Combine the privacy of the Tor browser with extra VPN security
Shield your online activities — even that you’re using the Onion Network
No extra setup to use the Onion network — one click is all you need
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What is Onion Over VPN?
Onion Over VPN is a special feature of NordVPN. It gives you all the advantages of The Onion Router (Tor) combined with the extra security of a VPN tunnel.
How does the Onion network work?
In the Onion network, you send your web traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers. Instead of taking a direct route, your internet data enters the Onion network via a random relay anywhere around the globe. Your internet traffic goes through layers of encryption at every point of connection, making it difficult to identify where the traffic comes from.
01
Entry
You connect to the Onion network at a random entry point.
02
Maze of servers
While traveling through multiple servers, your data is enveloped in layers of encryption.
03
Decryption
Further down the road, the layers of encryption are peeled off one by one.
04
Exit
Your data is decrypted, and you exit through a random node, landing on the web.
Why do you need Onion Over VPN?
Protect yourself from snoops on the Onion network
Onion servers are volunteer-operated — anyone can set up and run one. That means bad actors could deploy thousands of compromised servers to track you online. But using Onion Over VPN hides your real IP address from the entry node, meaning your identity is protected even from someone monitoring vast portions of the Onion network.
Add an extra layer of privacy with a VPN
Without NordVPN, your internet service provider can see that you use the Onion network. This can be especially risky for activists, journalists, and bloggers in censorship-heavy countries. NordVPN shields your online activities from all third parties and does not track your online activity, letting you enjoy privacy online.
How to use Onion Over VPN
Start using our Onion Over VPN feature in 3 easy steps.
01
Log in
Open your NordVPN app and enter your account credentials.
02
Find specialty servers
The “Specialty servers” tab is on the left-hand side of the screen on desktop devices. On mobile devices, simply swipe up.
03
Connect to Onion Over VPN
Press “Onion Over VPN” to automatically connect to the best available server.
For additional information, please have a look at the Onion Over VPN section in our Help Center.
Who should use Onion Over VPN?
Journalists and political activists
If you feel you need an extra layer of protection against surveillance and censorship.
Residents and travelers in autocratic regimes
If you want to keep the fact that you’re using the Onion network to yourself.
Persons who work with sensitive data
If a single leak can cause tremendous harm or place people in real danger.
When don’t you need Onion Over VPN?
For casual browsing
A VPN tunnel is more than enough to guarantee your safety. You already have increased security when you’re connected to a NordVPN server.
For maximum connection speed
Since you take a longer path, routing your traffic through multiple Onion servers, you’ll have to deal with lower connection speeds.
When using Double VPN
If you don’t want to deal with the Onion network, use the Double VPN feature, which routes your data through two VPN servers, providing double the security.
Tor over VPN or VPN over Tor?
Our Onion Over VPN feature operates under the principle known as Tor over VPN — that is, you connect to a VPN server first, then access the Onion network. But it’s not the only privacy solution to combine Tor anonymity with VPN security. VPN over Tor reverses the steps, first plugging you into the Onion network, and then adding VPN protection to the mix.
VPN over Tor lets you reach websites that normally block Tor traffic, but suffers from serious drawbacks compared to Tor over VPN. Notably, it’s more difficult to set up, doesn’t shield your IP address from the entry node, and doesn’t hide the fact that you’re using Tor from your ISP. You’re trading the biggest plus of Tor over VPN — increased privacy — for a few extra websites.
Tor over VPN
- ISP can’t see you using Tor
- ISP can see you’re using a VPN
- Can access
.onionsites - Can’t access sites that block Tor traffic
- Protects your IP from the entry node
VPN over Tor
- ISP can see you using Tor
- ISP can’t see you using a VPN
- Can’t access
.onionsites - Can access sites that block Tor traffic
- Keeps traffic encrypted at the exit node
Layer your privacy with Onion Over VPN
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Onion network the same as a 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.
Is Onion Over VPN safe?
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.
Is the Onion (Tor) browser illegal?
Just like anything, the onion network can be used for both good and bad behavior, so using the Tor browser is fine as long as you’re not doing anything illegal. You may get flagged for suspicious activity, though — and that’s why using Onion Over VPN is a good idea.
Double VPN or Onion Over VPN — which one is better?
Both Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers are great choices if you want extra security and privacy. The difference comes down to the way they work. The Double VPN feature routes your data through two separate VPN servers, encrypting your data twice for maximum protection. With the Onion Over VPN feature, you relay your data to the Onion network through a secure VPN server, ensuring that your safety even if the network is compromised. Keep in mind that certain websites may block connections from the Onion network. Double VPN is also slightly faster, although both options will slow down your connection due to the extra security measures.
Can I access the Onion network using my regular browser?
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!
Can Onion routing be tracked?
While Onion routing is a very effective privacy solution, it’s not 100% anonymous. Government agencies work tirelessly to track the network, and if you happen to connect to one of the nodes controlled by them, it will compromise your privacy. Not to mention, governments have a plethora of other surveillance techniques that not even the Tor browser can overcome.
