The 7 Best VPNs for Tor browser in 2024 (Tried and Tested)

The Tor network (often seen in its shortened form “Tor”) is an open-source privacy network that offers its users the ability to surf the internet anonymously. It also enables users to visit sites that would have been otherwise inaccessible to them.

When you use Tor, your web traffic will be encrypted, making it hard for anyone else to read it, even if they could intercept it. Please note the Tor browser doesn’t let you use the whole internet. It’s only for web browsing. Things like FTP, BitTorrent, or any other activity outside of a browser are not within the Tor protocol’s scope.

As good as this level of anonymity and privacy Tor provides you, it still needs to be 100% full-proof. For starters, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and government security agencies can identify traffic protected by Tor. Unfortunately, this is not convenient because even though you use Tor for its many legitimate services, the network gets infamously tied to illegal activity. And as such, you stand the risk of attracting unwanted attention.

For this reason, you should use Tor alongside a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN serves as a means to hide the use of Tor. It does this by adding an extra layer of encryption and routing your traffic through a secondary server. Note that your VPN provider can tell you’re using Tor, but only them.

With this solution to the anonymity and privacy problem, we will discuss the best VPNs to maximize privacy when using the Tor network.

Best VPNs for Tor privacy – Quick list

This guide elaborates on all the VPN services that work great with Tor. But if you’re looking for quick recommendations to start your Tor session immediately, check out these three.

A brief overview of the best Tor VPNs

VPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	PrivateVPN	CyberGhost	IPVanish	AtlasVPN
Ranking for Tor	1	2	3	5	4	6	7
Average speed (Mbps)	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	71 Mbps	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps
Popular sites unblocked	95%	86%	88%	85%	85%	70%	93%
Simultaneous connections	6	5	Unlimited	10	7	Unlimited	Unlimited
Devices supported	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux (command line), Android, iOS	iOS, Windows, macOS, Android	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Best deals per month	$3.49 SAVE 57% on a 2yr standard plan	$6.67 SAVE 49% on the annual plan	$2.30 Get 2 Months OFF with a 2-year plan	$2.00 SAVE 85% on the three-year plan	$2.19 SAVE 83% on a two-year plan + 2 months FREE	$2.50 SAVE 77% on a two-year plan	$1.83 SAVE 83% on the three-year plan + 3 months OFF

Determining the best VPNs for Tor

When getting a VPN, you expect it to tick the privacy box, but that’s not nearly enough. Instead, VPNs have more features that can improve your internet surfing experience. If you do not know what other boxes your VPN should be ticking, here are the key features we’ve used to determine our list of best VPNs for Tor:

1. Security

To consider a VPN among the best for Tor, it must prioritize security. As a result, it must be equipped with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. The VPN must have anti-surveillance protocols or cloaking features, enabling you to access Tor anywhere in the world.

2. Privacy

Although you might think secure means private, this is not the case. A VPN that provides security but not privacy is a no-no. For a VPN to offer complete privacy, it must have a no-logs policy, meaning third parties can’t review your activities at any time under any circumstances.

In addition, look out for the ones that go a step further to allow you to pay anonymously, adding a second layer of protection to the whole process.

3. Speed

Speed is critical for various things, for example, streaming, if you wish to enhance privacy and security while streaming online content, especially on free streaming sites.

Tor is great for many things but can be pretty slow. For this reason, you must ensure that you do not pair it with a sub-par performance speed VPN. So, look for VPNs that perform well in speed testing when used with Tor.

Note that the overall speed depends on your base connection speed.

4. Unblocking ability

While the core function of Tor and VPN is privacy, security, and anonymity. Unlimited access is a handy byproduct, too. If you’re trying to use Tor from an unavailable location, you need a VPN with an unblocking feature. This feature grants you access to geo-locked services that you can only access from a specific location. These services include HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

5. Usability

For a VPN to be usable, it needs to be able to function on the most popular operating systems, giving you an above-average user experience. These range from 24/7 customer support, no connection limits, and particular Tor over VPN servers – whatever makes the VPN much more user-friendly.

How to use Tor in combination with a VPN

Using Tor Browser as an example, remember that several methods exist to connect to Tor. Here’s how to use Tor with a VPN:

• First, sign up with a VPN. Our top recommendation is NordVPN.
• Download and install the VPN application.
• Run the application and choose a VPN server.
• Hit the “Connect” button and wait for the app to confirm the connection.
• Finally, open the Tor Browser and surf the web.

This setup sends your internet traffic through the VPN server and the Tor network. Therefore, your data is encrypted twice before it leaves your device – once by Tor and then again by the VPN. Your ISP cannot penetrate the VPN’s encrypted tunnel, so it cannot detect your use of the Tor network.

Remember that while using a VPN with Tor can enhance your privacy, it also has some limitations. One of the major problems is reduced speed. Also, only the VPN covers your whole internet traffic. Tor won’t cover a device’s traffic. Only the web traffic and only the web traffic from the Tor browser.

