You get the official Tor Browser at no cost from the Tor Project, a 501(c)(3) US nonprofit[1]. The current stable desktop release is 16.0, with builds for Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux[2]. Android requires version 8.0 or newer[3]; iOS has no official Tor Browser, so the Tor Project recommends Onion Browser instead[3]. First step: download only from the official Tor Project website, where HTTPS makes tampering much harder[4].
Tor Browser download methods comparison
| Download method | Cost | Platforms & requirements | Verification available | Key limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Tor Project website (https://download.torproject.org/) | Free [1] | Windows (i686, x86_64), macOS (Universal), GNU/Linux (x86_64, aarch64) [2]; Android 8.0+ (Aarch64, Arm, x86_64) [3] | Yes – .asc signature file with GPG verification [5] | May be blocked on some networks [4]; no native iOS version [3] |
| Official mirrors (EFF, La Cebolla) | Free [1] | Same as official site [2][3] | Yes – same signature verification [5] | Recommended only when main site is blocked [4] |
| GetTor service (email-based) | Free [1] | Links to Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub hosting [4]; same platform support [2][3] | Yes – same signature verification [5] | Requires email; indirect download path [4] |
| Google Play Store (Android only) | Free [1] | Android 8.0 or newer [3]; package ID: org.torproject.torbrowser [6] | Automatic via Play Store | Android only [3]; requires Google account |
| F-Droid (Android only) | Free [1] | Android 8.0 or newer [3] | Automatic via F-Droid | Android only [3]; architecture auto-detection recommended over manual APK [3] |
| Onion Browser (iOS alternative) | Free [7][1] | iOS 15.0 or later [7]; developed by Mike Tigas [7] | Via App Store | Not official Tor Browser [3]; uses WebKit (weaker privacy protections than desktop) [3]; recommended alongside Orbot app [8] |
How to Get Tor Browser
Download from the official source
Go to https://download.torproject.org/ and download the package for your operating system[4]. If that site is blocked on your network, use the official mirrors EFF or La Cebolla, or the GetTor service, which sends links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub[4].
Verify the signature
Every release comes with a '.asc' OpenPGP signature file[5]. Import the signing key with 'gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys torbrowser@torproject.org'[5]. A successful check returns 'gpgv: Good signature from "Tor Browser Developers (signing key) torbrowser@torproject.org"'[5].
Install on Android
Tor Browser for Android is available on Google Play, F-Droid, the Tor Project website, and GetTor[3]. If you are unsure of your device's architecture, install only from Google Play or F-Droid rather than downloading an APK manually[3]. The official Google Play package uses the application ID org.torproject.torbrowser[6].
Check the result
Open Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. You can confirm the connection by visiting check.torproject.org. If the signature verification failed at step 3, delete the package and download it again from the official source.
Risks, limitations and what you're not guaranteed
Tor Browser does not make you invisible or protect you from every threat. The software itself is free and open-source, developed by a 501(c)(3) US nonprofit[1], but no tool can guarantee complete anonymity or legal immunity.
What Tor Browser does not protect against:
Malicious exit nodes can see unencrypted traffic leaving the Tor network.
Websites can still track you if you log in to accounts, enable JavaScript on untrusted sites, or install browser extensions.
Your internet service provider knows you are using Tor, even if it cannot see what you do inside the network.
Law enforcement and sophisticated adversaries may correlate timing and traffic patterns to identify users.
Platform limitations:
On iOS, there is no official Tor Browser[3]. The Tor Project recommends Onion Browser, which requires iOS 15.0 or later[7], but Apple forces all iOS browsers to use WebKit[3]. This means Onion Browser cannot offer the same privacy protections as Tor Browser on desktop[3]. The Tor Project also recommends using the Orbot iOS app alongside Onion Browser[8].
Network and download risks:
The official Tor Project website may be blocked on some networks[4]. If you cannot reach https://download.torproject.org/, use the official mirrors (EFF or La Cebolla) or the GetTor service, which sends links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub[4]. Every release includes a '.asc' signature file[5]; verify it before installation to confirm the package is genuine[5].
Common questions
Where can I download a TOR browser?
The safest source is the official Tor Project website at https://download.torproject.org/, where HTTPS makes tampering much harder[4]. If that site is blocked on your network, use the official mirrors EFF or La Cebolla, or the GetTor service, which sends links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub[4]. For Android, you can also use Google Play or F-Droid[3]. Avoid third-party download sites that are not listed by the Tor Project.
Is Tor Browser free to download?
Yes, Tor Browser is completely free. The Tor Project is a 501(c)(3) US nonprofit that develops free and open-source software for privacy and freedom online[1]. You should never pay for a Tor Browser download; any site asking for payment is not an official source.
How do I know if my Tor Browser download is safe?
Verify the '.asc' OpenPGP signature file that accompanies every release[5]. Import the signing key with 'gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys torbrowser@torproject.org'[5]. A successful check returns 'gpgv: Good signature from "Tor Browser Developers (signing key) torbrowser@torproject.org"'[5]. If verification fails, delete the package and download it again from the official source.
Can I download Tor Browser on iPhone?
No, there is no official Tor Browser for iOS[3]. The Tor Project recommends the open-source Onion Browser app instead, which uses Tor routing and requires iOS 15.0 or later[3][7]. Apple forces iOS browsers to use WebKit, so Onion Browser cannot offer the same privacy protections as Tor Browser on desktop[3]. The Tor Project also recommends the Orbot iOS app alongside Onion Browser[8].
Explore More on Privacy and Security
Discover additional resources to enhance your online safety.
Visit Our ResourcesWorks cited
- 1
- Tor Project | Anonymity Online
- 2
- Tor Browser for Desktop — Tor
- 3
- Installing - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 4
- Downloading - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 5
- Verify Tor Browser's signature - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 6
- Tor Browser - Apps on Google Play
- 7
- Onion Browser App - App Store
- 8
- Can I run Tor Browser on an iOS device? | Tor Project | Support
Where to look next
We collect these links for readers who want to compare options. Verified links.
How to Access the Dark Web: A Step-by-Step GuideLearn how to access the dark web safely with our step-by-step guide, covering essential tools and precautions for a secure experience.
Accessing the Dark Web: A Complete GuideLearn how to safely access the dark web using Tor, ensuring your privacy and security while navigating hidden online spaces.
Tor Browser: Your Gateway to the Dark WebDiscover Tor Browser, a tool for accessing the dark web securely while protecting your privacy and anonymity online.