VPN vs Tor: What’s the Difference?

The comparison between a VPN and Tor is quite interesting to engage in. VPN vs Tor: Which is the best? What’s the difference? First and foremost, deciding which of these security technologies is the best depends on personal needs and preferences. But technically, there’s a lot to consider before making a verdict. Don’t worry! We’ve done the hard work. Just keep reading! Basically, the main factor that differentiates a VPN and Tor is their method of transmitting your data. 

VPNs create a non-compromisable link to a single server you choose to connect to, meaning that your data travels directly between this link. On the other hand, Tor has multi-layer connections, like an aircraft with 3 to 4 stopovers before its actual destination. This doesn’t affect their effectiveness when strengthening your online security and footprints. They just cater to different kinds of people.

How? For instance, if you’re a whistleblower seeking anonymity, Tor is a go-to technology because its multi-layer connection makes it trickier to know your movement or trace your activities. Then for those that just need to access their favorite shows or certain content while in restricted regions, VPNs are their best bet. The obfuscation technology in this infrastructure masks your IP address so it can pass any detector easily.

You can say VPNs took the adage “When you’re in Rome, act like the Romans” personally. By now you must’ve gotten the answer you’ve been looking for, but there’s more. Do you know how Tor works? What about a VPN? No knowledge is a waste, just hang in there.

What is Tor?

Tor is short for The Onion Router, and it is maintained by a nonprofit organization. It is financially supported by corporations and NGOs, including Google.

To begin, Tor is the short form for The Onion Router. However, the term ‘Tor’ gets used for various things, sometimes referring to ‘Tor Browser’ the specific browser for connecting to the ‘Tor Network’ under the ‘Tor Project’. Doesn’t hurt; but then, Tor as in The Onion Router is a free, open-source network designed to enable anonymous communication.

It routes data through a sequence of volunteer-operated servers called nodes or relays. Maintained by a non-profit organization and financially supported by various entities including Google, Tor provides a way to browse the web and communicate without revealing your identity. This means that the network is completely free for you to use, and it lets you browse the web, and communite with people anonymously.

It’s going to encrypt your request multiple times and route it through three relay servers that they choose randomly that most of the time, are going to belong to volunteers. With Tor, you are going to have access to roughly around 7000 servers. With each server that you pass, the request or message is going to be decrypted and leave the exit node unencrypted, without exposing an IP address. Let’s look at Tor browser vs VPN.

How Tor Actually Works

The technology operates on a principle called “onion routing,” where your data is encrypted in multiple layers (like an onion) and sent through a randomly selected path of “nodes.” Here’s what happens when you use Tor:

1. Entry/Guard Node: Your connection first goes through an entry node. This node knows your real IP address but doesn’t know what you’re accessing.
2. Middle Node: The connection then passes through a middle node, which knows neither your IP address nor your destination.
3. Exit Node: Finally, your connection reaches an exit node, which can see the destination you’re accessing but doesn’t know who you are.

Your Device → [ENCRYPTED] → Guard Node → [ENCRYPTED] → Middle Node → [ENCRYPTED] → Exit Node → Destination Website

This three-layer encryption and routing system makes it extremely difficult (though not impossible) for anyone to trace your online activities back to you.

Tor Browser

The most common way to use Tor is through the Tor Browser, a modified version of Firefox specifically designed to route traffic through the Tor network.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Visit torproject.org and download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
2. Install and launch the browser.
3. Connect to the Tor network by clicking “Connect.”
4. Wait for the connection to establish (this may take a minute).
5. Start browsing anonymously.

The Tor Browser comes preconfigured with privacy-enhancing settings and extensions that help protect your identity online. You have nothing to worry about except that it’s not ideal for bandwidth-consuming activities like gaming or streaming!

Tor Advantages

• It is useful for any online activity, and completely free to use.
• It has a complied encryption method, which means that you are going to be able to experience complete online anonymity.
• Because its network is made up of servers that are run by volunteers, this makes it really difficult to intercept, or shut down.