Best VPNs for the Tor network today – Detailed list

1. NordVPN

With NordVPN, your device traffic is sent through the VPN and automatically rerouted through the Tor network. You can access specialized Tor over VPN servers through the VPN. You also get access to a DoubleVPN option, which allows you to use the Tor browser with two VPNs simultaneously, although this can cause you to take a speed hit.

NordVPN has a no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption, so you don’t have to worry about an invasion of privacy.

The VPN accepts payment in Bitcoin and is available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. However, NordVPN can see the details of your traffic before encrypting it, although it keeps no logs. If this concerns you, consider setting up the Tor and VPN separately.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN users can expect good service since they recently launched a .onion version of their website for those who wish to sign up anonymously. This VPN has a no logs policy, except for non-identifying information such as dates (but not time), server location choice, and amount of data transfer per day.

You can make payments in Bitcoin and enjoy security thanks to the modern encryption, which includes 4,096-bit DHE-RSA, 256-bit AES keys with SHA512 authentication, and excellent perfect forward secrecy.

In addition, the British Virgin Islands-based company is highly rated, user-friendly, fast, and usable on most popular operating systems such as MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux (command line).

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in over 60 countries, which assures users of getting a fast connection no matter where they are on the globe.

You can rest assured that your traffic is secure and private with the no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption. Moreover, it protects against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks and comes with a kill switch.

Surfshark is a solid option to use in conjunction with the Tor browser. It has advanced features to maintain online anonymity, keeping your activities hidden. In addition, through its split tunneling feature, you can decide which apps you want to use with a VPN. Also, the provider offers multi-hop servers that grant even greater anonymity. (However, the multi-hop connections can bring speeds down significantly.)

Surfshark accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple payments, which allows you to sign up almost completely anonymously. In addition, support is available 24/7 over live chat.

This VPN is available on iOS, Android, Linux, MacOS, Windows apps, and other supported routers, but you must configure them.

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4. PrivateVPN

Users of PrivateVPN do not have to worry about finding out the several ways to change the OpenVPN configuration files that come with the app, thanks to a helpful in-app guide on how to do so. These settings ensure user traffic is routed through the Tor network before it goes through the VPN, often called “VPN over Tor.”

PrivateVPN allows users to access websites they would not usually be able to access by changing their IP address to that of the VPN server, preventing sites from blocking them.

This VPN is fast, offers excellent speeds, and has advanced security and a no-logs policy. It also allows multiple device connections, up to 10 at a time. In addition, you can use PrivateVPN on Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost as a VPN does not have many Tor-specific features, but it boasts an impressive security and privacy score compared to the rest. This high score means it works great with the Tor browser.

The VPN is usable in Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.

Upon signup, users are each assigned a unique and anonymous ID, and the email with which you sign up is also encrypted. This way, you are protected from third-party connections via your email address to your CyberGhost account. Additionally, users can make payments using Bitcoin.

CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy since it is in Romania, which has no mandatory data/logs retention laws. Its encryption is strong; you are protected against any leakage, and it has a perfect forward secrecy feature on all platforms and a kill switch.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish VPN assures its users of immense speeds without compromising security and privacy. Your traffic is secure and private thanks to its unbreakable encryption, no-log policy, and leak protection.

In addition, users can access several simultaneous connections, which sets it apart from the other VPNs on our list, especially considering how much less it costs compared to them.

IPVanish apps have an “obfuscation” feature that cloaks the user’s encrypted VPN tunnel as regular internet traffic.

Unfortunately, it does not accept payments in Bitcoin, so the anonymous purchase option is unavailable. You can use this VPN service with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

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7. AtlasVPN

This VPN boasts over 750 servers in more than 40 locations worldwide, all with fast and consistent connections. As a result, you will experience no lag with the Tor browser, which already puts a drag on the connection speed.

With AtlasVPN, your speed is boosted using the WireGuard protocol to compensate for the Tor’s speed impact.

AtlasVPN has a solid unblocking feature, granting users access to services outside their geo-location, such as Disney Plus, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

This VPN is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and you get unlimited device connections.

There is a strict no-logs policy, and your traffic is encrypted using AES encryption. It also has a kill switch and split tunneling that helps separate regular traffic from the VPN. Users are also offered advanced features such as breach monitoring, ad blocking, and malware protection.

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Why do you need a VPN with Tor?

A VPN encrypts all traffic on a device and routes it through a remote server in your preferred location. This generates a new IP address, allowing users to access geo-restricted content while browsing privately.

Despite having a no-logs policy, VPNs require a certain level of trust that third parties cannot monitor your online activities. This trust helps keep your online activities private but not necessarily anonymous.

Tor encrypts the user’s traffic severally and passes it through numerous volunteer Tor network nodes. The route changes with each new website request, making it almost impossible for anyone to identify the user. However, some websites, apps, ISPs, and governments can block the traffic through the Tor entry and exit nodes, whereas in other countries, it is not entirely legal.

