If you’re looking to browse the web with a bit more anonymity and privacy than usual, the Brave browser offers a unique feature going beyond standard private browsing modes; and that is private browsing with TOR.
Brave’s Private Browsing with Tor has all the standard private browsing mode features, like no cookie and browser history storage, but in addition it also uses Tor as a web proxy so that your IP address is hidden when browsing the web. This approach is different from Tor and does not include all the other protections offered when using the full-fledged dedicated TOR browser, but if you’re simply wanting to obscure your IP address while also gaining the standard benefits of Brave and a private browsing window, it should do the trick.
How to Use Private Mode with Tor in Brave
Accessing the Tor mode in Brave is simple:
- Open Brave if you haven’t done so already
- Pull down the “Brave” menu and choose “New Private Window with Tor”
- Scroll down and wait for “Tor Status” to show as Connected, and you’re ready to go browse the web as usual
You’re now ready to browse the web and with a hidden IP address.
It’s always possible that your real IP address could leak due to a slip or break in the Tor connection, so you’ll want to check to make sure your IP address is not your real IP address (and remember, your internal IP address is different from your external IP address to begin with).
It’s probably not a good idea to use this for anything too important, secretive, or special, so if you’re a spy planning to infiltrate House Harkonnen, or a diplomat plotting a sleazy pay-for-play deal, you probably should use a more reliable protocol to avoid detection by your boss, or at least use the full fledged TOR browser – but really, does true privacy and anonymity actually exist in the modern computing era? I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
If you’re already using Brave as your default Mac web browser, you’ll probably find these additional features to be pretty handy. There are practical reasons features like this can be useful, from getting past article limits on pre-paywalls, to using an IP address from a different area.
Brave describes the Private Window with Tor Connectivity feature as follows:
“Brave never remembers what you do in a Private Window. With Tor connectivity, your IP address is also hidden from the sites you visit. However, if your personal safety depends on remaining anonymous, use the Tor Browser instead.“
For what it’s worth, you can also get similar features of IP hiding with Opera and Epic, albeit not with the Tor network.
Related
FAQs
Brave VPN and Firewall
Brave VPN also hides your real IP address from the websites you visit so that they can't identify you through your internet connection. Furthermore, Brave's VPN comes with a firewall that blocks known tracker domains to prevent your device from interfacing with them.
Does Brave private browser hide IP address? ›
Brave VPN and Firewall
Brave VPN also hides your real IP address from the websites you visit so that they can't identify you through your internet connection. Furthermore, Brave's VPN comes with a firewall that blocks known tracker domains to prevent your device from interfacing with them.
Does private browsing hide IP address? ›
While incognito mode discards your search history from your computer, it doesn't hide your IP address. Websites can still see your IP address, browser, browser's settings, operating system (OS), and even your internet searches. Basically, you get security and privacy on your computer only.
Is it safe to use Tor in Brave? ›
Note that Private Windows with Tor Connectivity in Brave are just regular private windows that use Tor as a proxy. Brave does NOT implement most of the privacy protections from Tor Browser. If your personal safety depends on remaining anonymous, we highly recommend using Tor Browser instead of Brave Tor windows.
Is Brave Tor same as Tor? ›
While both browsers provide anonymous browsing capabilities, Tor is best suited for accessing the dark web due to its high level of encryption and anonymity. Brave can be used to access the dark web with the right precautions, but it's best to use Tor for this specific purpose.
Does Tor browser hide IP? ›
What is Tor Browser? Tor (The Onion Router) is a network that anonymizes web traffic to provide truly private web browsing. The Tor Browser hides your IP address and browsing activity by redirecting web traffic through a series of different routers known as nodes.
Is brave browser actually private? ›
In short, yes. Brave is one of the safest browsers to use. Unlike many of its competitors, it doesn't track your every online move, share your activity with third parties, or log your search history.
Which browser hides IP address? ›
You can hide your IP address by either using the Tor browser, a proxy server, or a free VPN. You can also join a public Wi-Fi network.
When using Private Browsing can it be traced? ›
Does incognito mode leave any trace? Yes, incognito mode does leave a data trail. It doesn't hide your browsing activity from your ISP, employer, or other websites. They can see your browsing history, location, and any personal data you may be sharing along the way.
Is Brave Tor same as VPN? ›
@mrpickles Short answer is Brave VPN is something different than Tor. You can use the two together if you'd like, but that's about it. So no, Brave VPN wouldn't use exit nodes because it wouldn't enter Tor or anything, unless you chose to use both together.
Brave is fast and reliable. It is also much safer and more anonymous than the vast majority of browsers, but it is not nearly as secure and private as Tor. For an additional layer of security, familiarize yourself with the basics of browser isolation.
How do I get rid of Tor in Brave? ›
You can disable Tor in Brave by navigating to brave://settings/extensions and then Toggle Tor off.
What is more secure than Tor? ›
While both Tor and VPNs work to protect your online anonymity, VPNs are the most secure choice if used properly. Tor is a free browser that will encrypt your requests, but it's slow, doesn't have access to all sites and can lead to legal trouble.
Which browser is better than Tor? ›
If you're concerned with security and privacy, your best options are Tor, Firefox, and Brave. However, Tor isn't particularly user-friendly for daily use. That leaves you with Brave or Firefox.
What is the difference between Tor Browser and Tor Browser Launcher? ›
Tor Browser Launcher is intended to make the Tor Browser Bundle (TBB) easier to maintain and use for GNU/Linux users. It downloads the same TBB from torproject.org that everyone else uses, and it doesn't alter it in any way.
Is Brave private browser a VPN? ›
Brave helps you simplify. Our VPN is built right into the browser, and one subscription protects up to 5 devices, across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Can your ISP track you on Brave? ›
When you're connected to a VPN, your ISP will only be able to see that your traffic is going to a VPN provider, but they won't know anything else about it. However, the VPN provider can see which sites you're browsing, and what other services you're using.
Does Brave private browser have VPN? ›
Brave VPN is available in the Brave Browser for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. You must have Brave installed in order to use Brave VPN.
Does Brave browser hide searches from ISP? ›
Use Brave with a VPN
This means that your ISP won't know which sites you visit from the Brave Browser. As you're connecting to the internet via the VPN server, the IP address of your device will also be hidden.
