What is Onion Over VPN, and Is It Better for Online Privacy?

Clearly, people keep seeking better ways to improve their online privacy. There are many reasons for this, such as government surveillance, snoopy ISPs, and hackers stealing data. The Tor network is one of the best options if you want to keep your browsing activities private. But, unfortunately, it provides only a single anonymity layer, which can expose some of your traffic, especially at exit nodes.

If used with Onion (Tor), a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will add an encryption layer to your Tor connection and keep your entire traffic completely anonymous. So, the Tor VPN combination is a dynamic duo that will strengthen your online security and privacy.

In this guide, we’ll give you a detailed explanation of Onion over VPN, the best VPNs for Tor, how Onion over VPN works, and more.

A quick list of our top VPNs 

What is Onion over VPN

We will have to look at how the different components involved function separately to illustrate how Onion over VPN works. Let’s first look at each briefly and then cover the duo.

What is a VPN?

Standing for a Virtual Private Network, a VPN is a technology that passes your web traffic through intermediary servers. It encrypts the connection between your device and the server, making it impossible to intercept your information. Also, the VPN will disguise your IP address when connecting to the server.

There are two primary ways you can get a VPN. First, you can create a VPN server, which is time-consuming and complicated. On the other hand, you can purchase a subscription from a VPN service provider. The latter option has an extensive server network allowing you to connect to any country you want. So, for example, you can be in the UK and connect to a server in the US. This will make you seem like you’re within the country, yet you are not.

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What is Tor?

Tor is a free, open-source anonymity tool used to get around censorships to access all layers of the internet, including the dark web. To access the Tor network, you must use a Tor browser which is almost similar to regular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Tor uses a sophisticated, multilayered security system to protect you from government surveillance, ISP monitoring, and cybercriminals. Tor’s multi-layered security protects your anonymity by;

• Encrypting your traffic: Tor routes and encrypts your data through a series of nodes to protect your anonymity.
• Masking your IP address: Tor hides your actual IP address from third parties, making it difficult to target you.
• Blocking trackers: Tor isolates every website you visit to prevent third-party trackers from following you on every site you visit.
• Blocking Fingerprinting: Tor Browser makes your digital fingerprint look similar to other users.
• Binning your history: Tor permanently clears all your browsing history after closing tabs.

The Tor network encrypts your data thrice before routing it to a series of random volunteer-hosted servers until it reaches the intended website. This conceals your identity while giving you a digital fingerprint like other Tor users. Therefore, trackers cannot fingerprint you based on your device or browser information.

Additionally, Tor prevents anyone monitoring your internet connection from seeing the websites you visit and your physical location. It also changes your IP address and enables you to bypass geo-restrictions. Moreover, Tor allows you to access the dark web, which is the unregulated part of the internet. Also, it automatically deletes all your browsing history after closing the tabs to provide further privacy.

Is a Tor Browser necessary to access the Tor Network?

Regular browsers cannot open Onion sites hosted on the Tor network, so you must use a Tor browser. Additionally, you should subscribe to a VPN with an Onion over VPN feature and combine it with a Tor Browser for maximum anonymity. However, there are only a few VPNs that support Onion over VPN.

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Onion over VPN explained

Onion over VPN is a security and anonymity strategy for accessing the Tor network. It involves connecting to a VPN before launching your Tor browser for maximum protection. The Tor network gives you anonymity, while the VPN provides privacy and security.

Combining the two technologies is ideal, especially when exploring the dark web. Tor network’s anonymity may be compromised by third parties who dig deeper by running entry and exit nodes to reveal your identity. Therefore, you need a trustworthy VPN to protect your privacy and security.

Here is the path your traffic takes when using Onion over VPN.

• Encryption of data by VPN.
• Encryption of data by Tor.
• The VPN server receives data.
• The VPN encrypts your data and sends it to Tor, adding another layer of anonymity.
• Data is routed through a series of nodes, losing an encryption layer at each node.
• Data reaches its destination completely decrypted.

The response from the website takes this path.

• The application or website sends a response
• Tor encrypts the response
• Tor relays the data
• VPN encrypts data
• The data, which is already double encrypted, is sent to your device.
• Tor decrypts data
• VPN decrypts data

Related read: VPN vs. Tor detailed comparison

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How to set up Onion over VPN?

