VPN vs Proxy vs Tor

Trying to stay anonymous online? VPNs, proxies, and the Tor network all offer ways to hide your IP address—but they work in very different ways. Here's how they compare.

What Is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. It hides your real IP address and protects your activity—even on public Wi-Fi.

What Is a Proxy?

A proxy server forwards your traffic through another IP address, but it often lacks encryption. Proxies may only protect certain apps (like your browser), and your ISP can still see what you're doing.

What Is Tor?

Tor (The Onion Router) bounces your connection through multiple volunteer-run servers around the world. It's extremely private but often much slower than VPNs or proxies.

Comparison Table

Which One Should You Use?

Choose a VPN if you want strong privacy with speed. Use a proxy for light tasks like region switching. Choose Tor when anonymity is critical.

After connecting, visit checkmyip.pro to see if your IP is hidden and your location is masked.