Does Tor Work Well With a VPN?
TOR (The Onion Router) first became popular following the Silk Road Scandal. Thought to be the first-ever darknet black market. You could buy virtually anything on Silk Road, mainly drugs, but basically if you could think of it, you could buy it on the Silk Road.
Started in 2011, it was shut down by a sustained investigation of various US Federal Agencies in 2014. Its founder Ross William Ulbricht received life in jail without parole and Bitcoins worth billions of dollars were seized.
Since then Tor has often been misunderstood, as a place for cyber criminals and the dark underbelly of the internet, when in fact it offers a highly secure method of connection to the internet and browsing online that was in fact originally invented by the US government.
What is Tor?
Tor is a free and open-source software that allows people to browse the internet and communicate anonymously. When you connect via Tor, you become part of a global network of volunteers who allow their computers to be used as nodes. The Tor bounces all outgoing and receiving traffic through three random nodes to hide your identity, location, and actions online.
Tor is known as “The Onion” due to the layers of encryption used on your data. Each relay node decrypts a layer of encryption to give enough information to relay the data to the next node. Only at the final exit node is the original transmission decrypted.
Tor is primarily for browsing traffic only, they will actively block any torrents or high consumption of bandwidth by any one user. Plus, Tor is slow. With so much encryption and decryption, it can sometimes feel like dial up, but that is a fair price to pay to those who are particularly security conscious.
Why Use Tor With a VPN?
Tor by itself has several security concerns. Firstly, Tor was invented as still funded by the US Federal government and is known to be a hotspot of observation by the NSA. Secondly, your exit node could be anywhere. Where your data exits and enters could be insecure and have a virus or tracker inserted into the data stream.
Tor is recognized as still being quite safe but using it with a VPN gives you an added layer of security that makes it impossible for anybody to track you.
Advantage of Using Tor with a VPN
There are several advantages to using Tor with a VPN:
- Securing Entry and Exit Nodes: Tor is a hotbed for hackers and government agencies. Many computers set up to receive traffic will be malicious or at best observants. Using a VPN encrypts your traffic to and from Tor nodes, maintaining your anonymity and the integrity of your data
- Makes your VPN more secure: Lots of providers state that does not log your activity, but there are enough examples from HideMyAss to EarthVPN to show that this can sometimes be a lie. Encrypting your traffic through Tor always hides your data from your VPN provider, which may log your data as it passes through their DNS Server. Plus, many VPN providers use third-party DNS or virtual servers. These organizations are under no obligation not to monitor your traffic
- Access the Dark Web: Tor gives you access to .onion websites, these sites are constantly changing and can provide fascinating and interesting reading. Of course, there is a lot of illegal material but also many sites that prefer to remain hidden. One of the gems of Tor is being able to access the hidden wiki.
- Evade Surveillance: Using Tor by itself could make you a target for government agencies to monitor you more closely. By accessing it through a VPN you give them nothing to hold onto, as your IP will only lead back to your VPN’s DNS Server
- Expand Your Mind: Let’s not avoid the elephant in the room. There have been multiple mirror sites set up like Silk Road since it was shut down. The Dark Web is a constant game of cat and mouse between illegal sites, government agencies, and buyers. Plus, it makes for entertaining watching, as the best cybersecurity specialist come together with hackers to play the ultimate game of hiding and seek
The disadvantage of Using Tor With a VPN
It’s dog slow. Some providers have a built-in function for Tor over VPN which allows you to go a little faster, but adding an additional layer of connection, encryption and decryption means you will see a slowdown in a service that is already slow.
Remember that the more secure an online transmission is, the slower it is, as your computer application and the receiving server encrypt and decrypt your data packets.
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi. Currently, your IP 18.97.14.82 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider. Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN: A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
Install Surfshark on Firestick
The Best VPNs for Those Who Value Their Privacy
Is Surfshark VPN the Best VPN?
When we talk about being the best, there are a lot of factors to consider. So when we start reviewing Surfshark, it seems to be a very impressive VPN. With a low price and top-notch security features, Surfshark VPN is really remarkable.
