Add extra layers to your online privacy with Onion Over VPN

No. While both tools provide privacy, the Onion network uses different technology from a VPN. The Onion network is more focused on providing you with ultimate privacy. Meanwhile, a VPN focuses on both your security and privacy.

Just like any other cybersecurity tool, the Onion network can be compromised. However, if you use the Tor browser with a VPN, your actual IP address will stay hidden even if the network is jeopardized.

While Onion Over VPN can boost your privacy, it does come with some important drawbacks:

• Slower browsing speed. Every VPN server and Tor relay node is an additional stop in your traffic’s journey — and the extra encryption, re-encryption, and decryption can significantly slow down your browsing experience.

• Exit node vulnerability. VPN encryption does not cover your exit node out of the Tor network, which could leave your data temporarily exposed to the exit node operator if you’re visiting an unencrypted site.

• Inability to access certain websites. Some websites block Tor traffic for security reasons. You won’t be able to visit these sites while Onion Over VPN is active.

• Reliance on access to VPN servers. The Onion Over VPN feature depends on your ability to connect to a VPN server first — so if you find yourself on a network that restricts VPN traffic, you won’t be able to access the Onion network using this setup.

No, the Tor browser is not illegal in most of the world, with only Belarus, China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia banning its use. However, some ISPs may automatically flag you for suspicious activity if they see you using it — even if what you’re doing is perfectly legitimate. That's why using Onion Over VPN to access the Onion network is a good idea.

The Double VPN feature is better if you only care about browsing with extra privacy and security. While both solutions have their uses, Double VPN is generally faster than Onion Over VPN. However, keep in mind that you will need to use the Tor browser to access the Onion network with Double VPN — in that scenario, simply using Onion Over VPN might be a better idea.

The difference comes down to the way they work. The Double VPN feature routes your online traffic through two separate VPN servers, encrypting it twice for even more protection — but it doesn’t inherently connect to the Onion network. On the other hand, the Onion Over VPN feature lets you access the Onion network through a secure VPN server, shielding your real IP address from the entry node.

Yes — if you use our Onion Over VPN feature. Normally, you can only access the Onion network with the Tor browser, but NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN servers automatically route your internet traffic through the Onion network. You don’t need to do anything else!

Yes, Onion routing can be tracked — in fact, some government agencies expend considerable effort in seeding nodes designed to catch users entering or exiting the network. Governments also have surveillance techniques that not even the Tor browser can overcome, making it wise to invest into additional layers of security like Onion Over VPN.