The best VPNs for Tor in 2023

Combining a VPN with Tor is one of the safest ways to browse the web. Here’s everything you need to know about using Tor and a VPN to improve privacy and anonymity.

The Tor browser is helpful if you’d like to access the web safely. It’s designed to make it difficult to track the user. VPNs are similarly useful if you’d like to increase online privacy, so it makes sense to use both at the same time for the best results. 

In essence, the Tor browser can be used to improve anonymity, while VPN encryption aims to boost user privacy. We’ll check out the best VPNs for the Tor browser, as well as discuss everything you need to know about how to use Onion over VPN.  

Best VPNs for Tor:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Tor. Onion over VPN servers, custom NordLynx protocol, fast speeds, various unique features, and watertight encryption offered with all apps. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Tor. Capable speeds, various notable features including a private search engine, and great for accessing geo-restricted services. 
3. ExpressVPN: Popular provider with beginner-friendly apps for all devices, has a .onion site, and is ideal for streaming, torrenting, and more. Provides Tor access. 
4. Proton VPN: Secure service offering everything from port forwarding to Tor over VPN servers. 
5. Mullvad: Privacy-focused VPN that has worked with Tor to produce the Mullvad Browser. The fastest provider during testing. 
6. CyberGhost: Impressive speeds and security, no-logs service, and ideal for streaming and torrenting from multiple locations. 
7. IPVanish: Zero-logs provider with impressive speeds that make it perfect for torrenting. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Tor, there’s a long list of providers that will be able to get the job done. We've narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best VPNs for Tor:

• High speed servers in multiple locations worldwide, giving the user local options to connect
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and is especially important for the Tor browser
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have been audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Tor, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article. 

Best VPNs for Tor

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top pick for Tor. It offers Onion over VPN servers in the Netherlands and Switzerland, ensuring that all traffic is sent through the VPN, and automatically redirected through the Tor network. You don’t need the Tor browser to connect to the Tor network, and it’ll work with a single click. Bear in mind, however, the Tor browser comes with some privacy benefits that NordVPN does not.

NordVPN has over 6,000 servers in total, found in 60+ countries. The provider has various unique features that are designed to improve user privacy, including its custom NordLynx protocol, and Meshnet, which is a private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The latter is available free of charge, even without a subscription. 

Nord averages out at roughly 196 Mbps, so you won’t have to worry about the VPN slowing you down while using Tor. The VPN can also be used for torrenting, and it’s able to bypass restrictions to access a range of content from abroad. It’s based in Panama which is ideal for privacy. Other features include obfuscation and a Double VPN. The latter is another name for MultiHop, allowing you to route through multiple VPN servers before reaching the Tor network. 

The provider keeps zero logs and offers audited apps and infrastructure. Nevertheless, some experts would advise against using its Tor over VPN servers, as the provider could hypothetically see what you’re up to. 

OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR TOR: NordVPN has Onion over VPN servers and won’t let you down in a range of scenarios. Panama-based, streaming access, audited apps and infrastructure, and comes with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is another great solution for Tor users, especially if you’re in need of a budget VPN that has the ability to keep your data safe and secure. Average speeds work out to 188 Mbps and it has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. The provider doesn’t offer Tor over VPN servers, but it’s simple to use with the Tor browser itself. 

The VPN comes with 256-bit AES encryption, no leaks, and a sturdy kill switch. Servers are RAM-only, while advanced features include split tunneling and MultiHop. The latter works to chain your VPN connection through two different servers, improving privacy in the process.

It can access lots of streaming sites from abroad, at no extra cost to the user. You can use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices at the same time. 

Being based in the Netherlands is one clear downside, as the Dutch government is part of the infamous Nine Eyes surveillance treaty. Even so, Surfshark keeps no usage logs and uses diskless servers that run in RAM. 

BEST BUDGET OPTION FOR TOR: Surfshark is a low-cost provider that manages to keep up with premium alternatives. Unlimited devices, audited apps, fast speeds, streaming access, and strong security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is one of the best-known providers on the market, with 3,200+ servers to pick from in 105+ countries. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which keeps it well away from any troublesome jurisdictions. Express has a strict no-logs policy, while infrastructure and apps have been independently audited. That’s a great start, even if it doesn’t offer any Tor over VPN servers. 

The provider has a .onion version of its website that allows for anonymous sign up and payment in cryptocurrency, so it has made an effort to allow users to install the app privately. The custom Lightway protocol allows for average speeds of 175 Mbps, and it has some of the best support options thanks to 24/7 live chat. 