While Tor is better suited for anonymous web browsing and accessing onion sites on the dark web, VPNs are faster and more suitable for streaming and Torrenting. Consequently, you can combine Tor and a VPN to offer more protection and flexibility, though the connection speed and latency may be affected. In addition, because both can encrypt traffic, you can route it through Tor first and then through the VPN, or vice versa.

Tor over VPN or VPN over Tor?

This setup refers to how the Tor network processes your data as it leaves your device. The configuration of Tor over VPN or VPN over Tor is critical to how you access the internet. The two configurations work well but also have pros and cons, so which is best to use?

Tor over VPN

This method refers to connecting to a VPN and the internet using a Tor browser. This way, your traffic is encrypted by the Tor network and the VPN before it leaves your device.

The traffic flow will look like this:

Device → VPN and Tor encryption → VPN server → Tor Network → Internet.

Pros and cons of Tor over VPN

Pros	Cons
ISP cannot detect Tor usage	Sites can block traffic
VPN and ISP can’t read your traffic	VPN can store your IP address
Simple to set up	Traffic is compromised to Tor exit nodes
Can access .onion websites
Can use VPN for non-critical tasks

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VPN over Tor

This configuration is more complicated because it needs to be configured on the VPN server first.

The traffic flow looks like this:

My device → VPN and Tor encryption → Tor network → VPN server → Internet.

Pros and cons of VPN over Tor

Pros	Cons
Traffic is invisible to VPN and ISP	Tor usage is visible to ISP
Unlimited access to the internet	Difficult to set up
The IP address is hidden	Can’t access .onion websites
Protected against Tor exit nodes	The actual IP address is visible to the Tor entry node
Traffic routed without individual configuration	Can’t run P2P programs while connected to VPN
Zero packet discrimination

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Should I use Tor Bridges rather than a VPN?

When using the Tor network, you can connect via Tor bridges. Bridges function similarly to relays but are not publicly listed in the leading Tor directory. However, finding one can be challenging.

Tor bridges can improve the flexibility of your browsing experience. In addition, specific variants, such as obfuscated tor bridges, can be helpful when accessing restricted content. Most times, your Internet Service Provider cannot block private Tor bridges.

End-to-end timing attacks

An end-to-end timing attack (e2e) de-anonymizes Tor network and VPN users by linking the time the user was connected to the otherwise anonymous behavior. 

However, a successful e2e attack against a Tor user is nearly impossible, except for the NSA, which is suspected of running most of the world’s public Tor exit nodes. Fortunately, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection if such an attack is launched against you while using Tor.

Is Tor also a free VPN?

Tor is free to use, but that does not make it a VPN. Tor and VPN are forms of proxy encryption media but are quite different.

Connections via Tor are encrypted several times and pass through numerous volunteer Tor network nodes in a non-sequential pattern. Tor can also access .onion sites on the dark web.

A standard VPN’s job is to encrypt your connection once and route it through a single server. Then, the VPN company operates that server location. Subscribers can choose from many server locations in the VPN app, which gives them control over where they spoof their IP address and provides the added benefit of accessing regional internet services.

What VPNs should Tor users avoid?

As much as VPNs are a reliable service for Tor users, some VPNs will not be helpful with Tor. Below are some of them.

HMA VPN (HideMyAss)

HMA VPN, formerly known as HideMyAss, is notorious for poor logging policies and has led to a user’s arrest in the past. And with more intrusive data retention laws passed in the UK recently, users should avoid this England-based VPN by any means if they prioritize their privacy.

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PureVPN

PureVPN contributed to the arrest of a man accused of cyberstalking by providing records of his activity logs. The service has since updated its privacy policy to state that it keeps no records. However, Tor users should avoid it if they’re looking for an extra layer of privacy.

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Tips to stay safe while browsing over Tor

Combining Tor and VPNs should be adequate for online safety and anonymity, but here are our top tips to stay safe while browsing over Tor:

1. Avoid visiting suspicious or shady websites. You should always pay close attention to a site’s security practices, such as SSL, on everything else, like appearance and feel.
2. Always ensure sure that the URLs you visit are HTTPS encrypted. The lock icon at the beginning of the URL confirms this.
3. Delete your cookies and temporary files regularly to flush out unwanted trackers.
4. Always ensure you connect to a reliable VPN server before connecting to any public network.
5. Avoid using credit cards to make payments. Use alternative payment methods such as PayPal or cryptocurrencies to avoid being identified.

Conclusion

Privacy and security remain at the forefront of internet usage, and as such, users must be made aware of more means by which VPNs can assure them of both.

For example, the Tor network offers anonymity and access to sites without being noticed, but it can be unsafe alone. For this reason, a trusted, robust, and encrypted VPN service is vital, especially in conjunction with the Tor browser.

Suppose security and privacy are paramount to you while using the internet, or you wish to access geo-blocked services, all while staying safe and anonymous. In that case, the VPNs in this article are excellent choices for you.

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