It is straightforward to use Onion over VPN. All you need is a Tor browser and VPN service. A tool like Tortilla can be useful if you want to route your entire traffic through Tor. First, however, you will still need to use the Tor browser. The following steps will help you do it.

1. Register for a VPN service. Choose a provider that has a strict no-logs policy and buy a subscription with an anonymous method. The idea is to leave as few bits of your identifiable data as possible. Our number one recommendation is ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the software on your device. Then, find a server with the highest speed and connect.
3. Download and install the Tor browser. Then, open the browser and connect to the Tor network.

Once you complete the above three steps, your traffic will be protected by two encryption sources: the Tor browser and the VPN. Note that this would apply to your entire traffic if you use a tool like Tortilla. Also, remember that the configuration involves many intermediary servers, so your connection speed to reduce significantly. Therefore, you should use a VPN for everyday use and add the Tor browser for sensitive activities.

Best VPNs for Tor today

Below are the top three VPN services with built-in Onion over VPN features. They will be invaluable allies if you want to access the dark web safely. In fact, all of them have integrated their apps with the Onion over VPN functionality, making the setup effortless.

1. ExpressVPN

Key features:

• 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Zero-logs policy
• TrustedServer technology
• Secure protocols
• Compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, Tor Browser, Android, Linux, and routers

ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN option for Tor Browser. In fact, the provider recently introduced a .onion site for improved anonymity. In addition, it supports Tor over VPN setup, which will eliminate exit node tracking.

Like the previous VPNs, ExpressVPN also has incredible unblocking capabilities. We successfully bypassed the restrictions of BBC iPlayer and other popular services like ESPN, Netflix, Hulu, etc.

The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption combined with a 4096-bit RSA key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and a 256-bit cipher to protect your connections. This is one of the best security combinations that is almost impossible to break.

Moreover, perfect forward secrecy is a robust feature to maintain online anonymity. It will assign you a new authentication key every time you start a session, erasing data from previous sessions.

In addition, it allows you to customize the tunneling protocol to get the best reliable connection. For example, OpenVPN UDP is the default protocol, but you can also change to OpenVPN TCP, PPTP, and L2TP/IPsec.

The Network Lock (kill switch) helps protect your traffic even when the VPN stops working. Also, the DNS/IPv6 leak protection assures your privacy by preventing your DNS request and IP from leaking.

ExpressVPN has apps for almost all operating systems, including macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and iOS. Fortunately, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. In addition, installing it on your router is an option if you want to add more devices.

Pros:

• Reliable and fast servers
• Support Onion over VPN
• Strong encryption protocol

Cons:

• Lacks kill switch for iOS

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2. NordVPN

Key features:

• 5,149 servers in 60 countries
• SmartPlay feature
• AES 256-bit encryption
• CyberSec adblocker
• Perfect forward secrecy
• 30-days money-back guarantee
• Compatible with Tor Browser, Windows, Android, macOS, IOS, Linux, Firefox, Chrome, RaspberryPi, and routers

NordVPN is a well-established VPN and offers high-quality services. It provides state-of-the-art security and privacy features that will be useful when combined with the Tor network. In addition, it has consistent speeds and an affordable long-term plan if you are on a budget.

We have featured the VPN on this list because of the inbuilt Onion over the VPN setup. In fact, it offers specially dedicated servers for Onion over VPN for a seamless connection.

NordVPN employs AES 256-bit encryption technology alongside SHA2-384 authentication and a 2048-bit DH key to safeguard your connections. In addition, it has perfect forward secrecy to alter the authentication key every time you launch the VPN. As a result, your current session will remain completely anonymous and unrelated to your previous activities.

The double VPN feature will also improve your security by routing your connection through two servers in different locations. Hence, no one can trace your activities because there isn’t a single line of traffic.

The automatic kill switch is another way to keep you always secure. It will stop web traffic from leaving the encrypted tunnel if the VPN connection drops to prevent leakage. In addition, the DNS/IPv6 leak protection will stop DNS requests and IP addresses from getting exposed.

NordVPN supports Windows and other major operating systems like Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Firefox, Chrome, and routers. Fortunately, you can connect up to 6 simultaneous devices.

