What is Tor? The browser that routes traffic anonymously

A beginner-friendly guide to using Tor to protect your IP, identity, and anonymity

June 1, 20252 mins read

Tor (short for The Onion Router) is a free, open-source software that helps users browse the internet anonymously. It routes your internet traffic through multiple servers (called relays or nodes), encrypting data at each step. This makes it extremely difficult to trace who you are, where you are, or what sites you’re visiting.

Tor was originally developed by the U.S. Naval Research Lab to protect government communications. Today, it’s used by journalists, activists, researchers, and privacy-conscious users around the world.

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The core technology behind the Tor network

Tor works by sending your internet traffic through a network of thousands of volunteer-run relays. Each relay only knows the address of the relay before and after it. The multi-layered encryption that protects the content of your data along the way is where the name "onion" comes from.

Key features of Tor include:

Multi-layer encryption for each relay
Randomized path through three relays (or entry, middle, exit nodes)
IP address obfuscation three times for anonymity
No central point of failure

Note: Tor protects metadata like your location and identity, but it doesn’t encrypt the final connection between the last relay and the website. It is therefore important to ensure you are making a connection with default encryption like HTTPS.

Why Tor is used: Accessing information privately and safely

People turn to Tor for many reasons, some for safety, others for freedom.

Common uses of Tor include:

Bypassing censorship or geo-blocking
Anonymous web browsing
Accessing .onion sites (only available through Tor)
Investigating sensitive topics privately
Whistleblowing or secure communication

Comparing Tor and VPNs: Privacy tools with different strengths

The key difference between the Tor network and a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is that while Tor provides protections through their browser app, a VPN is an app that protects all the traffic coming from your device. Both protect your privacy, but in different ways. Here's how they compare:

Tor

Routes through three random nodes
Free, but often slower
Focuses on anonymity, not speed
Decentralized volunteer network

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

Encrypt traffic between you and a VPN server, typically only one
Often paid and faster
Protects all apps on your device
More ideal for streaming, downloads, and general browsing

Using a VPN with Tor

This is called Onion-over-Tor or Tor-over-Onion. The goal is to protect your IP address with a VPN before connecting with the Tor network so that surveillance can’t easily identify you are using Tor.

Note: Using a VPN in connecting with Tor will significantly slow down your connection and traffic.

How to install and safely use the Tor Browser

Visit https://www.torproject.org/
Click Download Tor Browser
Choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android)
Install and open the browser
Click Connect to join the Tor network
Start browsing privately just like using any other browser, but much safer!

Note: Downloading files directly when using Tor can be risky. It can expose your identity to malicious parties online, or expose you to malware and hacking. What to expect when browsing with the Tor Browser

There are some notable downsides to using Tor:

Tor is slower than your regular browser due to relay routing
Some websites may block Tor traffic or display CAPTCHAs
Pages may look broken due to script blocking
Streaming is sub-optimal or not possible

But it’s worth it if you value anonymity and resistance to surveillance.

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Tor’s limitations

Tor isn’t a magic shield. While it hides your IP address and masks routing data, it can’t:

Hide your activity from apps outside the browser
Protect against malware
Stop traffic monitoring if you use the same identity across services

Tor is best for sensitive browsing, not everyday use. It's slower and not optimized for streaming or logins. For daily privacy, a [decentralized VPN like NymVPN offers speed with strong protection.

How NymVPN excels over Tor

NymVPN offers an advanced alternative to Tor. You can choose between two modes:

The Anonymous mode offers even more privacy protections than the Tor network, with 5-hop routing with added noise to fight surveillance
The Fast mode offers much faster speeds than Tor without sacrificing decentralized protections

Whatever mode you use, all of your data and apps will be protected by NymVPN, and not just your browser activity.

Tor: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tor legal to use?

Yes, Tor is legal in most countries, including the U.S. and EU. However, some governments may restrict or monitor its use. Always check local laws before downloading or using Tor Browser.

Can I use Tor and a VPN together?

Yes, combining Tor with a VPN enhances your privacy. Using a VPN first hides your Tor usage from your ISP and adds an extra layer of encryption to your traffic.

Does Tor hide my activity from my employer or school?

Not completely. They may still see that you're using Tor. Using Tor over a VPN can help obscure your activity and prevent network-level monitoring by employers or institutions.

Is the dark web illegal?

The dark web itself isn't illegal. It hosts both legal and illegal content. Accessing .onion sites isn’t unlawful, but engaging in illegal activities there is subject to criminal penalties.

Does Tor work on mobile devices?

Yes, Tor Browser is available on Android. iOS support is limited, but you can use apps with Tor integration or a mobile VPN to achieve similar levels of privacy protection.