What does Onion mean on NordVPN?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

Onion over VPN is a unique feature offered by NordVPN that combines the functionality of the Tor network with the security and privacy benefits of a VPN. The term “Onion” refers to the Tor network, which is a decentralized network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.

When you connect to NordVPN’s Onion over VPN servers, your internet traffic is first encrypted and routed through the VPN server. This provides an additional layer of encryption and anonymity. After that, the traffic is then sent through the Tor network, which further obscures your IP address and makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.

Using Onion over VPN eliminates the need for a separate Tor browser, as NordVPN integrates the Tor network into its VPN servers. This simplifies the process of accessing the Onion network, as you can connect to the Tor network directly through NordVPN’s servers.

One of the main advantages of using Onion over VPN is enhanced privacy. By routing your traffic through the Tor network, your online activities become much more difficult to trace back to you. This is particularly useful if you are concerned about government surveillance, ISP tracking, or other forms of online monitoring.

Another benefit of Onion over VPN is that it allows you to access websites and services that are only available on the Tor network. The Tor network hosts many hidden services, such as websites and online marketplaces, that are not accessible through regular browsers. By using NordVPN’s Onion over VPN, you can easily access these hidden services without the need for additional software.

It’s important to note that using Onion over VPN does not make you completely anonymous or invincible online. While it provides an extra layer of protection, it’s still important to practice safe browsing habits and exercise caution when sharing personal information online.

In my personal experience, I have found Onion over VPN to be a valuable tool for enhancing my online privacy and accessing Tor network resources. It provides an added layer of security and anonymity, allowing me to browse the internet more confidently. However, it’s important to remember that no tool can guarantee absolute privacy, and it’s crucial to use multiple layers of security and adopt a cautious approach to online activities.

To summarize, Onion over VPN is a feature offered by NordVPN that combines the functionality of the Tor network with the security and privacy benefits of a VPN. It simplifies the process of accessing the Tor network by integrating it into NordVPN’s servers. It offers enhanced privacy, access to Tor network resources, and an additional layer of encryption and anonymity. However, it’s essential to remember that no tool can provide absolute privacy, and it’s wise to exercise caution and adopt safe browsing practices.