We tested out Surfshark based on speed, security, accessibility, and other features. We also check the price, network, device compatibility, and more. All we can say is that this is something that we would recommend.
Surfshark is becoming a very popular VPN today in spite of being new in the industry. It has received a lot of great reviews from its users and was able to establish a good brand for itself.
Learn all of SurfShark’s word-class features as we continue to discuss them in this article.
How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
Follow our screenshots below to install the SurfShark VPN app on your Fire TV stick.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
Learn more about Surfshark and Grab the Best Surfshark Deal Now!
Install Surfshark on Firestick
Best Features
- 5000+ Server in 50+ Countries
- Military-Grade Encryption
- Fast Connection Speed
- Suitable to a lot of devices
- No-Log Policy
- Complete $5.89 per month (64% Discount)
- Plus $4.59 per month (56% Discount)
- Standard $3.69 per month (55% Discount)
Best Features
- 750+ High-speed VPN Servers in 43 Locations
- Military-Grade Encryption
- Fastest HD Streaming and Gaming
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Unlimited Data & Devices
- No-Log Policy
- 3 Years $1.99 per month (82% Discount)
- 1 Years $3.29 per month (70% Discount)
- 1 Month $10.99 per month
IPVanish VPN (Most Secure)
Best Features
- 1200+ Servers in 60+ Countries around the world
- Unlimited Connections
- No-Log Policy
- Top Notch Military-Grade VPN Protocols and Encryptions
- 100% Safe and Secured
- Most Trusted VPN
- Best VPN for Firestick
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Yearly $3.99 per month (63% Discount) – 30 days risk free + Ransomware & Malware Protection
- Quarterly $5.32 per month (51% Discount)
- Monthly $10.99 per month
For more VPN discounts, go to ReviewVPN Deals and purchase the best VPN for you.
Click here to get the lowest price on Surfshark through our exclusive limited-time offer.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most established and biggest companies in the VPN space. They offer the most servers of any provider. 5,500+ across 60+ countries. More servers mean more speed and choice. They have a zero logs policy that has been tested by law enforcement agencies and found to be solid.
They have a heap of features including Onion over VPN, which connects your VPN then lets you browse using Tor. An alternative that may be faster is the Double VPN service which allows you to route traffic through 2 different neighboring countries or VPN servers.
They also have their own proprietary ad-blocker software Cybersec. In countries with network monitors, you can also use their obfuscated servers, which make traffic appear to be HTTPS in origin and therefore undetectable in places like China.
Because of the broad range of servers, the speeds are impressive, and they are consistent throughout the network. You will have no problem using Netflix, Kodi or any other media device with NordVPN, safe in the knowledge that if one server goes down or an IP is blocked, there are plenty more. You can also pay for an additional proxy or a VPN router.
NordVPN is one of the cheapest on the market with their 3-year plan starting as low as $2 per month and allowing you to connect to 6 simultaneous devices.
ExpressVPN
3,700+ servers across 90+ countries, top-notch encryption and security protocols alongside blazing fast speeds and a wholly-owned network make ExpressVPN the top choice for the privacy-conscious.
They have a zero logs policy which has been tested by law enforcement agencies and not been found wanting, as well as being based in the British Virgin Islands. A country with no data retention laws or ties to the intelligence agency.
They also offer a dedicated VPN router app for unlimited connections, HTTPS anywhere, their own in-house DNS servers, and a split tunnel feature to rout non-essential traffic through your ISP.
ExpressVPN is not the cheapest provider. Their prices start at $8.32 per month, but they rank Number 1 amongst many reviewers for privacy concerns and protection of their user’s data.
IPVanish
If you want to choose customer service and speed, then go for IPVanish. They are one of the few providers to have a dedicated toll-free number as well as the industry standard 24/7 customer support. We often recommend IPVanish to those who are less tech-savvy and may need help while using a VPN.
