Does Surfshark Have Onion Over VPN?

To cut straight to the chase, no, Surfshark doesn’t offer a built-in, one-click “Onion over VPN” feature in its app like some other providers do. You won’t find a special server category labeled “Onion over VPN” that automatically routes your traffic through the Tor network. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use Surfshark with Tor. it just means you’ll do it a bit differently. You absolutely can combine Surfshark with the Tor Browser to get that extra layer of privacy, and Surfshark itself even lays out the steps for how to do it.

Now, if you’re wondering what this “Onion over VPN” thing even is, and why it matters, don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down. This setup is all about boosting your online anonymity, especially if you’re looking to browse with a high degree of privacy, perhaps venturing onto the dark web, or if you live in a region with heavy internet censorship. While Surfshark takes a different path, they still offer a suite of robust features that cater to strong privacy needs, including their excellent MultiHop Double VPN and Camouflage Mode obfuscated servers, which are often preferable for everyday use. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how it all works and what Surfshark brings to the table for your online security.

What Exactly is “Onion Over VPN”?

Imagine you’re sending a super secret letter. Normally, you’d put it in one envelope and send it. With a regular VPN, it’s like putting that letter in a strong, encrypted envelope that hides your address from the post office your ISP and makes it look like it came from somewhere else the VPN server.

Now, “Onion over VPN” is like taking that encrypted envelope and putting it inside several more layers of envelopes, each addressed to a different stop on a long, winding journey. That long, winding journey is the Tor network. “Tor” stands for “The Onion Router,” and it’s a free, open-source project designed for anonymous communication online. Users typically access it through the Tor Browser.

Here’s the basic flow of how Onion over VPN works:

1. You -> VPN Server: First, your internet traffic goes through your VPN. This means your Internet Service Provider ISP only sees that you’re connecting to a VPN server, not that you’re about to use Tor. It also encrypts your data right from the start.
2. VPN Server -> Tor Entry Node: Once your traffic leaves the VPN server, it then enters the Tor network. Because it first went through your VPN, the Tor entry node the first server in the Tor network sees the IP address of your VPN server, not your actual IP address. This is a big privacy boost!
3. Through the Tor Network: Your data then bounces through at least three different volunteer-operated servers called relays or nodes within the Tor network, with each layer of encryption being peeled off at each relay, like an onion.
4. Tor Exit Node -> Destination: Finally, your data leaves the Tor network through an exit node and goes to its final destination e.g., a website.

This layered approach helps keep your online identity super private, making it incredibly difficult to trace your activity back to you. It’s like wearing a disguise over another disguise, then walking through a maze.

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Is Onion Over VPN Safe and When Do You Need It?

When people ask if Onion over VPN is safe, the general consensus is yes, it’s usually safer than just using the Tor Browser by itself. Why? Because Tor’s network is made up of volunteer-run servers, and occasionally, malicious actors might set up compromised entry or exit nodes to try and snoop on traffic. By connecting through a VPN first, you hide your real IP address from that initial Tor entry node. Even if a bad actor is running an entry node, they won’t see your true IP, just the VPN’s. Plus, your ISP won’t even know you’re accessing the Tor network, which can be a big deal if you’re in a country where Tor usage is frowned upon or monitored.

However, while it offers enhanced security and privacy, Onion over VPN does come with a notable trade-off: speed. Routing your traffic through a VPN and then through multiple Tor relays significantly slows down your internet connection. So, it’s generally not ideal for things like streaming high-definition video or playing online games.

So, when would you really need this extra layer?

• Journalists and Activists: If you’re handling highly sensitive information or operating in regions with strict censorship and surveillance, the enhanced anonymity can be crucial.
• Accessing the Dark Web: For those who need to access .onion sites the dark web for legitimate reasons, Onion over VPN adds a vital layer of protection against potential threats.
• Bypassing Extreme Censorship: In countries where VPNs and Tor are aggressively blocked, the combined approach can sometimes provide a way around these restrictions, though success isn’t always guaranteed.
• Extreme Privacy Concerns: If you simply want the absolute maximum level of anonymity for your online browsing and are willing to sacrifice speed, this setup delivers.

