Tor vs VPN: What Are the Similarities and Differences?
Last Updated on May 26, 2025 by Editorial
Tor and VPNs are two of the most popular privacy tools for enhancing online activities. However, they function in very different ways, and today I’ll be diving into Tor vs VPN to help you understand them better.
With so many online threats, including malicious hackers and surveillance, it’s crucial to find ways to protect your online privacy. If you want to keep yourself safe but don’t know which security tool to go for, then you’ve come to the right place.
What is TOR?
Tor is an open-source software that is used to protect internet users’ online privacy. It’s a network of servers that bounces internet traffic through multiple nodes. This makes it harder to trace the origin of internet traffic. TOR encrypts the data sent between servers, so no one can see the traffic’s content.
This privacy tool has been around for over a decade. It was created to provide a haven for activists and journalists in countries where the government censors the internet. TOR has several benefits, including anonymity and the ability to bypass internet censorship. However, it can slow down your internet.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN is a secure tunnel that encrypts internet traffic between the user’s computer and the VPN server. The VPN server then decrypts the internet traffic and sends it to its intended destination. VPNs are primarily used for privacy and security reasons. They protect internet users’ online privacy by masking their IP addresses.
Virtual private networks have become increasingly popular in recent years and are used by millions of internet users worldwide. The primary benefits of using a VPN are enhanced online privacy, improved security, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. However, some VPNs may slow down internet speed due to the encryption process.
Tor vs VPN: Key Differences
There are several areas where Tor and VPNs diverge in terms of how they function and the features they offer. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Security
Tor provides security by encrypting internet traffic and routing it through multiple nodes. This makes it hard to trace the origin of the traffic. VPNs, on the other hand, provide a much higher level of security using secure ciphers like AES-256. It would be hard for even your internet service provider to see your online activities.
Anonymity
Tor makes you anonymous by routing your internet traffic through multiple nodes, however, someone can still see what you’re doing if they get hold of these nodes, which is possible. VPNs offer better anonymity as they pass your entire traffic through an encrypted tunnel. To successfully see your details, someone will need to have the decryption keys.
Speed
Tor is notoriously slow, and internet users who use it will experience slower internet speeds. This is due to your traffic being routed through multiple nodes. VPNs may also slow down internet speed due to the encryption process. However, the slowdown is not as significant as Tor. Some VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have developed fast protocols that make up for the speed drops.
Accessibility
Anyone can download and install the Tor browser. Since it’s open-source, it receives contributions and upgrades from a community of enthusiasts. However, accessing the Tor network may be difficult in some countries due to internet censorship. VPNs are more accessible than TOR since they are easy to install, and many VPN providers offer free trials. However, VPNs may also be blocked in some countries.
Cost
TOR is free to use, with no subscription fees or hidden costs. On the other hand, VPNs aren’t free, needing monthly or yearly subscription fees to access the VPN server. The cost of using a VPN varies depending on the provider and the features offered.
When Should You Use Tor?
Here are some situations when you may want to use TOR:
- Bypassing internet censorship: In some countries, the government censors the internet, blocking access to certain websites or online services. Tor browsers can help you bypass these restrictions and access the content you need.
- Anonymity: Tor provides reliable anonymity, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activity. This can be particularly useful for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who may be at risk of surveillance or persecution.
- Online privacy: Tor encrypts internet traffic, keeping you safe from prying eyes and surveillance. This can be particularly useful if you are concerned about online privacy and security.
- Accessing the dark web: Tor is often associated with the dark web. This part of the internet isn’t indexed by search engines and is not accessible through standard browsers. While not all content on the dark web is illegal, it’s often associated with illicit activities. TOR can be used to access this content safely.
When Should You Use a VPN?
Here are occasions that warrant using a VPN instead of Tor.
- Public Wi-Fi: When you use public Wi-Fi, your online activity is at risk of being intercepted by hackers. A VPN can help protect your online privacy and security. It achieves this by encrypting your internet traffic and preventing anyone from intercepting your data.
- Geo-restrictions: Some websites and online services are only available in certain countries. Accessing them from outside those countries can be difficult. A VPN can help you bypass these geo-restrictions by allowing you to connect to a server in the country where the website or service is available.
- Online privacy: A VPN can help protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic. This stops anyone from monitoring or tracking your online activity. This can be particularly useful if you are concerned about online privacy and security.
- Torrenting: This is a popular method of file-sharing, but it can also be risky. Some Internet Service Providers and governments may monitor torrenting activity. They may also take legal action against users who are downloading copyrighted material. A VPN can help protect your online privacy and security while torrenting.
Which Is Better: TOR or VPN?
Choosing between Tor and VPN depends on the user’s needs and priorities. Tor is ideal for users who want the highest level of anonymity and security, even if it means slower internet speed. It is also useful for users who want to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.
On the other hand, VPNs are helpful for users who want to enhance their online privacy and security without sacrificing internet speed. They are great when it comes to bypassing heavy geo-restrictions and accessing content unavailable in their country.
In some cases, a combination of TOR and VPN may be used to provide the highest level of anonymity and security. However, this may result in slower internet speed, which is unnecessary for all users.
Conclusion
To wrap up this Tor vs VPN comparison, you can rely on both for different levels of privacy and security. However, VPNs have the upper hand as they are harder to crack. The biggest advantage Tor has over VPNs is that it is cheap.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between Tor and a VPN?
Tor sends your internet traffic through multiple random servers run by volunteers, while a VPN sends your traffic through one server owned by a VPN company. Both hide your IP address, but they do it in very different ways. Tor is slower but offers more anonymity. VPNs are faster and more practical for everyday use like streaming or browsing.
Is Tor more anonymous than a VPN?
Yes, Tor gives you stronger anonymity because your traffic bounces through several servers before it reaches its destination. No single point knows both who you are and what you’re doing. A VPN only routes your traffic through one server, so the VPN provider can see your activity unless you trust them not to log it.
Can I use Tor and a VPN together?
You can, and some people do. If you connect to a VPN first and then open Tor, your ISP won’t know you’re using Tor, which can be helpful in countries where Tor is blocked. Just keep in mind it might slow things down even more, and it doesn’t make you bulletproof online.
Which one is better for streaming or downloading?
A VPN is the better choice for that. It’s much faster and can handle large files or video streaming without constant lag. Tor isn’t built for speed—it’s made for privacy, so downloads and streams can be painfully slow or even fail altogether.
Is Tor safer than a VPN?
“Safer” depends on what you’re doing. Tor hides your identity better, especially if you’re trying to avoid surveillance. But it doesn’t encrypt everything outside the Tor network. A VPN gives you full encryption between your device and the VPN server, which can help protect you on public Wi-Fi. So it depends on your goal.
Can I be tracked while using Tor or a VPN?
It’s possible with both, but it’s harder. With Tor, tracking is much more difficult unless you mess up and log into personal accounts or download files. With VPNs, you need to trust that the provider isn’t logging your data. If either tool is misused, tracking is still a risk.
Is it legal to use Tor or a VPN?
In most countries, yes. Both are legal tools. Some governments block them or frown on their use, especially Tor. But in many places, people use VPNs every day for work or privacy. As long as you’re not doing anything illegal, you’re usually fine.
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