Technology has advanced over the years and we can now access information easily and safely. An internet service provider receives sensitive information that can be used against you. Using a VPN will give you the privacy and security you’re looking for. A VPN, also known as a Virtual Private Network allows you to have a secure connection and online privacy by extending a private network to a public network.
A tor network allows you to search anonymously, however, it will still reveal to the government agencies that you’re using the tor browser which might be harmful. Therefore, for maximum security, it is advisable to use the tor browser together with a good VPN. This can hide the fact that you’re using the tor browser. While there are many VPNs on the internet today, not all of them are not suitable for tor browser because of their making.
Best VPNs for the Tor Browser
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the trusted VPN networks in the market today. Using NordVPN for your tor browser guarantees you faster speeds and can access a wide range of servers. While on this VPN, traffic is sent over to the VPN network then automatically directed to the tor network. This works best while using the app instead of the website. The apps are available on Windows, MacOs, IOS, Android, and Linux.
The security offered by NordVPN is top-notch and features a no log policy, a military grade encryption, and great forward secrecy. Other features include a 256 bit encryption, automatic wifi protection, leak protection, and a kill switch(Except for Android). It accepts bitcoin, etherum, and a few other cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Strict no log policy
- Very fast
- Onion Servers
- Built-in tor over VPN
- Strong security
- Accepts cryptocurrencies
- Budget VPN provider30 day money back guarantee
- Can connect to 6 devices at the same time
- Unlimited Bandwith
- The largest network of over 5400 servers
Cons
- Won’t work on all servers
- Switching the servers can be slow on desktop
2. ExpressVPN
This is our second pick of the best VPNs for tor. It boasts its great features such as 256 bit encryption, leak protection, strict no log policy, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch(In desktop apps). These features provide maximum security and privacy. The kill switch is responsible for killing the internet connection should the VPN connection drop, therefore offering extra protection for tor users. ExpressVPN has recently launched an onion website version that allows users to create an account anonymously. For better anonymity, this VPN provider accepts Bitcoin payments.
The apps are available for Windows, MacOs, Ios, Android and Linux. It’s onion routers can be set up manually or by use of the ExpressVPN’s custom firmware. In case of any issues with the VPN service, the live chat is available 24/7.
Pros
- Fast
- Strict no log policy
- Has an onion site
- Does not keep logs of identifiable information
- Accepts bitcoin payments
- Gives a 30 day money back guarantee
- Great security and privacy
- Can connect up to 5 devices at the same time
Cons
- Slightly expensive
3. SurfShark
SurfShark is best known for its fair price and convenience for people who do not plan on streaming often. It covers over 1700 servers in over 60 countries. It is one of the latest in the market but has proven to be a reliable VPN service for tor users. A great advantage of SurfShark is there is no limit to the number of devices that can connect at the same time. It provides reliable connections because of its great features such as the military grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a no logs policy, and protection against leaks.
This service also offers some advanced features. For example, the multi-hop servers offer greater anonymity and the Split tunneling feature for speeding up other apps. Other features include internet traffic obstruction and wifi protection SurfShark apps are available for Windows, MacOs, Ios, Android and Linux.
Pros
- Has no connection Limit
- Keeps no logs of information
- Good connection speed
- Unblocking ability
- A lot of extra security features
- No logs policy
- Reasonable price
- Offers a 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
- Some servers might experience slow connections
- A smaller network
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is considered one of the best VPNs for tor due to its strong VPN connection offering great security and privacy for the tor network. Although it lacks any tor specific features, it is a great VPN for tor since it is the best VPN provider when it comes to security and privacy. It has great features such as 256 bit encryption, no logs policy, wifi protection, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch(in all apps), and leak protection.
It also features great internet traffic when web browsing tor network. CyberGhost encrypts the users’ email addresses and users are given a unique anonymous ID used to sign up. It accepts bitcoin payments. The CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, MacOs, Linux, Ios and Android.
Pros
- 45 day money back guarantee
- Accepts bitcoin payments
- Maximum privacy protection and security
- Strong connection speeds
- Can connect up to 7 devices at the same time
- No logs policy
- Does not store any identifiable logs
Cons
- Lacks tor specific features
- Few customizable options
5. PrivateVPN
An advantage of the PrivateVPN network over the rest is that it offers a special feature known as VPN over tor and their website offers a helpful guide on how one can alter the OpenVPN configuration files included in the app. These instructions are important so that outgoing internet traffic first can pass through the Tor network through the VPN server using a setup referred to as a VPN over Tor. If you are looking to use Tor’s internet browser to access sites that don’t allow Tor connections, the IP address will be of the VPN server and the sites won’t block you.
Private VPN features a military grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, protection against leaks, a kill switch(Available only on Windows). It accepts bitcoin payments. The apps are available on Windows, MacOs, Linux, Ios, and Android versions.
