With internet users in recent times rising to a record 5.45 billion (Statista, 2024), concerns about digital privacy have rampant. Data tracking and targeted ads online make browsing history feel like it’s being used against us.
Among popular browsers, Tor Browser (The Onion Router) remains the go-to for tech-savvy users concerned about privacy.
What Is Tor Browser And Is It Safe?
Originally developed by a non-profit called Tor Project, the main goal was to allow users to have secure and anonymous access to the internet. Although it was originally intended for US government usage, the Tor Browser eventually became available for public use.
The privacy aspect comes from the layers of protection to prevent tracking. This is done by encrypting data and bouncing it through multiple relay nodes before it reaches the destination. Each relay in the Tor network only knows the IP addresses it directly connects to, making it difficult for anyone to track your activity.
Why Choose Tor In 2025?
Although modern-day browsers such as DuckDuckGo and Safari are known for their emphasis on user privacy and safety, the Tor browser still holds its place for the reasons below.
Enhanced Anonymity: Tor masks your IP address, which makes it difficult for websites, marketers, and even government agencies to identify you.
Access to Censored or Banned content: Tor makes it possible to access content that may be restricted in your country, making it especially popular among journalists, activists, and anyone living in countries where there are lots of restrictions when it comes to digital freedom.
Access to the Dark Web: Tor also provides access to the dark web, a network of hidden websites that require special permissions to access. We don’t encourage you to use Tor for this purpose, as plenty of illegal activities, hateful opinions, and dangerous ideas are popular on the Dark Web.
If you’d like to learn more about the Dark Web, check out our article here.
Whistleblowing: Whistleblowers often use Tor Browser to leak information due to its impressive ability to minimize tracing.
How To Install Tor?
Installing the Tor Browser is fairly simple and doesn’t require any advanced tech skills. Now that we know a bit about what Tor is, here’s how to get started:
- Visit the official website: Head to www.torproject.org, and you’ll see a download option. Select the Download Tor browser option.
Make sure you’re on the right website.
- Choose the relevant OS: Tor is available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
- Click on the relevant logo.
- Wait for the download to finish, and then you’ll receive a small pop-up screen showing the destination folder. Install it afterward. The download time is fairly quick.
- Complete installation: After the installation is complete, the next step is to select Finish. In a few moments, you’ll be able to start browsing on Tor.
- The final step of installation
If you would prefer to use Tor Browser on your mobile device, go ahead and download the mobile app (Tor Browser for Android), which provides the same privacy features on smartphones.
Tips For Safe Browsing On Tor Browser
Even though Tor offers substantial online privacy by itself, it is better to tread cautiously and follow some best practices to increase security and anonymity. We’ve rounded up some tips for you below.
- Use HTTPS Websites: Only visit websites that use HTTPS. This adds another layer of security to your data, even if it passes through an untrustworthy exit node.
- Avoid Logging into Personal Accounts: Logging into accounts that are tied to your identity, such as personal social media handles, might reduce your anonymity.
- Opening Downloads while Online: Downloaded files may contain a tracking code that could reveal your IP address once opened, especially if you reconnect to the internet.
- Limit Browser Extensions: Extensions and plugins can sometimes bypass the privacy protections that Tor provides. We would suggest sticking to the browser’s default configuration for the best protection.
Tor Browser vs VPNs: Which Should You Be Using?
Many internet users wonder if they should be using the Tor Browser or a VPN for privacy.
While both these tools are used to enhance privacy while online, they are used for slightly different purposes. Tor is best suited for users who are particular about having the highest level of anonymity and don’t mind slightly slower speeds. Since it’s free and does not require registration, it is ideal for higher-risk uses such as bypassing censorship.
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is faster than Tor and encrypts your internet traffic from all applications, not just the browser. You should be aware that many VPNs require trusting the provider as they have access to your IP address and browsing data. For general privacy, a VPN might be more convenient, but for true anonymity, Tor is much more suitable.
Is Tor Legal? Concerns Regarding Law and Security
Using Tor can be a grey area legally, depending on where you’re browsing from. While Tor itself is legal in most countries and widely used for privacy protection, it can attract attention if used in places where governments restrict internet freedom, such as China and Iran.
In some countries, simply downloading Tor can raise eyebrows as it frequently gets linked with illegal activities due to the strong anonymity features. If you decide to install and use Tor, it is worth checking local laws and avoiding accessing any illegal content.
Tor is a powerful tool for privacy, but it is a must to use it sensibly to stay out of legal trouble. As long as you have no illegal intentions and plan to use Tor safely – you’re not going to get in trouble or have police knocking at your doorstep.
Avoid These Mistakes While Installing Tor
Here are five common mistakes people often make when getting started with Tor:
- Downloading Tor from unofficial websites: Always download Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website, not from random sites. Downloading from unofficial sources can be risky as they might include malware or tracking software. Stick to torproject.org to stay safe.
- Trying to Use Tor with Chrome or other browsers: Don’t assume you can access Tor just by typing the address into your usual browser because Tor’s privacy features only work with the Tor Browser itself. Downloading Tor and using it with other browsers won’t give you the same level of protection.
- Adding Extensions and Plugins: Extensions, plugins, or add-ons in the Tor Browser can actually expose your data. For example, media players can accidentally share details about you that Tor is trying to hide. It’s safer to use Tor’s default setup without extra plugins.
- Maximizing the Browser Window: When you maximize the Tor Browser, it reveals more about your screen size, which makes it easier to track you. It’s safer to keep the browser window at its default size so you stay anonymous.
Conclusion
Tor Browser shows that, despite increasing surveillance and data tracking, online privacy is still possible. While it does not solve privacy issues altogether, it’s a strong choice for anyone who values control over their digital footprint.
Whether you’re trying to access niche content or aiming for more anonymous browsing, Tor is a practical solution that keeps you a step ahead in today’s increasingly digitized world.
