The Tor Browser is an open-source web browser designed to protect your online privacy and anonymity. It conceals a user’s IP address and location by routing internet traffic through a global network of three encrypted servers (nodes). Here’s how to start using Tor Browser:
- Use a VPN for extra privacy.
- Go to the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your device.
- Install it like a regular app.
- Open it and click Connect.
Now you can browse the web privately. Tor is also often paired with a reliable VPN like NordVPN for better performance and security.
The Tor Browser is a simple tool that helps you browse the internet privately. It hides your online activity, so others can’t see what you’re doing.
Many people use the Tor Browser to access parts of the internet that aren’t available in regular browsers, often called the dark web. But beyond that, it simply gives you a more private way to browse, like taking a quieter side road instead of a busy highway, with fewer eyes on where you go.
The Tor Browser is created by the Tor Project, a group that builds free tools to help people stay private and safe online.
In this guide, I’ll explain how the Tor Browser works in simple terms, how to start using it, and when it might be useful. I’ll also cover its limitations, so you know exactly what to expect before you try it.
What is the Tor Browser?
The Tor Browser is a free, open-source web browser designed to help you stay more private online. It hides your IP address and location by sending your internet traffic through several secure servers around the world, making it much harder to track you. It’s like passing a message through several different hands before it reaches its destination; no single point can see everything.
Tor is based on Firefox, and people use it for many reasons: to avoid tracking, get around restrictions, or access parts of the internet that don’t appear in regular search engines (often called the dark web). While it adds a strong layer of privacy, it’s not a magic and invisibility tool, but it does give you more control over your online footprint.
How does the Tor browser work?
The browser uses Tor’s vast worldwide server network to hide your IP and secure your connection. When using the Tor browser, your data goes through different Tor servers (or nodes):
- Entry node: This is the first node Tor connects with. Your IP address is visible here, but the entry node cannot see what you are connecting to.
- Relay node: This node passes along the traffic it receives.
- Exit node: This part of the Tor server forwards you to the website you want to see. Your IP address is not visible here, but your destination is.
The traffic is heavily encrypted at the first node and then gradually decoded, one layer at a time, at the different nodes.
This means that whoever is trying to identify you based on your online traffic will only stumble upon the last server your data passed through (a.k.a. the “Tor exit node”). In other words, this browser makes it impossible, or at least very difficult, to identify Tor users. For browsing the web anonymously, using this dark web browser is better than using a normal web browser.
This triple-layered encryption comes with a disadvantage, though. The Tor browser is generally much slower than your bare internet connection. Because your online traffic passes through different nodes, your internet connection will have to take the long way around and therefore become significantly slower.
Is the Tor browser legal?
The use of the Tor/dark web browser itself (and any other Tor project software) is completely legal in most jurisdictions, especially in countries with minimal censorship. However, some Tor users do engage in illegal activities.
Using the Tor browser doesn’t make these activities any less illegal. Therefore, I recommend that you refrain from such practices. You also need to understand the legal consequences of using Tor.
What can I do with the Tor Browser?
Many people use the Tor web browser to bypass censorship and watch geo-restricted content. Also, to visit websites not available on the surface web but accessible on the dark web.
The dark web consists largely of unregulated websites, though some are worth visiting. It also contains pirated content and illegal substances.
Besides visiting the dark web, many journalists and political activists use the Tor browser to circumvent censorship. The anonymity provided by Tor helps them avoid being spied on by interested parties and lets them publish articles and spread news about important events.
Popular news media like BBC News and ProPublica have onion websites (a.k.a. dark web versions of their regular websites).
Similarly, journalists use the Tor browser to protect their sources. People who don’t want to risk being revealed or tracked can communicate sensitive information through the Tor network.
The Tor Browser and the dark web
The Tor browser is one of the best browsers for visiting the dark web anonymously.
The dark web generally features websites that you can’t access through a normal search engine or via a conventional browser. You must also know the exact web address to visit a dark web website.
