Tor Browser is free, open-source software you download from the official Tor Project website at https://download.torproject.org/[1]. It runs on Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.15 or later, Linux, and Android 8.0 or newer[2][3][2]. Start by opening that HTTPS-secured page and choosing your operating system.
Download Methods Compared
| Method | Cost | Requirements | Verification | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Tor Project website (https://download.torproject.org/) | Free | HTTPS-capable browser; Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, or GNU/Linux (x86_64/aarch64) for desktop; Android 8.0+ for mobile | OpenPGP signature file (.asc) provided for every download; verify with key fingerprint 0xEF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290 | May be blocked on some networks |
| Official mirrors (EFF, La Cebolla) | Free | Same as official site | Same signature verification as official site | Recommended only when official site is blocked; mirror availability depends on network |
| GetTor service | Free | Email or messaging app; same system requirements as official download | Links point to files hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, or GitHub; same signature verification applies | Requires sending a message to GetTor; response time varies; hosted locations may also be blocked |
| Google Play (Android only) | Free | Android 8.0+; Google Play account; Aarch64, Arm, or x86_64 architecture | Package ID: org.torproject.torbrowser; verify publisher is 'The Tor Project' | Only for Android; dozens of unofficial apps with similar names exist in store |
| F-Droid (Android only) | Free | Android 8.0+; F-Droid app installed; Aarch64, Arm, or x86_64 architecture | F-Droid repository signature; verify package name matches official | Only for Android; requires installing F-Droid first if not already present |
How to get Tor Browser
Download from the official site
Open https://download.torproject.org/ in your regular browser. The connection uses HTTPS, which makes tampering with the download much harder[1]. Choose the build for your operating system: Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.15 or later, or GNU/Linux x86_64 or aarch64[2][3]. The current stable release is Tor Browser 16.0[3].
Use a mirror or GetTor if the site is blocked
If your network blocks the official site, use the mirrors run by EFF or La Cebolla, or message the GetTor service[1]. GetTor replies automatically with links to the latest Tor Browser hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, or GitHub[1]. This gives you the same official files through a different route.
Download the signature file
Every package on the download page has a matching OpenPGP signature file with the extension '.asc'[4]. Download it alongside the installer. You will use this file to confirm that the package was not altered after the Tor Project signed it.
Verify the signature
Fetch the Tor Browser Developers signing key with: gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys [email protected][4]. Its fingerprint is 0xEF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290[4]. A successful check returns the line: Good signature from 'Tor Browser Developers (signing key) [email protected]'[4]. If you do not see that line, delete the file and download it again.
Install on desktop
On Windows, double-click the .exe file and follow the installation wizard[2]. On macOS, double-click the .dmg file and complete the wizard[2]. On Linux, extract the .tar.xz archive and run the start script inside[3]. Installation usually takes under a minute after the download finishes.
Install on Android
Tor Browser for Android requires Android 8.0 or newer and supports Aarch64, Arm, and x86_64[2]. Install it from Google Play, F-Droid, the Tor Project website, or GetTor[2]. The official Google Play package ID is org.torproject.torbrowser[5]. Avoid other Tor-named apps in app stores: many are for-profit copies that may bundle malware[6].
Open and confirm it works
Launch Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. On Android, your traffic is relayed and encrypted three times through volunteer-run Tor relays[5]. When the start page loads and shows you are connected, the installation is complete. If the connection fails, close the browser, reopen it, and try the built-in connection help.
Risks, Limitations and Guarantees
Tor Browser is free software with no hidden fees, but downloading it safely requires you to verify the file yourself. The Tor Project provides an OpenPGP signature file with every download[4], and you must check that signature against the official signing key with fingerprint 0xEF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290[4]. A successful check shows 'Good signature from "Tor Browser Developers (signing key) [email protected]"'[4]. If you skip this step, you cannot be certain the file was not tampered with between the Tor Project servers and your device.
