My team and I regularly use Tor for research, so we decided to test 60+ VPNs to find the best ones for the Onion browser. I’ve shortlisted those with the strongest security and a strict no-logs policy to keep you safe. Plus, each recommended onion VPN provides fast speeds to minimize slowdowns. My top pick for Tor is ExpressVPN — it offers best-in-class security features, fast speeds, and has its own .onion site for safe and easy installation. Plus, it accepts bitcoin payments and has a strict no-logs policy. It’s even backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Try ExpressVPN With Tor »
Best VPNs for Tor Browser — Full Analysis (Updated March 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Tor VPN With Strong Security and Fast Speeds
Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is the safest to use with Tor. It goes above and beyond to uphold its privacy commitments to its users, and has several features that make it easier and safer to use with The Onion Router. For instance, in 2016, ExpressVPN launched its own.onion site allowing users to install the app safely and anonymously. Plus, you can pay with bitcoin for added privacy, so your account’s activity can’t be linked back to you. ExpressVPN is preconfigured to help you set up Tor over VPN connections. This is the safest and easiest way to use a VPN with Tor. Just connect to a VPN server and access Tor as usual. You don’t have to worry about data leaks or additional configuration (unlike with VPN over Tor). In addition, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that wipe your data from previous sessions with every reboot. It follows a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). And it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no data retention laws. You can try ExpressVPN with Tor risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, it’s easy to claim a refund, as long as it’s within this period.
Features:
Strong security. ExpressVPN’s robust security features keep you safe on the Tor network. Your data is protected by AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (called Network Lock). Lightway protocol. Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol optimized to keep speed loss to a minimum while you browse. During my tests, I connected to its New York server (using Lightway) and recorded a download speed of 18 Mbps. This was only a 4% drop from my starting speed with Tor. Split-tunneling. This lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. Using this, I could secure my Tor traffic while enjoying normal high-speed internet on other apps. Extensive server network. ExpressVPN offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. This makes it unlikely that you’ll ever have to deal with overcrowded servers when using Tor.
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2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Protect Your Privacy on Tor
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for Tor thanks to its special NoSpy servers. These are configured in such a way that your browsing history and data is deleted the moment you log off. Plus, these servers are managed by CyberGhost directly to prevent third-party interference. This means you can use The Onion Router without worrying that your data will be exposed. As soon as you sign up, CyberGhost assigns you an anonymous ID so that your Tor activity won’t be traced back to you. The email address you provide while setting up your account is stored as an encrypted hashtag, so it can’t be used to make the connection between you and your CyberGhost account. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost only allows Tor over VPN setups, which makes it super easy to use with The Onion Router. With one click, it connects you to the fastest server based on your location. Using this set me up with its New York location, which gave me really good speeds with Tor. You can try out CyberGhost with Tor for free using its money-back guarantee (45 days on yearly plans, 14 days with shorter plans). If you’re not happy, it’s easy to get all your money back.
Features:
Auto-Protect settings. This feature lets you customize how the VPN reacts when you connect to a new network. Enabling “Always Connect” automatically protects you whenever you join a WiFi network. No-logs policy. CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy and is based in Romania (outside of 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction). This means that it’s not required to share any information with government agencies, even upon request. Robust security. It offers AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to protect your digital identity on Tor.
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3. Private Internet Access — MACE Feature Blocks Ads and Malware on Tor
PIA has built an incredibly loyal customer base over the years, all thanks to its dedication to user privacy. It collects the minimum amount of usage data compared to other VPNs and has proven time and time again that it will never compromise its users’ privacy. For example, its no-logs claims were verified in court on several occasions, when governmental agencies requested information about specific users. However, PIA couldn’t provide anything because it didn’t store any data. In addition, PIA offers a multihop and obfuscation feature that adds an extra layer of security on the Tor network. What this does is route your traffic through two or more servers instead of just one. Plus, it also hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. PIA’s unique malware blocker called MACE is also super useful with Tor. This blocks annoying ads and malicious content from loading. And since Tor recommends that you don’t install extensions (like ad blockers), MACE can be an effective alternative. One downside is that PIA is based in the US, which is the heart of the 5-Eyes Alliance. However, its no-logs policy guarantees that even if your data is requested, there will be nothing for PIA to hand over. Every plan comes with a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try PIA risk-free. If you’re not happy, it’s easy to get your money back.
