Tor browser has become quite popular among internet users; it allows users to browse anonymously at a time when lots of privacy issues seem to be bugging people on the internet. In addition to the privacy factor, there are other advantages too which attract users to the Tor browser. It lets them venture into the unindexed part of the web and also helps them create deep websites and marketplaces like Dream Market on the Deep web.
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Advantages of Tor Web Browser
Despite the flaws and many drawbacks, Tor is still considered to be the safest web browser, especially among those who are concerned about protecting their privacy and anonymity. There are several advantages of Tor Browser which include: –
- Tor is completely free to download and use. The browser is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Unix-like systems and Android.
- Tor supports open and free use of the internet, which is one of its founding principles.
- Tor allows access to websites that are otherwise geographically restricted. Several websites face geo-restriction which prevents servers operate outside a restricted area. For example, Netflix users in the United States could be blocked from accessing the content in the United Kingdom. Tor can be helpful here as it bypasses those restrictions.
- Tor is a distributed network. A distributed network is spread out to provide a single data communication grid. The distributed network is managed jointly or separately by each network node to spread the storing and processing workload, again making Tor user tracking difficult.
- Because it is on a distributed network, Tor’s operation is not dependent on a single node. If one server goes down, the system relays it to the next available node.
- The network is run by volunteers and community-minded people who help support the Tor ecosystem.
Enchanted with the advantages of the Tor browser, users are now seeking out alternatives to it as well. If you are someone who is looking out for an alternative then have a look. Here’s a look at the top 5 best alternatives for the Tor browser:
Top 5 Web Browsers like Tor in 2024
1. Freenet
A great peer-to-peer network that’s available for free, the Freenet allows for censorship-resistant communication. Freenet uses a decentralized distributed data store to keep and deliver information and works by separating the network structure from the rules guiding the user interface.
Since Freenet 0.7, which was released in May 2008, the network offers a two-tier kind of security- two different levels of security. The first one, Opennet lets users connect to arbitrary other users while with the other one, namely Darknet, users can connect only to “friends” with whom they have previously exchanged public keys. Both modes can be used together.
2. Freepto
A Linux-based OS, Freepto can be booted into computers through USB and is pre-loaded with many useful apps like the web browser, image editor, mail client etc. The installation process is easy and it’s easy to make changes to Freepto or add one’s software to it. Since Freepto is based on Debian Live build, it’s easy to make new tools as well.
3. Tails
Tails is a great option for someone looking for a live OS. It can be loaded onto a device through a USB drive, DVD or SD card. Tails, which makes use of Tor’s anonymity services (with a few more security levels added), comes with some pre-configured apps like an office suite, web browser, IM client, image editor, sound editor etc.
4. I2P
I2P (Invisible Internet Project), which is one of the best anonymous peer-to-peer networks available today, allows for censorship-resistant communication. The anonymity of the communication is achieved with end-to-end encryption of user’s traffic and then sending the same through a volunteer-run network of about 55 thousand computers that are distributed around the world. The I2P software that implements the encrypted communication layer is called an ‘I2P router’ and any system where it’s running is called the ‘I2P node’. A free, open-source OS, I2P is faster than the Tor browser and selects peers based on continuous ranking and profiling.
5. Subgraph OS
Subgraph OS, which works almost like Tails and even uses the Tor Network for anonymity, has one difference in that it focuses more on usability. With its built-in encryption, firewall and email client, Subgraph OS gives you maximum protection online. You could either choose to have it as a permanent OS on your computer or else opt to boot it from a DVD or USB.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the best alternatives to TOR that help you to browse the internet as an entirely anonymous entity. Also, You can avoid sites that attempt to track your online activities. Lastly, You will be protected from various malware when you are online.
FAQs – Tor Browser Alternatives
Is Tor Browser Safe to Use?
Tor is safe for average internet users. It has some advantages and useful applications as well as drawbacks and vulnerabilities. Tor is in some ways less secure than VPN, but using Tor with VPN can provide anonymity and privacy on the internet.
Is installing Tor illegal?
You shouldn’t be worried about using Tor as your web browser. Installing it and using it to access the Internet is not illegal. It can be downloaded for free. But, you shouldn’t use it for something illegal like accessing content from “dark web” or “deep web”.
Is Tor legal in India?
Using the Tor Web Browser is legal in India. The basic purpose of this web browser is to bring anonymity and it is not illegal in other countries as well. However, if you are browsing illegal content like Drugs and Child pornography or if you browse the dark web then you may be in trouble.
