VPN vs Tor : Which is safer?
Do you know what VPN or Tor is? A Virtual Private Network or VPN, for its acronym in English, is a very powerful tool that helps us change our IP address. In the case of Tor , it is a hosting network that hides its content from the main search engines, it is what is popularly known in the internet world as Darknet . In both cases, they protect your privacy, but VPN vs Tor , which is the best between Tor vs VPN? Have you ever asked yourself this question?
We live in a world where protecting our privacy should be something that drives us. At all costs, we must prevent our most sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands or into people who are only interested in profiting from us or causing us harm. But there are two options: VPN or Tor. Which one will you choose in this clear battle of Tor or VPN, VPN or Tor?
Therefore, we have prepared this VPN vs Tor article. This is a kind of guide where you will learn who the winner is when we talk about Tor vs VPN . Each one has its advantages and it is up to the user to decide which one to choose : VPN or Tor . Prepared? Join us in this article!
Table of Contents
What is Tor Browser?
The Tor browser (acronym for The Onion Router) is defined as an anonymity network , where people can have a completely secure browser that will protect their identity at all costs. Although this system is not infallible, it has very good points in its favor, in addition to the fact that it is free software . This means that anyone can download it and use it for their own benefit.
Tor is a project by Roger Dingledine, Nick Mathewson and Paul Syverson, launched on the market in 2003. But it was not until 2010 that it reached popularity. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy about its use, however, Tor continues to emerge as one of the best alternatives to enjoy the internet without interruptions . There is talk of Tor vs VPN , since it is said that Tor is a technology that comes from the dark web, which should not be confused with the deep web.
Also Read: Best VPN for Snapchat: Unblock Snapchat with a VPN
Pros and cons of using Tor
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Tor allows you to overcome any type of censorship in all territories. | Many users report that browsing can be slow. |
| To some extent, you can become an anonymous character on the internet. | Tor is not for gamers or streamers, as it hangs. |
| With Tor, you can browse all the websites that interest you. | Compared to other browsers, Tor can have a very simple interface. |
| Tor vs VPN? Tor does not collect information about you. | If you visit a website that is not on the dark web, your data may be leaked. |
| There is no chance of your browsing being interrupted by advertisements. | Surveillance agents can tell if you are using Tor or not. |
| Emerging advantages are unlikely to turn into a nightmare. | Tor or VPN? Tor has many negative reviews. |
| It does not require making a higher financial investment. | VPN or Tor? Tor doesn’t have as many active users as VPNs. |
| To install it, you don’t need advanced knowledge. | It causes distrust and there are many conspiracy theories around Tor. |
What is a VPN?
To decipher whether you have to use Tor or VPN , you must know the meaning of a Virtual Private Network or Virtual Private Network , by its name in English. This is one of the most famous tools in the world because it is used as camouflage for people while they browse the web. A VPN can modify your IP address , making you anonymous and unblocking different websites, either through georestriction, censorship by authoritarian governments or firewalls.
It is practically impossible that a good VPN cannot unblock everything you want from the internet. VPNs are multi-device and their use is highly recommended. In that sense, a VPN allows you to send and receive data through a public network, but as if it were private with all the policies and encryption of private networks. Hence it is considered a virtual private network.
Pros and cons of using a VPN
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Tor or VPN? With a VPN you can download Torrents. | Authoritarian governments are responsible for persecuting those who use VPNs. |
| The connection is protected with end-to-end encryption. | There are many pirated or free VPNs that do not deliver what they promise. |
| It is multi-device. | It can crash, leaving your data unprotected. |
| It is designed for all operating systems and web browsers. | Hackers are looking for sophisticated solutions to VPN privacy. |
| It masks you. It makes you an unknown character to everyone around you. | You may feel a loss in your connection speed. |
| Tor vs VPN With a VPN you avoid ISP throttling. | Some platforms may detect the use of a VPN and temporarily block your access. |
| No one will have access to your browsing history. | Malicious users engage in legal activities because they take advantage of VPN privacy. |
| Tor or VPN? It has thousands of users in the world. |
Also Read: Best FuboTV VPN : How to Watch FuboTV Online?
VPN vs Tor Availability
In this Tor or VPN war you will surely want to know how many countries each one can operate in or who can use it. In that sense, VPNs are available in all nations of the world , however, it has a limited number of servers. That is, if you do not use one of the best VPNs, you may not be able to change your location to the site of your preference.
In terms of availability, it could be said that VPNs, in this case VPN or Tor, have the greatest advantage. It’s much easier to access them from any browser! In the particular case of Tor, it does not have the limitations of servers , because when you use it the line between your PC and the remote server that determines your IP is broken. You get anonymity!
Keep in mind that although you get anonymity in your web browsing, some streaming platforms may ask you to provide a location, otherwise you cannot access their content. Given this, we can say that there is no clear winner between VPN or Tor.
