orbot

The Github home of Orbot: Tor on Android (Also available on gitlab!)

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tor

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unofficial git repo -- report bugs/issues/pull requests on https://gitlab.torproject.org/ --

Outline Client and Manager, developed by Jigsaw. Outline Manager makes it easy to create your own VPN server. Outline Client lets you share access to your VPN with anyone in your network, giving them access to the free and open internet.

outline-server

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Outline Server, developed by Jigsaw. The Outline Server is a proxy server that runs a Shadowsocks instance and provides a REST API for access key management.

Quick Overview

Orbot is an Android app that provides a secure and anonymous internet connection by routing traffic through the Tor network. It allows users to access the internet without revealing their true IP address, protecting their privacy and security.

Pros

Privacy and Security: Orbot enhances user privacy by masking their IP address and encrypting their internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties to track their online activities.
Censorship Circumvention: Orbot can be used to bypass internet censorship and access websites or services that may be blocked in certain regions.
Tor Network Integration: Orbot seamlessly integrates with the Tor network, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing the Tor network on Android devices.
Open-Source: Orbot is an open-source project, allowing for community contributions and transparency in its development.

Cons

Performance Impact: Routing traffic through the Tor network can result in slower internet speeds compared to a direct connection, which may be a concern for users with limited internet bandwidth.
Limited Compatibility: Orbot is designed specifically for Android devices, and may not be available or compatible with other operating systems.
Potential Legal Implications: In some regions, the use of Tor and similar tools may be subject to legal restrictions or scrutiny, which could be a concern for users.
Complexity: Setting up and configuring Orbot may require some technical knowledge, which could be a barrier for less tech-savvy users.

Getting Started

To get started with Orbot, follow these steps:

Download the Orbot app from the Google Play Store or the Guardian Project website.
Open the Orbot app and grant the necessary permissions, such as allowing Orbot to create a VPN connection.
Tap the "Start" button to connect to the Tor network.
Once connected, you can use Orbot to browse the internet anonymously or access Tor-based services.

Orbot also provides additional features and settings, such as the ability to configure proxy settings, manage bridges, and view connection logs. Refer to the Orbot documentation for more detailed instructions and configuration options.

Competitor Comparisons

tor

4,400

unofficial git repo -- report bugs/issues/pull requests on https://gitlab.torproject.org/ --

Pros of Tor

Tor is a more comprehensive and widely-used anonymity network, providing a robust and secure platform for online privacy.
The Tor project has a larger development team and community, ensuring continuous improvements and security updates.
Tor offers a broader range of features, including hidden services, bridges, and a more extensive network of relays.

Cons of Tor

Tor can be more complex to set up and configure, especially for less tech-savvy users.
The Tor network can be slower than other anonymity solutions, due to the nature of its multi-hop routing.
Tor's reliance on volunteer-operated nodes may introduce some reliability concerns.

Code Comparison

Tor (torproject/tor):

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
    tor_threads_init();
    tor_libevent_initialize();
    tor_init(argc, argv);
    main_loop();
    tor_cleanup();
    return 0;
}

Orbot (guardianproject/orbot):

public class OrbotService extends Service {
    @Override
    public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) {
        startTor();
        return START_STICKY;
    }

    private void startTor() {
        TorServiceUtils.startTor(this);
    }
}

outline-apps

8,376

Pros of Outline Apps

Outline Apps is a more modern and actively maintained project, with regular updates and a larger contributor base.
The project has a broader focus, providing a VPN solution for multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) rather than just Android.
Outline Apps has a more user-friendly interface and additional features like server management and multi-language support.

Cons of Outline Apps

Orbot has a longer history and a more established user base, particularly among privacy-conscious Android users.
Orbot is more tightly integrated with the Tor network, providing a more seamless Tor experience on Android.
Orbot has a smaller codebase, which may make it easier to audit and understand for some users.

