VPN vs. Proxy vs. Tor vs. DNS

Aug 22, 202511 min read
VPN vs. Proxy vs. Tor vs. DNS

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your online activity private, bypass restrictions (geo-specific mostly), or just browse the internet more securely, you’ve probably come across people saying use this VPN, set that proxy, use Tor, or set this DNS. These tools promise to help you stay safe or access blocked content, but they work in different ways. I’ve had confusion about this myself, and it can feel overwhelming also trying to figure out which one’s right for you. So, let’s break it down in a clear way, what these tools are, how they differ, their use cases, and which one’s the best for keeping your data private.

What Are These Tools, Anyway?

1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Picture a VPN as a secret and secure tunnel for your internet traffic. It connects your device to a server far away run by a VPN provider (like Proton, Nord, Express, etc.), and encrypts everything you do online swapping your real IP address (your digital fingerprint basically) for the server’s IP.

  • How it works: When you turn on a VPN, all your internet activity gets transmitted through this encrypted tunnel. Your ISP, hackers, or even governments can’t see what you’re doing. It’s like putting your data in a locked safe before sending it out into the world.

  • Key features:

    • Encrypts all your traffic (think AES-256 encryption)
    • Hides your IP address from websites and your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
    • Lets you bypass geo-blocks (hello, Netflix US from India!)
    • Works across your entire device, not just one app.

2. Proxy

A proxy is like a middleman who passes notes between you and the internet. It hides your IP address for specific apps (like your browser), but it usually doesn’t encrypt your data.

  • How it works: You tell your browser/app to use a proxy server, and it sends your requests to websites while showing the proxy server's IP instead of yours. It’s quick and simple but not exactly secure.

  • Key features:

    • Usually no encryption (unless it’s a special proxy like HTTPS or SOCKS5).
    • Hides your IP for one app or browser and only affects the app you configure it for, not your whole device.

3. TOR (The Onion Router)

Tor is the internet’s equivalent of a secret agent’s hideout. Imagine your data as a stealth airplane, hopping from one hidden airstrip to another (volunteer-run servers called nodes) around the world. Each stop wraps your data in layers of encryption like an onion (hence the name), making it nearly impossible to track your flight path.

  • How it works: Your traffic goes through at least three nodes, an entry node, a middle node, and an exit node. Each peels back one layer of encryption, so no single node knows both who you are and where you’re going. It’s super anonymous but can feel like dial-up internet in 2025, meaning it's super slow.

  • Key features:

    • Top-tier anonymity with multi-layered encryption.
    • Hides your IP and browsing habits.
    • Lets you access the dark web (.onion sites).
    • Slow AF due to all those hops.

4. DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS is like the internet’s phonebook, it translates website names (like anuragparashar.tech) into IP addresses your device can understand. It’s not a privacy tool by default, but some DNS services add privacy features like encrypted queries or tracker blocking.


Useful Tip: Use Private DNS in your phone settings to block ads device-wide.

  • How it works: Every time you visit a website, your device asks a DNS server for the site’s IP address. Privacy-focused DNS providers (like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Quad9) can encrypt these queries or block sketchy domains.

  • Key features:

    • Doesn’t hide your IP address.
    • Can encrypt DNS queries to stop your ISP from spying on what sites you’re looking up.
    • Blocks trackers or malicious sites with some providers.
    • Doesn’t encrypt your actual traffic, just the “phonebook” lookups.

How Do They Differ?

These tools sound similar, but they’re built for different jobs. Here’s how they stack up across key factors:

1. What They Do

  • VPN: Encrypts all your internet traffic and hides your IP device-wide. It’s like a full-body invisibility cloak for your online activity.
  • Proxy: Hides your IP for one app or browser but usually doesn’t encrypt anything. Think of it as a mask that only covers part of your face.
  • Tor: Hides your IP and anonymizes your traffic by bouncing it through multiple servers. It’s like sending your data through a maze to lose anyone following you.
  • DNS: Only handles the “lookup” part of your internet use (translating domain names to IPs). It’s like securing the phonebook but not the actual calls you make.