Moreover, the dark web hosts unregulated websites, meaning it can contain a wide range of content, including pirated material, black markets, and other illegal or harmful activities
As a result, I don’t recommend visiting the dark web unless you know what you’re doing.
How to download and install the Tor Browser?
Installing the Tor browser on your device is simple. Once you install the browser, you’ll be able to use it in a few minutes. Just ensure you have a secure VPN and antivirus running before you do. Here’s how to install the Tor Browser on Windows:
Step 1. Go to the official Tor Project website and click on Download Tor Browser.
Step 2. Select Download for Windows. The file will start downloading.
Step 3. Open the downloaded file. Choose your preferred language and click OK.
Step 4. In the setup window, choose where you want to install Tor Browser, then click Install.
Step 5. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Tor immediately or open it later on your desktop or installed folder.
Here’s how to install the Tor Browser on Mac:
Step 1. Go to the official Tor Project website and click on Download Tor Browser.
Step 2. Select Download for macOS. The file will begin downloading.
Step 3. Open the downloaded file. Drag the Tor Browser icon into your Applications folder.
Step 4. Open Tor Browser in your Applications folder (or launchpad). If prompted, click Open to confirm.
How to connect to Tor Browser?
Connecting to Tor Browser is quick and usually takes one click. For most people, it works right away without any setup. However, if you’re on a restricted network, you may need a few extra steps, but Tor will guide you through the process. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Open Tor Browser. You’ll see the connection screen.
Step 2. Click on Connect. Tor will automatically set up a private connection.
Step 3. If you’re in a restricted country or network, click on Configure connection and follow the instructions.
Step 4. Once connected, the browser will open, and you can start browsing.
However, if you live in a country with strict censorship rules (such as Turkey, China, or Egypt), it is best to select Tor Network Settings first. Through these settings, you can adjust your browser to bypass online restrictions.
After the configuration process is finished, click Connect to open the Tor browser. The traffic on the Tor browser is secured once you start using it, so you can have a look at different pages safely.
Stay safe when using the Tor Browser
Although Tor can give you more privacy, it does not protect you from risk. Some websites, especially on the dark web, can be unsafe, and clicking the wrong link may expose you to scams, malware, or harmful content.
Firstly, be careful about what you click, and avoid opening unknown links or downloading files from untrusted sources. If something feels off, it’s better to leave it. In addition, using a VPN such as NordVPN can add an extra layer of privacy by hiding your IP address before you connect to Tor. This is especially helpful if you’re in a place where Tor use is restricted.
Moreover, it’s also important not to share personal information on unfamiliar websites. Avoid entering your real name, email, or password unless you fully trust the site. Plus, keeping your browser and device up to date helps reduce security risks, as updates often fix known issues. And whenever possible, stick to websites and sources you recognize.
What is the difference between Tor and a proxy server?
Tor is useful but definitely has its imperfections. Browsing with Tor isn’t as safe or as anonymous as you might hope.
Although the developers at Tor are constantly working to improve the browser’s security, the software has been cracked in the past. Tor stressed that it wasn’t their network or system that was breached, but individual browsers. Although this assurance might give Tor users some peace of mind, it still shows that the dark web browser is not a perfect stand-alone privacy measure.
Apart from Tor, you can also increase your privacy and online security by using a proxy server. However, proxy servers only work well for specific purposes and situations, such as accessing The Pirate Bay.
Even then, many consider proxy servers less effective and less secure than Tor in combination with a good VPN. Nevertheless, people often wonder how a proxy differs from the Tor browser. We explain more about this below.
What does a proxy server do?
A proxy server, much like a VPN or Tor, is another way to route your online traffic through a different server that (figuratively) stands between your computer and the destination server.
This server is a proxy offered to you by the person or company that owns it. The setup used for this is often quite simple: everyone using the service sends their data through the same server. All of those users get the same fake IP addresses.
Why Tor and a VPN protect you better than proxies?
