I quit VPNs after years of relying on them, trading their complexity for a simpler solution: Brave’s private tabs with Tor. While not perfect, it’s become my go-to for everyday privacy. But why did I give up on VPNs in the first place?
VPNs Weren’t the Perfect Solution I Hoped For
I had plenty ofreasons to use a VPN. I was drawn in by the promise of complete anonymity, enhanced security, and the ability to access content from anywhere in the world. And while VPNs do deliver on some of these fronts, they come with a host of issues that made me rethink their value.
First is trust. Not all VPN providers are transparent about their practices. Some have been caught logging user data despite advertising a “no-logs” policy. In 2022, for instance,NordVPNupdated its terms to explain under what circumstances it would comply with a law enforcement information request, contradicting its earlier privacy claims. Incidents like these made me question whether I was truly as anonymous as I thought.
Cost was another sticking point. Free VPNs often have significant limitations, like data caps, intrusive ads, or even worse—selling your data to third parties. Premium VPNs, while more reliable, can be expensive, especially if you’re paying for features you don’t need. For someone who just wants to browse securely without jumping through hoops, VPNs can feel like overkill.
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Finally, there’s the complexity. Setting up and managing a VPN isn’t always straightforward. From configuring the right settings to troubleshooting connection issues, it often felt like I needed a degree in IT just to use the service effectively.
All these factors led me to explore alternatives. And that’s when I stumbled upon Brave’s private tabs with Tor integration.
Brave’s Private Tabs With Tor: A Simpler Way to Stay Private
Brave’s Private Window with Tor functions like a mini-Tor browser inside Brave. Instead of simply hiding your IP like a VPN, it routes your traffic through the Tor network, which encrypts your data and bounces it through multiple volunteer-run servers before it reaches its destination. This makes it much harder for websites, advertisers, or even your internet service provider (ISP) to track your online activity.
One of the things I appreciate about this feature is how effortless it is to use. Unlike setting up a VPN, which often requires installing apps, logging in, and choosing a server, Brave’s Tor mode is available with just a few clicks. You simply open a Private Window with Tor, and you’re automatically connected to the network. There’s no need to configure settings or worry about subscription fees.
That said, it’s important to manage expectations. Brave’s private tabs don’t offer the full anonymity of the Tor Browser, which routes all your traffic through Tor and includes additional privacy features. For example, Brave’s implementation doesn’t isolate your browsing session as thoroughly as the Tor Browser does, so there’s still a small risk of fingerprinting. However, for most everyday users, the level of privacy it provides is more than sufficient.
How This Compares to a VPN
Brave’s Private Window with Tor and VPNs both enhance privacy, but they serve different purposes. VPNs are powerful, but they often feel like overkill for everyday browsing. Brave’s private tabs strike a balance between privacy and ease of use that fits seamlessly into my routine.
Trust is another factor. VPNs require you to rely on a third-party provider to protect your data. While many claim to have “no-logs” policies, these claims aren’t always verifiable. Brave, being open-source and privacy-focused, doesn’t rely on a middleman. That transparency gives me confidence my data isn’t being logged or sold.
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Lesser-known doesn’t have to mean less secure, and there are some great features on offer, too.
That said,VPNs do have their strengths. They’re faster than Tor, making them better for streaming or gaming. They also offer more server options, which is handy for bypassing geo-blocks. But for everyday browsing, these features often feel unnecessary.
For me, the biggest appeal of Brave’s private tab with Tor is its simplicity. It provides a level of privacy that’s more than sufficient for most tasks, without the complexity or cost of a VPN.
