In this article we will go over the differences between Tor and VPN

Tor and VPN have some distinctive features. They can help with better security. However, you will have to understand the differences and features of each before deciding on one. Without a proper understanding, you cannot choose the best one. Also, the purpose of usage will play a determining role. For example, if security is your concern, you can go with Tor. Otherwise, VPN is worth trying.

If you are a regular internet user, you might find it hard to keep your online activities secure. Risk is everywhere, and you can lose your essential information in no time. Therefore, you will have to take extra caution while browsing. One simple step can protect you from many unpredictable situations. You will have to use the right tool to maximize the benefits. In this article, we will cover two such tools Tor and VPN. We will know the differences and specific features. Also, we will cover the weaknesses and strengths. You can go through them to decide without any confusion. Let’s start with Tor.

Tor

Tor is also known as the onion router. From the name itself, you might have realized that it will transfer information in layers. Tor will wrap your data in multilayered encryption and then send it randomly through relay servers. As a result, the entire entity will not be transmitted. Instead, only a small portion of the journey will be transmitted through a server. Let’s make it easier with one example.

You want to send a secret message to your boss without disclosing your name. What will you do? You can write a letter to your boss and send it to your friend. But make sure that you are not writing the return address. The letter will be delivered to your friend. When your friend opens the letter, he/she will realize that it is for your boss. Your friend will send it to your job. Finally, your boss will receive the letter without knowing the sender’s name. Tor works in the same way.

Tor will convey your messages without revealing your identity. In brief, it will offer required anonymity. Therefore, you can expect the best security. When it comes to the downsides, you might find Tor a bit slow when you want to browse a lot of things. If you want to download large files and stream video content, you might find it a bit frustrating. Tor will publish all the exit nodes, and it might block access to websites to prevent any security challenges. In brief, you will feel a bit restricted while using Tor. Also, Tor users can access the Tor network with a Tor browser only. That means you cannot guarantee the safety and security of other data on your device. Tor will only protect your data on the Tor browser, not on your device.

While transferring any data from any other browser, you cannot get the benefits of the Tor browser. Therefore, your options will be limited. In addition to the above, Tor does not guarantee 100% safety and privacy features. Even if you use Tor, there is a possibility that you will lose your data unless the communication value is high. The security consultants are working relentlessly to deal with this issue. However, there is a minimal chance that you can compromise your safety while sending identifiable data. When it comes to strength, you can use Tor for free. You can try this browser and get all the benefits free of cost. Also, advanced security is an added benefit.

VPN

The key difference between VPN and Tor is that VPN is not designed to become a private tool. Its initial objective was to help users to connect with remote servers securely. Initially, companies were using VPN to enable their remote employees to access their company network. However, gradually, people find it worth considering for their private usages. VPN will hide the IP addresses and change the location with an additional encryption layer. However, if the internet traffic does not use the VPN server, you cannot get VPN benefits.

Even if VPN promotes its security and privacy features the most, the security can be evaded. When it comes to benefits, VPN enables users to select the exit node easily. As a result, users can expect fast results compared to Tor. You can get quick results not on the VPN browser but for the entire internet connection. Also, VPN encryption is not easy to break. Currently, commercial VPN users shift their trust from their internet service providers to VPN companies. Even if the companies claim to offer the best protection, still there is a risk.

From the above, it is clear that both Tor and VPN feature some unique qualities. When Tor is a decentralized privacy tool, VPN is a centralized security tool. Tor emphasizes privacy, and VPN focuses on security. If you are looking for the best one, you will have to understand your purpose of usage. If you want utmost privacy and data security, you can go with Tor. VPN can help with a better experience and fast results. However, you should not limit yourself to these tools. You can explore many other tools available in the current condition.

How Tor and VPN Complement Each Other

Both complement each other in some respects. For example, first, if you are using VPN and then accessing Tor, VPN will hide Tor. As a result, Tor nodes cannot access your home IP address. Also, VPN is a new technology that combines enhanced safety of the Tor and improved speed of the VPN. When it comes to Tor, it is decentralized and focuses on layered data transfer to ensure advanced safety. It offers advanced privacy. But the speed will be compromised. When speed is a concern, VPN can be worth trying. But if privacy is all you want, you should not look beyond Tor.

Conclusion

The above article might have helped you to understand Tor and VPN tools better. The objective is not to declare any winner. Instead, it will help you to know the basics, strengths, and weaknesses of each. You can go through them to know which one can a better choice depending on your purpose.