Adding the Tor network will significantly slow down your internet connection. However, there is nothing to worry about, as NordVPN provides blazing-fast speeds for torrenting, streaming, and gaming tasks.

Pros:

• Special Onion over Tor servers
• Robust privacy and security
• Strict no-logs policy

Cons:

• Awkward interface

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3. Surfshark

Key features:

• 3,200+ servers in 65 countries
• MultiHop mode
• AES 256-bit encryption
• CleanWeb adblocker
• DNS/IP leak protection
• 30-days money-back guarantee

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN you can combine with the Tor Browser to improve online privacy. Luckily, it supports VPN over Tor configuration. This means you must first install the VPN and then connect to the Tor network.

This VPN uses multiple high-end security and privacy features to keep you safe. First, it will secure your data with AES 256-bit encryption, a military-grade technology. Second, the VPN has MultiHop mode to route traffic through multiple servers for additional protection.

Furthermore, the automatic kill switch will discontinue your traffic flow if the VPN connection breaks to stop data leakage. In addition, it provides Shadowsocks, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols for reliable connections.

Surfshark has a camouflage mode will enable you to use the Tor Browser in heavily censored countries like China. The feature will disguise your VPN traffic and make it look normal even under deep packet inspection (DPI). As a result, you will be able to access the internet anonymously.

The VPN has excellent unblocking capabilities and will bypass almost every geo-restriction. For example, I unblocked Netflix US and other popular streaming services like Disney+, Sky Go, Hulu, HBO, etc. Fortunately, the built-in CleanWeb suite will block all intrusive ads so you can have a smooth streaming experience.

Surfshark provides dedicated apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and routers. Thankfully, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which allows you to use the Tor Browser on as many devices as you want.

Pros:

• Fast speed connections
• It doesn’t limit the number of devices
• Unblocks popular streaming services

Cons:

• Slow connections on some servers

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4. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Key features:

• Split Tunneling feature
• Ad-blocker
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Fully supports P2P
• No-logs policy
• Automatic Kill switch
• Up to ten simultaneous connections
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reputable VPN with customizable security options and an extensive server network that supports Onion over VPN connections. This ensures you can find a server near you to reduce latency and server overload when exploring the dark web.

PIA uses the AES-256 algorithm to encrypt your data, a robust encryption used by the military and government agencies. Moreover, the VPN protects you against DNS/IPv6 and WRTC leaks, while its reliable kill switch prevents you from leaking sensitive information when your VPN connection drops.

Its Wireguard transmission protocol ensures fast and reliable connection speeds, which boosts performance. The provider also maintains a strict no-logs policy and has applications for all major platforms and devices. What’s more, PIA has a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. The only major drawback is that it is based in the US, which is not a privacy-friendly country.

Pros:

• Dedicated apps for prominent platforms
• Largest server network
• Effective ad and malware blocker

Cons:

• Based in the USA

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Is Onion over VPN safe?

Vulnerabilities in such a configuration can be attributed to the parties involved: the Onion network or the VPN.

When it comes to VPNs, some are more reliable than others. For example, you have to choose a no-logs service to be on the safe side. Unfortunately, some providers claim not to retain logs just to lure in more users. So, check out for third-party audits by reputable firms and records of refusal to hand over data to authorities. A VPN that keeps logs is one of the impending threats to your privacy.

On the other hand, the biggest shortcoming of the Onion network is that anyone can create a Tor node. This means malicious actors can use rogue nodes to spy on your activities.

Therefore, your privacy will be based on two separate entities when you use a VPN together with Onion. The advantage is that the chain is longer if there is a point of failure or any other risk. For example, the VPN will encrypt the traffic the Tor network cannot protect, like the ICMP. Conversely, your internet service provider (ISP) can tell when you use Tor. However, a VPN will make this impossible.

Safety precautions when using VPN over Onion

The Onion over VPN provides you with the necessary privacy, security, and anonymity, but it cannot protect you from yourself. For instance, it cannot prevent you from submitting personal information to Onion websites, which can compromise your privacy.

Here are some precautions you need to take when using Onion over VPN.