Internet users tend to like proxies because many of them are free to use. However, this doesn’t mean that proxies are the best solution for online safety.
Proxy servers offer only a limited degree of anonymity. For example, proxies generally don’t encrypt your data, as Tor and VPNs do. Moreover, the privacy a proxy offers isn’t nearly as reliable as that of a secure VPN.
Another disadvantage of using a proxy server is that the server’s host can see exactly what you’re doing online. Theoretically, they could even log this information, compromising your online privacy.
That’s why, if you intend to use a proxy server, you should pick one from a trustworthy third party. More often than not, you won’t know the owner’s identity, which makes this difficult. They could be collecting your data or even injecting ads into the pages you visit.
In short, a proxy server doesn’t offer Tor users the level of privacy and security as other solutions. But if you’re going to use one anyway, at least choose one of the best proxy sites.
Drawbacks of using the Tor Browser
Tor is one of the most secure browsers because it provides greater anonymity for its users than other browsers. However, even though Tor has many benefits, it also poses several security risks for those who opt to use it.
One of the main disadvantages of Tor is that it is almost impossible to prevent an end-to-end correlation attack. This means that, despite its best efforts, Tor cannot shield users from all malicious actors monitoring specific network locations to determine, for example, user identities.
Moreover, users who download content from the Tor browser can accidentally expose themselves to a malware attack while on the exit node. Hackers can overwhelm exit nodes with traffic, thereby forcing unsuspecting users to choose nodes they control.
The fact that the Tor browser uses three separate nodes and that information is encrypted multiple times means that web browsing will be slow, as information is routed through multiple points. The same slow speeds will also affect your viewing experience should you choose to watch any videos using the Tor browser.
Other Tor projects
The Tor project is constantly working to protect its users’ online privacy and to fight for online freedom. Apart from the deep web browser, the Tor project has several other projects connected with online privacy.
| Name of project | What is it? | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| Orbot | A free proxy application for Android devices. Think of it as a Tor browser for mobile devices. | It works by encrypting your traffic and bouncing it through multiple computers worldwide. It is not a browser itself but a proxy application. You still need a secure mobile browser to be safe online. |
| OONI | Open Observatory of Network Interference has monitored internet censorship worldwide since 2012. | The software doesn’t protect your device, nor does it bypass the restrictions it finds. It is simply a way to get insights into the global situation surrounding online restrictions and censorship. |
| Tor Messenger | A desktop chat program created by the Tor project that encrypts all communication. | With this program, you could still use all your regular services, such as Facebook Messenger, but your chat data would become anonymous. No logs could be kept, either. However, updates to Tor Messenger have stopped as of April 2018, so I don’t recommend using it. |
Use the Tor Browser with caution
Tor Browser allows users to visit any website they want and offers them a certain degree of online anonymity when accessing the dark web. However, this protection is limited to the Tor browser and does not cover all internet activity. You still need a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, in addition to using Tor.
If you decide to use this deep web browser, always be careful with unregulated websites, and protect yourself against malware with the best antivirus software. If you take the extra precautions needed and be mindful of the websites you visit, the Tor browser can offer a fun and anonymous internet experience.
Tor’s also great for unblocking restricted websites. For instance, you can access Facebook from Russia using Tor or a VPN. If you want even more privacy, you can also consider establishing an Onion over VPN connection.
FAQ
Tor (The Onion Router) is a worldwide network of servers used by people who want to increase their privacy and internet freedom greatly. After all, the Tor browser ensures that your data traffic passes through multiple servers (nodes) located around the world. This makes it a lot more difficult for online entities to track Tor users.
Tor is used for many of different reasons. For instance, many journalists in countries without freedom of speech use the Tor browser to report safely and anonymously on sensitive topics. The Tor browser is also used to circumvent other types of online censorship. Plus, some people simply use the Tor Browser to browse the internet anonymously.
The Tor Browser offers anonymity by routing its data traffic through multiple servers, located around the world. This ensures your IP address changes at every server (node), making it much harder for websites to trace your data traffic back to its source.
