Orbot: Tor for Android


Rating: 4.1	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Communication	Offer by: The Tor Project

Orbot: Tor for Android is a free mobile application designed to route internet traffic through the Tor network, providing enhanced anonymity and censorship circumvention on Android devices. It enables users to browse securely, evade content restrictions, and protect their digital identity, making it ideal for activists, journalists, and everyday users concerned about online privacy.

This app transforms standard mobile web traffic into anonymous connections, offering practical benefits like accessing region-blocked content, securing sensitive communications, and maintaining privacy on public WiFi networks. Orbot: Tor for Android serves as a crucial privacy tool, especially in environments where surveillance or censorship is a concern.

App Features

Anonymous Web Browsing: Orbot routes all traffic through Tor’s multi-layer encryption, masking your IP address and digital footprint. This allows users to access content without leaving a trace, perfect for sensitive research or bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services.
Censorship Circumvention: The app includes built-in pluggable transports that disguise Tor traffic to bypass censorship filters, enabling access to blocked websites even in heavily regulated regions. Its adaptive routing capabilities ensure connectivity in restrictive environments.
Seamless App Integration: Orbot supports Tor routing for individual apps, meaning users can keep their messaging apps like Telegram or Signal private without needing to configure the entire OS. This granular control is essential for users prioritizing specific privacy needs.
Mobile Data & Wi-Fi Support: Whether using cellular data or unsecured networks, Orbot encrypts all traffic transparently—simply toggle it on, and your web activity remains anonymous. This makes it uniquely valuable for travelers and public network users.
Advanced Configuration: For privacy-conscious users, Orbot allows manual configuration of exit nodes, SOCKS proxies, and circuit settings to customize the level of anonymity, balancing speed and security. Its flexibility caters to technical users while remaining accessible to beginners.
Background Operation: Orbot can run discreetly in the background, ensuring continuous anonymity without disrupting other app functions, ideal for maintaining privacy during extended browsing sessions. The automatic kill switch feature further enhances security by disconnecting the internet if Tor fails.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Enhanced online privacy protection
Built-in censorship circumvention tools
Compatibility with major Android devices and OS versions
Transparent encryption without user configuration
Free and open-source development model
Seamless integration with mobile browsers and apps

Cons:

Slower connection speeds compared to regular browsing
Battery consumption increases during extended use
Some apps require additional configuration for full Tor routing
Occasional compatibility issues with newer Android updates
Limited troubleshooting support for complex network setups

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Whonix for Android	An Android VPN implementation designed as an anonymity-focused operating system layer. Features seamless Tor gateway integration and advanced privacy-hardening options.
Tor Browser Mobile	A standalone mobile browser built directly for Android’s WebView. Includes pre-configured security settings and simplified access to Tor functionality.
Kinibi VPN & Tor	A privacy suite combining VPN and Tor features with automatic censorship detection and adaptive routing protocols for optimal accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Orbot: Tor for Android slow down my device significantly?

A: No, Orbot typically only affects internet speed, not device performance. The app’s lightweight design ensures minimal impact on battery life or processing power, though expect some slowdown in web browsing due to Tor’s multi-hop routing.

Q: Are there data caps or usage limits with Orbot?

A: Orbot itself has no inherent data limits, but your mobile carrier may enforce monthly caps. Using mobile data with Tor increases your data consumption, so consider switching to Wi-Fi for large downloads or extended sessions.

Q: What should I do if Orbot stops working in a censored region?

A: Try enabling pluggable transports within the app settings. These specialized routing protocols bypass censorship detection algorithms. If unavailable, consider using alternative apps like Lantern or accessing Orbot’s built-in configuration for manual transport selection.

Q: How does Orbot compare to using a VPN?

A: While VPNs encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN server, Orbot routes traffic through multiple volunteer-operated nodes worldwide for anonymity rather than primarily encryption. They serve different privacy needs: VPNs protect against interception, Tor protects against identification.

Q: Can I use Orbot while traveling internationally?

A: Yes, Orbot works globally as long as you have an internet connection. The main challenge is circumventing local restrictions; enabling obfs4 bridges or other transports within Orbot settings will help maintain connectivity in regions with heavy censorship.