Freelance journo needs best VPN for Tor setup ASAP

Question

Got hired to cover internet censorship in some sketchy regions (can't say which ones for obvious reasons). Need to access blocked sites + do secure calls with sources. Tor alone is slow af on my laptop. Friend mentioned getting best vpn for tor combo for better speeds while staying anonymous. Never set anything like this up before and really don't wanna mess up and put sources at risk. Budget isn't huge but will pay for something that actually works. Anyone done this before? What setup actually works in practice? My IT buddy just laughed and said I'm in over my head which...fair but not helpful lol. Deadline coming up quick so any advice appreciated!

Fooreveer · Answer

combining tor + vpn actually reduces your anonymity in most cases. tor alone = safer. research the "tor over vpn" vs "vpn over tor" debate before u do anything else

violin · Answer

Journalist using tor? Brave. Just remember edward snowden's advice - security is a process not a product. No tech will save u if ur opsec sucks

kjhl22 · Answer

why not just use signal for interviews? encryption solid + less suspicious than running tor. my 2 cents

power765 · Answer

video calls through tor are basically impossible my dude, connection drops faster than my grades in college

DenBen · Answer

if u srs about journalism in restricted areas, might wanna look into tails OS. boots from usb, leaves no trace. saved my ass in [redacted]

wg68 · Answer

quick q - who u think is after u exactly? state actors? corporate? need to know threat model before anyone can give proper advice

Thug Life · Answer

This isn't movies. No vpn/tor combo gonna protect u if a government wants u specifically. They'll just hack ur endpoints or device

d1sc0nn3ct · Answer

journalists without borders got solid guides online. personally used surfshark alongside tor when working overseas, decent setup for basic protection but don't rely on it 100%

wi11iam45 · Answer

We all worried bout privacy while carrying iphones that literally log our every move and conversation lol

zz top · Answer

pls say you aren't planning to interview actual dissidents as a freelancer with no proper security training

lbn · Answer

speaking from experience: sources in sensitive regions prefer telegram or signal over video calls anyway. less bandwidth = less trace

bamon · Answer

Tech guy at news company here. Check that tor browser forensic study on researchgate before you try this. Shows exactly what they can track

e1163 · Answer

your "small publication" got legal team to back you when things go sideways? cuz they will

qwerty7788 · Answer

Was running expressVPN with tor browser combo in southeast asia for similar project. Okay for basic browsing but forget streaming or calls

Qazak · Answer

kinda sus that your "IT friend" said don't do it instead of helping. maybe listen to them?

demon.911.119 · Answer

Freelance journalism in authoritarian countries is how people disappear. Not trying to scare u but please take this more seriously than just finding right software