Nostr Web Client

How legit is Tor browser for Android?

It is legit. I use and recommend the official Tor browser and Orbot on Android. Just make sure you're getting them from official sources. This can be used in addition to your always on VPN so your ISP/Cell provider does not see that you are using Tor.

It's usually better for most people to leave their always on VPN connected so they don't accidentally reveal their IP when disconnecting/reconnecting.

If you need more anonymity, even from your VPN provider, use Tor only on desktop. I recommend a 2nd machine for this, brand new, that has never been associated with your identity in any way, including never logging in from your home network.

https://github.com/guardianproject/orbot

https://www.torproject.org/download/#android/

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Discussion

boston wine 1y ago

You da best, thanks Ava ✌️

I’ve got an always-on VPN on all devices for basic privacy.

Minimal threat model for me as a general rule, but something like Bitcoin savings should be run via Tor IMO.

On iOS, Orbot takes up a VPN slot so you can only use Orbot or your VPN, but Orbot + DuckDuckGo on iOS can access onion links which is kind of cool.

I’ve heard Orbot can be run simultaneously with a VPN on android, is that correct?

Then on Android, there’s Orbot and i had also found the android Tor Browser app, from the tor project’s website (or perhaps it was GitHub).

Doesn’t seem like you need to enable Orbot on Android to use the browser though, unless I’m missing something? Seems like WiFi + Mullvad (or whatever good VPN) + Tor Browser is solid for something like viewing your mempool addresses or channel confirmations on Android.

Ava 1y ago

Yes, you do not need to take up a VPN slot on Android to run Orbot. Orbot is not necessary to use Tor browser, but it's great for using other apps through SOCKS proxy like SimpleX etc.

boston wine 1y ago

Cool, that makes perfect sense. Thanks again!