• Think before you click: Many malicious users on the dark web plant viruses, malware, and scams. Generally, don’t click links that you do not recognize.
• Check URLs: Be keen to check the legitimacy and security of the URLs of the websites you visit. Check the address bar to ensure the URL starts with https:// and whether the name is correct. 
• Install a robust antivirus: Get reliable, effective, and up-to-date antivirus software to detect and remove threats that could slip through your Onion over a VPN connection.
• Configure your Tor security and privacy settings: Tweak your Tor security settings to ‘safest.’ Some websites may not work, but it scales up your security and privacy. The ‘safest’ mode keeps you anonymous even if your Tor is hacked.

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How can I safely use Onion over a VPN? 

Setting up Onion over VPN is relatively easy as you only need to connect to your VPN before launching your Tor browser.

The following steps show how you can safely use Onion over VPN.

• Subscribe to a reliable and trustworthy VPN that supports the Onion over VPN feature. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its efficient built-in Onion over VPN feature.
• Connect to a VPN server: Ensure the server you connect to is near your physical location to boost connection speeds.
• Download and install the Tor browser on your device 
• Open your Tor Browser when still connected to the VPN server
• Start browsing anonymously in an Onion over a VPN environment. Avoid sharing your personal information to protect your privacy.

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Is a VPN for Tor necessary?

The Tor Browser and VPN combination provide you with adequate privacy and security to safeguard your data and web traffic.

A standalone Tor Browser will anonymize your connections, but it’s easy to intercept the traffic at the entry and exit nodes. However, a VPN will seal all the gaps and keep you totally invisible with military-grade encryption.

The Tor browser is great for privacy but only protects the traffic by passing it through several nodes. As a result, any sites and apps outside the network can be easily exposed. This is why you need to add a VPN. It uses advanced encryption to offer robust security and anonymity, regardless of whatever you are doing online. 

Pros and cons of using Onion over Tor

These are some of the advantages of Onion over VPN:

• It makes it easy to access dark web .onion sites securely and anonymously
• This prevents your ISP from seeing that you are using VPN 
• Stops the VPN provider from seeing your traffic or the websites you visit
• Let you surf the internet anonymously and securely
• Flexibility to use a VPN with a normal browser for non-critical errands
• Thwarts the Tor exit node from seeing your actual IP address but only that of the VPN server

At the same time, there are some cons of Onion over VPN:

• The VPN provider can see your actual IP address and that you are using the Tor network
• Apps and websites you visit can see your traffic emerging from a Tor exit node. In fact, they can block your connection or stop working altogether
• Compromised Tor exit nodes can potentially expose your data
• The combination of Tor and the VPN will significantly slow down your connection

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When can I use Onion Over VPN?

The Onion over VPN approach is complex and emphasizes privacy, security, and anonymity. It is, therefore, ideal for transmitting highly sensitive information or bypassing geo-restrictions in countries with high censorship. It is commonly used by journalists and whistleblowers who want to remain anonymous.

Don’t use Onion over VPN if:

• Speed is important to your connection.
• You are accessing personally identifying sites like social media.
• You are casually browsing the internet.

Use Onion over VPN if:

• You are an activist, whistleblower, or journalist.
• Do not want to access the Tor network directly.
• You value anonymity.

Be cautious when using Tor because it cannot protect you from malicious exit nodes. The Onion over VPN connection can also be extremely slow, so only use it when necessary. While the Onion over VPN is a perfect anonymity tool, it cannot guarantee 100% anonymity.

Double VPN vs. Onion over VPN

Remember that the Onion over VPN configuration isn’t the only solution if you want to increase your online anonymity. There is also an option to use several VPNs simultaneously. As a result, your connection will be passed through multiple servers, and your traffic will be encrypted twice.

Fortunately, different VPNs have integrated this feature into their apps but name it differently. Some common names include double VPN, multi-hop, nested VPN, etc.

Moreover, you can try manually setting up the connection with two different VPN services. The problem is that there might be software compatibility issues. For example, the Windows operating system is susceptible to TAP driver errors. In addition, you may also need to pay for two different subscriptions.

Should I use Tor Bridges instead of a VPN?

