Alternatives to Tor Browser
Firefox-based browser routing through the Tor network
Tor Browser ranks #13 of 14 in Browsers, with an Alt Score of 36. It is licensed under MPL-2.0, free and available on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. 6 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
People who want to browse the web anonymously and evade surveillance or censorship, including journalists, activists, and users in countries that block internet access.
A Firefox-based browser preconfigured to route all traffic through the Tor network, encrypting it in three layers across volunteer-run relays so no single point can see both who you are and what you're visiting. It isolates each site to block third-party trackers, standardizes browser fingerprints to make users harder to distinguish from one another, and can reach sites blocked on the local network. Cookies and history are cleared automatically at the end of each session.
Download and launch Tor Browser like a normal browser; it connects through a circuit of at least three relays (guard, middle, exit) before reaching the destination site. Traffic can be routed through configurable bridges or pluggable transports to get around network-level blocking of Tor itself.
Why people leave Tor Browser
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How Tor Browser compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Browsers checklist | Tor Browser | Vivaldi | Brave | Waterfox | Orion | Firefox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) | ||||||
| Built-in ad blocker | ||||||
| Built-in VPN or proxy | ||||||
| Vertical tabs | ||||||
| Tab groups & workspaces | ||||||
| Extension ecosystem compatibility | ||||||
| Sync (E2E encrypted) | ||||||
| Battery / memory saver mode | ||||||
| Privacy: fingerprinting protection | ||||||
| Telemetry opt-out | ||||||
| Profile containers | ||||||
| Reader mode |
Every fact and feature listed for Tor Browser is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-11
Tor Browser is an open source software and it is free.
https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/general/cost-to-use-tor/ -
License MPL-2.0 verified 2026-07-11
most of the source code is available under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL).
https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/applications/tor-browser/-/raw/tor-browser-153.0a1-16.0-2/toolkit/content/license.html -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android verified 2026-07-11
Download for Windows / Download for macOS / Download for Linux / Download for Android
https://www.torproject.org/download/ -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
Tor Browser 15.0.17 is now available from the Tor Browser download page and also from our distribution directory.
https://blog.torproject.org/new-release-tor-browser-15017/ -
Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) Yes verified 2026-07-11
Tor Browser is built from a modified version of Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release).
https://support.torproject.org/glossary/ -
Built-in VPN or proxy Yes verified 2026-07-11
Tor Browser uses the Tor network to protect your privacy and anonymity... The operators of the websites and services that you use, and anyone watching them, will see a connection coming from the Tor n
https://support.torproject.org/glossary/ -
Extension ecosystem compatibility Partial verified 2026-07-11
Installing any other browser add-ons may break functionality in Tor Browser or cause more serious problems that affect your privacy and security. It is strongly discouraged to install additional add-o
https://support.torproject.org/plugins/ -
Sync (E2E encrypted) No verified 2026-07-11
Manage your bookmarks in Tor Browser by exporting, importing, backing up, or restoring them on Desktop; Android does not yet support these features.
https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/general/export-and-import-bookmarks/ -
Privacy: fingerprinting protection Yes verified 2026-07-11
Tor Browser starts with a content window rounded to a multiple of 200px x 100px
https://support.torproject.org/anti-fingerprinting/ -
Telemetry opt-out Yes verified 2026-07-11
No tracking, telemetry, or analytics
https://www.torproject.org/about/privacy_policy/
FAQ
Yes. Vivaldi, Brave and Waterfox have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
Brave, Waterfox and Firefox — every license claim links its source.