The two options available on the table are a VPN and a Tor browser when it comes to online privacy. But the question that worries almost everyone is which one is better? The most straightforward answer to this question is ‘why do you need it?
Both of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but in all honesty, a VPN can be used for almost everything compared to a Tor browser.
In this guide, we have provided a clear Tor vs. VPN comparison to help you understand their difference better. Also, after going through this guide, you will be able to make a decision easily, whether you want a Tor browser or a VPN.
Before we compare both of them, let us look at Tor and VPN. Once that is cleared, we will dive right into comparing different aspects.
Table of Contents
Tor vs. VPN:
What is Tor
Tor, or “The Onion Router,” is an open-source privacy tool that encrypts users’ traffic and passes it through different nodes/ servers. This encrypted communication through other nodes or servers protects users’ identities and allows them to stay anonymous over the web.
Key Points:
- It has a network of servers, which it uses to pass its traffic through.
- It encrypts users’ traffic and passes it through three nodes; a guard node, a middle node, and an exit node.
- During this communication between the nodes, the traffic encryption is changed from time to time, which makes it hard to be intercepted.
- Even Tor’s network operators cannot track user activity on a Tor browser.
What is VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is software that protects your online privacy by connecting you to one of its secure servers and encrypting your traffic.
Key Points:
- Once you are connected to a VPN server, it assigns you a new DNS and IP address; hence your original IP and DNS are masked, and your location is untraceable.
- A premium VPN such as AstrillVPN provides security through various VPN protocols like OpenWeb, PPTP, L2TP/ IPsec, OpenVPN, SSTP, IKEv2, etc.
- Good VPNs are paid, but as we all know, all good things have a price!
When should you use Tor?
There are specific reasons you should use Tor, like
- Free Option for Online Privacy: If you are looking for a free tool to browse perform transactions, use the Tor browser.
- Secure and Untraceable Communication: If you are a journalist, researcher, or someone who wants to keep your identity hidden, Tor is the best option.
- To access the Dark Web: If you want to access the Dark Web, using Tor is the best way to do it.
It’s a user-friendly tool, and you do not need to be very smart to use it. Simply download the Tor browser, which is unrestricted, install it, and start surfing the web.
When should you use a VPN?
You should opt for a VPN for the following reasons:
- Complete security: If you are looking for something that protects you completely, you should be using a VPN. It allows you to either secure your network connection entirely or choose between securing your apps or your browser.
- Access Geo-restricted content: If you want to stream geo-restricted content, use geo-blocked apps, or access geo-blocked sites, then you should use a VPN.
- Execute secure transactions: If you use online banking apps and financial platforms for performing transactions, then you should use a VPN to secure your network. Otherwise, you can fall prey to hackers and authorities.
- Share data safely: With a VPN, you can enjoy complete anonymity and share data with others without worrying about any spying eyes or hacking attempts. As a VPN secures your connection, thus your data is also safe.
- For Torrenting: You can also use a VPN if you use torrents. VPNs have P2P protocol, which enables users to enjoy Torrents safely.
- To protect your App data and traffic: If you opt for a reliable VPN like Astrill, you get a fantastic ‘WireGuard’ feature that secures all of the apps on your device and maintains complete online privacy.
- To spoof your location: Use a VPN to keep yourself safe from spying on government agencies and avoid censorship.
A VPN covers almost all aspects of online privacy that a user needs.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Tor and VPN
| VPN | Tor | |
| Speed | Excellent | Poor |
| A VPN have highly optimized servers that provide unthrottled bandwidth. This is why a VPN offers better speed than Tor Browser. | Tor Browser does regionally designated and Optimized servers. It passes the traffic through nodes, so it does not provide good speed. | |
| Encryption and security | Excellent | Fair |
| Most VPN providers offer AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, which is the best encryption available at the time. | Tor browser currently provides AES 128-bit encryption. | |
| Anonymity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Due to the robust security protocols and features like ‘Kill Switch,’ a VPN ensures complete anonymity. | Tracing a Tor connection back to its original user is almost impossible. This is why its anonymity is excellent. | |
| Pricing | Paid | Free |
| There are a few free VPNs, but the best VPN providers charge a subscription fee. | Tor browser is completely free to download and use. | |
| Content unblocking | Unblocks everything | Partial |
| A VPN can unblock anything. Be it a streaming service, a geo-restricted website or an app. | Tor does not block everything and it fails to unblock geo-blocked content. | |
| Ease of use | Very Easy | Easy |
| VPNs are very easy to use as you can easily download the app, and every VPN app has a user-friendly interface. | Tor Browser is also easy to use but sometimes newbies are left clueless about how to use it. | |
| Legality | Legal | Legal |
| It is legal to use a VPN globally, except for China. | Using a Tor Browser is not illegal but due to its system design, it can put you in trouble. | |
| Trustworthiness | Highly Trustable | Partially Trustable |
| The service of a VPN is highly trustable because of its strong security protocols and its amazing features. Also, the top-of-the-line VPNs also go through third-party audits to prove their claim of zero user logs. | Tor Browser is trustworthy because of the fact that even its operators cannot track your activity. However, due to the chances of facing legal issues in case of an illicit activity traced at your exit node, it is less trustable than a VPN. | |
| Authority Control | Centralized | Decentralized |
| VPNs are centralized, meaning they are managed from one location and controlled by one entity as the authority. A VPN could have thousands of servers in different locations throughout the globe. This is why you can trust the VPN provider as you are aware of the brand and the organization. | Tor is not controlled by a single entity. Its “nodes” or “relays,” are run by thousands of volunteers worldwide. Since the proxy servers or nodes are managed by strangers, you cannot trust the people in the chain. |
Can You Use VPN and Tor at the same time?