Code Comparison

Orbot (guardianproject/orbot):

public class OrbotService extends Service {
    private static final String TAG = "OrbotService";

    private static final int NOTIFICATION_ID = 1;

    private static final String ACTION_START_ORBOT = "org.torproject.android.START_ORBOT";
    private static final String ACTION_STOP_ORBOT = "org.torproject.android.STOP_ORBOT";

    private static final String EXTRA_TRIGGER_RESTART_BUTTON = "trigger_restart_button";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_RUNNING = "pref_orbot_running";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_ENABLED = "pref_orbot_enabled";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_CONTROL_PORT = "pref_orbot_control_port";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_SOCKS_PORT = "pref_orbot_socks_port";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_BRIDGES = "pref_orbot_bridges";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_BRIDGES_ENABLED = "pref_orbot_bridges_enabled";

    private static final String PREF_ORBOT_BRIDGES_TYPE = "pref_orbot_bridges_type";
}

Outline Apps (Jigsaw-Code/outline-apps):

import React from 'react';
import { StyleSheet, View, Text, TouchableOpacity } from 'react-native';
import { useNavigation } from '@react-navigation/native';
import { useSelector, useDispatch } from 'react-redux';
import { setServerName, setServerUrl, setServerAccessKey } from '../redux/actions';

const ServerCard = () => {
  const navigation = useNavigation();
  const dispatch = useDispatch();
  const { serverName, serverUrl, serverAccessKey } = useSelector((state) => state.server);

  const handleServerPress = () => {
    dispatch(setServerName(serverName));
    dispatch(setServerUrl(serverUrl));
    dispatch(setServerAccessKey(serverAccessKey));
    navigation.navigate('ServerDetails');
  };

  return (
    <TouchableOpacity style={styles.container} onPress={handleServerPress}>
      <View style={styles.content}>
        <Text style={styles.title}>{serverName}</Text>
        <Text style={styles.url}>{serverUrl}</Text>
      </View>
    </TouchableOpacity>
  );
};

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  // ...
});

export default ServerCard;

outline-server

5,765

Outline Server, developed by Jigsaw. The Outline Server is a proxy server that runs a Shadowsocks instance and provides a REST API for access key management.

Pros of Outline Server

Outline Server is a scalable and flexible VPN solution, making it suitable for larger deployments.
It supports multiple protocols, including Shadowsocks, Wireguard, and Obfuscated Shadowsocks, providing more options for users.
Outline Server has a web-based management interface, making it easier to configure and manage the server.

Cons of Outline Server

Outline Server may have a steeper learning curve compared to Orbot, as it requires more configuration and setup.
The project is maintained by Jigsaw, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which may raise concerns about privacy and data handling for some users.
Outline Server may not have the same level of community support and documentation as Orbot, which has been developed by the Guardian Project for a longer period.

Code Comparison

Orbot (guardianproject/orbot):

public class OrbotService extends Service {
    private static final String TAG = "OrbotService";

    private static final int NOTIFICATION_ID = 1;

    private static final String ACTION_START = "org.torproject.android.START";
    private static final String ACTION_STOP = "org.torproject.android.STOP";
    private static final String ACTION_CONTROL = "org.torproject.android.CONTROL";

    private static final String EXTRA_CONTROL_COMMAND = "org.torproject.android.CONTROL_COMMAND";

Outline Server (Jigsaw-Code/outline-server):

const fs = require('fs');
const path = require('path');
const crypto = require('crypto');
const express = require('express');
const bodyParser = require('body-parser');
const config = require('./config');
const shadowsocks = require('./shadowsocks');
const wireguard = require('./wireguard');
const logger = require('./logger');

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README

Orbot

Android Onion Routing Robot

(CI docs)

Orbot is a freely licensed open-source application developed for the Android platform. It acts as a front-end for the Tor binary application, while also providing a secure HTTP Proxy for connecting web browsers and other HTTP client applications into the Tor SOCKS interface.

Orbot is a crucial component of the Guardian Project, an initiative that leads an effort to develop a secure and anonymous smartphone. This platform is designed for use by human rights activists, journalists and others around the world. Learn more: https://guardianproject.info/

Tor protects your privacy on the internet by hiding the connection between your Internet address and the services you use. We believe that Tor is reasonably secure, but please ensure you read the usage instructions and learn to configure it properly. Learn more: https://torproject.org/

Download the Latest Orbot Release

Tor FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Please Contribute Your Translations

Top Related Projects

Convert designs to code with AI

Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.

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