Features:
Massive server network. PIA offers 29,650+ servers in 84 countries for speedy connections. During my tests, I recorded a download speed of 15 Mbps and a drop of only 21% from my base speed with Tor. First-class security features. This includes military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Split-tunneling. This lets you configure which traffic you encrypt, and which can use your regular, unencrypted connection.
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4. NordVPN — Onion Over VPN Protects You From Snoops While Using Tor
NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN provides additional privacy by sending your traffic through layers of encryption. This is especially beneficial, as anyone can run Onion servers and view your data. This feature is straightforward to enable — simply click on the “Specialty servers” tab on the left-hand side of the desktop app or scroll up when using mobile devices. Click “Onion Over VPN,” and the VPN connects you to the best available server. During testing, I got the best speeds with the VPN’s NordLynx protocol, which is great since Tor typically slows you down because your data passes through a few servers. The VPN also offers 5,563 servers in 60 countries, so if one seems a bit slow, reconnecting will resolve this. For additional security, you can enable the Double VPN feature. It sends your traffic through two servers, changing your IP address twice before reaching its destination. Even though this typically takes a toll on your speed, I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdowns. One drawback is that the app takes a while to start up on Windows, but once it’s up and running, there are no issues. I also didn’t experience this on my MacBook Pro or Android phone. Prices are budget-friendly, starting at $3.29/month. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can confidently try NordVPN with Tor. I contacted 24/7 live chat to test its refund policy, and the representative approved my request immediately. The money was back in my bank account within 5 days. Try NordVPN With Tor»
5. Surfshark — MultiHop Servers for Extra Privacy While Visiting Onion Sites
Surfshark helps hide your actual location even better with its MultiHop feature. Your traffic gets sent through two server locations simultaneously, making your connection more secure. I easily found its MultiHop server list from the menu next to regular server locations and static IPs. My tests also showed no IP or DNS leaks. Its entire infrastructure is also 100% diskless, meaning all data is wiped clean each time you switch the VPN off. Theoretically, in the case of a breach, third parties won’t have access to any of your personal information. Unfortunately, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, part of the 14 Eyes alliance. However, I’m not worried since it upholds a strict no-logs policy. Your Tor browsing activity stays private as it’s not collected or stored. Surfshark’s extended plan starts at $2.30/month. Plus, for a small extra fee, you get a private search engine and an antivirus program that also detects and removes malware. If unsure, you can try Surfshark free for 30 days using its money-back guarantee. I found its refund policy trustworthy when I tested it. I asked for my money back via email and received a response 8 hours later confirming my request. The entire sum was paid to my PayPal after just 5 days. Try Surfshark With Tor»
6. PrivateVPN — Unmatched Support for VPN Over Tor Connections
PrivateVPN is one of the very few VPNs that support VPN over Tor connections. Since this setup can be a bit complicated to implement, PrivateVPN has published useful guides on its website to help you with the configuration. Should you run into any problems, you can use the remote help service. I also liked that PrivateVPN has a customizable interface, making it suitable for all levels of VPN users. There are 2 settings: Simple and Advanced. With Simple View, you can connect to a server with one click, and the VPN automatically picks the best settings for you. Otherwise, its Advanced View lets you tweak your settings — like choosing the encryption level (AES 128-bit or 256-bit). It uses industry-leading security protocols, including OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. I recommend using OpenVPN TCP for Tor since it offers strong security and decent speeds. Tor doesn’t support UDP traffic, so make sure to choose TCP as your connection type. With its robust security features, you can rest assured that your Tor activity is always safe. In addition to leak protection and an automatic kill switch, it offers Stealth Mode that disguises your VPN traffic as regular web traffic. This allows it to bypass tough firewalls and even work in restrictive countries, like China and Iran. PrivateVPN’s disadvantage is that it has a smaller server network, which can lead to congestion. However, I tested 10 servers across the globe and had reliable connections (no drops) and good speeds. You can try PrivateVPN with Tor for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Try PrivateVPN With Tor »
7. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections to Protect All of Your Devices on Tor
