5 Best VPNs for Tor Browser in 2024

The Tor Browser provides anonymity by encrypting your traffic and transferring it through a network of volunteer-run computers known as nodes or relays. Even though Tor provides some level of privacy, your ISP will be able to see when you connect to a Tor node and may block or throttle your traffic because of its association with the Dark Web. 

Moreover, Tor's encryption is limited to the browser only, so other traffic will be exposed to data logging and eavesdropping. Luckily, using a VPN for Tor solves each of these issues. Unlike the Tor Browser, a VPN will encrypt all your incoming/outgoing traffic and hide that you’re using Tor from your ISP. It will also give you the ability to unblock content outside the Tor network safely.

In this article, we’ll share the best 5 VPNs for Tor Browser. We’ll also explain how to use Tor with a VPN, why you need a VPN, assist you in choosing the best option, and compare our recommendations. We'll also discuss using Tor and a VPN combined before we wrap up with a round of FAQs.

Best VPNs for Tor Browser – Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Tor in 2024
2. Surfshark – Best Tor VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Use with Tor If You Prioritize Privacy
4. CyberGhost VPN – Private and User-Friendly VPN for Any Device
5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN for Total Anonymity

How to Use a VPN with Tor

To use a VPN with Tor, you need to sign up for a reputable provider, download its app, and connect to a secure VPN server. Then, you're free to launch the Tor Browser. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with Tor (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use to access Tor.
3. Launch the VPN app and enter your login credentials.
4. Choose a VPN server from the provider’s list.
5. Once you’re connected, launch the Tor Browser and enjoy!

It’s important to use Tor over VPN, which means connecting to a VPN server first and then launching the Tor browser. This ensures your ISP can't see that you've connected to a Tor entry node. Opening Tor before enabling your VPN (known as VPN over Tor) will expose your activity.

The Best VPNs for Tor in 2024

To find the provider aligned with all your needs, you need to look for top VPNs that offer full support for the Tor Browser. You'll want robust security features like an audited no-logs policy, strong encryption, and secure VPN protocols. Moreover, obfuscated servers are necessary to hide that you’re using a VPN, as well as a kill switch and split tunneling.

Having a wide server network is important, too. After all, you'll want to be able to unblock geo-blocked or restricted content. Related to that, ensure you get fast speeds and reliable performance because the Tor Browser will slow you down quite a bit on its own.

Let's not forget that you'll want plenty of simultaneous connections and support for all your devices. All that should come under an affordable subscription plan with a generous money-back policy. Finally, don't settle for anything less than 24/7 live chat support.

Based on the criteria above, here are the best 5 VPNs to use with Tor Browser in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Tor in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for Tor on today's global market, offering full support for Tor Browser across all its supported platforms. You'll find plenty of high-end security features here, including AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, as well as an often-audited no-logs policy.

Moreover, NordVPN has obfuscated servers and a double VPN feature that routes your data through two VPN servers before it reaches its final destination. That said, we have to note that a certain portion of its network is obfuscated, not all servers. On the plus side, you get a kill switch and split tunneling.

This provider has an extensive server fleet (6,300+ servers in 111 countries). The best part is that it comes with specialized 'Onion over VPN' servers that allow you to access the Tor network from anywhere while remaining perfectly safe. On top of that, it works great for content unblocking.

In terms of speed, NordVPN is among the fastest VPN providers right now. No matter if you decide to use a nearby or remote server, you can expect barely noticeable throttling. We'll also mention that you get 10 simultaneous connections and devices for any platform imaginable.

This VPN's 2-year plan is quite affordable - only $3.09/month. If you want to make an anonymous purchase, NordVPN allows you to use its CoinPayments. Lastly, you can count on this VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as 24/7 live chat support.

2. Surfshark – Best Tor VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is the best Tor VPN if you want a single subscription that can cover your entire household. It works with Tor Browser without any issues. Expect security features like AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, paired with protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. There's also a no-logs policy, which has been audited several times in the past.

Moreover, you’ll get an additional layer of protection with the provider’s obfuscation technology (Camouflage Mode), IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. To ensure that data leaks don't happen, this VPN also offers a handy kill switch that works in the background.

This provider offers a vast server network (3,200+ servers in 100 countries), meaning you can access Tor from everywhere and choose the closest server to your location. Based on our tests, Surfshark works great for unblocking digital content. No matter if you wish to bypass censorship or access streaming apps, this VPN will be there to support you.

We can also praise Surfshark's ultra-fast performance. It provides stable and consistent performance, ensuring a smooth browsing experience. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections and support for any currently popular platform.

Surfshark is priced at $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. Another benefit is that you can use an anonymous payment method, which will enhance your privacy even more. Besides all these fantastic features, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.

