Advisable to download Monero blockchain via clearnet?

hello, i am trying to download xmr blockchain for the first time. i am new to this. the download speed is extremely slow. i am running a VPN to TOR for the download. is it advisable to download the xmr blockchain via VPN on clearnet? wanted to download it via TOR but it is so slow.

as an example, my internet without VPN should be 500mbps. according to speedtest.net, here are my results:

  • with VPN in a different city - my download mbps speed is ~100, and my upload mbps is ~50.
  • with VPN/TOR - my download speed is 6 and my upload speed is 4.

i am not in a country where xmr is illigal. but i was hoping to not download blockchain via VPN clearnet as i do not know all the risks/threats

here is my basic setup. maybe there is a way to improve here?

  • official Monero GUI - i am planning to use the official monero gui wallet from their website
  • Tails OS - i will be using Tails OS, persistant storage
  • Sandisk extreme portable SSD - for the usb
  • VPN - current location set to a different city in the country i live in

Would changing my VPN location be the best thing I could do?

Is it advisable to download blockchain via VPN clearnet? What are the risks/threats?

thank you

Yes, you download it from the clearnet. Downloading the blockchain doesn’t affect your privacy. When you connect to it in order to move money from or to your wallet, that’s when you want to connect through TOR

You can use a VPN to download the blockchain, but it’s not necessary.