For the best possible level of anonymity and privacy, using both Tor and a VPN is highly suggested. On the other hand, a VPN alone can be the way to go if you prioritize ease of use and speed.
There are two ways you can use both VPN and Tor together:
1. VPN then Tor
This is the most highly recommended approach. Before accessing the Tor Browser, it is necessary to establish a connection with a VPN server. By implementing this approach, the Tor network will be safeguarded from hostile exit nodes. Furthermore, you should not be concerned about your home network detecting your use of Tor, as it will only perceive encrypted data being transmitted to your VPN server.
2. Tor then VPN
This approach is hardly used and generally not endorsed by most VPN providers. Initially, you would establish a connection to the Tor network and subsequently establish a connection to a VPN server. This approach needs a higher level of anonymity than Tor over VPN and may also decrease internet speed.
Is Tor completely anonymous?
Tor provides a significant level of anonymity, but it’s important to note that it’s not completely anonymous. Here are a few factors to consider regarding Tor’s anonymity:
Network Structure
Tor routes your internet traffic through a series of nodes (volunteer-run servers) to conceal your identity and location. Each node in the network only knows the IP address of the node that sent the data to it and the IP address of the node it must send the data to next. The final exit node is where the data emerges onto the regular internet. While this setup provides strong anonymity, the exit node may see the unencrypted data unless it is sent over HTTPS.
Encrypted Traffic
Tor encrypts data at each relay point, making it harder for someone monitoring the network to trace the data back to its origin. However, if the website or service being accessed does not use encryption (HTTPS), the final exit node could see the content of unencrypted data.
User Behavior
Even with Tor, user behavior can affect anonymity. For instance, revealing personal information or engaging in activities that expose your identity elsewhere on the internet could compromise your anonymity. Additionally, mistakes in configuring software or unintentional leaks can reveal identity or location information.
End-to-End Encryption
The level of anonymity also depends on whether the websites or services you’re accessing utilize end-to-end encryption. If the site doesn’t use encryption, the data transmitted might be vulnerable, particularly at the exit node.
ISP Awareness
While Tor hides the specifics of your internet activity, your ISP can detect that you’re using Tor. However, they can’t see the actual content of your traffic.
Threat Model
Tor’s level of anonymity might vary depending on the threat model. For most users seeking general privacy and protection from online tracking, Tor offers substantial anonymity. But for high-stakes situations like evading nation-state surveillance or engaging in activities that draw intense scrutiny, additional measures and an understanding of potential risks are necessary.
Verdict: Which one is better!
After all the comparisons, without a single fraction of doubt, a VPN is the better option!
Tor is free, easy to use and all but a fast VPN is better than Tor in many aspects. Things like security, features, variety, speed etc. matter a lot, when it comes to online privacy.
If we were to sum the whole debate in a single sentence, then we can say that a VPN can be used for almost everything but Tor can be used for anonymously surfing the web only.
FAQs
Is Tor safer than a VPN?
No, Tor is not safer than a VPN because it only encrypts your traffic passing through its browser and it does not secure the complete network. Therefore your ISP cannot track what you’re doing over the browser but he can see that you are using Tor.
Can you use Tor with a VPN?
Yes, you can use Tor with a VPN. In fact, if you connect to a VPN server and then use Tor, your whole network is secured, and using Tor becomes much safer.
Is Tor illegal?
Yes, Tor (The Onion Router) itself is legal in most countries. It was initially developed by the U.S. Navy and later became a project maintained by a nonprofit organization, The Tor Project. Tor is a privacy-focused network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their internet traffic through a series of nodes, encrypting it at each step.
However, while using Tor itself is legal in many places, some activities conducted through Tor may be illegal, such as accessing or distributing illegal content, conducting illegal activities, or violating the laws of a particular country.
Is VPN illegal?
Using a VPN is totally legal and there are no restrictions on its use. However, you cannot use a VPN in China. Nevertheless, if you do want to access content from China, then you can use Astrill VPN.
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