How to Hide Your IP Address (3 Proven Methods)
Updated May 31, 2026
Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit. While it can't reveal your identity directly, it does expose your approximate location and ISP. If you want more privacy, here are three proven ways to hide it.
1. Use a VPN (recommended)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server run by the VPN provider. Websites then see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours.
Pros: Strong encryption, easy to use, hides your IP from every site and app. Cons: Good VPNs require a subscription; you must trust the provider.
New to VPNs? Read our explainer: What is a VPN?
2. Use a proxy server
A proxy acts as a middleman for a single app or browser. Your requests go to the proxy, which forwards them on, masking your IP for that traffic.
Pros: Often free, useful for a single browser. Cons: Usually no encryption, slower, and less private than a VPN.
3. Use the Tor network
Tor bounces your traffic through several volunteer-run relays, making it very hard to trace back to you.
Pros: Free and excellent for anonymity. Cons: Noticeably slower, and some sites block Tor exit nodes.
Which method should you choose?
| Method | Encryption | Speed | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | VPN | Yes | Fast | Everyday privacy | | Proxy | No | Medium | Quick, single-app masking | | Tor | Yes | Slow | Maximum anonymity |
For most people, a reputable VPN offers the best balance of privacy, speed and ease of use. Once connected, return to our home page and you'll see your VPN's IP address instead of your real one.
Key takeaways
- A VPN is the most practical way to hide your IP for everyday use.
- Proxies are lighter but usually lack encryption.
- Tor offers the strongest anonymity at the cost of speed.