Onion Browser review
A focused iOS browser for Tor routing, .onion access and privacy controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Onion Browser is a free, open-source web browser for iPhone and iPad, aimed at people who want Tor routing and access to .onion websites on Apple mobile devices. It routes browser traffic through the Tor network to help conceal IP addresses and protect traffic from local network observers. The browser uses Apple’s WebKit engine and provides privacy-focused defaults, configurable security settings and automatic data clearing.
Its standout feature is the combination of Tor access and mobile privacy controls. Onion Browser can block scripts, automatically clear cookies and tabs based on preferences, forget data when sent to the background, and avoid keeping caches and cookies by default. Per-site security settings add control over browsing behavior, while bridges are available when Tor is blocked. Multiple windows on iPad make the browser more practical for larger mobile screens. Its ecosystem also includes connections with Tor, Orbot and DuckDuckGo, and it can work with Orbot or its built-in Tor implementation on supported iOS versions.
The published plan is simple: the Free plan includes Tor-powered browsing, .onion site access, script blocking, automatic cookie and tab clearing, and configurable security settings. There are no paid tiers to compare. Onion Browser is a strong fit for iPhone and iPad users who specifically need Tor and .onion support, especially those who value open-source software and automatic data clearing. Users looking for a desktop browser, a built-in VPN, or a broader general-purpose browsing platform should choose an alternative designed for those needs.
Onion Browser pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Routes browsing through Tor and supports .onion websites
- Blocks scripts and clears cookies and tabs automatically
- Offers bridges, per-site security settings and iPad windows
- Where it doesn't
- Limited to iPhone and iPad
- Does not provide a built-in VPN
- Its focus on Tor makes it specialized rather than general-purpose
Onion Browser fact sheet, pricing and score →
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