Tor Cons

• One of Tor’s advantages is also its disadvantage. This is because when the message or request leaves the exit node unencrypted, it is vulnerable, which means that the government or an ISP can eavesdrop on the communication between the destination server and the exit note.
• When you use multiple layers of encryption to secure a server, this compromises the speed of the connection.
• There is poor transparency and accountability among volunteers that run the servers, which leaves the server exposed to being exploited.
• It is difficult to get an exit node or an IP address from a specific country. You will need to reconnect multiple times or configure the connection.
• If you are unsafely browsing on onion websites, this can be dangerous.

What is a VPN?

When considering Tor browser vs VPN, a VPN is a connection that routes the traffic of the user through an encrypted tunnel, which makes your connection completely anonymous. This means that no third party, including the government, or ISP, or a hacker, can see what kind of information is being processed through the tunnel.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server operated by the VPN provider. This connection, often called a “tunnel,” routes all your internet traffic through the VPN server, hiding your real IP address and encrypting your data.

Good quality VPN providers out there are going to offer their clients a no-logs policy, as well as independent audits that prove this, which means that they don’t store any of your personal information as well as what you are doing online. Typically, high-quality VPN providers are going to offer thousands of servers to their clients in dozens of different countries.

There are also different kinds of protocols that a VPN can provide, and some VPN providers offer specialty servers, for an added layer of security. This can include a double VPN, which means that it encrypts your data twice. Typically, VPNs are preferred by regular users, that are either trying to protect their online identity, or trying to avoid harm when they use the public network.

How VPNs Actually Work

When you connect to a VPN, here’s what happens:

1. Encrypted Tunnel: Your device establishes an encrypted connection with the VPN server using a specific protocol (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2).
2. Data Routing: All your internet traffic is routed through this encrypted tunnel to the VPN server.
3. IP Masking: The websites you visit see the IP address of the VPN server, not your real IP.
4. Decryption: The VPN server decrypts your traffic and forwards it to the destination website.

Your Device → [ENCRYPTED TUNNEL] → VPN Server → Internet → Destination Website

This process masks your IP address and encrypts your data, providing both privacy and security benefits. Modern VPNs use several protocols, each with different strengths:

• WireGuard: A newer protocol known for its simplicity, high speeds, and strong security. Uses the ChaCha20 cipher for encryption.
• OpenVPN: A highly secure and widely used protocol. Uses AES-256 encryption and is open-source, making it transparent and trustworthy.
• IKEv2/IPsec: Known for its stability when switching networks (like from WiFi to cellular). Very secure and faster than OpenVPN.
• NordLynx: NordVPN’s proprietary protocol is based on WireGuard, designed to provide speed without compromising privacy.

Having known how differently VPNs and Tor work, what are some other differences to keep in mind?

VPN Advantages

• VPN’s next generation protocols make sure that you can access really good speeds.
• VPNs offer a higher level of accountability, because it is easy to tell who is running a specific service.
• It is really easy for you to get your hands on an IP address from a specific country, because premium IP providers have thousands of servers and dozens of different countries around the world.
• Top VPN providers are going to offer advanced encryption, which means that you can feel confident that no part of your data is going to be exposed to leak risks.

VPN Cons

• As you probably can expect, VPN providers that offer the best features and speeds are also going to be more expensive.
• Not all VPN providers have no-logs audits.
• Because the entire system relies on a single VPN provider, it is important that you find a service that you can truly trust. This is why we never recommend that you use a free VPN.

VPN vs Tor: How Do They Compare and Which One Is Right for You?

As far as security, speed, and additional features, we believe that a VPN is going to be a better choice than Tor. However, as we have mentioned already, the best VPN services out there are paid. Tor allows access to onion websites, which a VPN can’t do for you, and this might be an important factor that determines which one you go for. VPNs allow for easier access to IP addresses from a specific country, and this means that it is possible for you to use them simultaneously.

