Tor vs. VPN: What's the difference + which is safest? - Norton (2024)

Do you ever wonder who can see your internettraffic while surfing the web? If so, you're not alone. In fact,63% of consumersare worried more than everabout theironline privacy.

Whether you’re wary of your internet serviceprovider, nosy websites, or even worse,hackers, many people are taking extraprecautions toprotect their privacy online.

Included in these precautions is the use ofTor and VPNs. By using these tools, internet users can use the web withenhanced peace of mind. To help you better understand these tools, here's whatwe’ll cover in this guide:

So, what are these tools and how do they work?To help you discover which tool is right for you, continue reading for acomplete breakdown of Tor vs. VPN.

What is Tor?

Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a freesoftware and browser used for anonymous web browsing and communication. To doso, Tor relies on a network of servers scattered across the globe. With eachserver maintained by an individual volunteer, it is hard for anyone totrack your web traffic.

Because of the anonymity Tor provides, somepeople may use itto access the dark web, leaving many towonder,“Is Tor safe?” and “Is Torillegal?”Generally speaking, using Tor is safe. Whilecybercriminalsmay take advantage of itsanonymity for illegal activity, Tor itself is legal in the United States.

So, how does Tor work?

1. Once youmake a request (visit a website, send a message, etc.), the Tor browserencryptsit three separate times usingthree different nodes — a guard node, a middle server, and an exit node.
2. After therequest is sent to the guard node, it removes one layer of encryption andsends it to the next server. The guard node will be able to see yourIP address, but it will not see thedetails of your request.
3. The middlenode then removes the second layer of encryption and sends your request tothe exit node.
4. Finally, theexit node removes the last layer of encryption, allowing it to see yourrequest, although it will be unable to identify who requested it.

In simpler terms, Tor uses multiple servers todisguise your identity, making it extremely difficult for anyone to identify ortrack a specific user. In fact, the only way someone can identify your activityis if they happened to maintain both of the randomly chosen guard and exitnodes, which is highly unlikely.

Tor: Pros and cons

While using the Tor browser has its perks,there are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using Tor over atraditional browser like Safari or Google Chrome. To better understand, checkout the pros and cons of using the Tor browser.

Pros ofusing the Tor browser:

• Free and easy to download: Thanks to numerousanonymous volunteers, users can easily download and use the Tor browser forfree.
• Difficult to shut down: The Tor network is runby thousands of volunteers all over the world, making it extremely difficultfor a single entity to shut it down.
• Anonymous web surfing: Because your IP addressis disguised and bounced through multiple nodes, it's very difficult for anyoneto identify a specific Tor user or track their web traffic.
• Bypass censorship: If you’re in a country withstrict censorship, the Tor browser will allow you to bypass censorship andvisit blocked websites.
• Access to the dark web: With the Tor browser,you're able to access websites on thedark web. These websites are also known asonion sites and can only be visited using the Tor browser.

Cons ofusing the Tor browser:

• Slow browsing speeds: Because your data isbounced off multiple nodes for anonymity purposes, your browsing speed may benoticeably slower than that of a regular browser.
• Inconvenient for downloading files: Due to itsslower speeds, it's impractical to use the Tor browser for downloading largefiles.
• May be used for criminal activity: Manyindividuals use the anonymity of the Tor browser to participate inillegal activity on the dark web, ranging fromcryptocurrency scamsto drug trafficking.
• Restricted accessibility: Some websites mayblock all Tor users from visiting their sites.
• Node vulnerability: Because the Tor browserhelps make your identity anonymous, it doesn’t bother encrypting your dataafter it leaves the exit node. This makes it possible for someone monitoringyour connection to see your traffic data, even if they don’t know who itbelongs to.

Even with its pros and cons, there are certainsituations in which using the Tor browser could be your best option. Continuereading to learn when exactly you should use Tor.

When should you use the Tor browser?

Now that you’re aware of the advantages anddisadvantages of using Tor, you may be wondering when you should use it. Tor isbest for:

• Anonymous web browsing
• Accessing the dark web
• Untraceable communication

If your main priority is remaining anonymousonline or you’d like to access the dark web, then using the Tor browser may beyour best bet.

What is a VPN?

AVPN, short for virtual private network, is aservice that turns apublic internet connectioninto a privatenetwork. This allows VPN users to cruise the web privately and anonymously, nomatter the internet connection. A VPN will alsohide your IP addressand encrypt your internettraffic.

So, how does a VPN work?

1. Yourinternet traffic is encrypted and sent to a remote server to disguise yourIP address.
2. A VPN serverthen decrypts your data and passes it along to the website you’rebrowsing.
3. This sameprocess takes place with the data returning to your device.

To put it simply, a VPN creates aprivate tunnelfor your data, hiding your IPaddress and allowing you to safely browse the web, even when using a publicinternet connection.

VPN: Pros and cons

Just like using the Tor browser, VPNs aren’tperfect. Follow along to learn more about the pros and cons of using a VPN.

Pros ofusing a VPN:

• Enhancedprivacy andsecurity: VPNsencrypt your online traffic and hide your IP address, preventing those likeinternet service providers (ISP) and cybercriminals fromspying on you.
• Greater flexibility: Unlike the Tor browser,VPNs encrypt your web traffic no matter what internet browser or applicationyou use.
• Bypass geographic restrictions and censorship: Many premium VPNs allow you to select the location of the VPN serveryou’d like to use, allowing you to bypass censorship and geographicrestrictions.
• No bandwidth throttling: Some ISPs may reducetheir customers’ bandwidth when using certain services or sites. A VPN can helphide your web activity from your ISP, preventing them from limiting your speeds.

