A VPN is better than Tor for several reasons. I use a VPN and have a desktop wallet, no problem about that... Just be sure to choose the right VPN.
I don't use either, and it is asking to draw attention to yourself but may give extra security. TOR is free and works over a distributed network, but it has been shown that it's possible to extract information when you control enough nodes in the network. Same goes for VPN but that means if someone wanted your connection data, they would only have to hack the one system providing that connection or get legal permission in one jurisdiction.