IPVanish is a solid option if you need to protect a large number of devices using Tor. To put its “unlimited connections” to the test, I set up my Windows laptop, Android tablet, and mobile phone to the Dallas server at the same time. I could browse with Tor on my laptop without any noticeable slowdowns. IPVanish’s Scramble feature hides your VPN use so you can overcome VPN blocks and safely access the dark web. In addition, it comes with essential security features, like AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Browsing on The Onion Router is fairly smooth since IPVanish has reliable speeds. During my tests, I got an average download speed of 13.7 Mbps (28% loss from base connection). While this wasn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, I was still able to watch travel vlogs on Facebook’s.onion site without slowdowns. IPVanish doesn’t accept cryptocurrency, which is unfortunate since using this payment method provides a bit more privacy. If you want to pay anonymously, you might want to consider one of the other VPNs on this list instead. You can try IPVanish risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can depend on. Try IPVanish With Tor »
Quick Comparison Table — Best Tor VPN Features
When shopping for a Tor VPN, there are certain features to look for that enhance privacy protection. For instance, some VPNs offer their own.onion site — this gives you an added layer of anonymity from the moment you sign up. VPNs based outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction ensure that even government agencies cannot demand user data. What’s more, you can even hide your VPN use by using a VPN with obfuscated servers. Another problem is that Tor can significantly slow your connection speeds since it sends your traffic through several nodes. So choosing a VPN with superfast servers will help minimize the slowdown you encounter while browsing. The table below compares the essential features of my recommended onion VPNs.
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPNs for Tor Browser
I used the following criteria to rank the VPNs in my list. You can use this as a checklist of features to look for when choosing the best onion VPN:
Strong security — To ensure your traffic passes safely through Tor’s nodes, your VPN should provide essential security features like 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. I made sure that all of the listed VPNs offer these features and more. No-logs policy — This is a promise by the VPN provider that your personal data won’t be recorded or shared with third parties. I thoroughly read each VPN’s logging policy to confirm that no data from your browsing sessions will be collected, stored, or shared. Fast speeds — Since using The Onion Router slows down your internet connection, it’s important to select a VPN that offers fast speeds. This helps minimize the slowdown you’ll experience from added encryption and security. Each listed onion VPN gave me at least 10 Mbps while using it with The Onion Router. That’s fast enough for browsing and HD streaming. Extensive device compatibility — The Tor browser is available on all major platforms, including Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux. I checked that all of the listed VPNs are compatible with the most popular operating systems. Responsive support — In case you run into questions or concerns, your VPN provider should be there to help you. All of the listed VPNs offer reliable support via live chat, email, or contact form. The 24/7 live chat is most preferred because you can get your answers as quickly as possible. Reliable money-back guarantee — This allows you to try the service risk-free. I tested the VPNs in this list for their money-back guarantees — it’s easy to get a refund with all of them.
Warning: These VPNs Aren’t Safe to Use With Tor
During my tests, I found some VPNs that are unsafe to use with Tor, including:
Hola Free VPN — Hola free VPN is a P2P network that requires you to share your own bandwidth when using the service. This means that other Hola users can use your IP address. If they do something illegal, it could be traced back to you, and you could be held liable. BetternetVPN — Doesn’t protect you from leaks, and its Android app was riddled with malware in 2016. On top of that, only the paid option offers a no-logs policy. The free version logs a huge amount of data, including your email, IP address, and connection timestamps. TouchVPN — Stores user data and shares it with third parties. SuperVPN — Asks permission to track your location and WiFi connection. In addition, it doesn’t specify which security protocol and encryption type it uses.
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Tor Over VPN vs. VPN Over Tor: Explained
Using a highly secure VPN can enhance your safety when you use The Onion Router. There are 2 different ways you can use a VPN with Tor — each offering different security benefits. The following information explains the 2 methods for using a VPN with Tor. Overall, it’s better to use Tor over VPN — it’s easier to set up and offers stronger privacy by hiding your real IP address from the entry node. VPN over Tor is only really useful if you don’t trust your VPN provider (and have signed up for the service anonymously).
Tor Over VPN
In this setup, you connect to your VPN first and then launch the Tor browser. It adds an additional layer of security because your traffic is encrypted so that none of Tor’s nodes will be able to see your real IP address. The traffic flow looks like this: User → VPN → Tor → Internet
VPN Over Tor
With this method, you first launch the Tor browser and then connect to a VPN server. The VPN encrypts your traffic before it leaves the exit node, meaning exit nodes cannot see your traffic. The traffic flow looks like this: User → Tor → VPN → Internet Try ExpressVPN With Tor Today
Why do I need a VPN for Tor?