3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Use with Tor If You Prioritize Privacy

ExpressVPN is a reputable high-end VPN that focuses on privacy protection. It comes with full support for Tor Browser, allowing you to access the Dark Web with ease. ExpressVPN provides an audited no-logs policy and AES-256/WolfSSL encryption. In addition, this VPN supports OpenVPN and has its own Lightway protocol, as well as IKEv2/IPsec.

All ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated and they are all RAM-only, meaning they wipe their data upon rebooting. There's also a kill switch ('Network Lock,' as it's called in this case) and split tunneling, which makes ExpressVPN suitable even for the most advanced users.

You'll also get a widespread server network (thousands of servers in 105 countries). With such a wide server network, you'll get to access content available across many foreign countries. In fact, this is one of the most effective VPNs in terms of bypassing geo-blocks.

We're also happy to report that ExpressVPN delivers ultra-fast speeds. You can expect minimal speed loss even if you connect to an overly remote server. Plus, this supports up to 8 simultaneous connections and delivers apps for computers, phones, tablets, routers, and more.

The lowest you can pay for ExpressVPN is $6.67/month (annual plan). If this VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, you can get a full refund due to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Last but not least, this VPN comes with 24/7 customer support.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Private and User-Friendly VPN for Any Device

CyberGhost is an excellent option for maintaining your privacy while using Tor. You can pair it with Tor Browser quite easily while making sure your sensitive data is perfectly safe. It comes backed by a no-logs policy and data encryption such as AES-256 and ChaCha20. You'll also find protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with obfuscated servers. On the plus side, you'll find a kill switch, DNS leak protection, IP leak protection (which includes both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses), and split tunneling for increased privacy. Additionally, it offers a malicious domain filter and an ad-blocker.

CyberGhost has an extensive server network (thousands of servers in 100 countries), allowing you to use Tor from anywhere safely. Some of those servers are specialized for streaming, meaning you can bypass geo-blocks quite easily. There are also servers for torrenting and gaming (on PC).

Compared to its rivals, CyberGhost has relatively slower speeds. That said, this VPN is pretty reliable, so you can ensure that your Tor connections will be stable and consistent. You'll also get 7 simultaneous connections and a range of apps for any device imaginable.

CyberGhost's 2-year plan is priced at $2.19/month. You can test CyberGhost’s services via its 45-day money-back guarantee (on longer-term plans) and 14-day money-back guarantee (on monthly plans). Contacting its 24/7 customer support is easy if things don’t work out and you need a refund.

5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN for Total Anonymity

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another fantastic option that's compatible with Tor Browser. It utilizes VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec on all of its servers. This provider also offers top-notch security features, such as a no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, split tunneling, and military-grade encryption (AES-128/256, ChaCha20).

With PIA, you’ll get an extra layer of security through obfuscation. Additionally, this Tor VPN provides a specialized PIA MACE feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains, complementing the Tor browser’s capabilities. A kill switch and split tunneling are also there.

PIA has an extensive server network with thousands of servers in 90+ countries. It also works great for bypassing geo-blocks. It's especially handy for unblocking US-based content, as it's the only VPN to offer servers in every single US state.

PIA provides impressive speeds that will boost your Tor browsing experience, and its performance is quite consistent. However, don't expect high-end speeds out of the box, as you'll need to optimize this VPN a bit. Also, there are unlimited simultaneous connections and support for plenty of platforms.

You can sign up for $2.19/month (2-year plan). Thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can enjoy the Tor network and get a refund if you aren’t satisfied. PIA also offers 24/7 customer support that will guide you through any issues you may encounter.

Best Tor VPNs: Compared

Should I Use a VPN with Tor?

Yes, you should use a VPN with Tor because a capable VPN provider will boost your privacy and protect you from potential cyberattacks. Other reasons why you need a VPN include:

• Encrypt Your Traffic and Sensitive Data – A dedicated VPN will encrypt Internet traffic and make monitoring your activity challenging for hackers, ISPs, and nodes.
• Avoid Security Vulnerabilities – Security issues with the Tor browser itself have been found in the past. With a VPN, you can act proactively to protect your data and prevent leaks.
• Bypass ISP Throttling – ISPs usually use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to monitor your online activity. An obfuscated VPN will hide your data and prevent your ISP from throttling you.
• Unblock & Use Geo-Restricted Services - Connecting to a VPN abroad will help you access new types of websites and digital services, regardless of their geo-restrictions.
• Fight Back Against Censorship - If your country implements heavy censorship measures, a VPN can be your biggest ally in unblocking the Web and gaining access to more sources online.
• Gain Access to Home Sites While Traveling - When traveling abroad, you can connect to a VPN server from back home, allowing you to use your favorite sites from anywhere.
• Use Any Public Wi-Fi Network Safely - VPN encryption can turn any public Wi-Fi into a highly secure network, so you won't have to worry about data logging or surveillance.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Tor?