You can easily downloaded Tor for free on Tor’s website. The process for installing Tor on Windows and Mac is similar and is very simple.
Yes, Tor’s main disadvantage is its lower internet speeds. Since Tor routes your traffic through different servers around the world (nodes), it can significantly slow your internet speeds. For people who want to browse the web more safely, anonymously and freely, while maintaining good internet speeds, I recommend using a VPN such as NordVPN for its military-grade encryption.
I want to learn more about dark web and I will like to know how to get inside it
Hello! We've got a full guide on how to get on the dark web ready for you to dive into. We hope that helps!
im having trouble accessing any onoin sites at all does anyone have any info or advice
Hi Michael! We actually have a full guide on how to access the dark web that might be of help! The most important thing is that you use a special browser, like Tor. Apart from that, you should make sure you have the correct links. You can find some basic onion links in our "Dark Web Sites" article. Finally, don't forget to use a VPN to keep yourself safe while visiting the dark web!
Why we should use VPN with Tor Browser.
Hi! We'd always advise any internet user to use a VPN, because it improves your online privacy and security. Aside from that, however, the Tor browser can give you access to the dark web. Since the dark web is unregulated, it is more dangerous than the regular, surface web. Hackers and malware could be lurking around every corner. This means it's extra important to protect your system with a VPN and antivirus software.
If I am using a mobile OS like Tails, do I need VPN? as I have read Tails do no support VPN. so which one is safer to browser darkweb? Tor using Tails or Tor using VPN?
and what are the advantages above the other?
We don't recommend using Tails with a VPN, no. It can come with many possible issues. We personally recommend using a VPN in combination with Tor, because using an unusual operating system like Tails might make you easier to track online (though, admittedly, it would be hard, whether you use Tails or a VPN). Tails does provide a high level of anonymity, since it's not tied to you in any way and is even stored on a separate hard drive. However, it's trickier to use, and if you use a trustworthy VPN (with a "no logs" policy and diskless RAM servers) you'll get the same results but with less effort and more user-friendliness.
Via the Tor Browser (it states use DuckDuckGo to search) Yet Duck does not show Onion Sites, so why use Tor Browser at all, when searching via Duck?
There is Torch Search, which I find easier to get Onion Sites, as its made for the Tor Network.
However its links can be (how can I say) a little complex and there seems to be a lot of illigal activity via Torch Searching. Just read the links descriptions.
Is there any other Search Engines that is made for Tor Browsers / Network that is much easier to navergate.
I don't get it. If you use TOR, but still go to Google, or Duck, etc, you still only see the results from those mainstream search engines. Google won't give you dark web search results, right? And if they didn't, no reason to use TOR if you have a VPN. So how (other than privacy) is TOR giving you access to the dark web?
The thing is, if you use Google's Chrome browser (or any other browser that doesn't allow .onion addresses such as Firefox, Edge, etc.) you can't access .onion (dark web) websites in general. It's not just that they don't show up in your search engine. So if you want to visit dark web addresses, you need to use the TOR browser.
It's best not to use a VPN with Tor. Some VPN's also keep logs of traffic.
While it's true that some VPNs keep logs, most good ones don't. Also, in certain cases, as stated on the Tor support site, if you know what you're doing, a VPN might help increase anonymity, security, and privacy.
What about ProtonVPN? Any comments?
ProtonVPN should work with Tor, seeing as they have special Tor servers. This is only the case with ProtonVPN's 'Plus' subscription though, which is on the more expensive side.
If you are have a paranoid mind and want to feed it even more, get a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN and use it over TOR. For that complete anonymity anything is possible, so don't just use Tor or just VPN, if you are afraid of torrenting or accessing certain pages. I prefer NordVPN because of their prices but ExpressVPN is also really good
We wholeheartedly agree. Our advise is to always use a VPN when you want to use Tor, just to give you that extra layer of protection in case you'll need it. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are extremely good options. Both will keep you well protected.
Nice