How to Use Surfshark with Tor: Complete Guide

The Tor network is widely known for offering anonymity online. It hides your identity by bouncing your internet traffic through several volunteer-operated servers. This process makes it very hard for anyone to trace your online activity back to you.

Surfshark, on the other hand, is a VPN that encrypts your data and protects it from being tracked by your internet service provider or hackers. When combined, Surfshark and Tor give you an even stronger layer of privacy and security.

This guide explains how to use Surfshark with Tor, why it can be beneficial, and the steps you should follow for safe browsing.

Understanding Tor and Its Purpose

Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a free network that directs your traffic through multiple servers called nodes. Each step in the chain adds a layer of encryption, making it difficult to monitor or trace your online movements.

According to The Tor Project, the network has over 2 million daily users. Many of these users are journalists, activists, and everyday people who want to protect their privacy online.

However, Tor is not perfect. While it hides your IP address, your internet service provider can still see that you are connected to the Tor network. Some websites may also block Tor traffic. This is where Surfshark becomes valuable.

Why Combine Surfshark with Tor?

Using Surfshark with Tor can improve both your security and your browsing experience. Here are some of the main benefits:

Extra Encryption

Surfshark encrypts your data before it even enters the Tor network. This means even if someone tries to monitor you at the entry node, they cannot see your original traffic.

ISP Privacy

Without a VPN, your ISP can tell you are using Tor. With Surfshark, your ISP only sees that you are connected to a VPN server. This prevents suspicion or monitoring.

Bypassing Blocks

Some countries block access to Tor. Surfshark helps you connect to Tor even in restrictive regions by masking your traffic.

Safer Public Wi-Fi

If you connect to Tor while using public Wi-Fi, Surfshark ensures your data is encrypted from the start, protecting you from hackers on the same network.

A 2022 Cybersecurity Ventures report estimated that cybercrime damages will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. In this climate, combining Tor with a VPN like Surfshark is a smart way to strengthen your defenses online.

Ways to Use Surfshark with Tor

There are two main methods to use Tor and Surfshark together. Both offer protection, but the experience is slightly different.

1. VPN Over Tor

In this setup, you connect to the Tor network first and then to Surfshark. This is less common and requires more advanced setup. It is not supported by Surfshark’s app directly and may need manual configuration.

Pros:

• Hides Tor use from your VPN provider.
• Your traffic is encrypted after leaving the Tor exit node.

Cons:

• More complex to configure.
• If Surfshark logs anything (though it has a no-logs policy), your activity could be linked.

2. Tor Over VPN (Recommended)

This is the simpler and safer option for most users. You connect to Surfshark first and then open the Tor browser.

Pros:

• Your ISP cannot see that you are using Tor.
• Easy to set up.
• Protects against malicious Tor entry nodes.

Cons:

• Tor nodes can still see that traffic is coming from a VPN server.
• Most users find this option best since it combines strong protection with convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Surfshark with Tor

Here’s how you can set up Surfshark with Tor in a simple way.

1: Install Surfshark

• Download and install the Surfshark app from the official website.
• Log in with your credentials.

2: Connect to a Surfshark Server

• Open the app and connect to a server of your choice.
• For faster speeds, choose a server close to your location.

3: Download the Tor Browser

• Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser.
• Install it on your system.

4: Launch Tor Browser

• After connecting to Surfshark, open the Tor Browser.
• You are now browsing with both VPN encryption and Tor’s anonymous routing.

Common Issues and Fixes

Using Tor and Surfshark together can sometimes lead to performance or setup issues. Here are solutions for common problems.

Is It Safe to Use Surfshark with Tor?

Yes. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not store information about your online activity. The company is based in the Netherlands, a country with strong privacy laws.

Tor has been targeted by surveillance groups in the past, but using Surfshark adds a strong protective layer. Even if a Tor entry node is compromised, your data remains encrypted by the VPN.

According to Statista, over 31% of internet users worldwide used a VPN in 2023. Many of these users combine VPNs with privacy tools like Tor to stay safe from monitoring and censorship.

Best Practices for Using Surfshark with Tor

Alternatives to Tor Over VPN

If you want more advanced setups, Surfshark offers other features that may work for privacy needs. For example, Surfshark’s MultiHop lets you connect through two VPN servers in different countries for extra privacy. While not the same as Tor, it can be faster for everyday use.

Conclusion

Using Surfshark with Tor is one of the best ways to stay safe and private online. Tor provides strong anonymity, while Surfshark adds encryption and protects you from ISP tracking. Together, they reduce many of the risks of browsing the internet.

With growing concerns about surveillance and data theft, more people are turning to privacy tools. Combining Surfshark and Tor is a practical solution for anyone who wants maximum protection.