Using a VPN with The Onion Router adds an additional layer of security and privacy. In 2017, researchers found a security flaw in the Tor browser called TorMoil. This was leaking users’ real IP addresses on Mac and Linux devices. Even though this vulnerability was fixed, it’s best to use an onion VPN with strong encryption and leak protection just to be safe. With Tor over VPN, your traffic is encrypted before you enter The Onion Network, so the entry node cannot see your real IP address. It also hides Tor usage from your ISP, which is helpful if your ISP throttles or blocks Tor traffic.
Is using Tor and a VPN legal?
For the most part. In most countries, Tor is legal, and using a VPN with Tor is legal as well. You won’t get into any trouble as long as you’re not using it for illegal activities. The only exceptions are countries that impose VPN restrictions or censor Tor usage, like China and Iran. I don’t condone illegal activities, so please check the most up-to-date local laws to ensure that you’re not accidentally breaking any of them.
What’s the difference between Tor and a VPN?
Tor is a secure browser used for accessing every layer of the web, while a VPN is a security-enhancing app. Similar to Tor, VPNs encrypt your traffic to prevent prying eyes from spying on your online activity. However, VPNs offer additional security and privacy features that are not offered by Tor. For instance, reputable VPNs adhere to a strict no-logs policy while encrypting your traffic from the moment you connect. The no-logs policy ensures your browsing sessions won’t be recorded, while the end-to-end encryption hides your personal data from all of Tor’s nodes. Additionally, VPNs safeguard your entire device and not just your browser traffic — plus, they’re much faster than The Onion Router. Tor offers some privacy by using decentralized nodes to transfer data securely. Although it encrypts your data, browsing Tor without a VPN exposes your IP address to the entry nodes. In addition, the exit node, and its operator, can see your data request. To use Tor safely, you can check out this beginner’s guide that also contains additional tips to improve your security.
Can I use a Tor VPN for Android and Windows?
Yes, as long as your VPN provider is compatible with Android and Windows. I made sure that the VPNs in this list have apps for Android, Windows, and more. In addition, each one allows for at least 5 simultaneous device connections, so you only need one subscription across your devices. The native apps allow you to download these onion VPNs to your Android and Windows devices quickly and easily. Plus, you get access to all of their robust security features like military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. That way, not only is your Android or Windows device protected, but so is your personal data that’s on it.
Is it okay to use Tor bridges instead of a VPN?
Yes, but it doesn’t offer the same level of security. For strong security and privacy, it’s best to use a VPN instead. A VPN with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection will keep your sensitive info from being exposed through Tor. Tor bridges are just unpublished nodes; using them makes it harder for your ISP and streaming sites to discover and block them. So, if you just want to bypass Tor blocks by your ISP or access geo-restricted content, then Tor bridges are enough.
Can I use a free VPN with Tor?
You can, but it’s not recommended. It’s better to use a secure and low-cost premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Paid VPNs usually offer features that free ones don’t, like leak protection and a no-logs policy. This helps prevent your data from being leaked to prying eyes and cybercriminals when you use the Tor browser. Free VPNs often have slow speeds, too. Since Tor is inherently slow, using a free VPN with it can make it almost impossible to use the browser at all. Plus, free VPNs usually lack important security features and can expose your real IP address at entry nodes, while alerting your ISP of your Tor use. Even worse is if the VPN collects logs, making you vulnerable to third-party interception. It’s not worth the risk when you can get a fast and secure VPN (like the ones on this list) with a reliable money-back guarantee. Try ExpressVPN with Tor Today
Get the Best VPN for Tor Browser Today
Since the dark web is associated with various cyberthreats, using a highly secure VPN with Tor is crucial. On top of this, The Onion Router is slow as it is — so you’ll need a superfast VPN to prevent additional slowdowns. Based on my tests, I found ExpressVPN to be the best Tor VPN. It has strong security features to protect your personal data from leaking. Plus, it’s superfast, which minimizes speed loss while you browse. You can try ExpressVPN with Tor risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, you can easily get a full refund.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for the Tor browser in 2023…
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