The official website at https://download.torproject.org/ uses HTTPS to make tampering harder[1], yet some networks block that address entirely. When that happens, the Tor Project directs you to mirrors run by EFF or La Cebolla, or to the GetTor service[1]. These alternatives deliver the same signed files, but you still need to verify the signature yourself—no mirror or hosting service guarantees authenticity for you.
On Android, dozens of apps with 'Tor' in the name appear in app stores, and most are for-profit copies that may bundle malware[6]. The only official mobile browser is Tor Browser for Android, with the Google Play package ID org.torproject.torbrowser[5]. Check the publisher name and package ID before you install.
Desktop builds require Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.15 or later, or GNU/Linux x86_64 or aarch64[2][3]. Android builds require version 8.0 or newer[2]. Older systems cannot run the current release. Uninstalling Tor Browser removes the application but does not erase browsing history stored in your profile folder—delete that folder manually if you need to remove all traces.
Common questions
Why can't I download Tor Browser?
The most common reason is that your network blocks the official site at https://download.torproject.org/. In that case, use the mirrors run by EFF or La Cebolla, or message the GetTor service, which replies with links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, or GitHub[1]. Another possibility is that your operating system is too old: desktop builds require Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.15 or later, or GNU/Linux x86_64 or aarch64, and Android requires version 8.0 or newer[2][3][2]. If the download starts but fails partway, try a different mirror or wait and retry the official page.
How do I verify a Tor Browser download?
Download the matching OpenPGP signature file with the extension '.asc' alongside the installer[4]. Fetch the signing key with the command: gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys [email protected], then check that its fingerprint is 0xEF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290[4]. Run the verification against the .asc file; a successful result returns the line: Good signature from 'Tor Browser Developers (signing key) [email protected]'[4]. If you do not see that exact line, delete the package and download it again from a different source.
Is Tor Browser on Google Play official?
Yes, but only one listing is official: the package ID is org.torproject.torbrowser and the publisher is 'The Tor Project'[5]. The EFF warns that searching for Tor in app stores returns dozens of mostly for-profit apps that may not be endorsed by the Tor Project and may come bundled with malware[6]. Check the package ID and publisher name before installing, and avoid any app with a similar name but a different developer.
How do I download Tor for Mac?
Open https://download.torproject.org/ and choose the macOS build, which requires macOS 10.15 or later[2]. The file is distributed as a .dmg; download it along with the matching .asc signature file, then verify the signature using the Tor Browser Developers key[4]. Double-click the .dmg and complete the installation wizard[2]. The current stable release is Tor Browser 16.0, with a Universal build for macOS[3].
How do I download Tor for Linux?
Go to https://download.torproject.org/ and select the GNU/Linux build for your architecture: x86_64 or aarch64[3]. The file is distributed as a .tar.xz archive; download it together with the .asc signature file and verify the signature before extracting[4]. Extract the archive and run the start script inside to launch Tor Browser[3]. The current stable release is Tor Browser 16.0[3].
What is the difference between Tor Browser and the Tor daemon?
Tor Browser is the ready-to-use application that bundles the Tor daemon with a modified Firefox browser, connection tools, and privacy settings, so you can browse without separate configuration. The Tor daemon is the underlying process that relays and encrypts your traffic three times through volunteer-run Tor relays[5]. Most users only need Tor Browser; the daemon alone is for developers or people running relays and services. The official download page provides Tor Browser as the desktop and Android package, not a standalone daemon installer[3].
Do I need a VPN with Tor Browser?
No, Tor Browser does not require a VPN to function, and the Tor Project does not recommend combining them for most users. Your traffic is already relayed and encrypted three times through the Tor network[5]. Adding a VPN can change your routing in ways that reduce anonymity or introduce a provider that can see your traffic. If your network blocks the official Tor site, use the EFF or La Cebolla mirrors or GetTor instead of a VPN to obtain the installer[1].
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