ExpressVPN is a popular provider with a deserved reputation as a great option for beginner users. This is reflected in the overall usability of its apps, as well as its ability to access the toughest streaming services without breaking a sweat. The provider is slightly more expensive than average, while it only allows for five simultaneous connections. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TOR VPN: ExpressVPN is a handy option to use with Tor. Beginner-friendly apps for all devices, custom protocol, strong encryption, independently audited, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is a great solution if you plan to use the Tor network extensively. Its Tor over VPN servers make it easy to use a combination of both services. They can be found in a long list of locations. Overall, the provider has roughly 3,000+ servers in 71+ countries.  

An open-source project, the VPN was designed by the team behind ProtonMail. There’s a clear emphasis on security, and it includes everything from port forwarding to split tunneling. The provider is based in Sweden.  

Proton is one of the few VPNs to offer free servers, which can be found in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. However, these free servers don’t support Tor over VPN, and speeds are diminished compared to the paid edition. It's faster (320 Mbps) than much of the competition with a premium subscription. 

However, that does come at a literal cost. Proton is one of the more expensive VPNs on the market.

ADVANCED TOR VPN: Proton VPN is a provider that is notable for everything from fast speeds to its various advanced features. Tor over VPN, free servers, and streaming access. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

Mullvad is a superb option if you solely plan to use a VPN for improving privacy. The provider ensures watertight encryption, alongside a strict no-logs policy. Mullvad is ideal for Tor, and has undergone various third-party audits to confirm everything from its server infrastructure to its payment services is safe to use. 

Mullvad partnered with the Tor Project to release the Mullvad Browser in April 2023. The Mullvad Browser is designed to offer the benefits of the Tor Browser without using the Tor Network. Tor notes that the Mullvad Browser can be used without Mullvad VPN, although a combination of both is recommended.

The VPN happens to be one of the quickest VPN services on the market, maxing out at an average 660 Mbps during testing. You’ll even be able to sign up with the service anonymously, with no email address needed. Mullvad itself is based in Sweden. 

Unfortunately, it’s not adept at streaming, and it won’t work with BBC iPlayer or US Netflix.

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN FOR TOR: Mullvad specializes in privacy and anonymity, and is ideal if you mainly plan to use your VPN with Tor. Incredible speeds, lots of advanced features, and worked with Tor to produce the Mullvad browser. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost is another solid option for anyone who wants to improve online privacy and draws from a large network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries worldwide. It might not have any features designed for use with Tor, but it’s still a speedy VPN (296 Mbps) that will get the job done effectively. 

In terms of privacy, CyberGhost is based in Romania, so it benefits from a lack of mandatory data retention directives and no jurisdictional issues. It includes ad blocking and malware filtering, along with a kill switch, split tunneling, and Smart DNS. 

The provider makes it especially easy to stream content from abroad, with labeled servers that are optimized to work with various platforms. Coupled with its impressive speeds, CyberGhost is also a great pick for torrenting. 

It’s perfect for anything from streaming to gaming, and works well if you’d like a multipurpose VPN to use with the Tor browser and more. 

CAPABLE MULTIPURPOSE PROVIDER: CyberGhost is an affordable provider that makes it easy to stream or torrent from multiple locations. User-friendly apps, top download speeds, and great for Tor. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish is another sturdy solution for Tor with great speeds and a strict no-logs policy. You’ll find 2,200+ servers to pick from, spread across 75+ locations worldwide. Average speeds of 251 Mbps make it quick enough to negate any slowdown due to Tor, and it allows the user to connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices. 

You’ll find a selection of apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It offers features such as obfuscation, and it’s great for streaming via geo-restricted sites in the US. 

IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring the VPN never tracks your source IP address or the IP address of the servers to which you connect. Its logging policy has been independently verified by Leviathan Security Group for added peace of mind. 

The provider is based in the United States, so it might not be the best option if you’re aiming to avoid the more notable letter agencies within the country. 

USEFUL TOR VPN: IPVanish has a lot to offer for anyone who wants to access the Tor network. Speedy servers in multiple locations, ideal for accessing US streaming sites, and an audited logging policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Tor 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Tor:

• Servers: Servers in a wide selection of locations for use with Tor. Bonus points are awarded for servers that support Tor over VPN. 
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds will ensure no lag or slowdown. Tor is slower than other browsers, and Tor over VPN is even slower, so the quickest VPNs will negate any potential issues relating to latency. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN with Tor

VPNs can be intimidating for new users, but it’s not tough to set up a provider with the Tor browser.

Here’s how to set up a VPN with Tor:

1. Firstly, you’ll need to pick a VPN. We highly recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up, and download the VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the VPN app, and log in. 
4. Pick a server to connect to. You can also allow the VPN to select a recommended server for the best possible performance. 
5. Once connected, open the Tor Browser. 

Some providers offer Tor over VPN servers, including NordVPN. If so, look for the option to connect to Tor over VPN/Onion over VPN servers, and connect to the fastest location. This will route all of your apps and data through Tor, not just your web browser. Note that the Tor Browser comes with some privacy benefits you don’t get with a Tor over VPN connection, such as a script blocker and protection from web tracking. 