For most everyday internet users, a reliable VPN alone offers plenty of privacy benefits without the significant speed reduction that comes with Tor.

Surfshark or vpn

How to Use Surfshark with Tor Browser VPN -> Tor

Even though Surfshark doesn’t have a dedicated “Onion over VPN” button, you can still easily achieve the same privacy benefits by using their VPN alongside the Tor Browser. This is often referred to as “Tor over VPN” or “Onion over VPN” in the broader sense.

Here’s how you do it, step-by-step:

1. Get Surfshark: If you don’t already have it, sign up for a Surfshark subscription. Make sure you download and install the Surfshark app on your device.
2. Connect to Surfshark: Open the Surfshark app and connect to a VPN server of your choice. It’s usually a good idea to pick a server close to your physical location for better speeds, or one in a country that aligns with your privacy needs.
3. Download Tor Browser: Head over to the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Install it on your device.
4. Launch Tor Browser: Once Surfshark is connected and running, open the Tor Browser. The Tor Browser will automatically route your internet traffic through the Tor network, but since your VPN is already active, Tor will see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real one.

And that’s it! You’re now using Surfshark with Tor, meaning your connection is first encrypted and routed through Surfshark’s servers, and then further anonymized through the Tor network. Just be aware that, as mentioned, your internet speed will likely be noticeably slower due to the multiple layers of encryption and routing.

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Surfshark’s Other Advanced Privacy Features

While Surfshark doesn’t have a proprietary “Onion over VPN” feature, it packs a punch with other advanced privacy tools that often provide excellent security for most users, sometimes even surpassing the practical benefits of a Tor over VPN setup for everyday browsing.

MultiHop Double VPN

Surfshark’s answer to enhanced routing is their MultiHop feature, which is essentially a Double VPN. Instead of sending your traffic through one VPN server, MultiHop routes your data through two different VPN servers in separate countries.

Think of it like this: your data is encrypted once, sent to the first VPN server, then encrypted again and sent to a second VPN server, before finally heading to its destination. This creates multiple layers of encryption, all within Surfshark’s own trusted network of servers.

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• Double Encryption: Your data gets encrypted twice, making it even harder for anyone to decrypt.
• Enhanced Anonymity: Your real IP address is hidden behind two VPN servers, not just one.
• Trusted Network: Unlike Tor’s volunteer-run nodes, Surfshark’s MultiHop uses their own carefully managed servers, reducing the risk of compromised nodes.

Surfshark often suggests that MultiHop can be preferable to Onion over VPN for many users because it offers strong security with potentially better speeds and reliability, since it’s all handled by their controlled infrastructure.

Camouflage Mode Obfuscated Servers

This feature is a must if you’re in a place with strict internet censorship, like certain countries or even restrictive workplace/school networks. Surfshark calls this Camouflage Mode, and it utilizes obfuscated servers.

What obfuscation does is clever: it makes your VPN traffic look like regular, unencrypted internet traffic. Normally, even if your VPN traffic is encrypted, certain patterns can be detected by sophisticated firewalls or Deep Packet Inspection DPI technology, allowing them to block your VPN connection. Camouflage Mode scrambles those patterns, essentially disguising your VPN usage so that your ISP or government can’t tell you’re even using a VPN.

How it works with Surfshark:
When you use the OpenVPN protocol with Surfshark, Camouflage Mode is automatically applied. You don’t usually need to toggle a separate setting. the VPN intelligently handles it. This means you can bypass those VPN blocks and browse freely without raising red flags.

