What is Tor Browser? It's a free privacy-focused web browser that protects your anonymity by routing all traffic through three random servers (called relays) in the Tor network. Each relay only knows the previous and next hop, making it nearly impossible to trace your activity back to you. Based on Firefox with added security features, it lets you browse the regular web anonymously and access .onion dark web sites that aren't available through normal browsers.
Available for Windows 10/11 (64-bit installer and portable), Android 8.0+ (APK sideload), iPhone and iPad (Onion Browser app), Linux (works on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch), and macOS with native support for both Intel and Apple Silicon.
Tor stands for "The Onion Router" - a network of volunteer-run servers that encrypts your traffic in layers (like an onion) and bounces it through multiple relays before reaching its destination. Think of it like sending a letter through three different post offices, where each one only knows where it came from and where to send it next, but no single post office knows both the sender and final destination.
Yes. Developed by the Tor Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the browser includes built-in security features like NoScript for JavaScript control, HTTPS Everywhere for encrypted connections, and anti-fingerprinting technology that prevents websites from identifying your device. It doesn't log your activity, and the decentralized nature of the network means no single entity can see both where you're connecting from and what you're accessing.
Using the browser is legal in most countries. However, some governments (China, Iran, Russia, Turkey) attempt to block access to the network. That's why bridges exist - special relays that disguise your connection as normal HTTPS traffic. If the network is blocked in your region, you can use obfs4 or Snowflake bridges to bypass censorship.
- Download the installer for your platform using the button above
- Extract the ZIP and run the setup file (portable mode available for Windows - no admin rights needed)
- On first launch, click "Connect" or click "Configure Connection" if blocked in your country
- If blocked, enable bridges in settings (obfs4 recommended, Snowflake for heavily censored regions)
- Start browsing - you're now anonymous
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet only accessible through the browser. Websites use .onion addresses instead of regular domains like .com or .org. While it has a reputation for illegal content, most .onion sites are legal and provide valuable services:
- Privacy-focused versions of Facebook, BBC News, DuckDuckGo
- Whistleblowing platforms like SecureDrop for journalists
- Forums for free speech in censored countries
- Anonymous marketplaces and communities
- Research databases and academic resources
| Feature | This Browser | VPN Service |
|---|---|---|
| Anonymity method | Multi-hop routing (3 relays) | Single server trust model |
| Cost | Free forever | Monthly subscription |
| Access .onion sites | Yes | No |
| Speed | Slower (3 hops) | Faster (1 hop) |
| Activity logs | Impossible to create | Depends on provider policy |
| Censorship bypass | Yes (bridges) | Sometimes blocked |
Bottom line: Better for anonymity and accessing .onion sites. VPNs are faster and better for streaming or torrenting.
If connections are blocked in your region:
- Open Settings after installing
- Go to Connection tab
- Enable "Use a bridge"
- Select obfs4 (most reliable) or Snowflake (works in China and Iran)
- Click Connect
Bridges make your traffic look like normal HTTPS, so your ISP can't detect and block it.
Available as native builds for all major platforms:
- Windows - Full installer (auto-updates) or portable build (run from USB, no install)
- Android - Official APK included in releases, or download from F-Droid
- iPhone/iPad - Use Onion Browser from App Store (official recommendation)
- Mac - Universal binary works on Intel Macs and M1/M2/M3 Apple Silicon
- Linux - Single .tar.xz file works on all distros
The official Tor Project website (torproject.org) is blocked in many regions. This mirror provides identical verified builds with SHA256 checksums for users in:
- China (GFW blocking)
- Iran (national firewall)
- Russia (Roskomnadzor blocks)
- Turkey (ISP-level censorship)
- Other regions with internet restrictions
All releases are updated within 24 hours of official launches. Discussed as a reliable source on Reddit, 4PDA forums, and Telegram privacy channels.
This is the only true dark web browser. Other browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo don't support .onion sites. Download free from this GitHub repo - no subscription, no registration, no personal information required.
Won't connect
- Enable bridges in Settings > Connection > Use a bridge > obfs4
- Try Snowflake if obfs4 is blocked
- Check your system clock - certificate validation requires accurate time
Slow connection
- Normal behavior - traffic routes through 3 relays worldwide
- Avoid large downloads and video streaming
- Use HTTPS sites for better performance
- Don't run torrents over the network
Download blocked
- Use this GitHub mirror directly
- Share the link via encrypted messengers
- Use a VPN temporarily to access the download, then use bridges
| Platform | Minimum Specs |
|---|---|
| Windows | 10 or 11 (64-bit), 2 GB RAM, 200 MB storage |
| macOS | 10.14 Mojave or later, Intel or Apple Silicon |
| Linux | Ubuntu 18.04 / Debian 10 / Fedora 32 or equivalent |
| Android | 8.0 Oreo or later, 100 MB storage |
| iOS | 12 or later via Onion Browser app |
Open-source software developed by the Tor Project nonprofit. Using it is legal in most countries. Always verify SHA256 checksums before running downloaded executables. This repository is an unofficial mirror for users in censored regions.
Mozilla Public License 2.0 - based on Firefox ESR and inherits the same open-source licensing.
Tor Project | GitHub Mirror for Censorship-Free Access