Cons ofusing a VPN:

• Premium features cost money: While there arefree options with limited features, a premium VPN will usually require payingfor a subscription.
• Traffic vulnerability: Some VPNs (often freeversions) may collect and log data related to your online traffic. To ensurethat your data isn't being collected and sold bydata brokers, choose ano-log VPN.
• Reduced internet speeds: Because your internettraffic is encrypted and rerouted through remote servers, you may notice slowerbrowsing speeds.
• Can be blocked: Some websites use VPN blockingtechnology, restricting VPN users from accessing their sites. For example, somestreaming services block VPN users to keep them from accessing content that isrestricted in their geographical region.

With an understanding of the drawbacks andbenefits of VPNs, you may still be wonderingwhen you should use one. Follow along to learn when using a VPN is your bestoption.

When should you use a VPN?

After learning more about VPNs, you may bewondering when to use one. A VPN is best for:

• Accessing geo-blocked content
• Securing Wi-Fi connections
• Preventing bandwidth throttling

If you live somewhere with strict internetcensorship and often find yourself usingpublic Wi-Fi connections, investing in a VPNservice may be a good option. Even so, it’s important to observe regional laws,regulations, and service agreements.

Tor vs. VPN: Key differences to know

If you’re just now discovering Tor and VPNs,you might be curious about the key differences between the two. Let’s startwith the similarities. Whether you use a VPN vs. Tor, your data is encryptedbefore it leaves your device. On top of that, your web traffic will be runthrough remote servers,hiding your IP addressand geographicallocation.

While both options provide a much saferbrowsing experience than traditionalprivate browsingalone, they each have theirown unique differences. Before choosing a VPN or Tor, follow along to learnmore about the key differences.

Centralization

One big difference between a VPN and Tor ishow they’re managed. A VPN is a centralized service, meaning the VPN provideris the sole authority, managing all servers and connections. In most cases,this is a private company. Because of this, you should only use a VPN run by acompany you trust.

On the other hand, Tor is entirelydecentralized, and none of its servers are controlled by a single entity.Instead, the decentralized network relies on its global network of individualvolunteers. Because of this, it is much more difficult for someone to traceyour data or shut down the network.

Traffic routing

Another key difference is the path yourinternet traffic takes. Most VPNs direct your web traffic through a singleserver before it reaches its intended destination. This is known as asingle-hop VPN.

On the other hand, the Tor browser routes yourweb traffic through three random nodes. This complex process makes your datainherently difficult to trace.

Tor browser vs. VPN apps

When it comes to choosing a VPN, you’ll havenumerous options to choose from. Most VPN services are available via adownloadable application. Once you've installed the app, all of your webtraffic will be encrypted and Rerouted through a private tunnel.

Tor works differently. To reap theinternet privacybenefits of the Tor network,you must download and use the Tor browser. It's important to note that only theinternet activity you conduct within the Tor browser utilizes the Tor network.Other applications such as messaging apps or other web browsers will beunaffected.

Can Tor and VPN be used at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to use a VPN with Tor. Butbecause Tor and VPNs can both slow down your internet, using themsimultaneously can produce far slower browsing speeds. Despite this downside,some people may use the Tor browser with a VPN. In fact, there are two ways youcan do so.

1. VPN then Tor: In thismethod, also known as “Tor over VPN,” you’ll connect with a VPN and thendownload and use the Tor browser. This grants you all of theprivacyperks of the Tor network andadditional IP address protection from your VPN, preventing your ISP fromknowing that you use Tor and keeping any Tor node from seeing your IPaddress.
2. Tor then VPN: Starting withthe Tor network is a tricky process and may not be supported by all VPNproviders. One of the benefits of this method is that your internettraffic is encrypted as it enters and exits the Tor network. While thismethod will protect your internet traffic from exit node vulnerability,your ISP will know that you are using Tor, therefore decreasing your anonymity.

Now that you’ve gone through a Tor vs. VPNcomparison, you can now make the choice that's best for yourcybersecurityneeds. In addition to thesehelpful tools, you can help stay Cyber Safe by implementing effectivecyber hygiene habits.

FAQs about Tor and VPNs

Need more answers? Read through these commonlyasked questions to learn more about Tor and VPNs.

Is Tor a VPN?

No, Tor is not a VPN. Tor utilizes adecentralized network of volunteers, whereas a VPN uses its own centralizednetwork of servers.

Is Tor better than a VPN?

Because Tor and VPNs each have their ownunique features and benefits, it’s up to you to choose the option that bestmeets your security needs.

Is it safe to use Tor without a VPN?

While using a VPN and Tor together can helpprevent any of the nodes from seeing your IP address, Tor is still extremelysecure on its own, making it very difficult for anyone to identify a specificTor user.

Are VPNs safe?

Aside from the possibility of a randomsoftware malfunction, most VPNs are safe and secure. When choosing asafe VPN, read through the provider's privacypolicies and prioritize choosing a no-log VPN. This can help ensure that yourinternet data isn't logged and sold to third parties.

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