There is an option to connect through Tor bridges when using the Tor network. Although bridges function similarly to relays, the benefit is that bridges are not public and aren’t included in the leading Tor directory. Unfortunately, it is tough to find them. Luckily, you can create them, but it’s complicated.

These bridges can improve your browsing experience significantly. Thankfully, they exist in different variants. For example, obfuscated Tor bridges will come in handy when accessing geo-blocked content in a country with heavy internet censorship like China and UAE, to name a couple. Most probably, your internet service provider (ISP) won’t block private Tor bridges.

VPN over Onion VS Onion over VPN

You can choose to connect your VPN before launching your Tor browser or start with the Tor browser and then connect to your VPN server. The first approach is called Onion over VPN, and the latter is called VPN over Onion.

VPN over Tor routes traffic through the Tor network first, then via the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. The connection undermines anonymity because the guard nodes can see your public IP address even though the exit nodes cannot see the contents of your traffic.

The table shows the advantages and disadvantages of VPN over Tor

Advantages	Disadvantages
Users can access websites that bock exit nodesVPN kill switch can prevent data leaksProtects you against malicious nodes	ISP can see you are connected to TorYour VPN and can theoretically monitor your browsing activities. Uses excessive double encryption connections are extremely slow VPN choices are limited setup is complexGuard node can see your public IP address

VPN over Onion is complex to set up, and you may need guidance from your VPN provider. Poor configurations may lead to traffic leaks, exposing you to countless online threats or undermining your anonymity.

How VPN over Onion affects your security and Privacy

Allows you to access websites that block Tor traffic

It is possible to access websites with blocked Tor IP addresses. This is because the websites receive a connection from a VPN server rather than a Tor exit node. Therefore, the website cannot determine whether the connection originates from the Tor network. Also, the IP address connecting to the website belongs to the VPN server and not the blocked Tor exit nodes.

Protects you against malicious exit nodes

In the VPN over Onion approach, the VPN is connected last, and therefore, it encrypts all the traffic from the exit node to the internet. Therefore, unlike Onion over VPN, the exit node can’t see your traffic’s contents. The exit node only knows you are connected to a VPN but cannot see the websites you visit.

In this approach, the kill switch is very effective once the VPN connection drops. This prevents your information, such as your IP address, from leaking.

Government agencies may monitor your activities for surveillance

When you connect to your Tor network directly without first connecting to a VPN, your ISP can see that you are using Tor and mark you for surveillance. Also, the Tor guard node can see your public IP address which crushes all the efforts of staying anonymous.

Once security agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) have your IP address, they can use their sophisticated technology to monitor your online activities.

Your VPN can monitor and track your activity

Tor’s main focus is anonymity. So, VPN over Onion compromises your anonymity by allowing VPNs to access your web traffic and IP address. Also, some VPNs store identifying information on their servers, making your connection traceable. For this reason, Tor warns users against the VPN over the onion approach.

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To whom does Onion over VPN use suit best?

The Onion over VPN setup can help a wide variety of people due to its enhanced security and simplicity. These are some of the people that can benefit from Onion over VPN and why.

People with sensitive data

With the Onion over VPN setup, your ISP can see that you are using the configuration but not your activities. This is because the VPN will secure your connection and prevent any third party from tracking what you are doing online. Therefore, you will get complete privacy and confidentiality to wander the internet freely.

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Residents and travelers in countries with autocratic governments

The Onion over VPN setup is effortless to operate. A single click will route your traffic through the Tor network. Fortunately, several VPN providers have integrated the Onion network with their software. For instance, NordVPN offers this feature. The configuration will improve your online security and privacy so that government authorities cannot monitor your activities.

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Journalists, whistleblowers, and political activists

A VPN will encrypt your traffic and pass it through an encrypted tunnel, while the Tor network will improve your anonymity. This will enable you to browse anything on the internet privately and securely.

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Conclusion

Using either the VPN or the Tor browser as a standalone service has advantages and downsides. Both options will encrypt your web traffic, but they cannot offer complete anonymity because of how they function.

The best solution is to combine forces and use Tor together with the VPN. Besides getting double encryption, the combination will solve inherent privacy issues. ExpressVPN is our top recommendation because of the dedicated Onion over VPN feature, strong encryption, and blazing-fast speeds.

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