VPN vs Tor – Which is easier to use?
VPNs vs. Tor are easy to use, you just have to download them on the device of your choice, run it, configure your access data, choose a server, and that’s it! With these simple steps you will already be using the VPNs available on the market.
For its part, using Tor is extremely simple . We suggest that you download Firefox as your default browser. Enter Tor Browser. Download it and install it on your computer. Then press the Connect button and Tor will open.
So, Tor or VPN, we have to say that both are easy to use, which is quite advantageous, especially for those users who are just starting out in the world of the Internet and who do not have much knowledge. Both Tor versus VPN have a very manageable interface with few navigation, compatibility or connection errors. Which one do you choose Tor or VPN?
Also Read: HBO Max VPN: What is the best VPN for HBO Max ?
Comparison table: VPN vs Tor
| TOR | VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to be paid: | Free. | Monthly, quarterly or annual subscription. |
| VPN vs Tor Speed: | Slow. | High speed, if you use the right VPN. For example, those that appear in our ranking. |
| Torrent download: | No. | Yeah. |
| Usability: | Easy. | Very easy. |
| Use for streaming: | It is not recommended. | Good performance. |
| VPN or Tor?, automatic protection for public WiFi: | No. | Yeah. |
| Joint use with Obfsproxy: | Yeah. | No. |
| Anonymity on the Internet: | Yeah. | Yeah. |
| Encryption between Tor vs VPN: | Encryption up to the exit node. | From end to end. |
Are there different types of Tor VPNs?
If you come from doing a search on the internet, you have surely come across false information, where they change the name to Tor. There is only one! The rest are copies that seek to scam uninformed users or those who have not taken the task of investigating the truth about Tor vs VPN.
One of the differences between VPN vs Tor is that the former are thousands. There are as many as you can imagine! We know this can be overwhelming, which is why we have put together our own ranking of the best VPNs on the market . Take a look and choose the one that best suits you. Don’t be fooled by fraudulent Tor or VPNs .
VPN+Tor: A powerful combination
Why choose between VPN or Tor? When you can use Tor or VPN at the same time! Yes, these two online privacy tools are not at odds with each other and can give you extra, intense and almost impenetrable protection. Thus, there are two ways to combine a VPN vs Tor:
Tor through a VPN: In this case, you have to connect to a VPN (choose server, obviously) and then run Tor. What do you gain with this combination of VPN or Tor? Basically, the VPN provider will not be able to identify and extract the data you send by using Tor . The use of Tor will also be hidden from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Of course, be careful not to send sensitive content such as passwords, because Tor using a VPN does not protect against possible malicious leak nodes. Another characteristic of using Tor through a VPN is that it increases your level of incognito, because Tor will not see your real IP.
VPN using Tor: You must configure your VPN to work with Tor, this step may be a little more complex, but basically you have to log in to your VPN from the Tor network . With this method, you will be able to overcome geographic censorship, as well as eliminate the risk of malicious exit nodes. It’s ideal if you want to hide from your ISP that you use VPN.
Also Read: How to access the Dark Web safely and anonymously ?
Conclusions about Tor or VPN
Tor vs VPN – Advantages of using a VPN
To talk about VPNs vs Tor clearly we must establish what the advantages of each one are, don’t you think? So these are the benefits of using a VPN vs Tor:
- VPNs can be used on almost any device of your choice. Whether on smartphones, tablets or computers.
- Its use is quite widespread, so there is a lot of information about VPNs vs Tor. In fact, its low popularity and bad reputation are something of the past.
- VPNs vs Tor can make it possible for a single person to have different geographic locations.
- Some VPNs or Tor have unmissable promotions. For example, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money back guarantee. This means that you can request a refund after this time.
Tor or Vpn – The benefits of using Tor
- Tor vs VPN vs Proxy is shown as a winning option because it is free . Yes, just as you have read, Tor vs VPN will not cost you a single euro. Their website is free to access and they rarely change their domain. It’s no secret how to download Tor vs VPN!
- VPN or Tor? Tor is compatible with Android, Linux, MacOS and Windows.
- Although we must say that it is perfect for searching for content, you are going to come across another side of the internet. However, it is not the most recommended for streaming videos.
- It does not support downloading files from Torrents.
- Tor VPN is only protecting your browser traffic. It doesn’t matter if your connection is shared. Only one device will enjoy protection.
- Evade Internet surveillance.
Also Read: How to watch Netflix USA (Netflix United States)
Ultimately, what works best? Tor vs VPN? or VPN vs Tor? With great responsibility we must say that both options seem extraordinary to us. Each one with its advantages can do the same: hide us. And at the end of the day that’s what we want.
Of course, it must be clarified that Tor or VPN is limited, while VPNs have demonstrated greater reliability. Once you have heard our opinion, we want to know your impressions about Tor vs VPN. Give us a comment!