However, this could have a negative impact on connection speeds, and some high-quality VPN providers offer their clients an Onion Over VPN service or they specifically offer a VPN for Tor service. which is going to route your traffic through the Tor network, which adds an extra layer of security. As we mentioned earlier, the operational methods of these technologies are different. While both will boost your online privacy, it’s safe to know that:

1. Tor Has More Security Vulnerabilities Than a VPN

When your traffic leaves the exit node, it’s no longer encrypted (unless the site uses HTTPS). This means malicious exit node operators could potentially see your traffic while using Tor. Researchers discovered that a significant number of Tor exit nodes were modifying cryptocurrency-related traffic to redirect users to scam websites and in 2021, hackers exploited Tor’s exit node to steal cryptocurrency transaction data.

Don’t chicken out already! If you always use HTTPS whenever possible and avoid logging into personal accounts through Tor unless absolutely necessary, you are safe. Another vulnerability is the correlation attacks. If an entity can monitor both your entry and exit traffic, they may be able to correlate the timing of packets to deanonymize you. Mitigation is easy. Simply use bridges or combine Tor with a VPN for additional protection.

VPNs on the other side are vulnerable when you make the wrong choice from the provider. If your preferred provider shares your data or log, then your activities online are blown open. What to do! Choose VPNs with verified no-logs policies and jurisdictions outside intelligence-sharing alliances. How? When choosing a VPN, consider these factors to evaluate trustworthiness:

1. Jurisdiction: Where is the company based? Preferably outside 14-Eyes countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others with intelligence-sharing agreements). An example of a reliable provider under this factor is NordVPN which is based in Panama.
2. Independent Audits: Has the service been audited by a third party to verify their no-logs claims? Providers like ExpressVPN share their Cure53 report to boost transparency
3. Transparency Reports: Does the provider publish regular reports about legal requests for user data?
4. Server Infrastructure: Does the provider use RAM-only servers that don’t store data permanently? 
5. Open-Source Clients: Are their apps open-source, allowing independent verification? Providers like Proton VPN have open-source apps.

With this checklist, you can get your hands on an ideal VPN for your needs! 

2. Tor is Usually Slower Than a VPN

Due to the less direct path your data travels while interacting with websites or apps, VPNs and Tor both reduce your internet speeds. Typically, your data interacts directly with apps and websites. It is necessary to bounce such data off of servers before encrypting it using a VPN or Tor. Because it takes time to encrypt and decode your data, the more pauses it makes, the slower your internet gets.

It is therefore challenging to track data back to its source, which is your network, due to Tor’s multi-layer node architecture. The speed difference between a VPN and Tor can be compared to placing an order for food delivery from DoorDash or UberEats. In general, your meal will come more slowly if the delivery driver makes more stops before reaching you. Tor does at least three deliveries before reaching its target, compared to a regular VPN connection’s one trip.

The fastest VPNs, by experience, only slow down your internet by an average of about 11%, which is still fast enough for bandwidth-demanding apps like 4K streaming or gaming. Generally speaking, Tor is even slower than a VPN. With a VPN, your data typically makes one trip, but it makes at least three hops—that is, it passes through three or more servers. In order to simulate Tor’s multi-level encryption, some VPNs do have multi-hop capabilities, but in most cases, a VPN will still give you faster speeds.

3. Tor is a Browser, on the Other Hand VPNs Come in Form of Apps and Extensions

VPNs usually include applications for a variety of devices, including streaming boxes like Fire TVs, iPhones, Android phones, and Windows or MacOS PCs. All web traffic on that device is encrypted via a VPN program. Everything from the Netflix app to the Web Explorer on your phone utilizes a VPN server when you have VPN software installed and running. With split tunneling, you can utilize a VPN for certain apps but not others.

For example, you can play Spotify without an encrypted connection while browsing the internet anonymously in a VPN-enabled browser. On the other hand, Tor is a browser. The Tor Browser, which is a modified version of Firefox designed to use The Onion Router network, is the most popular way to access The Onion Router. Tor is integrated into several web browsers, like as Brave. The Tor Browser just encrypts the content in your browser window, not all of your device’s communication as a VPN does.

You are limited to using a window in your browser rather than the Disney Plus app if you wish to view Disney Plus via an encrypted connection. Interestingly, the majority of VPNs offer browser extensions that encrypt only your browser’s traffic. Tor lacks the functionality that a VPN program offers, such as the ability to encrypt your device’s whole internet connection or select servers in certain areas to get around geographic limitations.