A bulletproof way to pinpoint the best Tor VPN is to find one with full support for the Tor browser, strong protocols, robust encryption, and fast speeds. Keep in mind the following:

• Support for Tor Browser: You'll want full support for the Tor Browser, which will allow you to pair it with a VPN easily and use the two side-by-side.
• Proven Protocols and Strong Encryption: Make sure you get a VPN powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption.
• Verified No-Logs Policy: The best VPN should not log any of your information. To make that happen, pick one that has an audited no-logs policy.
• Inclusion of Obfuscated Servers: To hide your VPN traffic, you'll want obfuscated servers, as those can break down your data into small packets that evade detection.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling: A kill switch will protect you from data leaks, while split tunneling will allow you to create two tunnels for your data (one without encryption).
• Extra Privacy Features: Look for full data leak protection, an ad-blocker, anti-tracking systems, and any extra features that make your Web browsing safer and more private.
• Server Network Size and Distribution: To use Tor with a VPN without major slowdowns, you'll want plenty of nearby servers. Remote servers are important as well if you want to unblock sites.
• Ability to Access Restricted/Geo-Blocked Content: Your VPN should be able to bypass any geo-block with ease, allowing you to use new types of digital services.
• Smooth Performance and Fast Speeds: Tor Browser will slow you down on its own. So, pick a VPN that's known for its fast performance and minimal throttling.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices: A single VPN subscription should cover all your Web-connected devices, and you'll also need native software across the board.
• Wallet-Friendly Pricing: Even a high-end VPN should not cost much. To get the lowest price, get a long-term subscription plan, as those typically come with steep discounts.
• Anonymous Payment Methods: If anonymity is important, know that you can pay for a VPN using crypto, ensuring no one can see that you're a VPN user.
• Solid Money-Back Guarantees: Today's VPNs often feature 30-day money-back guarantees, which is more than plenty of time to ensure that your investment is risk-free.
• Customer Support Channels: You'll want 24/7 live chat support, in addition to written resources and other customer support channels.

Tor Over VPN vs VPN Over Tor

There are subtle but important differences between 'Tor Over VPN' and 'VPN Over Tor,' but what's the same is that both options are there to secure your data and make you more private online.

When you use Tor Over VPN, you connect to a VPN server first. That means your VPN encrypts your data, which then enters the Tor network. In the end, you get several layers of protection while hiding your online activity from your VPN and your ISP. However, VPNs will get to see your IP.

When using a VPN over Tor, you first connect to a Tor node, and then connect to your VPN. As a result, you hide your IP from your VPN, preventing it from seeing your traffic. However, most VPNs don't support this option as it requires configuration on the VPN server.

In the end, it's best to use Tor with a VPN by first connecting to a VPN server. This is especially true if you pick a provider with a strong no-logs policy. You can learn more in our Tor vs. VPN comparison, where you can check all the ways you can combine the two.

Can You Use a Free VPN with Tor?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Tor. However, we don’t recommend doing so. Free VPN providers usually collect and sell your data and have limited bandwidth caps. 

Furthermore, they lack privacy and security features necessary for safe Tor over VPN browsing, such as obfuscation, a kill switch, data leak protection, and more. They typically don’t offer other essential features important for speed and performance, either. 

Free VPNs often come with only a few servers, resulting in slow connection speeds and a lack of choices of where to connect through. Also, most of them only allow you to connect 1 device at a time. 

Therefore, using a reputable, paid VPN provider is the best option. More precisely, you can start by trying a premium VPN's trial, giving you high-end features for a limited time. For example, you can test NordVPN for 7 days if you intialize its trial on Android. Also, there are 30-day money-back guarantees for other supported devices.

Once you're ready to make the final call, check our guide to the best VPN services. You'll see that all of them come without any risk, so you can be sure that you're spending your money wisely.

Final Thoughts

Tor Browser provides many security and privacy benefits, but there are certain risks when using it on its own. Your ISP can see that you use Tor, your data is routed from other people's nodes, and there are no guarantees that you'll be 100% safe and private. However, a Tor VPN can change that - by providing data encryption before your traffic enters a Tor node.

There's no better option than NordVPN, as it's perhaps the most feature-rich provider, which makes it the best VPN for Tor. It offers high-end protocols, bulletproof encryption, servers across the world, and allows you to bypass any geo-block. Plus, it has its own specialized servers for accessing the Tor network, which is a level of support unmatched by other VPNs.

That’s all for our guide on how to select a VPN for Tor. If you have any questions or remarks, please share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!