Proxy vs VPN vs Tor: What’s the Difference?
Proxy, VPN, and Tor are three common ways to hide your IP and route traffic differently — but they work in very different ways. A Proxy hides your IP per application, a VPN encrypts all traffic at the system level, and Tor routes through several relays for stronger anonymity. In this guide, you’ll see how each method works, what data they protect, and which is best for your goal — privacy, speed, or security.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Proxy | VPN | Tor |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP masking | ✅ Yes (per app) | ✅ Yes (system-wide) | ✅ Yes (multi-hop) |
| Encryption | ⚠️ Limited (app→proxy only) | ✅ Full tunnel | ✅ Multi-layer |
| Speed | Fast | Medium–Fast | Slow–Medium |
| Privacy level | Basic | Strong | Very high |
| Use scope | Single app | Whole device | Browser (Tor only) |
| Cost | Usually free | Paid/freemium | Free |
| Best for | Quick bypass | Everyday privacy, streaming, work | High anonymity, journalism, research |
1. Proxy — fast and simple, but limited privacy
A proxy forwards your app’s requests through another server, replacing your visible IP with its own. It works on the application level — for example, only your browser or torrent client. HTTPS proxies encrypt traffic between the app and the proxy, but not beyond. SOCKS proxies (used in tools like Shadowsocks) handle all kinds of traffic but offer no encryption.
Proxies are great for quick IP changes or accessing region-locked content, but they do not hide DNS queries or prevent fingerprinting.
2. VPN — encrypted tunnel for the whole system
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes all your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN’s server. The site you visit sees the VPN’s exit IP, not yours. VPNs are ideal for general privacy, public Wi-Fi safety, remote work, and streaming. They also prevent local network monitoring and DNS leaks if configured correctly.
- Use strong protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
- Enable a kill switch to block leaks during connection drops.
- Check WebRTC and DNS to verify full protection.
3. Tor — layered anonymity
Tor (The Onion Router) routes traffic through at least three volunteer-run nodes (entry, relay, and exit). Each hop decrypts one layer, ensuring no single node knows both your identity and your destination. It offers strong anonymity but lower speeds and may be blocked by some sites.
Tor Browser includes anti-fingerprinting features and uses the Tor network by default. It’s perfect for journalists, researchers, or anyone needing strong anonymity — but not for streaming or large downloads.
Choosing what’s best for you
- Need speed & region access? → Proxy or VPN.
- Need everyday privacy? → VPN with leak protection.
- Need maximum anonymity? → Tor.
- Need all three? → Combine carefully (VPN over Tor or vice versa, not both casually).
Security tips & testing
- Always test your IP after connecting: What is My IP.
- Run leak tests: WebRTC and DNS.
- Don’t log into identifiable accounts if you aim for anonymity.
- Use HTTPS to encrypt end-to-end even through proxy/VPN/Tor.
Test now: Check your current IP and privacy signals on What is My IP, WebRTC Leak Test, and DNS Lookup.