4. Tor is Decentralized, But VPNs are Centralized

Your VPN provider is the only owner and operator of all the nodes that make up a VPN server because it is centralized. You have to trust the company if you want to use a VPN. You may and should be wary even if the majority of VPN companies uphold stringent no-logging rules, promising not to keep information about your online activities. Fortunately, third-party independent audits support VPN businesses’ assertions.

Tor, on the other hand, is decentralized; its servers are not owned and run by a single entity. Rather, several volunteers oversee servers. You’ll still need to trust the multiple companies controlling The Onion Router network nodes, but the multi-layered architecture of Tor with three-plus servers your information passes through means that it’s rare for your data to be hacked.

5. Tor Uses AES-128 While VPNs Use AES-256 

The majority of commercial VPNs use the more robust AES-256 standard, while Tor usually uses AES-128 encryption. These indicate the different encryption key lengths of both technologies with 128 bits for Tor and 256 bits for VPNs. Despite AES-256’s supposedly better defense against brute force assaults, both encryption techniques are still almost impenetrable with today’s technology and demand enormous amounts of processing power to decipher.

However, different priorities are represented by the selection of these encryption standards. Given that AES-128 runs at somewhat faster speeds than AES-256 and helps compensate for slowdowns caused by its multi-node routing architecture, it is likely that Tor prioritizes performance. VPNs frequently stress AES-256 as a marketing advantage, emphasizing maximum security protection while retaining acceptable performance. You can say it’s because of its simplified single-server routing architecture.

Although AES-256 encryption is theoretically more secure than that of VPNs, Tor’s AES-128 encryption is still quite safe in practice and hasn’t been broken. According to several security experts, AES-128 has a more elegant cryptographic architecture that may make it less susceptible to some theoretical attacks. The general security architecture of each system — VPNs concentrating on encrypted connections through centralized servers, while Tor emphasizes anonymity through decentralized routing — is more important to most users than the differences in encryption standards.

VPN vs Tor At a Glance

Criteria	Tor	VPN
Speed	Slow (3+ relays)	Fast (direct routing)
Anonymity	Very High	Moderate to High
Ease of Use	Moderate	Simple
Cost	Free	$2-12/month
Encryption	Multiple layers (AES-128)	Single layer (typically AES-256)
Best For	Maximum anonymity, accessing .onion sites	Everyday privacy, streaming, downloads
Server Network	~7,000 volunteer nodes	3,000-7,000+ commercial servers (premium VPNs)
IP Selection	Random, difficult to choose a specific country	Easy country/city selection
Logging	No logs by design	Varies by provider (choose no-logs VPNs)
Access to Dark Web	Yes (.onion sites)	No (requires Tor)

Top Recommended VPN Service

NordVPN

NordVPN has many different advantages as a trusted VPN provider, including its Wireguard-based protocol so that you can enjoy the speeds that come with Wireguard, without having to trade things like privacy risks. NordVPN has more than 7400 servers in 110 countries, which means that you’re always going to be able to have access to quick servers.

👉 Get NordVPN FREE!

👉 Get NordVPN RISK-FREE!

When it comes to their website, they offer their clients in-depth explanations about servers, VPN protocols, how-tos on increasing your VPN speed, and other reading material that is really useful. Talking about their app, it automatically is going to choose the quickest server in the selected country.

If you have any questions about NordVPN’s services, there is a customer support team that is available 24/7. They offer their clients a twice-audited no-logs service so that you can make sure that everything that you are doing online stays confidential, and you aren’t exposed to risks. They continually update their service, which means that they roll out new updates every few months, which include really important security updates.

Key Features

• Over 7,600 servers across 118+ countries.
• NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) for lightning-fast speeds.
• Strict twice-audited no-logs policy.
• Advanced features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Protects up to 10 devices simultaneously.

How to Get Started

1. Visit NordVPN’s website and sign up for a plan.
2. Download the app for your device.
3. Log in and connect to a server.
4. For maximum security, enable Threat Protection Pro to block malware and trackers.

