’re using Tor since Tor entry and exit nodes are extensively documented.
All of your traffic is encrypted using a VPN. Since your connection is encrypted from beginning to finish while utilizing a VPN to visit Tor, no one will be able to tell that you are doing so.
Can I track my Tor usage?
Although Tor has certain weaknesses and is not completely impervious to assaults, these attacks are targeted and often expensive, thus the majority of Tor users do not need to worry about being tracked. Most users’ requirements should be met by utilizing a VPN and employing common sense (such as avoiding logging in to websites using your actual email address).
