VPN
A VPN usually encrypts the traffic between your device and its server, and then uses that server's IP to exit onto the internet. The visited site therefore sees the VPN's IP, but the VPN provider can technically observe some metadata.
Proxy
A proxy often acts on an application-by-application basis. It can change the address seen by a service, but it may not protect all of the device's traffic. Some proxies also don't encrypt the connection to the proxy.
Tor
Tor routes traffic through several relays and aims for greater anonymity. It can be slower, some sites block it, and it doesn't replace best practices like avoiding logging into personal accounts if the goal is anonymity.
Choose according to your need
To bypass network filtering, a VPN may be enough. To reduce the link between a browsing and a personal IP, Tor is more suitable. For a simple technical test, a proxy may be sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Does a VPN make you anonymous?
It hides your IP from the visited site, but does not remove all other signals.
Is Tor always better than a VPN?
Not always. Tor aims for anonymity, VPN often aims for privacy and convenience.
Reference sources
To be explored next
Published and verified by the VoirMonIP.com team on July 15, 2026.