Tor
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor: Which Should You Use in 2026?
VPN, proxy, and Tor all hide your IP address, but they work very differently and serve different purposes. Choosing the wrong tool can leave you exposed or frustratingly slow. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Comparison
Feature VPN Proxy Tor Encryption ✅ Full (AES-256) ❌ Usually none ✅ Multi-layer Speed Fast (800+ Mbps) Fast (varies) Slow (5-20 Mbps) Coverage All internet traffic Single app/browser Tor Browser only Anonymity Good Low Excellent Streaming ✅ Yes ⚠️ Limited ❌ Too slow Torrenting ✅ Yes ⚠️ Limited ❌ Harms the network Cost $2-13/month Free-$10/month Free Ease of Use Easy Easy Moderate Blocks by ISP Rare Common Sometimes What Is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. All your internet traffic is routed through this tunnel, hiding your real IP address and encrypting everything you send and receive.