Where to Download Tor Browser for Free
The official Tor Project website is the only safe source for downloading Tor Browser. Avoid third-party sites that claim to offer free downloads, as they may contain malware or outdated versions. Visit the Tor Project's main domain and navigate to the download section. The site automatically detects your operating system and offers the appropriate version. You can also access mirrors if the main site is blocked in your region. Always verify you're on the legitimate domain before downloading.
Tor Browser Version Downloads Explained
Tor Browser releases come in stable and alpha versions. Tor Browser 11 and later versions represent the current stable releases with regular security updates. Tor Browser 10 and Tor Browser 9 are older versions no longer receiving updates. Tor Browser alpha download options are available for users who want to test new features before official release. Most users should stick with the latest stable version for security. Version numbers indicate when the browser was released, with higher numbers being more recent and recommended.
How to Download Tor Browser on Windows
Visit the Tor Project download page and select the Windows installer. The file downloads as an executable installer. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard to choose your installation directory. Windows Defender or your antivirus may flag the file as suspicious due to its privacy nature; this is normal. After installation completes, launch Tor Browser from your Start menu or desktop shortcut. The browser will connect to the Tor network automatically on first launch. No additional configuration is needed for basic use.
How to Download Tor Browser on macOS
Download the macOS version from the Tor Project website. The file arrives as a DMG disk image. Double-click the DMG to mount it, then drag the Tor Browser icon into your Applications folder. Open Applications and double-click Tor Browser to launch it. macOS may display a security warning since the app isn't from the App Store; click Open to proceed. The browser will establish a connection to the Tor network on startup. You can create an alias in your Dock for faster access to the application.
Free Download for Android and Linux
Android users can download Tor Browser from the Google Play Store or F-Droid repository. The Play Store version is easier to install and receives automatic updates. Linux users should download the appropriate package for their distribution from the Tor Project. For most Linux systems, the browser comes as a compressed archive that extracts to a folder. Run the start-tor-browser script to launch the application. Both platforms receive the same free access to the Tor network as desktop versions.
Security Considerations When Downloading
Always download Tor Browser over HTTPS to ensure the connection is encrypted. The Tor Project provides GPG signatures for advanced users who want to verify file integrity. Never download from email links or social media posts claiming to offer Tor Browser. Keep your operating system updated before installing Tor Browser for maximum security. After downloading, disconnect from the internet before running the installer if you want extra caution. Store your download in a secure location and delete the installer file after successful installation.
Getting Started After Your Free Download
Once installed, launch Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. A connection window shows the progress. After connecting, your default browser opens to a Tor Project welcome page confirming successful setup. The browser works like any other browser but routes traffic through multiple encrypted relays. Start with simple browsing to test the connection. Avoid maximizing your window to prevent website fingerprinting. Refer to the Tor Browser handbook for advanced configuration options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tor Browser really free to download?
Yes, Tor Browser is completely free and open-source. The Tor Project distributes it at no cost. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or premium versions. Anyone can download and use it on any supported device without paying.
Can I download Tor Browser on my phone?
Yes, Tor Browser is available for Android devices through the Google Play Store and F-Droid. iOS users can use Onion Browser as an alternative. Download directly from official sources to ensure you get the legitimate application without malware.
What's the difference between Tor Browser versions?
Newer versions like Tor Browser 11 include security patches and feature improvements. Older versions like Tor Browser 9 and 10 no longer receive updates. Always download the latest stable version for the best security. Alpha versions are for testing and not recommended for regular use.
Is downloading Tor Browser legal?
Yes, downloading and using Tor Browser is legal in most countries. It's a legitimate privacy tool used by journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users worldwide. Some authoritarian countries may restrict access, but the software itself is legal to possess.
How long does Tor Browser take to download?
Download time depends on your internet speed and the file size, typically 50-100 MB. On a standard connection, expect 1-5 minutes. Installation takes another 1-2 minutes. After installation, initial connection to the Tor network takes 10-30 seconds.