Pros
- Excellent connection speeds
- No log policy
- Supports VPN over tor
- Strong privacy and security
- Up to six devices can connect at the same time
- Has a VPN over tor guide30 days money back guarantee
- Stores no logs
- Accepts bitcoin payments
Cons
- Smaller VPN server network
- The kill switch feature is available for Windows only
VPNs that Tor users should avoid
1. HideMyAss
This website is known for the poor logging policies and no one should consider it. In the past, it is reported to have led to the arrest of users. It is also an England based VPN connection, where more data retention laws have been passed. So, for anyone who values privacy and security, he or she should avoid this VPN at all costs.
2. PureVPN
This is a Hong Kong-based VPN provider that recently led to the arrest of a man accused of cyberstalking. The man was arrested because of records provided by PureVPN. The user had used PureVPN in an attempt to remain anonymous, but the service provider provided the logs to the FBI, which led to his arrest. PureVPN claims to have updated their privacy policy such that it keeps no identifiable. However, it is safe to avoid the VPN to be safe.
Features to look out for in a good VPN for tor
1. Security
Use a VPN that offers 100% security. A good VPN should offer the best privacy and security features for optimal security. Free VPNs offer security, however, they may not offer 100% percent security while using tor browser.
2. Speed
We all love great speeds and using a VPN to browse through the web can be quite frustrating. While using tor to access the web, you might need a VPN that has high speeds. Most Paid VPNs offer great connection speeds that are reliable. If you choose to use a free VPN you are not guaranteed speeds.
3. Number of servers
Servers allow one to access the internet. The higher the VPN servers, the better the VPN provider. If a VPN has fewer servers, it means that you will not be able to remotely connect to the VPN in many places. You need to ensure that your preferred VPN should have a huge number of servers in locations all over the world.
4. Anonymity
A good VPN should have the ability to browse anonymously on any website, using tor. No one wants the government to know everything they are doing online. Your real IP address should be hidden and should display the VPN’s IP address. VPNs should not share or store any identifiable information. Signing up and paying anonymously on VPN servers is also an important step.
5. Specified day Money Back Guarantee
Good customer service goes a long way. With the money-back guarantee option, it shows that the VPN product is reliable.
VPN over Tor vs Tor over VPN
1. Tor over Vpn
This means that you first connect to the VPN then access the internet using tor browser. Your traffic is encrypted with both the VPN and tor before leaving the device. The traffic on Tor over VPN may look something like this;
Device => Encrypted with VPN and Tor => VPN server => Tor => Internet
Pros
- ISP cannot see you using Tor
- ISP and VPN cannot see your traffic
- Easy to set up.
- Flexibility to use VPN along with a browser
- Access to an onion site
- The tor entry node won’t see the real IP address
Cons
- VPN can see your real IP address
- Exposes traffic to Tor exit node
2. VPN over Tor
This simply means that you first connect to Tor then to the VPN server. Only a few Tor VPNs providers offer VPNs with this capability. The traffic on Toor over VPN may look like this;
Device => Encrypted with VPN and Tor => Tor => VPN server => Internet
Pros
- ISP and VPN cannot see your traffic
- Access to sites that block traffic
- Traffic is routed without individual configuration
- VPN cannot see your IP address
- Not vulnerable to Tor exit node
Cons
- ISPs can see you use Tor
- Lacks access to onion router and onion sites
- Tor entry node can see your IP address
- Difficult to set up
How to use Tor with VPN
The simplest way to using a VPN with tor is to connect the VPN then open tor(Tor over VPN). Here are the steps that you should follow:
- Sign up with a VPN service provider of your choice. Our recommended service provider is NordVPN.
- Download the VPN app and install it.
- Open the app and choose a server
- Click on connect
- Once you are connected, go to the Tor browser and surf the web
FAQs
1. Which VPN works the best with Tor?
There are a number of different VPNs that work with Tor. However some are limited in terms of speeds, servers and security. We have listed the best vpns for tor above. According to our experience and research, we found the best to be the NordVPN followed by the ExpressVPN.
2. Should I use a VPN with Tor?
Tor allows one to browse ananinomously, although it does not offer maximum privacy. It is advisable to use a VPN(a good one) with Tor if you’re looking to get maximum privacy. Tor and vpn are a great combination for safe browsing through the web.
3. Can I use a free VPN with Tor?
Free VPNs are generally a bad idea, especially when dealing with critical tasks. They lack maximum security and may track the information about their users. They also have very low speeds. It is not advisable to use free VPNs if you are looking for privacy and security.
4. Which VPN is the best for dark web?
NordVPN is not only the best for tor, but it is also the best for dark web use. This is because it is extremely fast and the strict no log policy
5. Is Dark Web safe with VPN?
Yes. When using a good VPN such as NordVPN or ExpressVpn, dark web is safe. A downside of using VPN is that the VPN providers can see you’re using the Tor browser. Therefore you need to choose a VPN that you can trust. Don’t trust free VPNs.
