For many people, the "Dark Web" conjures images of mystery and illegal activities, like scenes from a '90s hacker movie. In reality, the dark web is simply a portion of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines.

To access this hidden network—or to browse the internet more privately—you need to use Tor. Short for "The Onion Router," Tor is a free, open-source project that improves online anonymity by routing traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers.

That said, in this article, we'll explore exactly how Tor works, and whether it's truly safe. Let's dive in.

What Tor is

Tor isn’t just a browser—it’s a network of volunteers running servers (also called “relays”).

When you use the Tor Browser (which is available on just about any device you have), your internet traffic is automatically routed through these relays. Each relay peels back one layer of encryption, revealing only enough information to forward your data to the next server in the chain.

This layered approach gives Tor its onion analogy: peeling away one layer at a time.

Note: If you’re curious about setting up a Tor relay, check out our detailed guide on Setting up Tor relay nodes.

A brief history of Tor

Tor’s underlying technology, known as onion routing, was first developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to safeguard sensitive communications.

Over time, it became open source and is now widely maintained by the Tor Project, a nonprofit organization.

How Tor works

Tor’s main goal is to obscure both your identity and the websites you visit.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Entry (Guard) node: This is the first Tor relay that your browser connects to. It sees your real IP address (the unique identifier for your device on the internet) but doesn’t know where your data is ultimately headed, because that info is encrypted within subsequent layers.
2. Middle relay: Also known as the “middle node,” this server receives data from the entry node. It can see the entry node’s IP but doesn’t know your original IP or the final destination.
3. Exit node: This final relay decrypts the last layer of encryption, revealing the website you’re trying to visit. It knows your destination but not your actual IP address, so your browsing identity remains hidden.

Because your data travels through three different servers, each layered with encryption, it’s difficult for anyone—whether an internet service provider (ISP), government agency, or hacker—to track both who you are and what you’re viewing.

Tor and the dark web

One major reason Tor is so closely tied to the "dark web" is that it's the only way to access special ".onion" websites. These sites exist exclusively on the Tor network, and they often focus on niche communities, research databases, privacy-focused communication platforms, and (unfortunately) some illicit marketplaces.

Is Tor safe to use?

Tor is considered a powerful tool for online privacy, but safety is never absolute.

While Tor masks your IP address and encrypts traffic within its network, you can still be vulnerable if:

• You log into personal accounts or reveal personal details online.
• You download files from untrusted sources, which might contain malware.
• You’re in a country or network environment that monitors connections to Tor itself.

Potential vulnerabilities

• Exit node surveillance: Because data leaves the Tor network unencrypted at the exit node (unless you're visiting an HTTPS site), attackers who run or monitor exit nodes could potentially see your unencrypted traffic. With HTTPS sites (which are now standard for most legitimate websites), exit node operators can only see which domain you're visiting, not the specific content of your communications.
• Browser exploits: Tor Browser is based on Firefox ESR, and while it’s hardened for security, no software is 100% immune to exploits.

Tor vs. VPN vs. proxy

Tor vs. VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) sends your data through a single, encrypted tunnel to a server operated by a specific provider. Tor, by contrast, uses a decentralized network of volunteer-run relays.

A VPN can be faster and easier to set up, but places trust in the VPN provider; Tor’s decentralized design makes it harder for a single entity to see your entire activity.

VPNs certainly have their place in this world, but they tend to serve a different purpose.

Tor vs. proxy

A proxy server masks your IP address by funneling your traffic through one server, but typically doesn’t encrypt traffic end-to-end. Tor uses multiple servers and layers of encryption, so while a proxy hides your IP, Tor both hides and encrypts your connection (making it more secure but slower).

Again like VPNs a proxy has its place in this world, but tends to serve a different purpose than Tor.

How to use Tor

1. Download the Tor Browser: Visit Tor’s official website to find the right version for your operating system.
2. Install and launch: After installation, open the Tor Browser. By default, it will automatically connect to the Tor network.
3. Browse carefully: Practice safe browsing habits. Stick to HTTPS websites whenever possible, and avoid logging into personal accounts if you truly want to stay anonymous.
4. Consider added security: In some scenarios, using a VPN before you connect to Tor (often called “Tor over VPN”) can offer extra layers of privacy.

Is Tor illegal?

Tor itself is not illegal in most regions, including the US and EU. That said, some countries are more restrictive about its use, and it’s always wise to know local laws. While Tor can be a conduit for illegal activities, it’s also an important tool for journalists, human rights groups, and everyday users seeking to protect their privacy.

Setting up a Tor relay

Running a Tor relay helps improve the network’s speed, capacity, and overall health. Relay operators contribute bandwidth and make Tor more resilient against potential attacks or censorship.

For a hands-on guide to setting up your own relay, see our Setting up Tor relay nodes article, which walks you through each step in detail.

Choosing your hosting solution

If you’re interested in hosting a Tor relay or any other privacy-focused platform, you’ll need a reliable infrastructure provider.

• xTom offers a range of solutions, from dedicated servers to colocation, IP transit, and beyond.
• If you want an easily scalable environment for experimenting with Tor or other applications, consider V.PS for NVMe-powered VPS hosting.

Conclusion

Tor is an amazing tool for protecting your online privacy, whether you’re exploring the dark web for legitimate research or just prefer to keep your everyday browsing away from prying eyes.

Its layered encryption and network of volunteer relays mask your identity, making it considerably harder for anyone to trace your activity back to you. But like any privacy tool, Tor isn’t flawless—using it safely means remaining mindful about what information you share and understanding its inherent limits.

Thanks for reading, and here's to online privacy! :-)

Frequently asked questions about Tor

Can Tor completely hide my identity?

Tor provides strong anonymity by routing your connection through multiple encrypted relays, but it can’t guarantee absolute privacy. Logging into personal accounts, downloading suspicious files, and beyond can still expose your identity.

Is Tor only for accessing the dark web?

Not at all. You can browse regular websites through Tor too. However, people often use it to access onion services hidden within the dark web.

Why is Tor slower than normal browsing?

Tor routes traffic through multiple servers with layered encryption. Each relay adds some delay, making Tor slower compared to a direct or VPN connection.

How can I make Tor safer?

Avoid revealing personal information, use HTTPS whenever possible, and consider combining Tor with a reputable VPN. Also, keep your Tor Browser up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.

Will my ISP know I’m using Tor?

Yes, your ISP can typically see that you’re connecting to the Tor network. However, they can’t see what websites you’re visiting once inside Tor.

Can I run a Tor relay on a virtual server?

Yes. Many relay operators use VPS hosting because it’s easy to scale and configure (as well as quite affordable). Consider a provider like V.PS if you need quick setup and flexible plans for your Tor relay.