NordVPN offers regular updates to their service every few months, including important security enhancements. Their extensive documentation explains servers, and protocols, and provides tips for increasing VPN speed. There’s always a chance to learn something relevant.

Can You Use Tor and VPN Together?

For an extra degree of security and anonymity, it is practical to utilize Tor and VPN simultaneously. You encrypt your traffic twice when you use the Tor browser after initially connecting to a VPN: using the VPN’s encryption and Tor’s multi-layer encryption.

By using this method, you can take advantage of both Tor’s anonymity and the VPN’s encrypted tunnel, which makes sure that a hostile exit node won’t be able to determine your actual IP address even if they manage to intercept your data. However, it’s not the best option for high-bandwidth activities because utilizing both can significantly slow down your internet speed. Regardless, there are two main ways to do this. Let’s show you:

VPN over Tor (Tor → VPN)

In this setup, you first connect to the Tor network, then to a VPN:

Your Device → Tor Network → VPN Server → Internet

Advantages

• Your VPN provider doesn’t know your real IP address.
• Protects against malicious Tor exit nodes.
• An additional layer of encryption.

Disadvantages

• Very slow connection speeds.
• More complex to set up.
• Few VPN providers support this configuration.

How to Set it Up

1. Connect to the Tor network using the Tor Browser.
2. Install your VPN client in a way that allows it to work with Tor (may require advanced configuration).
3. Connect to your VPN through the Tor Browser.

Tor over VPN (VPN → Tor)

In this setup, you first connect to your VPN, then to the Tor network:

Your Device → VPN Server → Tor Network → Internet

Advantages

• Your ISP doesn’t know you’re using Tor.
• Easier to implement (some VPNs have built-in support).
• Works with all Tor services.

Disadvantages

• Your VPN provider knows you’re using Tor.
• Slightly reduced anonymity compared to VPN over Tor.

How to Set it Up With NordVPN

1. Open the NordVPN app.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select “Advanced”.
4. Enable “Onion Over VPN”.
5. Connect to a server.

Performance Tips

Speed Up Tor

1. Use Bridges: Tor bridges can sometimes provide faster connections. In the Tor Browser, click on “Tor Settings” and select “Tor is blocked or censored in my location.”
2. Disable JavaScript: Click the shield icon in the Tor Browser address bar and set the Security Level to “Safer” or “Safest” to disable JavaScript.
3. Close Unnecessary Tabs: Each tab in Tor Browser uses separate circuits, consuming resources.
4. Avoid Bandwidth-Heavy Activities: Tor isn’t designed for streaming or torrenting.

Optimize VPN Speed

1. Choose Nearby Servers: Connect to servers geographically close to your actual location.
2. Use WireGuard Protocol: If available, WireGuard typically offers the best speeds.
3. Try Different Servers: If one server is slow, try another in the same region.
4. Use Split Tunneling: Route only privacy-sensitive traffic through the VPN.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tor Connection Problems

“Tor Network is Unreachable”

• Solution: Check your internet connection and firewall settings. Try using bridges by clicking on “Configure” when you launch Tor Browser.

“Connection Timed Out”

• Solution: Your network might be blocking Tor. Configure bridges in Tor Browser settings. Go to Settings → Tor → Bridges and select “Use a Bridge.”

Extremely Slow Connections

• Solution: Try clicking on “New Circuit for this Site” by clicking on the padlock icon in the address bar.

VPN Connection Issues

Cannot Connect to VPN Server

• Solution: Try a different server, switch protocols, or check if your firewall is blocking the VPN.

Connected But No Internet

• Solution: This could be a DNS issue. Try flushing your DNS cache or use your VPN’s DNS settings.

VPN Keeps Disconnecting

• Solution: Check your internet connection stability, try a different protocol, or contact customer support.

Legal Considerations

The legality of these privacy tools varies by country:

• Tor: Legal in most Western countries but restricted or banned in China, Russia, Belarus, and some Middle Eastern countries. Using Tor might attract unwanted attention even where it’s legal.
• VPNs: Legal in most countries but restricted in China, Russia, Turkey, UAE, and others. Some countries only allow government-approved VPNs that likely monitor your activities.

Important: Always check local laws before using these tools, especially when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions