🌐 VPN + Tor Guide

The question of whether to use a VPN with Tor is debated in the security community. The main advantage: your ISP cannot see that you are using Tor, which matters in countries where Tor usage is monitored. The main disadvantage: you are trusting a VPN provider not to log your traffic. For most users, the recommended setup is VPN → Tor (connect to VPN first, then open Tor Browser). This hides Tor usage from your ISP while your VPN provider only sees encrypted Tor traffic.

Install your VPN client and connect to a server before opening Tor Browser. Verify the VPN is active by checking your IP address. Enable the VPN kill switch to prevent traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops. Configure DNS leak protection. Use WireGuard or OpenVPN protocol for best security-performance balance.

Choose a VPN provider that has a verified no-logs policy audited by independent security firms. Look for providers based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Switzerland, Panama, British Virgin Islands). Pay with cryptocurrency to avoid linking your identity to the VPN account. Recommended protocols are WireGuard (fastest) or OpenVPN (most audited). Avoid PPTP and older protocols. Test for DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks after connecting.