Onion Browser
What Onion Browser is
Onion Browser is a free, open-source browser for iOS that routes browsing traffic inside the app through the Tor network. It can open .onion sites, which are accessible only over Tor, and offers controls for blocking scripts and clearing cookies and tabs automatically according to user preferences. Security settings can be adjusted for each website. The site says HTML5 geolocation features may be available unless Strict security mode is enabled. The browser’s Tor routing applies to activity within Onion Browser; other network traffic on the device continues over the normal connection. The project says it does not directly collect user activity data and does not use third-party analytics beyond what is built into iOS. Apple requires iOS browsers to use WebKit, so the app cannot use its own Firefox Gecko web engine. The App Store listing says browsing is much slower than a normal browser or VPN because traffic is encrypted and relayed through Tor. Some networks with advanced restrictions may prevent it from connecting, and the listing suggests trying bridges in that situation. Onion Browser is free and is available on iOS.
Who it suits
Onion Browser suits iOS users who want to browse through Tor, access .onion sites, and adjust site security and data-clearing controls. It may also suit people who want an open-source browser and understand that Tor routing applies only within the app.
What it does well
- Routes in-app browsing traffic through Tor
- Opens .onion sites
- Can block scripts and automatically clear cookies and tabs
- Security settings can be adjusted for each website
- Free and open source
What to know first
- Only available for iOS
- Other device traffic continues over the normal connection
- Some traffic, including audio or video embeds, may bypass Tor
- Tor browsing is much slower than a normal browser or VPN
Limits
Onion Browser is free. Its Tor routing covers traffic within the app, and some network conditions may prevent connection; browsing is much slower than a normal browser or VPN.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Tor-powered browsing · .onion site access · Script blocking · Automatic cookie and tab clearing · Configurable security settings | Free |
| Onion Browser | iOS browser · Tor network routing · no charge | Free |
As onionbrowser.com lists them, read 19 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Onion Browser website or find the iOS app through its App Store listing.
- Install Onion Browser on an iOS device.
- Open the app and use its Tor-routed browsing and .onion site access.
- Adjust script blocking, automatic clearing, and security preferences as needed.
Verdict
Choose Onion Browser if you use iOS and want Tor routing, .onion access, and controls for scripts, cookies, tabs, and site security at no charge. Look elsewhere if you need a built-in VPN, device-wide traffic routing, or a browser that uses its own Firefox Gecko engine.
Questions
How much does Onion Browser cost?
The listed plans are free.
Which platform supports Onion Browser?
It is available for iOS, with mobile listed as its supported platform.
Is Onion Browser open source?
Yes, Onion Browser is open source.
Does it include a built-in VPN?
No. Its specified browsing feature routes traffic within the app through Tor.
Does Onion Browser route all device traffic through Tor?
No. Only traffic within Onion Browser is tunneled; other network traffic uses the normal connection. iOS may also route some traffic, including audio or video embeds, outside Tor.
Who develops Onion Browser?
The App Store identifies Mike Tigas as the developer, and the site footer identifies Tigas Ventures, LLC as the copyright holder.
Facts from Onion Browser's own pages
- Built-in VPN
- No · onionbrowser.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Developer
- The App Store identifies Mike Tigas as the developer, and the official site's footer identifies Tigas Ventures, LLC as the copyright holder. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2012 · onionbrowser.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · onionbrowser.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Funding
- The official site accepts one-time donations through the app and lists Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Zcash, and Liberapay as other options. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- iOS limitation
- Apple requires iOS browsers to use WebKit, so Onion Browser cannot include its own Firefox Gecko web engine. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Network restrictions
- The App Store listing says the app might not work on networks with advanced restrictions and suggests trying bridges if it cannot connect. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Onion sites
- The browser can access .onion sites that are only accessible over Tor. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The app is free and open source, and anyone may contribute, audit, or inspect its code. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Performance
- The App Store listing says browsing is much slower than a normal browser or VPN because traffic is encrypted and relayed through Tor. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- mobile · onionbrowser.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Potential leaks
- The official site warns that iOS may route some traffic, including audio or video embeds, over the normal connection rather than Tor. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy policy
- Onion Browser says it does not directly collect user activity data and does not use third-party analytics beyond what is built into iOS. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Onion Browser is a Tor-powered browser for iOS that routes browsing traffic through the Tor network. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Security settings
- Users can adjust security for each website, and the official site says HTML5 geolocation features may be available unless Strict security mode is set. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project's GitHub help page documents common problems, suggests force-quitting and reopening for loading issues, and links to issue tracking for known bugs. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Tracker blocking
- Yes · onionbrowser.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Tracking controls
- The App Store listing says it can block scripts and automatically clear cookies and tabs based on user preferences. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Traffic scope
- Only traffic within the Onion Browser app is tunneled; other network traffic on the device continues over the normal connection. · onionbrowser.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where Onion Browser stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#54 of 154
- Privacy browsers#16 of 32