If you’re a developer, entrepreneur, or simply concerned about your online privacy, you should consider reliable alternatives to TOR. In this article, we’ll look at four proven solutions that will help you remain anonymous, protect your personal data, and avoid online surveillance.
What is anonymous surfing?
Anonymous surfing is a method of using the internet that hides one’s identity and digital footprint. This is achieved through the use of specialized tools and methods, such as:
- Encrypt your internet connection;
- Redirecting traffic through proxy servers or VPN to mask IP address and geolocation;
- Use privacy-focused browsers and networks.
This approach is especially important for journalists, activists, researchers, and businesses—anyone who wants to protect their online activity from unauthorized surveillance and maintain privacy.
I2P is a network for secure, anonymous communication.
I2P (Invisible Internet Project) is a closed, decentralized network designed for secure and anonymous information exchange. Unlike TOR, I2P does not provide direct access to the regular internet, but operates as an isolated environment within the global network.
Operating principle
Traffic in I2P passes through a chain of encrypted nodes (routers) operated by volunteers. Each node only knows the previous and next nodes in the chain, making it virtually impossible to trace the data’s path or identify a user.
Possibilities
The network supports a variety of functions: anonymous email, instant messaging, file sharing, website hosting, and even web browsing through a dedicated I2P router. All of this is designed for maximum privacy.
Security
I2P uses end-to-end encryption and is resistant to various forms of network monitoring. This makes it a reliable platform for those who value privacy above all else.
Disadvantages
The network can be vulnerable to DDoS attacks and requires regular software updates to maintain security. Furthermore, I2P’s speed is often slower than the regular internet.
Comparison with TOR
While TOR is a tool for anonymous access to the open internet, I2P is a closed ecosystem for secure internal communication. The choice depends on your goals.
Who is it for?
I2P is the ideal choice for journalists, activists, and anyone who needs reliable protection when exchanging sensitive information.
Freenet — a network without censorship or control
Freenet is a peer-to-peer decentralized network designed for publishing and distributing information regardless of censorship or government control.
How it works
Information on Freenet is broken into encrypted fragments and distributed among network participant nodes. No one, including the node owners themselves, can identify the author of the content or its contents.
Features
Freenet allows you to publish texts, forums, and other materials anonymously. A “darknet mode” is also available, allowing communication only with trusted contacts.
Security
Anonymity is ensured by cryptographic keys and a distributed architecture. The system automatically removes rarely accessed content, reducing the risk of storing unwanted data.
Disadvantages
Finding information can be slow due to the decentralized structure. The security of individual nodes also depends on their owners.
Comparison with TOR and I2P
Freenet is not designed forIts strength lies in the stable storage and distribution of uncensored information.
Who is it for?
Freenet is especially useful for those living in countries with strict internet censorship and want to freely share or receive information.
JonDonym – Anonymity through a Proxy Cascade
JonDonym (formerly Java Anon Proxy) is a cross-platform solution for anonymous surfing, email, and file transfer. Both free and paid versions are available.
How it works
JonDonym routes traffic through a chain of mixing proxy servers (mixes), each of which re-encrypts and reroutes the data. This makes traffic analysis and user identification difficult.
Features
The service supports anonymous web surfing, sending encrypted emails, and secure file sharing without revealing your IP address.
Security
It uses end-to-end encryption and a decentralized architecture with no single point of control. This makes the network resistant to interception and surveillance.
Disadvantages
The effectiveness of anonymity depends on the number of active users. Under low load, the level of protection may decrease.
Comparison with TOR
JonDonym is similar to TOR in its operating principle, but it focuses on specific tasks: web, email, and file sharing. TOR offers more extensive functionality, including access to hidden services.
Who is it for?
JonDonym is suitable for those looking for a reliable tool for everyday anonymous browsing—especially in areas where censorship or increased scrutiny of their online activity is a concern.
Proxy Servers: A Simple Way to Hide Your IP
Proxy servers are a proven and affordable means of basic online anonymity. Although they are inferior to TOR and other networks in terms of security, their simplicity makes them popular among a wide range of users.
How it works
A proxy acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. All your traffic passes through it, and external websites see only the proxy’s IP address, not yours.
Features
Proxies allow you to bypass geoblocks, bypass filters, and hide your real location. Some users use multiple proxies to increase their security.
Security
Security depends heavily on the provider. Reliable proxies use encryption and don’t store logs, but many free services may collect and transmit your data.
Disadvantages
The risk of data compromise, the lack of end-to-end encryption, and potential vulnerability to attacks are the main drawbacks. Proxies do not provide complete anonymity.
Comparison with TOR and other networks
Proxies are a solution for basic tasks. If you need serious protection, it’s better to choose TOR, I2P, or JonDonym.
Who are they suitable for?
Proxies are suitable for anyone who wants to quickly hide their IP, access blocked resources, or simply increase their privacy without complicated settings.
Conclusion
Choosing a tool for anonymous surfing depends on your goals:
- Do you need secure access to the regular internet? Choose TOR or JonDonym;
- Do you need private communication? I2P is an excellent solution;
- Do you want to publish information without censorship? Freenet is designed for this;
- Do you need simple and quick IP masking? Proxies are suitable.
Now you have all the information you need to make an informed choice and start your journey to secure and private internet. Good luck!