You can enjoy some of the fastest speeds of any VPN provider with 40,000+ shared IPs, across 2,000+ servers and 75+ locations. IPVanish is one of only a few providers that owns all their own architecture including their servers. Many VPN companies rent servers from third parties and therefore leave your data at risk. IPVanish also allows you to share IPs with multiple users, which means traffic is indistinguishable from hundreds of other users from the same IP.
IPVanish has a solid zero logs policy and works effectively with any geographically fixed IP content. So, watch Netflix in any country, use Kodi or check out Hulu without restriction. You can even use it to change your country of origin for a VOIP call and save some money.
Their mobile application is easy to use and secures everything on your phone including your email, social media, and messaging applications. As well as securing any public Wi-Fi you connect to.
Prices start from $6.49 per month with a 7-day money-back guarantee and you can connect 10 simultaneous devices at the same time.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is a proud member and financial supporter of many privacy watch and internet rights groups like the EFF so you can be certain they take privacy damn seriously.
They offer 3,300+ servers across 32 countries with a dedicated DNS service. They support P2P servers, give you a handy inbuilt ad blocker, allow for multiple VPN gateways and you get a SOCKS5 proxy included to secure online communication. As well as this they have a solid zero logs policy which has been tested.
Based in the US they have gone some way in dispelling the myth that US-based VPN companies cannot be trusted to protect their users, having rebuffed multiple requests for information. The information which PIA has simply stated they do not and will not log.
They are also one of the few VPN providers that allow configuring every element of your encryption. From the encryption type to data authentication and the handshake. The ability to adjust your encryption means you can lower security and increase speed.
Prices start from as low as $3.11 per month for yearly plans and you can connect a massive 10 devices simultaneously.
Cyberghost
The Ghosties from Romania number 30 million-plus and counting. One of the most popular VPN networks around. They are also one of the more public VPN companies. Giving you the chance to see the 70+ management and engineering team under the hood. Nice for those who want to see who they are giving their money to.
There are a few things that stand out with Cyberghost. Their mobile application is awesome. You can choose what type of server to find based on whether you are torrenting, streaming, or just browsing. See how far away their servers are from you, load, ping speed, and general connectivity speed. You can also favorite servers. This is more functionality we have seen than anybody else. Some have complained that automatic server connection is frustrating for more advanced users.
They also offer some of the fastest speeds in the industry, with 3,700+ servers in 60+ countries. As well as 1,000 of those servers modified for P2P use, making them super-fast. You’ll have no problem accessing GeoIP restricted content like Netflix or using Kodi.
Plus, their zero logs policy is solid, they offer top-notch security and configurability. Prices start from $2.10 per month, allowing you to connect 7 simultaneous devices with an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee.
Best Ways to Use a VPN With Tor to Access the Darknet
When using a VPN with Tor, you should always connect your VPN first. If possible, set your VPN to connect automatically on start-up. Additionally, enable the kill switch to cut your internet connection if your VPN stops working.
Using a VPN first means that any data you send across Tor’s public nodes is secure and your IP is masked.
Also using a VPN first means your ISP won’t be able to detect that you are using Tor.
What are the Best Ways to Access the Deep Web?
Google only displays a fraction of what is available on the internet. Some estimate that 500 times more exists than what is displayed by major search engines.
The Deep Web shouldn’t be confused with the Darknet or Dark Web. It is simply all those sites that Google doesn’t bother to show.
A good place to start is the WWW Virtual Library. Where you can search the original index for the internet. Just bear in mind you may need to do some research to be super specific about what you are looking for. We are talking literally billions of results for some terms.
Darknet vs Deep Web
The Darknet is simply a part of the Deep Web. Meaning that it is obscured from public view. Think of it as a parallel network to the internet. Operating mainly on the Tor, it requires you to know precise URL’s which are generally alphanumerically generated.
You don’t just stumble on a site. The most famous Darknet site is the Hidden Wiki which is constantly changing due to being hacked.
The Darknet tends to hold more nefarious elements of society engaged in a wide range of criminality. As well as people who simply want to remain anonymous and share files undetected like journalists and whistleblower.
