Tor vs VPN - Full Comparison Tor: Tor (The Onion Router) is a free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication on the internet. It is designed to protect user privacy by routing internet traffic through a distributed network of volunteer-operated servers called "nodes." Strengths: Provides strong anonymity by routing traffic through multiple relays Hides your IP address from websites and services Works with any application that supports SOCKS proxy Free to use and open-source Protects users from traffic analysis and surveillance Weaknesses: Slower speeds due to multiple encryption layers Vulnerable to exit node attacks if traffic is not encrypted Not suitable for streaming or high-bandwidth activities Some websites block Tor traffic or throttle connection speeds Ideal for: Anonymous browsing and accessing restricted content Activists, journalists, or anyone concerned with privacy Users in countries with heavy internet censorship VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that routes your internet traffic through a secure, private server to mask your IP address. It encrypts your internet connection, ensuring privacy and security while browsing, especially on unsecured networks. Strengths: Provides high-speed browsing and streaming without significant slowdowns Encrypts traffic, protecting data on public Wi-Fi networks Allows bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions No need for special software configuration for most VPNs Paid services often offer advanced features such as no-logs policies, better security, and customer support Weaknesses: Requires a paid subscription for high-quality services (though there are free VPNs, they often come with limitations) Trust is required in the VPN provider to not log your activities Can still reveal your IP address if the VPN connection drops (unless there’s a kill-switch) Some countries block or heavily restrict VPN usage Ideal for: Users looking for high-speed, reliable internet access while maintaining privacy Those who want to access content from different countries (e.g., streaming services) Users who often connect to public Wi-Fi networks and want to secure their data VPN Services: RiseupVPN: Free, no account required. ProtonVPN: Free with account, offers enhanced privacy features in its paid version. MullvadVPN: Paid, known for strong privacy policies and no-logs commitment. When to Use Which System?