Browser
Tor Browser
Maximum anonymity browser with onion routing for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users
Tor Browser offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the browser space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.
Recommended alternatives
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You need maximum anonymity and protection
- • You're a journalist or activist in a high-risk environment
- • You need to bypass internet censorship
- • You want to access .onion websites ()
- • You need protection against traffic analysis
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You need fast browsing speeds (Tor is slower due to onion routing)
- • You want to stream video or download large files (Tor is too slow)
- • You need websites that block Tor (some sites block Tor traffic)
- • You want a normal browsing experience (Tor requires different behavior)
- • You need to log into accounts tied to your identity (reduces anonymity)
Key qualities
Overview
Tor Browser is a privacy-hardened browser based on Firefox ESR, designed for maximum anonymity through the Tor network. The browser implements uniform fingerprinting protection (Resist Fingerprinting) making all users appear identical. Circuit isolation ensures different websites use different Tor circuits. The browser uses Counter Galois Onion (CGO) encryption for relay encryption with hop-by-hop authentication. Tor Browser automatically clears all data when closed. The browser supports .onion sites (Tor hidden services) and implements three security levels (Standard, Safer, Safest) that progressively disable JavaScript and other features. Tor Browser is fully open source and maintained by the Tor Project, a non-profit organization.
Privacy highlight
Maximum anonymity through routing, uniform protection, and automatic data clearance - the gold standard for privacy.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
- Technical:
- Beginner
- :
- No
- :
- No telemetry
- :
- Yes
- Open-source status:
- Fully open source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Privacy-friendly web browser with protection.
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- , Onion Routing (CGO),
- Tor Browser uses Firefox's and mechanisms, enhanced with Tor-specific security features. The browser implements certificate validation through Firefox's network stack, with additional protections for .onion sites. Tor Browser uses / for connections, with all traffic additionally encrypted through the 's onion routing (multiple layers of ). The browser stores certificates in Firefox's certificate store. Tor Browser implements circuit isolation, where different websites use different Tor circuits to prevent correlation. The browser uses Firefox's secure storage with enhanced isolation. Tor Browser includes additional certificate validation for .onion sites to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Offline support
- Yes
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- No telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Third-party services
- Mozilla Add-ons (addons.mozilla.org) — extension updates (e.g., NoScript), Google Play (if installed via Play Store)
- Tor Browser collects zero data. All mechanisms disabled. No crash reports, usage statistics, or diagnostic data transmitted.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Tor Project based in United States (non-profit). No data stored on servers. All data local and ephemeral.
- Tor Browser retains zero data. All browsing data automatically cleared when browser closes. No server-side . operates on no-logs principle.
- Legal frameworks
- Tor Project subject to US laws but operates as non-profit with strong privacy commitments. No data collection means minimal legal exposure.
- Revenue sources
- Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 95
- Trust score
- 95
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 95, Open source: 100, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 85, Transparency: 95, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 6, Performance: 5, Family friendly: 8
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- No account or signup required. Tor Browser can be used immediately after download.
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 1
- Accessibility features
- Tor Browser inherits Firefox's accessibility features. Some features may be disabled in higher security levels. Screen reader support and keyboard navigation available.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- Tor Browser does not support importing from other browsers by design (privacy-focused). Users can manually add bookmarks. No sync functionality.
- No account recovery needed - no accounts required. All data is ephemeral and cleared on browser close.
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