2. Privacy

  • VPN: High privacy if you pick a trustworthy provider (like ProtonVPN or Mullvad) with a no-logs policy. Your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, and websites see the VPN’s IP instead of yours. But if the provider logs your data (shady free VPNs, I’m looking at you), you’re not as private as you think.
  • Proxy: Low privacy. It hides your IP for one app, but without encryption, your ISP or anyone on the network can see your activity. Free proxies might even log or sell your data. Yikes.
  • Tor: Top-tier anonymity. No single server knows both your identity and destination, making it nearly impossible to trace you. But the exit node (where your traffic leaves Tor) isn’t encrypted, so stick to HTTPS sites to avoid snoops.
  • DNS: Low to moderate privacy. Encrypted DNS (like DNS over HTTPS) stops your ISP from seeing what sites you’re looking up, but it doesn’t hide your IP or encrypt your actual traffic. It’s a small privacy win, not a full solution.

3. Security

  • VPN: High security. Strong encryption protects your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi. Just make sure your VPN has leak protection to avoid slip-ups.
  • Proxy: Low security. Most proxies don’t encrypt your traffic, leaving it open to interception. HTTPS proxies are a bit safer but still not bulletproof.
  • Tor: Moderate to high security. Your data is encrypted between nodes, but the exit node is a weak point unless the site uses HTTPS. Not ideal for sensitive transactions like banking.
  • DNS: Low security. It only secures DNS queries (if encrypted). It can block malicious sites, but your traffic is still exposed.

4. Speed

  • VPN: Pretty fast with a good provider (like NordVPN or Surfshark). Encryption adds a tiny bit of lag, but premium VPNs optimize for speed.
  • Proxy: Super fast since there’s usually no encryption. But speed depends on the proxy server’s quality-free ones can be sluggish.
  • Tor: Slooooow. Bouncing through multiple nodes tanks your speed, making it tough for streaming or downloading.
  • DNS: Lightning fast. It only affects DNS lookups, so it doesn’t slow down your actual traffic. Providers like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 are built for speed.

5. Ease of Use

  • VPN: Super easy. Download an app, hit connect, and you’re good. Works on phones, laptops, even routers.
  • Proxy: Kinda clunky. You’ll need to configure it manually in your browser or app, or use an extension. Not as seamless as a VPN.
  • Tor: Tricky. The Tor Browser is straightforward, but using Tor for your whole device takes some tech know-how. Not for the faint of heart.

FRIENDLY WARNING: TOR is used mostly to access dark web, proceed exploring at your own risk.

  • DNS: Easy peasy. Just change your DNS settings on your device or router, or use an app from providers like Cloudflare. Takes two minutes.

6. Cost

  • VPN: Usually paid (Rs. 100–800/month for good ones like ExpressVPN). Free VPNs exist but often collects your data or bombard you with ads.
  • Proxy: Free or cheap (Rs. 200–500/month for premium). Free proxies are everywhere but can be sketchy.
  • Tor: Free, it’s run by volunteers and donations. No cost, but you’ll pay with slower speeds.
  • DNS: Mostly free (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9). Some providers charge for extras like ad-blocking.

When to Use Each Tool

Here’s where each tool shines (and where it doesn’t):

VPN Use Cases

  • Streaming like a pro: Want to watch Hotstar India from US or Netflix US from India? A VPN unlocks geo-restricted content.
  • Staying safe on public Wi-Fi: Encrypts your data at coffee shops or airports, keeping hackers at bay. MUST USE ON UNSECURE PUBLIC WIFI (like your college hostel wifi, who knows a middleman might hack you).
  • General privacy: Keeps your browsing habits private from ISPs and websites.
  • Best for: Everyday users who want privacy, security, and access to restricted content without much hassle.

Proxy Use Cases

  • Sneaking past basic blocks: Get around workplace or school filters to access YouTube or social media.
  • Web scraping: Businesses use proxies to collect data without getting IP-banned.
  • Quick IP swaps: Need to access region-locked content in one browser? A proxy’s your guy.
  • Best for: Simple, non-privacy-critical tasks like bypassing minor restrictions.

