Tor Browser

Private browsing on Android

Tor Browser is a mobile web browser from The Tor Project that routes browsing through the Tor network. It is designed for people who want more privacy from trackers, network observers and websites, as well as users who need a way to reach information that may be restricted on their usual connection.

What it changes

Instead of connecting to sites directly, Tor Browser sends traffic through several volunteer-operated relays. This makes it harder for a single observer to link your connection with the pages you visit. The browser also limits common tracking techniques, isolates site activity and reduces the amount of identifying information websites can gather from the device.

That protection comes with a practical trade-off. Pages can take longer to load than they do in a conventional browser, especially when the route through the Tor network is busy. Tor Browser is therefore a better fit for privacy-sensitive reading and communication than for users who want the fastest possible browsing experience.

Who should use it

• People who want to reduce web tracking and cross-site profiling.
• Journalists, researchers and activists working with sensitive information.
• Users on networks where particular websites or services are blocked.
• Anyone who prefers privacy controls over speed and convenience.

Popularity and standing

Tor Browser has a 4.53-star rating from more than 273,000 reviews and has recorded 10,000,000+ installs. Those figures point to a large Android audience for a browser built around privacy rather than mainstream browsing speed. It belongs in the Communication category, although its main role is secure, less trackable access to the web.