Tor Anonymity Guide
Browse Anonymously with Tor
Tor helps you browse anonymously by routing browser traffic through a distributed network of relays. The destination website sees a Tor exit node instead of your real public IP address.
IP Exposure Check
What websites can see right now
216.73.217.128
Risk status
Exposed
Your real IP may be visible.
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- Network
- Earthlink
- Proxy
- Not detected
- VPN
- Not detected
- Tor
- Not detected
- Fraud Score
- Not available
Connect to a VPN, proxy, Tor, or another network, then refresh this page to verify the change.
How Tor protects anonymity
Tor Browser uses the Tor network to separate your device from the website you visit. Instead of connecting directly, your traffic moves through relays so the destination sees the exit relay address rather than your normal IP address.
Entry relay
Tor first connects to an entry relay. This relay can see your IP address, but it does not know the final website you visit.
Middle relay
Traffic is passed through one or more middle relays, adding separation between your device and the destination website.
Exit relay
The website sees the Tor exit relay IP address instead of your real public IP address.
Tor benefits and tradeoffs
Benefits
Masks your public IP
Websites see a Tor exit node rather than the IP address assigned by your ISP, workplace, school, or mobile carrier.
Reduces website tracking
Tor Browser is designed to reduce fingerprinting and make users look more alike, which helps limit cross-site tracking.
Free and open-source
Tor Browser is free and maintained by the Tor Project community, with apps for common desktop and mobile platforms.
Useful under censorship
Tor can help users reach information when ordinary network paths are blocked or monitored.
Tradeoffs
Slower browsing
Traffic moves through several relays, so Tor is usually slower than a direct browser connection, VPN, or proxy.
Some sites block Tor
Banks, streaming services, forums, and shopping sites may challenge or block Tor exit nodes.
Not for every app
Tor Browser protects Tor Browser traffic. Other apps may still use your regular network unless separately configured.
Exit-node caution
Use HTTPS whenever possible. A Tor exit relay can see unencrypted traffic leaving the Tor network.
How to use Tor Browser for anonymity
- Download Tor Browser from the Tor Project and install it for your operating system.
- Open Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network before visiting sites where you need anonymity.
- Avoid logging into personal accounts if your goal is to separate activity from your real identity.
- Refresh the IP Exposure Check on this page to confirm websites see a Tor exit IP rather than your normal IP.
Best practices when using Tor
- Keep Tor Browser updated so privacy and security fixes are applied.
- Do not install random browser extensions inside Tor Browser because they can make you easier to fingerprint.
- Use HTTPS sites when possible, especially when submitting passwords or sensitive data.
- Avoid opening downloaded documents while online if anonymity matters.
- Do not assume incognito or private windows are the same as Tor. Private browsing still reveals your public IP address.
Related anonymity resources
FAQs
Does Tor hide my IP address?
Yes. Websites usually see the Tor exit node IP address instead of your real public IP address. Your ISP may still see that you connected to Tor unless you use a bridge or another privacy layer.
Is Tor the same as a VPN?
No. Tor routes browser traffic through volunteer relays for anonymity, while a VPN routes traffic through a provider-operated server and usually protects more apps on the device.
Why is Tor slower than normal browsing?
Tor traffic passes through multiple relays and encryption layers before reaching the destination, which adds latency and can reduce speed.
Can I use Tor on mobile?
Yes. Tor Browser is available for Android, and iOS users often use Onion Browser, an open-source Tor-powered browser.