Securing your online browsing activity is always a good choice, but sometimes people need to go the extra mile if they want to access restricted content or if they handle super-sensitive data. This is where combining the benefits of a Tor browser with those of a virtual private network (VPN) comes in. So, what is onion over VPN, and how does it work exactly? And should you use it to safeguard your time online? Read on for answers to all those questions.
What Are Onion and VPN?
Onion is a type of service only accessible through the Tor network. The US Navy developed the protocols to secure the nation’s intelligence network and provide a secure means of communication. In 2004, they released the final version under a free license.
Today, the servers are volunteer-operated, meaning that anyone could set up and run an Onion server. Sites on the network are not indexed by search engines and so enjoy an additional layer of protection, which is one of the reasons why Tor currently has over two million users.
A VPN meanwhile protects your anonymity by assigning you a new IP address and encrypting any messages to servers. A VPN makes it almost impossible to track your activity online and lets you access geo-blocked content.
What Is Onion Over VPN and How Does It Work?
While people sometimes compare VPN vs Tor in an effort to choose the better option for their online activities, using Onion with VPN could give you the best of both worlds. In short, it combines the benefits of a VPN with the anonymity of Tor.
It works by connecting to a VPN server before you connect with Tor. Note, however, that while you can access the Tor network through the Tor browser alone, the best VPN services offer native support for Onion, saving you time and effort.
When Should You Use Onion Over VPN?
Since anyone can set up and operate an Onion server, using a VPN will keep your identity safe by hiding it from the entry node. Given that, using both services is recommended for journalists and political activists who want to bypass censorship while keeping their anonymity or for those who work with extra sensitive data.
For anyone else, using Onion and VPN might be a bit of an overkill since it can be unnecessarily complicated and also comes with much slower connection speeds. Also, Tor doesn’t support all VPN protocols, which limits the benefits of the service.
The Summary
Now that you know what onion over VPN is, you can decide whether you need that extra layer of protection or if you can forego it. In any case, you now have the information to make the best decisions about your online safety.
Onion and VPN FAQs
Is Onion over VPN safe?
Using both Tor and VPN is fairly safe, as it adds an extra layer of protection. Note, however, that it won’t prevent you from accessing malicious websites, and also, your VPN provider will still know your IP address.
Is Onion over VPN good?
Depends on the purpose you’re using it for. If you need extra safety and anonymity to bypass censorship or keep your data safe, then it is a good choice. If, however, you want to use it for streaming or gaming, you will face extremely slow speeds.
Should you use Onion over VPN?
Knowing what Onion over VPN is should help you determine whether to use it. Generally, it is advisable in cases where you need extreme anonymity and protection or are worried about surveillance.