Kill Switch

A Kill Switch is a crucial safety net for any VPN user, and Surfshark has one built into its apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. What it does is simple but incredibly important: if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops for any reason maybe your Wi-Fi briefly cuts out, or the VPN server experiences an issue, the Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet connection. How to Change Location on Surfshark VPN

Why is this essential?
Without a Kill Switch, if your VPN connection drops, your device might default back to your regular, unprotected internet connection. This could accidentally expose your real IP address and online activity, defeating the entire purpose of using a VPN. Surfshark’s Kill Switch acts as a guardian, ensuring no data leaks occur, and it automatically reconnects you once a secure VPN connection is re-established. Some versions, like on Windows, even offer “strict” and “soft” settings for more control.

OpenVPN Support

Surfshark supports the OpenVPN protocol, which is widely regarded for its strong security and reliability. This is important for a few reasons:

• Security: OpenVPN is open-source, meaning its code is constantly scrutinized by security experts, making it very trustworthy.
• Compatibility: It’s compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, allowing for manual configuration on routers or other systems where a dedicated app might not be available.
• Camouflage Mode: As mentioned, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode obfuscation works when you’re using the OpenVPN protocol, providing that extra layer of stealth.

Surfshark also offers other modern protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, giving you flexibility depending on your needs for speed, stability, or specific security setups.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN: A Quick Comparison on Onion Over VPN

Since “what is onion over vpn on nordvpn” is a common search, it’s worth a quick mention here. NordVPN is one of the providers that does offer a dedicated “Onion over VPN” feature directly within its app. This means you can simply select an “Onion over VPN” server from their list, and NordVPN handles the routing through Tor for you, without you needing to manually open the Tor Browser.

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While this integrated approach can be more convenient, the underlying principle of VPN -> Tor is the same. Surfshark’s method requires you to separately install and use the Tor Browser, which might feel like an extra step, but achieves the same end result of enhanced privacy by combining both technologies. For many, Surfshark’s MultiHop feature provides a similar level of enhanced security double encryption without the extreme speed sacrifice often associated with the Tor network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Onion over VPN?

Onion over VPN, often called Tor over VPN, is a method of connecting to a VPN server first and then using the Tor Browser to access the internet. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic with a VPN before it enters the Tor network, preventing your ISP from seeing you’re using Tor and hiding your true IP address from the Tor entry nodes.

Is Surfshark considered a good VPN for privacy?

Yes, Surfshark is generally considered a strong VPN for privacy. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy, uses robust AES-256 encryption, and offers advanced features like MultiHop Double VPN for enhanced security, Camouflage Mode obfuscated servers to hide VPN usage, and a reliable Kill Switch to prevent data leaks. These features collectively make it a solid choice for users prioritizing online privacy.

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Can I use Surfshark with the Tor Browser?

Absolutely! While Surfshark doesn’t have a dedicated “Onion over VPN” server, you can easily use it in conjunction with the Tor Browser. Simply connect to a Surfshark VPN server, then launch the Tor Browser. Your internet traffic will first go through Surfshark’s encrypted tunnel, and then through the Tor network, giving you the benefits of both.

Does Surfshark have obfuscated servers?

Yes, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers, which they refer to as Camouflage Mode. This technology is designed to make your VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic, helping you bypass VPN blocks imposed by restrictive networks, ISPs, or governments. It automatically kicks in when you use the OpenVPN protocol with Surfshark.

Does Surfshark have a Kill Switch?

Yes, Surfshark includes a Kill Switch feature in its apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This critical security feature automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This prevents your real IP address or unencrypted data from being accidentally exposed online.

What is the difference between Onion over VPN and Surfshark’s MultiHop?

Onion over VPN involves connecting to a VPN then routing traffic through the Tor network, which is a global, volunteer-run network. This provides multiple layers of encryption and anonymity but can be very slow. Surfshark’s MultiHop Double VPN routes your traffic through two different VPN servers within Surfshark’s own network, encrypting your data twice. MultiHop generally offers faster speeds and the security of a trusted network, while Onion over VPN provides extreme anonymity by leveraging Tor’s decentralized nature, albeit with significant speed reductions. What is the Use of Surfshark VPN? Your Guide to Online Freedom and Security