Why Use a VPN with Tor Browser on Windows
Combining a VPN with Tor Browser can enhance your privacy and security on Windows. A VPN masks your IP address before you connect to the Tor network, preventing your ISP or local network from knowing you’re using Tor. It also adds an extra layer of encryption, mitigating entry-node correlation attacks. 🚀🔒
Top Best VPNs for Tor Browser Stable on Windows
1. Mullvad
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN known for its strict no-logs policy, anonymous account creation, and native WireGuard support. It’s a favorite among privacy purists who want seamless Tor integration. 🐻🛡️
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 for WireGuard
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN
- Kill Switch: Yes, system-wide
- No-Logs: Verified audits
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Pros:
Strong privacy stance, anonymous payment (cash, crypto), unlimited devices.
Cons:
Smaller server network compared to big brands.
Official website: Mullvad
2. ProtonVPN
From the makers of ProtonMail, ProtonVPN offers a secure core (multi-hop) architecture and built-in Tor over VPN servers. Its Swiss jurisdiction ensures strong privacy protections. 🇨🇭🔐
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard
- Kill Switch: Yes, with DNS leak protection
- No-Logs: Yes
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10
Pros:
Tor over VPN servers, Secure Core multi-hop, audited privacy.
Cons:
Speeds vary on free plan, fewer WireGuard locations.
Official website: ProtonVPN
3. AirVPN
AirVPN was founded by activists and advocates real transparency. It supports Tor circuits through their “Eddie” client and offers robust leak protection. ✈️🕶️
- Encryption: AES-256-CBC
- Protocols: OpenVPN
- Kill Switch: Yes, Network Lock
- No-Logs: No user logs
- Simultaneous Connections: 5 per account
Pros:
Live bandwidth graphs, full IPv6 compatibility, transparent status page.
Cons:
No WireGuard support, setup can be technical.
Official website: AirVPN
4. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular choice for its large server network, specialty servers (including Onion over VPN), and fast NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol. 🌐⚡
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM
- Protocols: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
- Kill Switch: Yes, app system-level
- No-Logs: Audited policy
- Simultaneous Connections: 6
Pros:
Onion over VPN, huge server count, audited no-logs.
Cons:
Price jumps after initial term.
Official website: NordVPN
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers high speeds with Lightway protocol, strong leak protection, and a user-friendly Windows app. Their network spans 90 countries and is known for stability. 🚀🌍
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM
- Protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
- Kill Switch: Yes (“Network Lock”)
- No-Logs: Independently audited
- Simultaneous Connections: 8
Pros:
Consistent speeds, simple interface, reliable support.
Cons:
More expensive than peers.
Official website: ExpressVPN
Comparison Table
| VPN | Protocols | Kill Switch | Simult. Conn. | Onion/VPN | Price (Starting) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Yes | Unlimited | No (but great Tor support) | €5/month | Visit |
| ProtonVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes | 10 | Yes (Tor servers) | Free / 4nbspUSD | Visit |
| AirVPN | OpenVPN | Yes | 5 | No (manual Tor via client) | €3/month | Visit |
| NordVPN | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes | 6 | Yes (Onion over VPN) | 3.29/month | Visit |
| ExpressVPN | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes | 8 | No (but stable with Tor) | 6.67/month | Visit |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right VPN for use with Tor Browser on Windows depends on your priorities: maximum anonymity (Mullvad, ProtonVPN), advanced customization (AirVPN), or user-friendly speed (NordVPN, ExpressVPN). All listed options deliver strong encryption, reliable kill switches, and dedicated support for Tor workflows. Stay safe, stay geeky! 😎🔐