Result: Tor handles its one task very well, but VPNs win this one with their ability to protect traffic from all your devices. And if that's still not enough, install a VPN on your router and it'll also cover smart TVs, games consoles, video doorbells and all your other connected devices. Streaming, games, P2P apps, they all get the same level of protection - there's a reason why streaming VPNs have become so popular. VPNs encrypt all your traffic, not just browsing. But that's where the feature list stops - it doesn't try to do anything else. In fact, it's probably the ultimate in private browsing. Tor does a great job of maintaining your privacy when you're browsing online. Result: a big win for Tor, which keeps you just about as anonymous as you can be. And as you're always using servers run by the same company, it's easy for your browsing history to be connected to your account. Whenever you connect, the app logs in with your account details, ensuring the provider knows precisely who you are. Sign up for most VPNs and you'll typically have to create an account, provide your email and maybe make a payment. Even if anyone tried, only the first Tor server has your IP address, and otherwise it has no idea who you are. Connect to Tor and your traffic is routed through three servers, randomly chosen from thousands around the world, making it almost impossible to log your activities. Tor is free for anyone to use, with no need to register, hand over your email address, payment details or anything else. Another battle of the big boys - ExpressVPN vs NordVPN.Discover the best privacy tools you can get online today.Best cheap VPNs: save money on premium software.Which is best? We're about to pit Tor against VPNs in seven of the most important privacy factors you should consider. (Check out our dedicated guides to what is a VPN and what is Tor if you need the background detail.) They're based on a similar principle where they protect your internet traffic with industrial-strength encryption, then shield your identity by routing it through their own servers.īut there are big, big differences, too - their encryption, what they'll protect, how they connect to servers and a whole lot more. When you're looking to stay incognito online, VPNs and Tor should be right at the top of your privacy shortlist.

Tor vs vpn