What Is the Official Tor Website
The Tor Project maintains the official website at www.torproject.org. This is the only place you should download Tor Browser directly. The site hosts documentation, security advisories, and the latest browser releases. The Tor Project is a nonprofit organization that develops and maintains Tor, the anonymity network itself. The official website is distinct from the Tor network's onion services—it exists on the regular internet (clearnet) so new users can find it easily. The site uses HTTPS encryption and displays a valid security certificate. You'll see the Tor Project logo and branding. Avoid any site claiming to be the official Tor website if the URL doesn't match exactly or if it asks you to pay for Tor Browser. Tor Browser is always free.
How to Verify the Official Tor Website
Before downloading anything, confirm you're on the real site. Check the URL in your browser's address bar—it must be www.torproject.org with a valid HTTPS certificate (look for the padlock icon). Click the padlock to view certificate details. The certificate should be issued to The Tor Project, Inc. The site's design is clean and professional, with clear navigation to downloads and documentation. Look for the official Tor Project logo in the header. If you're unsure, type the URL manually into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or search result. Phishing sites often mimic the layout but use slightly different URLs like torproject.com or tor-project.org. The official site has no ads, no pop-ups asking for donations via cryptocurrency, and no links to dark web markets. If something feels off, leave and start over by typing the URL directly.
Downloading Tor Browser from the Official Site
Navigate to www.torproject.org and look for the download button, typically prominent on the homepage. Click it to access the download page. You'll see options for different operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Select the version that matches your device. The site also provides checksums and GPG signatures for users who want to verify the download's integrity. For most users, downloading the installer directly is sufficient. Save the file to a known location on your computer, such as your Downloads folder. The file size is typically 80–100 MB depending on your system. Do not download Tor Browser from any other source, including GitHub mirrors or third-party sites, even if they claim to be faster or more convenient. The official site is the authoritative source.
Installation and First Launch
After downloading, open the installer file. On Windows, run the .exe file and follow the setup wizard. On macOS, open the .dmg file and drag Tor Browser to your Applications folder. On Linux, extract the .tar.xz file and run the start-tor-browser script. The installation process is straightforward and requires no technical knowledge. Once installed, launch Tor Browser. On first run, it will connect to the Tor network automatically. You'll see a window showing connection progress. This may take 30–60 seconds. Once connected, a browser window opens showing the Tor Browser start page. This page confirms your connection is working and displays your exit IP address, which will be different from your real IP. Do not close this window or interrupt the connection process. Let it complete fully before browsing.
Security Considerations and Common Mistakes
Never maximize your Tor Browser window to full screen—this can leak your screen resolution and compromise anonymity. Keep the default window size. Disable plugins and extensions unless absolutely necessary. Tor Browser comes with security settings already optimized; changing them can weaken your protection. Do not use your regular browser to access .onion sites or sensitive content while Tor Browser is running. Use separate browsers for separate purposes. Do not enable JavaScript in Tor Browser settings unless you understand the risks. JavaScript can potentially reveal your real IP address. Do not download files from untrusted sources, as malware can compromise your system regardless of Tor. If you must download, use a virtual machine or dedicated device. Do not torrent over Tor—torrenting leaks your real IP address even when Tor is active. Use Tor only for browsing and messaging.
Combining Tor with VPN for Additional Privacy
Some users run a VPN before connecting to Tor (VPN → Tor). This hides your Tor connection from your internet service provider but adds complexity. Your VPN provider can see that you're using Tor, though they cannot see your traffic. Other users connect to Tor first, then use a VPN inside Tor (Tor → VPN). This approach is less common and can actually reduce anonymity if the VPN logs traffic. The Tor Project recommends using Tor alone for most users. A VPN is useful if your ISP blocks Tor or if you need to hide the fact that you're using Tor from your network administrator. Choose a VPN provider with a no-logging policy and strong encryption. Never use a free VPN service, as these often sell user data. If you combine Tor and VPN, test your setup with a DNS leak test to ensure your real IP is not exposed. Misconfiguration can defeat the purpose of both tools.
Accessing Onion Sites and the Tor Network
Once Tor Browser is running, you can access both regular websites and .onion sites. The Tor network routes your traffic through multiple relays, encrypting it at each step. Your exit node determines your visible IP address. For .onion sites, Tor provides end-to-end encryption and location privacy—even the site operator cannot see your real IP. To find active .onion sites, visit the Verified Market page on this site for a curated list of live links. Do not click random .onion links from untrusted sources, as some may host malware or illegal content. Legitimate .onion sites include news outlets, privacy organizations, and communication platforms. The Tor network is not inherently illegal; it's a tool for privacy. However, some users misuse it for illegal activities. Your responsibility is to use Tor lawfully and understand that law enforcement can and does investigate crimes committed over Tor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tor Browser free to download from the official website?
Yes, Tor Browser is always free. The Tor Project is a nonprofit organization and does not charge for any of its software. If any site asks you to pay for Tor Browser, it is not the official website. Download only from www.torproject.org.
How do I know if I'm on the real Tor website and not a phishing copy?
Check the URL in your address bar—it must be www.torproject.org with a valid HTTPS certificate (padlock icon). Verify the certificate is issued to The Tor Project, Inc. The official site has no ads, no pop-ups, and a clean professional design. If unsure, type the URL manually rather than clicking a link.
Can I download Tor Browser from GitHub or other mirrors?
While some mirrors exist, the official source is always www.torproject.org. Downloading from unofficial sources carries risk of tampering or outdated versions. Always use the official website to ensure you get the latest security updates and verified software.
What should I do immediately after installing Tor Browser?
Launch Tor Browser and let it connect to the Tor network fully—this takes 30–60 seconds. Do not maximize the window to full screen. Check the start page to confirm your connection is working. Then adjust security settings if needed, but keep defaults unless you have specific requirements.
Is using Tor Browser alone enough to stay anonymous online?
Tor Browser provides strong anonymity for browsing, but your behavior matters. Do not maximize the window, enable plugins, or use your real name. Do not download files from untrusted sources. Do not torrent over Tor. Combine Tor with good security practices for best results.