Tor Use Cases

  • Going incognito: Perfect for sensitive stuff like researching controversial topics or whistleblowing without being traced.
  • Dark web access: Explore .onion sites for privacy-focused services or research (stay safe out there!).
  • Dodging censorship: Get around heavy government firewalls where VPNs might fail.
  • Best for: Anyone needing maximum anonymity, like journalists or activists.

DNS Use Cases

  • Blocking trackers and ads: Services like Quad9 or AdGuard DNS stop annoying ads or malicious sites.
  • Keeping DNS queries private: Encrypted DNS (like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1) stops your ISP from logging what sites you’re looking up.
  • Parental controls: Filter out inappropriate content for kids.
  • Best for: Adding a lightweight privacy boost or speeding up your browsing.

Which Is Best for Privacy?

Alright, the million-dollar question: which tool keeps you the most private? It depends on what you’re trying to protect, but here’s the breakdown:

  • Tor: The Privacy Champion

    • Why it wins: Tor’s multi-hop, layered encryption makes it nearly impossible to trace your activity. It’s the go-to for journalists, activists, or anyone dodging serious surveillance.
    • But watch out: It’s slow, the exit node isn’t encrypted (use HTTPS!), and it’s overkill for casual browsing. Also, setting it up for non-browser use is a headache.

  • VPN: The All-Rounder

    • Why it’s great: A good VPN (like ProtonVPN or Mullvad) encrypts everything, hides your IP, and is easy to use for streaming, browsing, or public Wi-Fi. Pick one with a verified no-logs policy, and you’re golden.
    • But watch out: You’re trusting the VPN provider not to log your data. Free VPNs are often a trap, some sell your info. Also, check for DNS leaks to stay airtight. ALWAYS USE PAID VPNs, you pay with your privacy in free ones.

  • DNS: The Sidekick

    • Why it helps: Encrypted DNS stops your ISP from seeing what sites you’re looking up, and some providers block trackers or malware. It’s a nice bonus but not a full privacy solution.
    • But watch out: It doesn’t hide your IP or encrypt your traffic, so it’s not enough on its own.

  • Proxy: The Weak Link

    • Why it’s not great: Proxies hide your IP for one app, but no encryption means your data’s exposed. Free proxies might even log or sell your activity. Use them for bypassing restrictions, not privacy.
    • But watch out: Avoid for anything sensitive, your ISP or hackers can still see what you’re doing.

My Recommendations (and what I use)

Here’s my take on what to use based on your needs:

  • For most people (privacy + streaming): Go with a VPN. Pick a trusted no-logs provider like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or Mullvad. They’re fast, secure, and let you binge Netflix from anywhere. Expect to pay around Rs. 500 per month, but it’s worth it. Avoid free VPNs, they’re often sketchy.

I use Proton VPN. It's open source and probably the best one out there.

  • For maximum anonymity: Use Tor via the Tor Browser. It’s free, super anonymous, and great for sensitive tasks or dark web access. Just be ready for slow speeds and stick to HTTPS sites.

I once used the Tor Browser from the Tor Project to access the dark web. Little did I know, what I actually needed was a VPN, you might too.

  • For a quick privacy boost: Switch to a privacy-focused DNS like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Quad9. It’s free, easy, and stops your ISP from snooping on your DNS queries. Use it alongside a VPN for best results.

I use dnsforge.de.

  • For bypassing basic restrictions: A proxy can work for sneaking past school or work filters, but don’t rely on it for privacy. Stick to paid proxies if you must, as free ones are often dodgy.

I don't use proxy.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing between a VPN, proxy, Tor, and DNS is like picking the right tool for a job. Need a Swiss Army knife for privacy, security, and streaming? Get a VPN. Want to go full ninja with anonymity? Tor’s your pick. Looking for a lightweight way to block trackers? Try a privacy-focused DNS. And proxies? They’re more for quick workarounds than serious privacy.

Whatever you choose, do your homework. Check VPN no-logs policies, avoid free proxies, and make sure your DNS provider is legit. Your online privacy is worth it. Stay safe and Secure!

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