Tor over VPN vs VPN over Tor

Is it better to use VPN over Tor or Tor over VPN? In terms of security, both methods have different pros and cons that we’ll discuss below. 

Tor over VPN

Tor over VPN is a simple process that involves the user connecting to a VPN, and accessing the internet via the Tor browser. You’ll benefit from traffic being encrypted by both services, and it will offer improved privacy and anonymity. 

My device –> Encrypted by VPN and Tor –> VPN server –> Tor Network –> Internet

Your ISP won’t be able to tell that you’re using Tor, while you should be able to hide traffic from both your ISP and the VPN service. The Tor entry node will only see the masked VPN IP address, and it’s easy to set up. However, the VPN can see your real IP address, and your traffic may be exposed to any compromised Tor exit nodes. 

VPN over Tor

VPN over Tor is tougher to set up, given it requires configuration on the VPN server. Most providers don’t offer support for this feature. For example, ExpressVPN says that it ‘does not support this method as it does not increase your anonymity.’

My device –> Encrypted by VPN and Tor –> Tor network –> VPN server –> Internet

With this method, neither your VPN nor your ISP will be able to see your traffic, and your VPN server can’t see your real IP address. However, it’s tough to set it up, and your ISP will be able to see that you’re using Tor. The Tor entry node sees your real IP address, which could be an issue. 

Tor VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Tor?

Yes, it is possible to use a free VPN with Tor. However, there are a number of issues to be aware of. For example, the Tor network is already relatively slow, and free providers tend to be wanting when it comes to performance. 

Both Tor and VPNs are designed to improve privacy, but free providers have been known to sell user data to advertisers, or have been found to be lacking basic encryption. In other words, a free VPN is generally a bad idea if you’re hoping to protect your online data. 

Why use a VPN with Tor?

Some VPNs are audited, and offer a solid no-logs policy that has been verified independently. However, in most cases you’ll have to hope that the provider will stay true to its word, meaning it won’t have anything to hand over to anyone who demands your information. In other words, your traffic will be private, but it may not be completely anonymous. 

Tor uses several random volunteer nodes to route data through its network. As it’s decentralized, there are no issues in terms of controlling interests. Each time a user connects to Tor, data is sent through a different set of nodes. However, it’s possible to keep track of exit nodes, so it’s not difficult to find out if you're using Tor. As such, it’s anonymous, but not necessarily private. 

A VPN can be used with Tor to improve both privacy and anonymity, benefitting from the positives of each service. However, it may lead to slower speeds given the multiple layers of encryption in action. We’ve noted the differences between VPN over Tor and Tor over VPN above.

Can I be tracked when using Tor?

Tor tends to be far safer than normal browsing, but there is still a chance that the user could be tracked. For example, the exit node, which is the last server relay, could be compromised. However, it’s unlikely that the average user is going to be subject to an attack of this kind, given the resources that would be necessary to do so. 

If you’re using Tor while signed into a service like Google or Twitter, or use your real email address, you’ll still be tracked.

Is Tor the same as a VPN?

No, Tor and VPNs are different in a number of ways. Tor is a free browser that uses randomized volunteer Tor network nodes to encrypt your data. It’s arguably best known for allowing access to .onion sites. 

A VPN encrypts your connection via a server that the user has selected, in a location of their choice. This allows anyone to mask their IP address, while gaining access to various blocked services.

Is Tor legal, and is using a VPN with Tor legal?  

Tor is legal in the vast majority of countries worldwide. This includes the United States, the UK, and many other countries. However, Tor is banned or blocked in a handful of countries, including Iran, China, and Russia. Of course, Tor can be used for illegal activities, which will still land you in trouble if you’re planning to break the law.

As a rule of thumb, Tor tends to be legal, as it’s just a free method for users to browse the web anonymously. The same is true for VPNs, although they too are banned in countries like China and Russia. Take the time to understand the local rules before downloading either Tor or a VPN. 

Does a VPN hide my IP address when using Tor?

Yes, a VPN will mask your IP address for as long as it’s in use. While connected to the VPN server, your real IP address will be hidden and is replaced by an IP that matches the VPN server location. Tor will only be able to see the VPN IP address. Tor also hides your IP address, with or without a VPN active. In a Tor over VPN setup, your ISP won’t be able to see that you’re using Tor.

Will a VPN and Tor slow down my speeds?

Due to the nature of the relayed Tor network, it’s likely to be slower than other browsers. A VPN with fast connection speeds won’t have much of an impact, but the same can’t be said for the majority of free services.

Can I just use a VPN instead of Tor?

A VPN will encrypt your data, but it’s still not as safe as using a VPN and Tor at the same time. Some might see it as overkill, but it allows the user to increase both anonymity and privacy, and may be useful depending on your circumstances.